Sacred Music Library

Is this a permanent hymnal, exempt from destruction due to translation changes, as happened a some years ago and now were recently announced  that will go into effect?

Simple Questions to Ask a Hymnal Salesperson

1. Does this hymnal include the Order of Mass in English?

2. Does it include the Scripture readings in English?

3. If the English translations change, will this book need to be replaced?

4. May we look at the index together?

How to Read the Answers

• Any “yes” to questions 1 or 2 → the hymnal is not permanent

• A confident “no” to all three → the hymnal can be permanent

Once the new translation takes effect:

• The previous translation may no longer be used publicly

• Priests and parishes are not permitted to read or pray the old texts at Mass

This is not optional. Clergy are bound to use the approved texts.