Dear Parishioners,
Rev. Michael Forge, Pastor
Many of you have commented on the recent edition of the ringing of the bells during the Consecration at Mass and have asked for the reasoning for instituting this practice at this time. So, here goes:
As we read in the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM), the Instruction allows for the ringing of bells “as a signal to the faithful”. Here’s the actual statement in paragraph 150 of the GIRM:
150. A little before the consecration, when appropriate, a server rings a bell as a signal to the faithful. According to local custom, the server also rings the bell as the priest shows the host and then the chalice.
The ringing of bells in the Catholic Mass has historic roots in the celebration of Mass which engages the Faithful audibly, aromatically, physically, visually, and vocally during Mass. You may have heard the expression: “smells and bells” referring to using incense and the bells in order to engage all the human senses in the celebration of the Mass.
We have added the bells in order to engage the entire person in the celebration of the Mass and have added it at this time since we are in a liturgical transition with Mass in the gym and now seems like the proper time to do so.
I hope this helps everyone understand the reason for the return to this traditional practice.
Thanks and God bless you all,