By Tracy Winslow

After the switch to a new Roman Missal on the First Sunday of Advent, many of the outdated missals were collected from throughout the Diocese of Wichita for proper disposal.

The books and other items were buried Thursday, Dec. 22, on the church grounds of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Wichita.

“Whether or not the Sacramentary has been blessed by an official rite, it is appropriate to treat it with care,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Divine Worship stated at its website.

“Its disposal should be handled with respect.” The bishops’ liturgy office recommended burying the Sacramentary in an appropriate location on church grounds.

Also buried with the books were a few items that had been blessed but were no longer usable. Catholic tradition recommends burial to ensure that objects used in worship are not casually discarded or mistreated.

Items that are still useful, such as rosaries and other sacramentals in good shape, should be given away to a friend or family member.