Dear Michael,

May God give you peace.

I am not aware that the Bishops forbid missalettes. Many parishes still use them. Most, if they don’t have them in the pew, have them in the back for those who wish. Many parishes also have special hearing equipment for the hearing impaired. The word is meant to be proclaimed.

Have you ever had the experience of a really good reader? You put down the paper and listen, because you are so caught up in the reading. That is the way it should be.

There are reasons for liturgical practices. Bishops do nhot make changtes just to annoy people. You may not like them, but there are reasons beind every liturgical practice. Paper throw away missalettes could be seen as irreverent to the Word of God. Have you ever seen how unsightly a church can look between Masses? It is work to get it ready for the next congregation. And sometimes it is not done.

Readers should be members of the congregation. The reader comes forth from the congregation. Choirs are meant to be leaders of sung prayer.

I surely understand that some do not like the liturgical changes you mentioned. I would hope people would look in to the reasons why and try to understand. And surely you must understand that there are those for whom these changes have kept them in the church, not driven them away.

My most recent experiences of liturgy over this past weekend were filled with reverence.

Father Christopher