What concepts must one have in order to understand and explain the nature and purpose, the plan and actualization, and the relational character of the liturgy? "Volume 2: Fundamental Liturgy" addresses this question in three parts - epistemology, celebration, and human sciences - which develop the foundational concepts of the liturgy. It leads the reader to a deeper understanding of the liturgy by examining the basic concepts that belong to its definition.

Articles and their contributors are Theology of the Liturgy," by Alceste Catella;"Liturgical Symbolism," by Crispino Valenziano; "Liturgy and Spirituality," by Jesus Castellano Cervera, OCD; "Pastoral Liturgical Ministry," by Domenico Sartore, CSJ; "Catechesis and Liturgy," by Domenico Sartore, CSJ; "Liturgy and Ecclesiology," by Nathan Mitchell; "The Liturgical Assembly," by Mark Francis, CSV; "Participation in the Liturgy," by Anna Kai-Yung Chan; "Liturgical Ministries," by Thomas A. Krosnicki, SVD; "The Psychosociological Aspect of the Liturgy," by Lucio Maria Pinkus, OSM; "Liturgy and Anthropology: The Meaning and the Method of the Question," by Crispino Valenziano; "The Language of Liturgy," by Silvano Maggiani, OSM; "Liturgy and Aesthetic," by Silvano Maggiani, OSM; "Liturgy and Music," by Jan Michael Joncas; "Liturgy and Iconology," by Crispino Valenziano; and "Liturgy and Inculturation," by Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB and Silvano Maggiani, OSM"

"What today is Holy Saturday on the Church's calendar was certainly not Holy Saturday for those early followers of Jesus. It was a day of despair, truly a Black Saturday." (from the Foreword)
This liturgical drama provides a stark contrast to the joy and celebration of Easter morning. This service captures the reality of that Friday when our Lord was crucified. The cast includes people who were present on that final Friday -- each sharing their emotions, from the sneering soldiers, to the heart-wrenching sobs and pleas of his mother, to Christ himself.
C. Alton Robertson is Associate Professor at Alfred North Whitehead College for Lifelong Learning, University of Redlands, where he has received the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Academic Excellence Award. Robertson has served as Director of the Commission on World Mission, Acting Director of Research for the Division of Overseas Ministries of the National Council of Churches and Director of Overseas Personnel Recruitment Office in New York City. Author of many publications, Robertson earned the degrees of M.Div. (Berkeley Baptist Divinity School), M.I.A. in International Affairs and M.Phil. from Columbia University. He served five years on the staff of the National Student Christian Federation and five years as a campus minister on the staff of the Waseda Hoshien Student Center in Tokyo.

These four playlets treat serious subjects in a thought-provoking yet humorous manner. Each one is followed by a suggested order of worship, prayer, litany and meditation. The subjects covered are: greed, pride, guilt, and forgiveness. They are excellent resources for retreats, seminars, youth meetings, and men's or women's gatherings. These skits can be used individually or as a series.

A companion to "Prayers of the Eucharist: Early and Reformed "

The Churches of the East possess a sometimes bewildering array of Eucharistic prayers. "Essays on Early Eastern Eucharistic Prayer" offers a guide to the exploration of the principal prayers, and presents in a simple and succinct manner the current scholarship on the origins, development, and relationship of these particular prayers to other ancient prayers.

As well as summarizing the state of research and suggesting directions for future study, these essays explain the history of these prayers, their relationship to one another, and reveal how and why early Christian prayers developed as they did. In this way "Essays on Early Eastern Eucharistic Prayers" produces a clear picture of the way early Eucharistic prayers emerged and grew in the Eastern Churches.

"Essays on Early Eastern Eucharistic Prayers" serves as a companion to - and provides an extended commentary on the texts of early eastern Eucharistic prayers that are published in R. C. D. Jasper and G. J. Cuming's "Prayers of the Eucharist: Early and Reformed. Essays on Early Eastern Eucharistic Prayers" also offers more detail than is available in the introductions to either text or in other general histories of liturgy or early liturgical practice.

Articles and their contributors include Introduction: The Evolution of Early Anaphoras," by Paul F. Bradshaw; "The Anaphora of the Apostles Addai and Mari," by Stephen B.Wilson; "The Strasbourg Papyrus," by Walter D. Ray; "The Anaphora of St. Mark: A Study in Development," by G. J.Cuming; "The Archaic Nature of the Sanctus, Institution Narrative, and Epiclesis of the Logos in the Anaphora Ascribed to Sarapion of Thmuis," by Maxwell E. Johnson; "The Basilian Anaphoras," by D. Richard Stuckwisch; "The Anaphora of the "Mystagogical Catecheses" of Cyril of Jerusalem," by Kent J. Burreson; "The Anaphora of St. James," by John D. Witvliet; "The Anaphora of the Eighth Book of the "Apostolic Constitutions,"" by Raphael Graves; and "St. John Chrysostom and the Byzantine Anaphora That Bears His Name," by Robert F. Taft, S.J. Includes an index.

"Pal F. Bradshaw is professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame and was vice-principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford, England. He is the author of "Liturgy in Dialogue "and "Early Christian Worship" published by The Liturgical Press.""

In 1979 liturgical theologian Don Saliers published an essay challenging both the Church's and the theological academy's understanding of the relationship between liturgy and ethics. "Liturgy and the Moral Self" seeks to honor Saliers by responding to his prophetic and prescriptive invitation to theological work that is framed in terms of the double-focus of Liturgy - the glorification of God and the sanctification of humanity]."

Thematically grouped, this symposium engages a variety of theological disciplines in the effort to understand and enVision how liturgy, spirituality, and aesthetics entail practices that enable people to develop into active Christians worthy of the Gospel. Saliers' essay and its argument guide the symposium in exploring several of its aspects from a diversity of perspectives (theological disciplines, denominations, genders, generations).

Intended for pastoral ministers, as well as faculty and students of seminary and graduate programs, "Liturgy and the Moral Self" features Saliers' provocative essay, an introductory chapter, and sections on liturgical theology, the formation of character, and word and music - each with a single-page introduction to the chapters that follow.

Chapters are "Liturgy and Ethics: Some New Beginnings," by Don Saliers; "Christianity and Cultus," by Gordon Lathrop; "Recovering Traditions: Liturgy in Society," by Bruce Morrill, S.J.; "Practical Insights in the Wesleyan Theology of Sanctification," by Henry Knight, III, and Steven Land; "Tradition and Change in Protestant Worship," by James White; "Gestures of the Self," by E. Byron Anderson; "Life as Prayer: Contemplation and Action," by Peter Fink, S.J.; "Truthfulness and Vulnerability: Spirituality as Radically Honest Autobiography," by Roberta Bondi; "The Whole of the Saints' Life as Prayer," by Mary Stamps; "Worship and Character in Late-Modern Society," by Staley Hauer was;"Liturgical Music: The Aesthetic and Prophetic Embrace," by Paul Westermeyer; "The Character of Liturgical Language," by Gal Ramshaw; and "To Sing, To Believe, and To Practice," by Brian Wren.

"E. Byron Anderson, holds a PhD from Emory University. He is an assistant professor of worship at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana, and the author of several publications, including the teacher's guide to "Belief and Belonging: Living and Celebrating the Faith," published by The Liturgical Press."

"Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, holds the Edward A. Maloy Chair of Catholic Studies in the divinity school at Vanderbilt University where he is also Professor of Theological Studies. In addition to numerous journal articles, book chapters, and reviews, he has published several books, most recently "Encountering Christ in the Eucharist: The Paschal Mystery in People, Word, and Sacrament "(Paulist Press, 2012). His most recent book with liturgical Press is " Divine Worship and Human Healing: Liturgical Theology at the Margins of Life and Death "Pueblo/Liturgical Press, 2009).""

The history of liturgy and liturgical books is of interest not only for theologians and liturgists but also for historians, art historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and researchers in religious sciences. This work meets the interdisciplinary need for a history and a typology of liturgical books.

"A History of Liturgical Books from the Beginning to the Thirteenth Century" is an introduction to Western liturgical sources and a synthesis of their history for more than a millennium. It provides a historiographic summary, examines the relationship between medieval history and liturgy, suggests new methods of research, and underscores the fruitfulness of an interdisciplinary approach.

Focusing on the history of liturgical books, rather than the history of liturgy, "A History of Liturgical Books from the Beginning to the Thirteenth Century" devotes a detailed chapter to each type of book intended for a specific celebration - Mass, Office, rites - and a specific presider - pope, bishop, deacon, monastic, etc. The crucial transition from oral practice to the use of the written document is discussed in every case, as is the illustration of liturgical books.

Chapters are History of the Research on Liturgical Books," "The Books of the Mass," "The Office Books," and "The Books of Sacraments and Rites."

"Eric Palazzo, Ph.D., is head of research at Institut de Recherche et d'Histoire des Textes and a lecturer at the Institut superieur de Liturgie of the Institut catholique of Paris, in charge of the introductory course in liturgical sources.""

The Sunday Lectionary examines a key aspect of the liturgical use of the Bible: how the Lectionary puts biblical flesh on the bones of the liturgical calendar and gives paschal shape to the Christian year. Although the current Lectionary has been in use since 1969, its history, purpose, and structure remains relatively unknown to the many who proclaim or hear its readings. The Sunday Lectionary contributes to a theology of proclamation by explaining the principles that underlie the Lectionary's selection of biblical passages and its patterns of reading distribution that structure the Sundays, feast days, and seasons of the liturgical year. The book is divided into two parts. The first lays the groundwork by surveying the history of the Lectionaries (chapter 1), chronicling the highlights of the Vatican II Lectionary reform (chapter 2), and examining the characteristic traits of the revised Sunday and feast day Lectionary and its ecumenical import (chapter 3). The second part analyzes the Lectionary's architecture for each of the liturgical seasons (chapters 4-9). Liturgical proclamation breathes life into the ancient inscribed words, transforming them from words into the Word, thus bringing the transforming, nourishing presence of the risen Christ into the world. The Sunday Lectionary not only helps enrich theological conversation but helps pastors, homilists, worship leaders, rectors, cantors, and students of liturgy foster a deeper appreciation of the Lectionary and, through the Lectionary, the liturgy. Normand Bonneau, OMI, ThD, is Associate Professor of New Testament at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. His special interests are the letters of Paul and the Sunday Lectionary, in which he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, and on which he has published a number of articles.

"Volume I" consists of three parts: Preliminary Notions," "Historical Overview of the Liturgy," and "Liturgical Sources." Articles and their contributors include "A Definition of Liturgy," by Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB; "Liturgical Families in the East," by Ephrem Carr, OSB; "Liturgical Families in the West," by Gabriel Ramis; "Bible and Liturgy," by Renato De Zan; "Liturgy and the Fathers," by Basil Studer, OSB; "Liturgy and Ecumenism," by Patrick Lyons, OSB; "History of the Liturgy Until the Fourth Century," by Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB; "History of the Eastern Liturgies," by Manel Nin, OSB; "History of the Roman Liturgy Until the Fifteenth Century," by Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB; "History of the Roman Liturgy from the Sixteenth Until the Twentieth Centuries," by Keith F. Pecklers, SJ; "History of the Liturgies in the Non-Roman West," by Jordi Pinell I Pons, OSB; "Liturgical Documents of the First Four Centuries," by Basil Studer, OSB; "Byzantine Liturgical Books," by Elena Velkova Velkovska; "Other Liturgical Books in the East," by Manel Nin, OSB; "Liturgical Books of the Roman Rite," by Cassian Folsom, OSB; "Liturgical Books of the Non-Roman West," by Gabriel Ramis; "Liturgical Textual Criticism," by Renato De Zan; "Criticism and Interpretation of Liturgical Texts," by Renato De Zan; "Translation of Liturgical Texts," by Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB; and "Liturgical Law," by Frederick R. McManus.

More than forty authors from Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, and Eastern and Western Europe have contributed to the "Handbook." Many are professors and graduates of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome. Each author, while drawing material from liturgical tradition and from ancient, medieval, and modern sources, writes also from a particular research and personal interest in a subject. Although diverse in style, the authors collectively express a spirit of fidelity to the Church, to its doctrine and tradition, and to its mission. The result is a cohesive view of the meaning, purpose, and celebration of Christian worship.

"Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, is the director of the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in the Philippines and professor of liturgical inculturation at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome. Among his publications are "Liturgies of the Future: The Process and Methods of Inculturation"and "Liturgical Inculturation: Sacraments, Religiosity, and Catechesis, "published by The Liturgical Press.""

The history of the three-year lectionaries tells a tale of an evolving hermeneutic. Originating in the Roman Lectionary, this hermeneutic was developed in subsequent denominational and ecumenical versions. An amalgam of the historical hermeneutics of the two western traditions, it uses both the memory of the Church to interpret the Bible and the Bible to structure the memory of the Church.

After an examination of the hermeneutic, West lays out the memory patterns of the two most widely used versions of this lectionary: the Roman Lectionary and the "Revised Common Lectionary." A knowledge of these memory patterns can help preachers create sermons in keeping with the lectionary's interpretative intent, because a Church's memory plays a large part in the interpretation of Scripture, and a lectionary text is interpreted before it is preached.

"Scripture and Memory" moves from the general to the particular. It develops a hermeneutic of the liturgical reading of Scripture which it then applies to the "Lectionary for Mass and the Revised Common Lectionary." The hermeneutical reflections in the first three chapters make lections their starting point. Since lectionaries are the liturgical form of Scripture lectionaries, they provide insight into the liturgical hermeneutic at work in the selection of Scripture for reading in worship. Focusing on the "Lectionary for Mass" and the "Revised Common Lectionary, " chapters four through seven describe this hermeneutic at work in each segment of the liturgical year. The last chapter gives an overview of these lectionaries; the postscript addresses the challenges of preaching them. A thorough index, organized as a comparative tale, references the readings in the "Lectionary for Mass" and the "Revised Common Lectionary." With this format, readers can note those instances when the discussion of readings in one lectionary pertains to readings in the other.

Chapters are: Introduction," "From Bible to Liturgy: The Hermeneutical Trajectory of Lections," "Language and Lections," "The Christmas Cycle," "The Easter Cycle," "Ordinary Time (1)," "Ordinary Time (2)," and "The Two Lectionaries."

This book will interest Roman Catholic and Protestant scholars, clergy, and students interested in liturgy or preaching in English-speaking countries that use the "Lectionary for Mass (Ordo Lectionum Missae)" or the "Revised Common Lectionary."

"Fritz S. West, PhD, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. aliturgical scholar, he is also the author of "The Comparative Liturgy of Anton Baumstark."

Wise and informed commentary on the lectionary readings for the principal service in Year C. The authors represent a wide spectrum of theology but their shared concern for excellence in preaching have combined to produce an inspirational volume.

How great the differences between the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus and a pontifical High Mass at St. Peter's in Rome And also, between the early baptisms by immersion described in the Acts of the Apostles and the baptisms of newborns in our parishes today. Why such a change in the celebration of the Christian mystery? Why the recent reforms, often misunderstood? In History of the Liturgy, Marcel Metzger answers such questions and offers an understanding of this evolution through a carefully documented historical survey.

The essential forms of the liturgy were fixed very early according to the tradition received from the apostles. But the place given to biblical readings, teaching, singing, and ritual has varied in the course of the centuries.

In History of the Liturgy, Metzger describes the most important phases of these changes. In describing the first millennium, he focuses on liturgy's essentials common to the Eastern and Western Churches. In describing the second millennium, he explains the deviations of the Western Churches which called for the effort of reform and renewal begun by Vatican II.

Metzger studies the development of the liturgical institutions and distinguishes liturgy's five main stages that correspond to the situations of the Churches in ancient, medieval, and modern societies. He begins by focusing on the apostolic period, roughly the first century of our era, until the death of the apostles. He follows by studying the period of minorities and semi-clan destiny until the beginning of the fourth century. He then focuses on the Peace of the Church," which grants public status to the churches in the Empire, fosters their growth, and organizes the collaboration between Empire and Church. The work concludes by studying the stability, rigidity, renewals, and reforms of the Roman liturgy, from the end of the Middle Ages to Vatican II.

This clear and accurate survey of the history of liturgy is designed to awaken readers' interest, on a solid yet introductory level, in the realities that have made and still make up the Church's liturgical life: assemblies, Eucharist, baptism, reconciliation, dally praise, the Church's calendar, and its architecture.

In History of the Liturgy, Metzger stresses that if history is the teacher of life, the eyes of Christian faith allow us to recognize in it as well the mysterious presence of God, who, through the Spirit, guides his people. And this happens, above all, in the liturgy."

A practical handbook, Contemporary Worship contains everything that a congregation needs to plan, launch, and stabilize contemporary worship services. The writers in this volume discuss three formats for contemporary worship: (1) Spirited-Traditional, (2) Contemporary Praise, and (3) Contemporary Outreach-oriented services.

Brief, defining articles--which work well as reproducible handouts with worship teams-- precede each Resource Kit. The resources include sample formats, sample messages that are appropriate for the format, sample skits or dramas, and a database of worship choruses that are appropriate to each of the three contemporary formats. Brief articles from pastors, actors, script writers, and church consultants offer tips on recruiting and hiring musicians, developing a praise band, reshaping the worship space, creating worship bulletins, choosing the right times, and preaching to the unchurched.

Presented in the ancient Japanese form of Haiku poetry, this vivid and deeply moving new translation of the Psalms is vivid and deeply moving. The rhythm of the 17-syllable verse, with its carefully structured pattern, introduces a meditative element to the ageless Psalms, reflecting the life of silent prayer and contemplation of a monk on the island monastery of Caldey. Here are praises to spiritual power presented in a stark and clear fashion. They will challenge those familiar with the Psalms to new insight, while introducing these ancient prayers to a whole new audience. Father Richard Gwyn was born in Pembroke Dock, Dyfed in 1918 and was a Brother of the Christian Schools for forty years, working in London and overseas - firstly in Rome, and then Canada, India, Jamaica and Nigeria. He transferred to the Cistercian Abbey on Caldey Island off the Welsh coast, where he was ordained priest.

Focusing on the questions "What is the purpose of worship?" and "Why are the arts an irreplaceable part of good liturgy?" Bishop Rouet, in Liturgy and the Arts, maintains that the arts should disclose holiness within the ordinary. The role of the arts in Christian life and in liturgy is to illustrate God's presence and to release the sacramental potential of the world. He stresses that in order for that to happen, liturgical artists and Church leaders must dialogue and cooperate in providing a faith community with a liturgical environment that leads to meaningful worship. For Bishop Rouet, the arts are indispensable to human existence; they are necessary for the incarnation of faith. Indeed, as he puts it in his introduction, "Faith is not simply an individual thought process, nor personal opinion; nor is it only the public witness of a person. Faith produces a way of living, therefore culture, and thus, art." Readers of Liturgy and the Arts will experience a genuine joy in contemplating this thoughtful Catholic bishop's convincing argument that the Church cannot do without the arts. Chapters cover liturgy and art forms such as music, sacred space, and dance. They are: "The Arts and Liturgy," "Artistic Expression in the Church," "The Shepherd of History: 'The Times That We Create'," "Ecclesial Space," "Dance and Faith," and "A People Baptized for the Work of Praise."

Liturgical language" denotes those words used by Christians in their communal praise and prayer. Liturgical language is often metaphoric, as metaphors help us explain the unexplainable they help the human mind contemplate the divine. Problems with liturgical language occur when these metaphors exclude some Christians when their aim should instead be to bring all Christians into communion with God. Recognizing that both metaphoric and inclusive language are necessary in Christian worship, Ramshaw clarifies how these need not be contradictory criteria for forming liturgical language.

Through a review of the history of language, Ramshaw illustrates the difficulties of forming texts from words that have undergone numerous translations and whose primary meanings have also changed throughout the centuries. An examination of trends in generic American English, the vernacular on which liturgical texts are to be built, reveals two tasks for liturgists: the arduous work of retranslating liturgical texts and the creative work of crafting intercessions, hymns, and homilies that are inclusive in language. Her discussion of symbolic imagery and theological language illustrates how essential it is that words be evaluated and chosen with understanding and care.

Ramshaw writes for those who find beauty and truth in metaphor and for those who strive to invite everyone to the Eucharistic banquet. She encourages all who formulate liturgical language to contemplate with seriousness and Vision the ultimate objective of this language so that it can speak with meaning and beauty to all."

A collection of worship services for various special days celebrated in most African American churches. Programs provide an introduction tying the African American heritage to the occasion, with a welcome address, prayer, litany, Scripture, and suggested parament colors. Includes graduation/promotion, homecoming, Mother/Father's Days, groundbreaking and cornerstone services, mortgage-burning, Black History celebration, and others.

Because the Eucharist is the Lord's Supper given to his Church for a remembrance of me," it gives life to the world. A Holy and Living Sacrifice, a spiritual theology, explores the rich insights of recent ecumenical, theological, and liturgical studies on the Eucharist. Contested during the Reformation, the Eucharist as sacrifice - Christ's, the Church's, and ours - is seen today by many faiths as a central and vital symbol. Father Falardeau studies the notion of Eucharist as sacrifice in Scripture and theology and its ecumenical insights and implications for spirituality. He examines the Eucharist as it relates to the forgiveness of sins, eschatology, and the priesthood and in its role as memorial and communion. Father Falardeau directs current Catholic devotion more deeply into the present solid, ecumenical theological consensus among the Churches. He shows other denominations how such devotion concurs with the universal approach and how it can lead to a more fruitful living of the Gospel. By inviting readers to come together and live the Christian life through the Eucharist, this book encourages all Christians to deepen their faith in the Eucharist and their understanding of its nature and power. "

All congregations using the Revised Common Lectionary will welcome this new handbook. Convenient and user-friendly, this one-volume guide provides resources for the entire three-year lectionary cycle, including midweek festival days. Brief comments on each of the three daily biblical texts identify themes for the day; musical settings for the appointed psalm are offered; organ music appropriate for the day is suggested; anthems for the day are graded according to difficulty; and hymns of the day are keyed to several hymnals. Pastors, music leaders, and worship committees will find much practical assistance for worship planning in the Handbook for the Revised Common Lectionary. As an added bonus, this newly revised guide now includes suggestions from the new Presbyterian Hymnal and The Psalter: Psalms and Canticles for Singing.

Among the most beautiful prayers ever composed, the 'O' Antiphons have for twelve centuries voiced the Church's longing for Christ's Coming at Christmas. In this remarkable book Oliver Treanor explores the rich biblical background to each Antiphon and, drawing on the spiritual tradition of the Fathers and the teachings of Vatican II as well, leads us to the deep sources of meditation that lie within the texts. Here is an ideal Advent companion for individuals or groups seeking to recharge their spirituality for Christmas - and indeed throughout the year. For the 'O' Antiphons guide us beyond Advent into the entire mystery of salvation, bringing us beyond the Christmas season to the Paschal Mystery itself. It is in fact a book for all seasons. Oliver Treanor is author of Mother of the Redeemer, Mother of the Redeemed; he has written for L'Osservatore Romano, Priests and People, Religious Life Review, Theology Digest and many other journals. He has worked for five years as a producer and broadcaster at Vatican Radio.

This collection by Arlene M. Mark is a ready resource for pastors and leaders to enrich and deepen worship together. When offered in bulletins, these words can become congregational statements that unify believers and nourish faith and discipleship.

Responsive readings come from all ages of the church -- our common Christian legacy. Some focus on specific times of the church year others are for general use. All can serve to build up the faithful Christian community. As God speaks through these words, the Spirit changes and energizes worshipers.

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel reading assigned for each Sunday in Cycle A of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean cultural world in which Jesus lived and suggests across-cultural comparison with contemporary Western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of the Scripture to modern life situations. Used as an aid in preaching, Lectionary-based catechesis, Scripture study, or for the interest and knowledge it brings, The Cultural World of Jesus will add form and substance to your understanding of the Word that dwelt among us." "

Perhaps nothing is as important to the future of the Church as continuing to make the liturgy meaningful to those who celebrate it. Inculturation, the dynamic translation of the typical editions into the cultures of local Churches, is the key.

Inculturation as a branch of liturgical study has a dauntingly wide scope. It covers the areas of history and theology, liturgical and cultural principles, process and methods, sacraments and sacramentals, Liturgy of the Hours, liturgical year, liturgical music, liturgical arts and furnishings, and such related topics as popular religiosity and catechesis. So where does the average pastor, liturgist, or student begin?

With this volume the reader is introduced to the different technical terms expressing the relationship between liturgy and culture (indigenization, incarnation, contextualization, adaptation, acculturation ... ). The subsequent discussion on the question of sacramentals, popular religiosity, and liturgical catechesis explains how these disparate topics share the same basic concern of inculturation.

Throughout the book the focus is on method. Method encompasses both how one may remain true to the liturgy while also considering what culture offers the liturgy or requires of it. The question of how creativity relates to inculturation is also answered.

For the serious student of the liturgy, whether or not you serve a culturally diverse community, this work provides foundations, principles, and methods for creating a liturgy of the people and for the people.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says "The Church earnestly desires that Christ's faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action, conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration." What is needed and what the author offers here is that "good understanding" of the meaning and value of the Mass. After examining its historical development, Professor Adam explains each part of the Mass as it is currently celebrated. He uses understandable terminology and a form of presentation designed to increase appreciation of the Mass among the faithful and to provide the knowledge and impetus to achieve this in family and group discussions, in catechetical instruction, and in preaching.