The 2003 General Instruction of the Roman Missal quoted from the Ecumenical Council of Trent to highlight the importance of teaching at Mass: “Lest Christ’s flock go hungry . . . the Holy Synod commands pastors and all others having the care of souls to give frequent instructions during the celebration of Mass, either personally or through others [commentator], concerning what is read at Mass; among other things, they should include some explanation of the mystery of this most holy Sacrifice, especially on Sundays and Holy Days, #11.” In response to this command, five weekends of teaching Masses were developed. These teaching Masses have been reviewed and approved by Most Rev. Robert Francis Vasa of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon.

The teaching Masses include a Handout that can be passed out before Mass each of the five weekends. The repetition worked well in helping the faithful prepare for the teachings, especially for those who may have not been present the previous weekend. The teaching Masses themselves were typed up in a way so that the corresponding teaching was copied and inserted each weekend into the church bulletin. This could then be taken home and studied further. Then a special copy was provided for the commentator to read during Mass, specifying when each commentary would be read.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal clearly defines the liturgical function of a commentator: “The commentator, who provides the faithful, when appropriate, with brief explanations and commentaries with the purpose of introducing them to the celebration and preparing them to understand it better. The commentator’s remarks must be meticulously prepared and clear, though brief. In performing this function the commentator stands in an appropriate place facing the faithful, but not at the ambo, #105.”

The teaching was kept brief so as to not distract from the sacred character of the Mass by spreading it over five weekends. The teaching Masses were very successful and Bishop Vasa and I received lots of positive feedback. I hope many more will benefit from a greater appreciation and understanding of the Mass which these teachings can provide.

Rev. James A. Radloff
Promoter of Vocations

                Entering God's House in Quiet Thanksgiving
                Signs & Symbols (Week 1)
                Signs & Symbols for Commentators  
                Gathering Rite (Week 2)
                Gathering Rite for Commentators
                Liturgy of the Word (Week 3)
                Liturgy of the Word for Commentators
                Liturgy of the Eucharist (Week 4)
                Liturgy of the Eucharist for Commentators
                Sending Forth (week 5)              
                Sending Forth for Commentators