With the release of the third edition of the Missal, the new regulations contained in the "General Instruction" - which is part of the Missal - come into effect immediately, even before an official English translation is approved. An unofficial translation was released 18 months ago to help priests prepare for the changes, which include:
- Priest facing people: A clarification that the desirable manner of celebrating Mass is facing the people, as is the common practice today. The priest is not, however, forbidden from celebrating Mass "facing east," which involves him having his back to the congregation.
- Tabernacle placement: A clarification that the decision on the placement of the tabernacle is to be left to the diocesan bishop, with both options given equal weight: The tabernacle in the sanctuary or in a separate, but conspicuous, chapel. The previous edition of the Missal was often understood to favor a separate chapel. The tabernacle is not, the new instruction makes clear, to be on the same altar where Mass is offered.
- Eucharistic ministers: Stricter rules about the use of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist which maintain clearer distinctions between priests and the laity. Extraordinary ministers are not to participate in breaking the consecrated Hosts, nor administer Communion to themselves. They are always to receive Communion from another, and are to receive the ciborium itself from the priest or deacon. It is now forbidden for extraordinary ministers unless they are formally instituted as colytes - to purify the vessels after Communion.
- Processional books: The Book of the Gospels may be carried in procession, but never the Lectionary, which contains the first and second readings. The Book of the Gospels should not be carried out in the recessional.
- Genuflection: When entering and leaving the sanctuary at the beginning and end of Mass, the priest and other ministers should genuflect to the tabernacle, but not during Mass itself.
- Realistic crucifixes: The processional cross, as well as other crosses near the altar, should have the figure of Christ crucified - simple crosses or stylized images are now prohibited.
- Priest at sign of peace: The priest should not leave the sanctuary during the sign of peace.
- Hymns. Other hymns may not be substituted for the parts of the Mass, such as the Gloria, Sanctus or Angus Dei.
- Silence in Church: Silence is encouraged to foster a meditative spirit, especially silent recollection before Mass begins, and moments of silence after the readings and after the homily.
- Kneeling at consecration: Kneeling is expected at the consecration, though in the United States, the bishops have already indicated that they will maintain the tradition of the congregation kneeling for the entire Eucharistic Prayer.
courtesy of National Catholic Register