A few points from some of the fifty propositions offered (I paraphrase):
13: The synod Fathers suggest rethinking the order in which the Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion) are given. In the Latin tradition, the First Communion of children has come to be before Confirmation, but there is no dogmatic reason for this; for adults, Confirmation precedes First Communion.
23: The Fathers suggest moving the Sign of Peace to another point in the Mass.
24: New formulas for the "Ita missa est" (solemn blessing, prayer over the people, etc.) could be given to better express the sending of the faithful to their mission in the world.
36: Priests should be taught in seminary to understand and celebrate Mass in Latin, and to use Gregorian chant.
37: The Fathers suggest that the competent organizations (Episcopal Conferences, SCDW) propose regulations for concelebration when the number of concelebrants is especially high.
46: Catholic politicians should note that there is no "eucharistic coherence" when they promote laws that harm the integral good of man, which are against justice and the natural law. Bishops should apply the virtues of strength and prudence, taking into account the concrete local situation.
Personally, I love the Sign of Peace right where it is. At every Mass, it allows me to place myself in the very room with the Apostle when Jesus miraculously appeared to them, greeting them with the words, "Peace be with you."
Having it right after the consecration, when Jesus is first made manifest in our presence at the Mass seems so right. Some people are bothered by some peoples' exuberant greetings, but then, I believe that the Apostles would have been hugging one another in joy, and thumping each other on the back when they saw the Master among them once more on that Easter Sunday evening.
In Christ's peace and joy,
Robin L. in TX
The sign of peace goes back to the earliest masses, but it was only to be between the deacons and other celebrants, it was only the Vatican II church that made it the back slapping, kissing, waving across the aisle, hand holding protestant innovation that it is today.
Is this the best a group of Bishops have to offer? Were not most of these items already identified in JPII's encyclical that most of them just ignored, you remember, the one on how to say the Novus Ordo "more reverent"? Forget it, as most of the Bishops who actually spoke are from Africa and other countries that desire African and native dance into the liturgy, and you think in the day of Vatican II that you are actually going to get them to learn Latin? Fat chance
Jack, once again, you have to be called out: there's no such thing as "the Vatican II church." There's only The Church. And if you have nothing but insults to offer to our shepherds, it would be prudent and charitable to remain silent.
As for the "kiss of peace," as it was originally called, the Lutheran liturgy of my youth had a perfect place for it: sandwiched between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (I'm not sure if they actually called them by those names.) The pastor would deliver the sermon to the congregation, and afterwards the congregation greeted one another. Then the communion rite began, and the focus shifted to God.
Think about it: the Liturgy of the Word is directed outwards, to the people, in order to prepare them to receive the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is offered upwards, to the Almighty. Breaking that momentum in order to shift the focus briefly back to the people, then right back to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, is truly discordant. The Fathers are right to consider moving it someplace else.
Ad 13.
I've read many times that inverted order of Christian initiation as we know it today is not "a Latin tradition" whatsoever. It is said to be an innovation of early 20th century, in an attempt to revive eucharistic participation among faithful. The First Communion was mandated to be given as early as possible (with the requirement of the "age of reason" in place, which I don't really get - most of us didn't understand the theological intricacies at our own baptism after all...), effectively leaving out a Confirmation as the last one given. At the same more or less time the eucharistic fast has been relaxed, too (from since midnight to only 3hr).
Ad 23.
There is IMHO too much touching and shaking these days in the church. They (the reformers that is) should have come up with something more restrained, if they wanted to make it extend beyond sactuary (maybe Armenian style?).
As for its place in the Roman Mass, well that's been established here for a loooong time (some say since 4th cent.), so why change it? Particularly that I am really indifferent as to at which point I am forced to shake everyone's hand (sometimes with some considerable stretching) or worse - get some 'Peace!' exclamation with an awkward looking gesture.
Let's bear in mind that each and every other than Roman liturgy has the Kiss of Peace (in various forms, but never as exuberant as ours) BEFORE Anaphora, and it's usually heck of a solemn moment, after the dismissal of catechumens (at the beginning of the 'Missa fidelium'). So I'd suggest bishops play around its form rather than placement.
Although, on second thought, shifting it back would weaken the cheery-feely mood set by HOLDING HANDS outstretched at Pater noster, and help do suppress this practice of doubtful value. (That's my new pet-peeve as my son is preparing this year for his First Communion - I have to get hold of the copies of liturgical regulations being in force in the US and show them to our pastor, he just lets it go during school Masses).
Ad 24.
Oh boy! Ever more hippie ending of the Holy Mass... (It's a treat these days to get it by the book)
Ad 36.
Applauded (must sound backwater in some circles)
Ad 37.
Agree on this one, too. Eastern Catholic Churches don't allow for more concelebrants than there is the faithful in the temple.
Ab 46.
Yep I'm for coherence.
BTW does anybody have an access to the full list of Propositions in English? Looks like Vatican stopped short of translations of it