The following note has been issued by the President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Most Reverend Jacques Berthelet, C.S.V., following the approval of the Permanent Council of the Conference at its meeting of 20-21 March 2002.

1. The Latin text of the third typical edition of the Missale Romanum has been approved and published and is to be applied when the Eucharist is celebrated in Latin. The necessary translations into English and French of the Missal and its Institutio generalis or “General Instruction” will now need to be made, followed by the approval of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the recognitio of the Holy See. With respect to the implementation of this new edition of the Roman Missal in Canada, the directives of the diocesan bishop are to be followed, taking into account as appropriate the following points.

2. At their September 2001 Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of Canada agreed to request an indult from the Holy See concerning the general practice of preparing and purifying the sacred vessels at Communion when ordinary ministers or instituted acolytes are lacking. While awaiting the response of the Apostolic See, it is recommended that diocesan bishops advise their parishes to continue their present practice.

3. The new General Instruction requires that the Episcopal Conference of each country make adaptations on various matters concerning the celebration of the Eucharist, and also permits a number of additional adaptations. The adaptations being considered by the Bishops of Canada concern musical texts, musical styles, melodies and instruments; Communion under both kinds; Masses on days of prayer for particular intentions; vesture of lay ministers; art and environment—altar, furnishings and vessels; and acclamations in the Eucharistic Prayer. While awaiting the approval of these particular adaptations and their recognitio by the Apostolic See, it is recommended that diocesan bishops advise their parishes to continue their present practice.

4. As allowed in the new General Instruction, the Bishops of Canada will also propose appropriate postures for the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion Rite. While awaiting the approval of these particular adaptations and their recognitio by the Apostolic See, it is recommended that diocesan bishops advise their parishes to continue their present practice.

5. The new General Instruction asks the Conference of Bishops to determine an appropriate sign of reverence when Communion is received standing. The Bishops of Canada are considering what this appropriate sign of reverence should be. While awaiting the approval of this particular adaptation and its recognitio by the Apostolic See, it is recommended that diocesan bishops advise their parishes to continue their present practice.

6. Should questions arise on the correct and appropriate implmentation of individual norms in the new edition of the Roman Missal, pastors and faithful are to refer these to their bishop. As the Second Vatican Council decreed, “The bishop is to be considered the high priest of his flock. In a certain sense it is from him that the faithful who are under his care derive and maintain their life in Christ” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, no. 41).

+ Jacques Berthelet, C.S.V.
Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops