by Claudia Windal

Created on: November 24, 2009   Last Updated: November 25, 2009

For the most part, Roman Catholics did not experience much confusion regarding the Church, Her teachings and instructions until Vatican Council II. That council introduced change in ritual, prayer, language, church trappings, Holy Communion, the attire of Sisters, and much more. A large portion of Roman Catholics have become accustom to those changes now and have found them of great assistance in practicing their faith. Unfortunately, Pope John XXIII died during the council. Had he lived to the end of the council, there might well have been additional changes proposed and introduced to Roman Catholics.

One layer of confusion for some Roman Catholics is the change in how the Host may be received. Prior to Vatican Council II, the Host was placed on the tongue by the priest. Communicants were instructed to not let the Host touch any other place in their mouths. They were to swallow the Host without chewing it and before returning to their pew. The Vatican Council approved of the faithful receiving the Host in their hands. It is nearly impossible to describe the emotions and confusions that arose from this change in Holy Communion understanding and reception. Those who could not envision ever touching the Host, sought out parishes where the traditional manner of receiving Communion was retained. Others, left parishes in search of places of worship who had begun to initiate the changes recommended by the Vatican Council. Additional considerations that were introduced had similar effects: Mass in the language of the people (Not Latin unless that was the language of a particular congregation/community), standing to receive Holy Communion, new liturgical music and styles, opportunities for religious communities to modify their habits as well as their Rules and Constitutions, and the list continues. Rather than identifying many Roman Catholic Sisters by their habit, one now often needed to be introduced to a sister to know that she was indeed, a member of a religious congregation/community. Sisters who previously appeared solemn and reserved, now had a new sense of relaxation and collegiality with the laity.

In order for many Roman Catholics to attend Mass regularly, Saturday evening Masses were permitted with the Sunday readings and commemorations. This greatly reduced the attendance at Sunday morning Masses as well as the number of services necessary on Sundays. The most traditional of Roman Catholics had learned that Sunday was the day of obligation and could not

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>