Why do we keep hearing about Vatican II?

English novelist D.H. Lawrence referred to sex as our culture's "dirty little secret." For Catholics the secret was change. Before the Second Vatican Council, if people suggested a new Mass schedule, a different collection basket, or even moving the Christmas tree, they would likely be reminded of the church's seven last words: "We Never Did It That Way Before." For more than a thousand years the church had built a fortress against change. Unless you grew up before 1960, it is difficult to imagine the colossal impact Vatican II has on today's Catholic religion.

We keep hearing about Vatican II because it is a process set in motion to embrace the times. It's alive and happening today. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), called by Pope John XXIII, changed the church's stance toward change itself. Councils, which are very rare--there have been only 21 in nearly 2,000 years--set policy and shape beliefs. Vatican II rejected the fixation on "the way things were." The spirit of Vatican II, like a pesky parent, continually calls us to keep moving forward and challenges our attachment to the past.

Vatican II refocused the church from institution to people. Church authority was redefined, moving power that had centralized in the pope back to the leadership of the bishops. Priests and people joined in setting direction through parish councils. Councils were also established to work with bishops, further expanding the role of the laity from spectators to participants.

Liturgical changes reflected this new relationship. Mass changed from Latin to the people's language. The altar railing was removed, and the priest faced the congregation. Laypeople read the scripture at Mass, brought up the gifts of bread and wine, and assisted the priest in distributing Communion. Emphasis on the rosary took a backseat to the Bible. Education focused on the study of scripture rather than on memorizing the catechism.

Vatican II also issued The Declaration on Religious Freedom, which called the church to reconcile relationships. This began with its own members, recognizing the sincere reasons of those who had left. It proceeded to mend fences with Protestants, Jews, and other religions. The term church now was used to describe all Christians, not just Catholics. Prayers that implied Jewish culpability in Christ's death were abandoned, and educational programs were instituted to teach about the Hebrew faith. Missionaries began to interact with other cultures respectfully. While Catholic teaching has always said you must obey your conscience, Vatican II strengthened that stand, urging members to search their own hearts and minds to come to informed moral decisions.

The Second Vatican Council set a new direction for the church that is still in process. The church became the listener. The secret is out: The walls are down, and the church has been returned to the people.

MARY FAULKNER and BOB O'GORMAN, whose book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism (Alpha Books) includes a chapter on Vatican II.