Diocesan Multicultural Celebrations
Interim Guidelines
Preamble:
"While these guidelines will deal with the complex issue of the relation of culture and the expression of Faith, it should be understood from the outset that the goal of multicultural liturgy is NOT to celebrate cultural diversity...the goal of these celebrations is to celebrate what God has done for us in Jesus Christ." (Guidelines for Multicultural Celebrations, Draft 9'97, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions)
1. The language for the celebration should be that of the majority of the congregation. “The goal is to avoid an unduly long period of time speaking in a language that is not understood by the whole assembly.” (GMC ’97)
2. “The goal is to make the proclamation of God’s Word and the content of the Prayers accessible to those gathered.” (GMC ’97) Hence a reading proclaimed in one language is written in the other language. Opening, offering, and closing prayers, the same principle applies: read in English; written in Spanish.
3.
“The
homily should be preached in the language of the majority; a short summary may
be given in the language of other groups in the assembly.” (FDLC, ’87)
4.
“To
preserve the integrity of the Eucharistic Prayer…only one language should be
used for each of the chief elements.” (FDLC,
’87)
5.
“Communion
Rite: members of the assembly may
be invited to recite the Lord’s Prayer in his/her own language simultaneously
with others.” (FDLC, ’87)
6.
“The
language of those assembled should be expressed in song.
Some familiar hymns are known in several languages.”
(FDLC, ’87) Efforts should
be made to use such music.
Prepared
by:
George Wolf,
Chuck Durante, Frank Murphy