What is the Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass?
The Pastoral Introduction is a resource to assist those involved in the planning, preparation, celebration and catechesis of the liturgy in the dioceses of the United States. The Pastoral Introduction clarifies and systematizes material scattered throughout the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, rubrics of the Missal and other sources, providing concrete and pastorally helpful liturgical guidance. • What is the difference between the Pastoral Introduction to the Order of Mass and the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (General Instruction of the Roman Missal)? The Institutio Generalis (General Instruction) is the universal law of the Church. The Pastoral Introduction is not law, but a commentary on the law provided as a popular pastoral tool for understanding the proper celebration of the Eucharist. The Pastoral Introduction presumes the General Instruction and is in no way intended to replace it. The Pastoral Introduction cannot be read apart from the General Instruction. • Ha
