A look at the new GIRM
by Father Walter Ray Williams
In the spring of 2001, Pope John Paul II promulgated in Latin the Third Standard Edition of the Roman Missal, the book in which are contained the prayers of the Mass. At present this is being translated into English and other vernacular languages. Each edition of the Missal has also always contained a kind of instructional introduction called the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). This, the third edition’s General Instruction, has been translated into English and has a number of liturgical changes as well as clarifications and reiterations. You can access the GIRM in its entirety here at the US Bishops' web site.
Father Williams of St. Mary's parish has authored a number of bulletin inserts dealing with the new GIRM. With his permission, these brief articles will be reproduced here for the benefit of the public at large. Some minor references are specifically aimed at parishioners at St. Mary's, but by and large this series should be of benefit to anyone interested in the latest liturgical norms.
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