Novus Ordo is Latin for “new order” and usually means Novus Ordo Missae, the revised Roman Catholic Mass introduced after the Second Vatican Council. In American Catholic parishes, it describes the order and prayers used at Mass after the English edition took effect on the First Sunday of Advent in 1970.
What does “Novus Ordo” mean?
The full phrase means “new order of the Mass.” An order of service is the prescribed sequence of readings, prayers, music, gestures, and sacramental actions for a worship service. Novus Ordo therefore identifies a revised Roman Missal, not a new denomination or a separate sacramental rite. It is a label people use to identify or discuss the service; it is not normally announced during the Mass.
When was it introduced?
The Second Vatican Council called for a revision of the Roman liturgy. Pope Paul VI promulgated the new Roman Missal in 1969, and Roman Catholic parishes in the United States began using its English edition on November 29, 1970. The Catholic Church presents this as a renewal of the Roman Rite. It is the standard form of Mass in most U.S. Roman Catholic parishes, retaining the central celebration of Scripture, prayer, Eucharist, and Communion.
How is the service different?
The most visible change is language. The Mass is mainly in English in U.S. parishes, with some short formulas remaining in Latin. The congregation takes more spoken parts, and approved lay readers may proclaim the readings. The revised lectionary supplies more selections of Scripture across the year.
Other changes include additional Eucharistic Prayers, permission for Communion under both kinds—bread and wine—in some churches, and an optional exchange of peace. The priest generally faces the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer, with the congregation facing the same direction, and turns toward them for readings, certain responses, and the final blessing. Congregational singing may include hymns, organ, and other approved music.
Is every Catholic Mass called Novus Ordo?
No. The term belongs to the revised Roman Rite. Communities that celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass use the 1962 Roman Missal, while churches in Eastern Catholic traditions may celebrate Byzantine, Maronite, Melkite, Syriac, or Armenian rites. The revised prayer book is generally called the Roman Missal. In debates over changes after Vatican II, “Novus Ordo” often serves as shorthand and may carry a positive, negative, or neutral judgment.
What should a first-time visitor expect?
A Novus Ordo Mass follows a familiar Catholic pattern: Scripture is proclaimed, the congregation responds and prays, the Eucharistic Prayer is offered, and Communion is offered as part of the service. A parish may provide a worship booklet or projected responses; the first-time church guide can help with etiquette. If you plan to receive Communion, ask the parish beforehand because rules for non-Catholics differ by diocese and parish. Attending without receiving Communion is a normal part of worship.