As previously announced, the USCCB has indicated that the new English translation of the Order of Penance for use in the United States will become effective as of February 22 (Ash Wednesday), 2023, and its use will become obligatory on April 16 (Divine Mercy Sunday), 2023.
Catholic Book Publishing, Liturgical Training Publications, Magnificat, and Midwest Theological Forum have published the revised Order of Penance in a variety of sizes and formats, and parishes in the Archdiocese of New York may wish to take advantage of discount pricing through the ICS website.
The new Order of Penance makes two minor changes to the longstanding English translation of the formula of absolution while keeping the essential words of the formula the same. The alterations are underlined below:
God, the Father of mercies,
through the Death and Resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and poured out the Holy Spirit [Spíritum Sanctum effúdit] for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God grant [tribuat] you pardon and peace.
AND I ABSOLVE YOU FROM YOUR SINS,
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, +
AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
R. Amen.
On October 25, 2022, the USCCB’s Secretariat for Divine Worship and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions [FDLC] hosted a webinar on the revised Order of Penance intended for both clergy and faithful. The webinar may be viewed at the enclosed link. The FDLC has also made available three cards with the new absolution formula intended for both the confessional and for distribution to the faithful. These cards include:
- Options for the Prayer of the Penitent (8.5” x 11”, to be printed back-to-back)
- A simple order of service for “The Order of Reconciling an Individual Penitent” (large print, full sheet to be printed back-to-back)
- A simple order of service for “The Order of Reconciling an Individual Penitent” (half sheets, printed back-to-back)
Lastly, bulletin inserts offering catechesis on the new Order of Penance and reminders to priest-confessors on censures, and related pastoral, liturgical, and canonical considerations may also be downloaded from the FDLC website.