On Friday, June 26, the Bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Perth met to decide on the manner of implementing the conciliar decree on the liturgy.
Present for the meeting, were His Grace the Archbishop, the Bishop of Bunbury (Most Rev. L. J.Goody), the Bishop of the Kimberleys (Mot Rev. J. Jobst, S.A.C.), the Bishop of Geraldton (Most Rev. F. X. Thomas), the Auxiliary Bishop of Perth (Most Rev. M. McKeon) and the Lord Abbot of New Norcia (Rt. Rev. G. Gomez. O.S.B.).
In a statement released by His Lordship Bishop Goody, secretary to the Provincial Bishops Conference, the Conference resolved that all the English permitted be introduced into the Liturgy as from the first Sunday of August (August 2). By that time it is hoped that the booklets being published with the peoples part in English would be available in every parish. In effect, almost all those parts of the Mass which are commonly audible to the congregation will be in English. The only exception is the Preface to the Canon, which will remain in Latin.
Missals
It was emphasised that no English Mass book or missal was prescribed for the use of the people. They will be able to use the books which they already have.
All Sacraments and Sacramentals will be administered in English as soon as the New Ritual being published in England is available—a matter of a few weeks.
It was also resolved by the Conference that there be a public renewal of Baptismal Vows by all the candidates for Confirmation immediately before the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Other Dioceses
The Archdiocese of Sydney will have the Epistle and Gospel in English for the Sundays. July 5, 12 and 19. The remainder of the liturgical changes will commence on Sunday, July 26.
The Archdiocese of Hobart, waiting on the arrival of the translations for the people, has not yet set the date. Archbishop G. Young has forbidden Masses every half-hour on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, so that Masses will not be “a quick mumbled murmur.” He has also forbidden Mass being celebrated at side altars while the principal Mass is being offered at the main altar. Confessions during Mass are also forbidden.
The Archdiocese of Adelaide will commence with the priest reading the Introit, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Gospel and the Offertory, Communion and Post – Communion prayers in English, as well as reciting the Lord’s Prayer with the people. This is on July 5.
The rest of the changes will follow on Sunday, August 2.
The Archdiocese of Melbourne has made the use of English compulsory from Sunday, July 26. Priests are allowed to introduce the use of English on the first Sunday of July if the brochures containing the authorised text are available.
Archbishop Simonds has informed the priests of his Archdiocese that all Masses at which English is used must be Dialogue Masses.
It would appear that most of Australia will be using English in the Mass by August.