In a recent homily, I addressed the topic of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal, giving an overview of its upcoming implementation. After Mass, a parishioner came up to me, thanked me for the explanations, and said, “There was an article about it in this week’s Catholic Messenger. I read all about it, but I’m sad to hear that we’re not going to get to receive from the cup any more except on special occasions.”
I hastened to tell her that the article in question: “Phoenix Diocese to adopt new norms for Communion cup,” (Sept. 29) was about an anomaly taking place in the Diocese of Phoenix, not part of the new translation of the missal.
I suppose the Catholic News Service had to pick up this story, but it’s unfortunate that the Messenger would decide to run it. Even more unfortunate was the decision to run it on the top of the front page at the very time we are introducing the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal.
It’s probably one of life’s little ironies that – because of its timing – this one article would receive more notice than the many months of thorough and detailed articles about the Roman Missal that have been carried by the Messenger throughout this past year.
Fr. Steve Ebel
St. Anthony’s, Knoxville
Sacred Heart, Melcher
