Critic of new Catholic liturgy: 'Make it work'

America's Roman Catholics on Sunday had their first test of a revised English liturgy for the Mass, with one of the new text's former critics -- St. James Cathedral pastor Fr. Michael Ryan -- vowing to "make it work."

"This is still the Mass: We are still celebrating Christ who is in our midst . . . We must not let anything get in the way of that," Ryan told a crowded cathedral at morning mass marking the beginning of the season of Advent.

The worshipers had to adjust themselves to often-formal language that carefully reflects Latin liturgical texts.

The description of Jesus as "one in being with the Father", in the creed, has been supplanted by "consubstantial with the Father." In taking communion, Catholics used to say: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you," but now declare, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof."

"I think we did pretty well, all things considered," Ryan said just before the final blessing.

As he intoned "The Lord be with you," however, the majority of worshipers replied with "And also with you." The correct words, now, are "And with your spirit."

The changes to the Mass have stirred intense controversy. The revisions are the most substantial since the church's language of worship switched from Latin to English in the late 1960's. To read more, click here.