I want to tell you about a change.

It’s not a big one. But it means something. It means something about Mass, and that makes the small change an important one.

Recently, I heard a priest quote a line from the Missal.  The quote came from the section that describes the importance of silence at Mass.  Here’s the quote: “Even before the celebration itself, it is a praiseworthy practice for silence to be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred celebration in a devout and fitting manner.”

Silence right before Mass begins, right? Then, why do we read a list of announcements—just after we’ve heard soft reflective music and right before we’re invited to join in the opening song? Does it really make sense to go on about activities and groups and collections at that particular moment? The Church, in her wisdom, doesn’t seem to think so.   In fact, the Vatican II Church tells us exactly when to make those announcements.   Here’s another quote from the Roman Missal:  “After the people make the prayer [that is, the Prayer after Communion] their own by means of the acclamation Amen…[belong] brief announcements, should they be necessary.”

Now, if you think this is tightly wound trivia, let’s look at the psychology involved. We listen to those announcements. Then we spend almost an hour doing something else—something terrifically important (Mass is, after all, “the source and summit of the Christian life”).   After all that, we’re expected to remember to pick something up, to volunteer for an activity, to help out in some way, to put an event on our calendar. If we put those announcements where they’re supposed to go, we’re sending people out with the to-do list. That increases the possibility that people might actually do the good things we ask them to do.

Here’s the change: beginning next Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, announcements will happen just before the final blessing. We’ll work to keep those announcements clear and brief. All for two purposes: first, that our Mass be focused more clearly on the worship we’re offering God; secondly, that we better communicate how we can serve as God’s people.