Contact: Christine Valentine-Owsik, Valentine Communications, For: Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, 215-230-8095, COwsik@osv.com

HUNTINGTON, Ind., Feb. 22, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- The world's largest English-language Catholic publisher has prepared a full line of new and revised resources for parishes and individuals to help implement a revised translation of Mass prayers and responses coming this Advent -- from laminated pew cards to a children's music CD to a study of the Scriptural basis of the Mass.

"This is a critical moment to not only familiarize everyone with the changes, but engender a renewed and deeper love for the Mass," said Gregory R. Erlandson, President and Publisher of Our Sunday Visitor. "We are so committed to helping the Church seize this opportunity that we are revising dozens of our trade and curriculum texts that reference the Mass, as well as producing new tools to help lay Catholics of all ages better understand and implement the changes in the Third Edition of the Roman Missal." 

The importance of the translation changes, and the fact that they touch on such a central experience of Catholic life, is the reason that Our Sunday Visitor has made a significant financial and staff commitment to support the transition. 

"To make this transition successful, the initial questions and confusion that many Catholics may have must be dealt with directly and pastorally," said Sabrina Magnuson, Associate Publisher of Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division. "So not only are we incorporating the changes directly into new editions of our popular textbooks and programs such as Call to Faith and Call to Celebrate, but we have also created low-cost and versatile tools for children, adults and catechists."

A laminated Pew Card can be inserted right into a parish's missals and hymnals for example. It not only contains the revised translation, but with the new words and phrases boldfaced, it will help the user see what is truly different in order to learn the new text sooner. Other tools include a special edition of Catholic Parent Know How for parents and families, a Catechist's Companion for educators, and posters, pamphlets, colorful charts, books and guides to familiarize everyone with the new wording.

One of the more unique offerings available from Our Sunday Visitor is a new children's CD. The CD, titled And With Your Spirit: Songs for Deepening Children's Understanding of the Mass, is a collection by John Burland and Dr. Jo Ann Paradise, that help young people learn the new prayers and responses through song. It promotes both understanding and appreciation for the new words and the Mass itself.

"Using this music will enhance sacramental preparation, as well as religious education in parishes, schools, and in the home," said Magnuson.

Best sellers from Our Sunday Visitor like The How-To Book of the Mass are already updated, while a brand new Lectio Divina Bible Study book called The Mass In Scripture by reknowned Scripture scholar Stephen J. Binz delves into the Biblical foundations of the Mass.  Using the new translation of the Roman Missal, The Mass In Scripture explores the biblical underpinnings for each element in the Mass, incorporating 30 memorable lessons to deepen the reader's love for the Eucharist.

"Implementing the new Roman Missal is not just about teaching people new words to say at Mass," said Binz, "but the chance to renew Catholics' appreciation for the rich biblical nature of the ancient liturgy of the Church."

Finally, Our Sunday Visitor has two web destinations for those interested in more information and the latest news about the implementation of the new Mass changes: www.osvcurriculum.com/romanmissal and the blog:  www.romanmissalchanges.com

Our Sunday Visitor serves millions of Catholics worldwide through its publishing, offertory, and communication services. Established in 1912 by a local parish priest, Our Sunday Visitor has grown into the nation's largest supplier of offering envelopes, parish and diocesan mailings, books, periodicals, curriculum, address management, and stewardship services. Our Sunday Visitor is a not-for-profit organization, returning a portion of net earnings back to the Catholic community through the Our Sunday Visitor Institute. For more information, visit www.osv.com.