Archbishop says visiting speaker clarified liturgical flexibility

By CathNews New Zealand

September 1st, 2026

Archbishop Paul Martin SM (NZCBC)

The visit of US liturgist Fr Paul Turner last month helped provide clarity for those who heard him about which parts of the liturgy allow for flexibility, Wellington Archbishop Paul Martin SM has said.

Writing in Wellington Archdiocese’s WelCom newsletter, Archbishop Martin said Fr Turner was brought out at the invitation of the New Zealand bishops to spend time working with priests and groups of lay people on the celebration of the Mass.

“It was an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on the reality that the Mass is the liturgy of the Church, and that we have a responsibility to celebrate it in the way the Church asks of us,” Archbishop Martin said.

“Sometimes we endeavour to change the Mass or other liturgies to make them ‘more relevant’ to people, or to reflect who we are as New Zealanders. There are some elements of this which we do, and they have become part of the liturgical life of our country and have been approved by the bishops conference.

“However, when individuals or liturgy teams decide to do things differently, they run the risk of a level of subjectivism and personal preference that can cause tension.

“Some people may ‘like’ what is done, others will not. So who decides? When we celebrate the liturgy as the Church intends, we are able to do so with the dignity and structure that reflects the mind of the Church. We have the revised Roman Missal of 2010 which we follow.

Archbishop Martin said the discussions during Fr Turner’s visit gave a reminder to priests that “when we change words or actions because we think they are better, we are running the risk of making the liturgy our own, rather than that of the Church.

“The same is true for those who organise our liturgies in our parishes and schools. There is some flexibility in places, but it is important we understand where those places are and where we are able to do so.”

Archbishop Martin also wrote about participation in the Mass, and encouraged people to “reflect on your own participation in the liturgy of the Church, and in how you are prepared and disposed to celebrate Mass and other liturgical activities”.

“As priests, we will endeavour to ensure we prepare well and that we lead the Mass in a prayerful way, which respects the sanctity of what we are doing and supports the importance of being a community of prayer and faith who gather,” he said.

FULL STORY

WelCom Issue 13 out (Archdiocese of Wellington)