“The Lord be with you.”
“‘And also with you’ … no, wait … ‘And with your spirit.’”
The publication of the Roman Missal, Third Edition is providing Regina Elementary and its four supporting parishes a chance to work together this fall in preparation for the Nov. 27 switch to the new missal.
Patti McTaggart, youth coordinator and music director at St. Mary Parish in Iowa City, met with the elementary staff in September to build on the training that Deacon Frank Agnoli, director of liturgy for the Davenport Diocese, provided for schools in August. McTaggart led staffers through the major changes in the Roman Missal, Third Edition and helped them connect Scripture to the new phrasing in the missal.
“Patti’s presentation was not only informative, but she provided a positive approach to learning about the new missal,” Mary Rockafellow, Regina kindergarten teacher, said. “She made it doable and exciting to present to children.”
McTaggart provided teachers with new ideas, handouts, sheet music and CDs to help faculty plan Masses, teach the Roman Missal, Third Edition and prepare for the challenges of the changing music for the Mass. Teachers have begun to play the new musical arrangements during quiet times in order for students to become familiar with the new melodies for the “Alleluia,” “Mystery of Faith” and other songs during the Mass.
“While the new music should not be sung until Nov. 27, listening to the music will make the switch easier for students to participate in the Mass,” McTaggart said.
The Roman Missal, Third Edition also gives students an opportunity to teach their parents.
“Kindergartners and young people pick things up so much faster than adults; I think the kids will really enjoy helping their parents learn it as well,” Rockafellow said.
“When young children participate in the Mass, it can have a trickle-up effect on adults,” McTaggart added.
McTaggart’s training influenced another teacher to be proactive with some family members who have been resistant to the missal changes. The teacher shared copies of McTaggart’s handouts with relatives to help them better understand the changes and how the Mass connects to Scripture.
The Regina Elementary religion committee is in charge of creating tools to teach the Roman Missal, Third Edition during Mass. Regina plans to use a projection screen to help students, parents, teachers and other Mass attendees remember the new words and phrases in responses and prayers. Teachers hope that after a few celebrations of the Mass, along with classroom instruction, students will become comfortable with the Roman Missal, Third Edition.
