The Roman Missal

Since the issuance of the Missale Romanum in 2002, ICEL has been engaged in the preparation of an English translation for its Conferences of Bishops. The process calls for each section to be sent to the Conferences for study and comment (Green Book) and after comments are incorporated into the text re-issued for Canonical vote (Gray Book). The Commission completed this process in 2008 and a list of sections is available here.

The Secretariat has compiled a manuscript with all the texts and music in place as in the Latin edition. This has been termed the Gray Book of the Missal or GBOM and has been made available to Conferences to assist in planning for publication of the Missal and ancillary texts in their territories.

In April 2010 the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments announced that the recognitio for the ‘universal edition’ (the ICEL text) of the Missal had been granted.  The Conferences of Bishops are responsible for incorporating their national propers, establishing an implementation date, and authorizing publishers to print the new Missal.

Music for the Roman Missal

The Commission, while working on a translation of the Roman Missal, assembled a small group of expert musicians to prepare musical settings of the English texts of the chants.

The music for the Missal is available here. It is important to note that the texts and music on this site are for study rather than immediate liturgical use as authorization for use in a liturgical setting is the responsibility of the Bishops' Conferences.

An Introduction to the music is available and explains the approach adopted in the chants.

Catechetical Resources for Roman Missal 

In anticipation of the new Missal, ICEL commissioned a catechetical resource entitled "Become One Body, One Spirit in Christ". This interactive DVD explores the depth and richness of the text and music of the Roman Missal as well as provides a general catechesis on the Mass. The resource centers on five essays and uses video, texts, graphics, and music to help the user enrich their understanding and deepen their appreciation of the Eucharist. It is for individual or group use, private study or public catechesis.

Because the resource quotes extensively from the texts of the Missal its completion was not possible until final approval was received from the Holy See.

A website has been developed where promotional material for the resource is available.

Production and distribution of the resource is being administered by the individual Conferences and this information is posted on the website.  If you have any questions or difficulties in obtaining copies, please contact the ICEL Secretariat.