NKCC

There are two noticeable changes in the words of consecration in the new Roman Missal.  Introducing the words of Christ, said over the wine, the priest will say, “…when supper was ended, he took the chalice…”  Choosing the word chalice instead of cup emphasizes that this vessel is no ordinary cup.  Indeed, it highlights the sacrificial character of this vessel which holds the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us out of love.

The next difference is in the words of Christ at the consecration of the wine as the priest says, “Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood…which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

The change of “for all” to “for many” maintains the words of Christ as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (26:28) and Mark (14:24), thus making the Scriptural allusion more obvious.  At the same time, it does not change our Catholic understanding that Christ is the Savior of the whole world and that His sacrifice was made for all people (see John 6:51 and Catechism 606-623).  This will be important as we catechize on the 3rd edition of the Missal.

On another topic, this week we need to pray for the people in the Horn of Africa.  Their suffering is immense.  This is the worst drought in East Africa since 1951.  It is affecting over 12 million people.  The United Nations has declared a famine in Somalia.  Families are facing starvation as they leave what little they have and stream into Ethiopia and Kenya in search of food.

Catholic Relief Services, the official international relief and development agency of the Catholic community in the U.S., is responding by helping to feed thousands and provide clean water, shelter and other life?saving goods.  CRS is also expanding its ongoing water and agriculture projects in East Africa which have made the communities already participating much more resilient to the drought.

Your continued prayers and support are needed to help address the desperate needs of our brothers and sisters in East Africa.  For more information on CRS’ relief efforts and how you can help, please go to www.crs.org or call 877?Help?CRS (877?435?7277).

Your prayers and your service are the life-blood of this faith community. Thank you.

Peace in Christ,