(ZENIT News / Dublin, 12.13.2024).- In a groundbreaking effort to renew and enrich the liturgical experience across Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, Catholic bishops have announced a collaborative initiative to create a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass. This project, marking a pivotal step in modernizing liturgical texts, will replace the well-worn books used in churches for over five decades.
The initiative aims to incorporate the Revised New Jerusalem Bible (RNJB) as the foundation for the new Lectionary. This translation balances fidelity to the original biblical texts, the demands of oral proclamation, and a commitment to inclusive language—a reflection of the evolving nuances of contemporary English and advancements in biblical scholarship.
Why a New Lectionary?
The current Lectionaries, though cherished for their long-standing service, no longer meet the demands of modern liturgical needs. The revised texts aim to:
- Enhance Accessibility: The RNJB’s clear and contemporary style ensures that the readings resonate more deeply with today’s congregations.
- Preserve Scriptural Integrity: Staying true to the original texts while adapting for liturgical proclamation.
- Foster Inclusivity: Addressing the shifting expectations of language inclusivity in worship settings.
Collaboration Across Continents
The Joint Lectionary Project unites the episcopal conferences of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand in a rare partnership, pooling expertise and resources to ensure the success of this initiative. Martin Foster, a seasoned editor with extensive experience in preparing liturgical texts, has been appointed as the project’s editorial lead. Foster’s stewardship is expected to uphold rigorous standards of quality and liturgical appropriateness, aided by a team of biblical scholars and liturgists from the three nations.
In addition to the RNJB, the revised Grail Psalter—known as the Abbey Psalms and Canticles—will be adopted for psalmody. This modernized version has already been embraced by several English-speaking countries, underscoring its suitability for worship.
Timeline and Milestones
The project’s initial focus will be on preparing drafts of the Advent and Christmas Sunday readings, which will be sent to bishops for review by early 2025. Subsequent phases will address the remaining liturgical calendar over the coming years, ensuring thoroughness and precision in the development process.
A New Chapter for Worship
This ambitious collaboration represents more than just a technical update to liturgical books. It’s an opportunity to deepen the spiritual engagement of congregations, enriching their experience of the Word of God. The shared commitment of three episcopal conferences underscores the universal nature of the Church’s mission and its dedication to excellence in worship.
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