Change in Translation of Collect prayers from the USCCB
- What has been changed in the conclusion of some of the Collects?
Specifically, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments pointed out that the current translation of Collect prayers – which concludes “[…] in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever” – is incorrect. There is no mention of “one” in the Latin, and “Deus” in the Latin text refers to Christ. Therefore, the correct translation, which is already reflected in the Missal in other languages (including our own USCCB Misal Romano) is simply: “[…] in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.” The Cardinal Prefect has pointed out the importance of affirming this Christological truth amid the religious pluralism of today’s world.
In light of the Congregation’s most recent direction in this matter, the Latin Rite Bishops of the USCCB have voted to amend no. 54 of the U.S. text of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal to reflect the change, and the Congregation has confirmed this decision, as it already has for the Episcopal Conferences of England and Wales, Ireland, and Canada.
This change to the concluding doxology of orations is to be implemented on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The words “one God, for ever and ever” are simply replaced with “God, for ever and ever.” _________________
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Does this impact material in the Atrium? Do I need to remake the material?
There are two Level III materials that will need adjustment: The Complete Mass: The Missal (Colored Base Material), including the sample you may have for the child’s Missal Work, and The Anointing of the Sick-Rite. The catechist does not need to remake the material, but simply omit or cover up the word “one” on the collect prayer card for The Complete Mass: The Missal (Colored Base Material), for the sample collect prayer for the child’s Missal work, and the blessing of the oil card for The Anointing of the Sick. Simply use a small label or a liquid paper correction TAPE.
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Do I need to have this material updated in my Atrium by February 17, 2021?
No, catechists do not need to have the material in the Atrium changed by February 17, 2021 but it would be advantageous to do so as soon as possible, as it may be confusing for the child to hear one version in Liturgy and read another version in the Atrium.
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Does this impact my album pages?
Level III Catechists will want to read through their own personal album pages for The Complete Mass: The Missal (Colored Base Material) and the Anointing of the Sick-Rite, to see if the catechist made any reference to those specific prayers.
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If our Level Three Atrium has a copy of the Roman Missal as a resource for the children, do I need to purchase a new Missal?
No. It should not be difficult for the catechist to simply to omit/cover up the word “one” from the collect prayer(s). Simply use a small label or a liquid paper correction TAPE. Note: there are multiple collects in the Roman Missal both in the Proper of Time and Proper of Saints sections.
The Church is always reviewing translations in an ongoing effort to ensure that, as one Body of Christ, the Mass is celebrated with the same prayers in all languages. Occasionally, there is a word interpreted differently in another language. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments wrote to bishops of English-speaking countries with this change so that all in the Church are using the same translation.