Participation Aids by Paul Turner

Many places of worship provide a printed aid for the assembly. Individual sheets of paper, pamphlets, magazines, and hymnals may contain music, responses, and the spoken texts of the Mass. Although some parishes produce their own weekly aids, several publishers market seasonal pamphlets. Many people call such participation aids “missalettes,” but that word is copyrighted for use by only one publisher.

Seasonal participation aids are loved by many, but their value is questionable. Supporters praise their handy usage. Easy to follow, they connect the faithful to the liturgical calendar, the songs, the ever-changing refrain to the responsorial psalm, and the Scriptures of the day. Light-weight, they ease the assembly into participation.

Detractors complain that seasonal aids send an ill-suited message of impermanence. Created to expire and be thrown away, these pamphlets cheapen the Mass, especially when held by ministers of the word and altar. When the faithful follow the Scriptures in print, they lower their heads away from the liturgical action. Jesus is present in the proclamation of the word, and hearing is the preferred sense for receiving that proclamation.

In some cases, printed Scripture texts compensate for poor acoustics, unprepared readers, and hearing impairment. But improved acoustics, sound reinforcement and trained readers will overcome these obstacles. All are encouraged to read the Scriptures before coming to Mass. Preparation enables us to hear with more understanding, even without a printed text. Pope John Paul II argued that without personal appropriation of the word before each Sunday, “it is difficult for the liturgical proclamation of the word of God alone to produce the fruit we might expect” (Dies Domini 40).

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.