Around the Diocese

Friday, Dec. 27, 2024

Lorena Needham

Director, Office of Worship

A new translation of a book containing the proper prayers for Communion Services and Eucharistic devotions is now required for use. 

The book, titled Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass, is often referred to by the acronym HCWEMOM, or “Whickamom.” 

This ritual book  has been in use since 1976. The new English translation of HCWEMOM has six different uses: 

1) for Communion Services, 

2) for taking Communion to the Sick, 

3) for Viaticum, 

4) for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,

5) for Eucharistic Processions, and 

6) for praying the Liturgy of the Hours during Adoration. 

The previous edition was translated from Latin in the 1970s. The new translation used the principles of translation found in Liturgiam Authenticum (2001), an instruction of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Eventually, all English ritual books used in our liturgies will have updated translations. 

With the new translation, HCWEMOM’s prayers now are synchronized to the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal, making it a must-have resource for all parishes and pastors, for deacons, for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, for lay leaders of prayer, for parish liturgy committees, lay ecclesial ministers and for Masters of Ceremony. All ministers who are engaged in the celebration of the Eucharistic mystery should know about this book and make use of it.

The Spanish version of this ritual book has not changed; the current translation from Latin approved by the Conference of Mexican Bishops is still in effect. It is titled Ritual de la Sagrada Comunión y del Culto Eucarístico Fuera de la Misa.

With the increase in the practice of Eucharistic devotions, especially among our youth and young adults, it is vital to keep in mind that the primary worship act of the Church is the sacrifice of Christ in the Mass. Christ worships the Father. We are joined to the prayers of Christ in his death and Resurrection by the Holy Spirit, and the Father bestows his blessings on us. Every Eucharistic activity flows from Christ’s sacrifice and leads back to this sacrifice. Thus, it is important to remember that worship of the Eucharistic mystery outside of Mass continues the worship that is the Mass.

Outside of Mass, the purpose for reservation of the sacred species in the tabernacle is so that those who are unable to attend Mass, especially the sick and aged, may be united with Christ and his sacrifice. It is also for Viaticum, or the final time the Holy Eucharist is received by those who are about to leave this earthly life and are preparing for the journey to eternal life. HCWEMOM provides a new translation of the prayers for Viaticum.

Over time, the practice of reservation of the sacred species in the tabernacle led to the custom of adoration. In fact, unless a serious reason prevents it, Church law requires every church to be open every day for at least several hours so the faithful may pray in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In this way, we nurture our faith in the Real Presence of the Lord. Thus, whether your parish is planning to have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, or you take Communion to the sick, or have a Communion Service or a Eucharistic Procession, you need this  ritual text.

Furthermore, as our time of emphasis on the Eucharistic Revival shifts from becoming Eucharistic missionaries to being Pilgrims of Hope, this new translation offers an opportunity to ensure we worship correctly in text, vestments, hymns and liturgical actions. Our faithfulness and obedience to these liturgies will increase the grace and efficacy of our worship. 

The newly translated text became optional for use this year on Sept. 14, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; it became obligatory for use on the first Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1. The book is available for purchase through these Catholic publishing companies: Liturgy Training Publications (Chicago, Ill.), Liturgical Press (Collegeville, Minn.), Catholic Book (Totowa, N.J.), Magnificat (Yonkers, N.Y.), and Midwest Theological Forum (Downers Grove, Ill). I recommend ordering your parish copy as soon as you are able.