Several priests in Butler County say they largely approve of the prospective changes to certain elements of the Catholic Mass.

Roman Catholic bishops across the United States recently approved five changes to the service, but parishioners would not see a difference in Mass until the Vatican approves the changes. The changes represent an effort by the church to provide a translation that is closer to the meaning of the original Latin text for Mass.

Church officials say the Vatican Council historically takes years to make a decision, so parishioners should not expect to learn new responses anytime soon.

The Rev. Joseph Newell, assistant pastor at St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry Township, said he trusts church leaders to make the decision most desired by God. Newell said he appreciates the movement closer to the original Latin translation of the words spoken by thousands of Catholics each week, and he feels parishioners will adapt fairly quickly.

"Change in all areas is difficult," said Newell. "It will take time to get used to them."

Newell said the currently discussed modifications to the service are a small change compared to the sweeping changes made to the church in 1965 as part of Vatican II. He said a few parishioners have approached him about the changes, but none acted upset or apprehensive.

"It was really no big deal to them," Newell said.

The Rev. John Getsy, pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cabot, said the changes are "not major at all." Getsy said they are also no surprise to priests because they have been discussed for years at annual bishops' meetings.

He said while parishioners are accustomed to the familiar words they have recited at Mass for years, he hopes and expects they will understand the church's wish to have responses that most closely approximate the Latin meanings.

"I am glad the vote was taken," Getsy said, "so we can move on with the new text."

The Rev. Rick Thompson, pastor at St. Alphonsus in Boyers, said he has faith his flock will accept the new text should the move be approved in Rome.

"I think they will accept it very easily," Thompson said.

Thompson said the changes are about forgiveness, which is demonstrated by making the sign of peace more prominent in the Mass.

"Everyone will respond to that because everyone needs to forgive," Thompson said.

He added church historians have noted changes made by the church take 100 years to fully implement. Thompson said the church is still in the throes of adjusting to Vatican II.

Thompson said he looks forward to the new text in the Catholic Mass should Vatican Council approve it.

"I think it will be a very good thing."