The 1960's and 1970's were both exciting and sometimes difficult times
for Catholics as the Church adjusted to the reforms decreed by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. During those two
decades, parishioners gradually changed their focus at Mass from private prayer and meditation to communal participation in
the Eucharistic Liturgy.
The first manifestation of that reform
came to Resurrection on Sunday, January 10, 1960, with the introduction of the "Dialogue Mass". At the 12:15 Mass
the congregation recited in Latin the responses and prayers preciously recited or sung by the altar boys or choir.
As other reforms took place in the Liturgy a new class of participants became familiar
assistants at Mass: commentators. The Liturgy took its most "startling" turn on November 29, 1964 with the introduction
of English to some parts of the Mass. A few months later, March 7, 1965, the Last Gospel disappeared completely, the prayers
at the foot of the Altar were shortened, and the Liturgy of the Word was moved away from the Altar and proclaimed from the
Pulpit. Eventually the main altar was not used at all, and the Mass was celebrated on an altar facing the people. (Aside:
It is the main altar that we want to restore to its place of prominence as one of the first projects of the 100th Anniversary
restoration of the Church.)
Folk Masses became a tradition at Resurrection with “The Brotherhood”
singing each Saturday night beginning September 26, 1970. Shortly thereafter, Resurrection formed its own Folk Group
called “The Peacemakers”.
In the early 1970’s the liturgical emphasis on communal
participation brought the laity into certain ministerial services. Three members of the parish became “ Ministers
of the Eucharist” (now called Extraordinary Ministers of Communion). Later, in 1974, Richard Very was ordained
to the Diaconate conferring on him one of the Holy Orders. This empowered him to administer the Sacrament of Baptism,
preach at Mass, and officiate at Funerals and Weddings.
