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.

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.

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." "

These diverse but unified descriptions of original ceremonies, liturgies, and rites offer suggestions for revitalizing traditional liturgical expressions in relation to women's experiences. The works collected here are drawn from the perspectives of Christian, Jewish, African-American, Native American, and Hispanic women.

A Community of Joy suggests practical, innovative, and nontraditional forms of worship, enabling churches to minister more effectively. * Addresses the felt need for worship renewal * Shows how liturgical worship and contemporary worship can coexist * Specifically targets seekers outside the church, using worship services as a primary vehicle for evangelism and outreach * Includes contemporary worship services as illustrations of Wright's method

In this volume, Nicholas Ayo presents a compendium study of the Hail Mary, one that is at once historical and exegetical, as well as critical and meditative. He examines the quintessential Marian prayer word by word and line by line, analysing each phrase in itself and in relation to the other phrases, a method that is designed to enable readers to study the prayer for maximum understanding, appreciation and spiritual gain. Ayo considers the Hail Mary from every angle, taking into consideration its history, language, literary quality, theory and spirituality. In addition to an in-depth study of the prayer itself, "The Hail Mary" includes an overview of the larger issues of Marian theory and devotion, a review of Mary in the biblical scriptures and in the apocrypha and a summary review of the place of the Virgin Mary in the hearts and prayers of Christian men and women. Although Ayo treats the Hail Mary as it is known today, he also provides an anthology of commentary on the prayer from over the centuries, including the reflections of such writers as Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Helfta and Caryll Houselander, among others. This study should be of interest to clergy and all Christians who seek a greater undestanding of the fundamentals of their faith and devotion.

The women whose writings are included in this anthology are al different colors in a kaleidoscope of history. Spanning nearly one thousand years in the history of spirituality, these works, arranged chronologically, begin with Hildegard of Bingen in the eleventh century and move to Ita Ford in our own. Their authors are mystics, contemplatives, actives, intellectuals, poets, and dreamers. They are portraits of women through the centuries who loved deeply their families, their communities, their careers, or their causes, but who, most of al, loved God.

Some women whose writings are included: Beatrice of Nazareth, Dorothy Day, Edith Stein, Mary Ward, Jessica Powers, Ita Ford, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Simone Weil, and Elizabeth Anne Seton. The editor introduces each selection.

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.

Despite "Sacrosanctum Concilium" and the twenty-five years' worth of scholarship that followed, much still needs to be said and discovered about the relationship between liturgy and theology.

This work is situated within the present debate over "liturgical theology" in at least three ways: it concerns methods for the study of liturgy, it explores the meanings that the term liturgical theology can have, and it contributes to the evaluation and critique of present and possible future forms of liturgical rites. In addition, it articulates how the study of liturgy is essentially "pastoral theology" in that liturgical rites shape the faith and life of believing participants.

The historical, theological, and pastoral investigation of the liturgy required by the constitution on the Sacred Liturgy forms the background and part of the rationale for this work. It is both a proposal for and an example of an investigation of the Church's liturgical praxis from aliturgical-theological perspective. What the reader gains is principles for interpreting the various aspects of liturgy (texts, symbols, ritual gestures) in relation to each other in a theological way and for articulating some theological and spiritual implications derived from liturgy.

The increasing desire among Christians to pray in inclusive language has resulted in the publication of this inclusive language psalter. The editors have selected the 1979 "Book of Common Prayer" as the basis for their psalter. Techniques for changing al the non-inclusive language to inclusive language were carefully wrought and judiciously applied, in keeping with common sense, biblical scholarship, and the ancient Hebrew liturgical principle that holds in high respect the majesty of God's name.

Every effort has been made to render the lines in a flowing, euphonious manner, well phrased for chanting. Since different communions practice variant methods of chanting, this volume includes an essay which offers instruction in four methods of pointing these psalms.

* Revised and updated * Based on the NRSV and NIV translations * Covers every book verse by verse * Each volume also contains maps, charts, a pronunciation guide, and a glossary * Available in sets or individually

Days of the Lord is an excellent guide to the riches of the Church's liturgy, and a welcome companion to the Sacramentary, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Lectionary. First published in Belgium, this outstanding seven volume series will enable all Christians to enter into the mystery of the liturgical year, to pray with understanding, to proclaim the beauty and wealth of the liturgy. More than a thorough commentary on the readings, more even than a reflection on the liturgical seasons, this series comprehends the totality of the liturgical year-that vehicle developed by the Church to express, summarize, and present "the whole mystery of Christ," the mystery that we are called to profess and celebrate every day. Since this mystery belongs to all Christians, the writers of this series have written their reflections with the average reader in mind. Yet the knowledge and insight that they bring to this work make it invaluable even to those who are themselves well versed students of the liturgical calendar. Readers will come away not only with a greater understanding of the liturgical year, its structure and meaning, but with a deepened appreciation of the prayer life the liturgical year provides through its structure.

Too often we evaluate worship as a matter of taste without examining the presuppositions that inform worship in a given congregation. The authors help church leaders see that worship is a public event, which must be continually renewed and revitalized. They identify sources of conflict in worship, provide creative approaches to resolving these conflicts, and examine five road maps for revitalized worship.

Father Brown completes his look at the great seasons of the liturgical year, making the rich insights of modern biblical exegesis conveniently available to all, with this volume for the season from Easter to Pentecost.

During this season the Church reads consecutively from the Acts of the Apostles, recounting the external life of the Church after Pentecost. The accompanying readings from the Gospel according to John portray the internal life of Christian disciples and promise a coming Paraclete to be sent by the Father. Father Brown's title "A Once-and-Coming Spirit" signifies these two great biblical sources that he reflects on. He shows how these readings speak to our time as we live out the external history of a visible Church while internally drawing life from Jesus as branches on the vine. His comments offer an opportunity to appreciate the intent of the season after Easter and to prepare ourselves for the intensified gift of the spirit at Pentecost.

The Hebrew Scriptures relate many instances of the people of God breaking into song when they experience the presence of God in their lives. Where is that song of praise in the Christian's life today?

The responsorial psalm of the Sunday liturgy both summarizes the Word of God for the day and invites the community to join, mind and spirit, in affirming their part in that Word. Many books have examined the readings of the Sunday Lectionary. "Sing a New Song" focuses on the psalms (1991 NAB translation), grouping them by genre, then considering each in its relationship to the set of readings it accompanies.

While the insights of scholarship are used, the intent of the work is to inspire more insightful and imaginative celebration of God's Word. It will therefore be of service to those who preach the Word, those who plan the liturgy and provide music, and most of all to everyone who prays and is nourished by the Sunday readings.

Days of the Lord is an excellent guide to the riches of the Church's liturgy, and a welcome companion to the Sacramentary, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Lectionary. First published in Belgium, this outstanding seven volume series will enable all Christians to enter into the mystery of the liturgical year, to pray with understanding, to proclaim the beauty and wealth of the liturgy. More than a thorough commentary on the readings, more even than a reflection on the liturgical seasons, this series comprehends the totality of the liturgical year-that vehicle developed by the Church to express, summarize, and present "the whole mystery of Christ," the mystery that we are called to profess and celebrate every day. Since this mystery belongs to all Christians, the writers of this series have written their reflections with the average reader in mind. Yet the knowledge and insight that they bring to this work make it invaluable even to those who are themselves well versed students of the liturgical calendar. Readers will come away not only with a greater understanding of the liturgical year, its structure and meaning, but with a deepened appreciation of the prayer life the liturgical year provides through its structure.

Days of the Lord is an excellent guide to the riches of the Church's liturgy, and a welcome companion to the Sacramentary, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Lectionary. First published in Belgium, this outstanding seven volume series will enable all Christians to enter into the mystery of the liturgical year, to pray with understanding, to proclaim the beauty and wealth of the liturgy. More than a thorough commentary on the readings, more even than a reflection on the liturgical seasons, this series comprehends the totality of the liturgical year-that vehicle developed by the Church to express, summarize, and present "the whole mystery of Christ," the mystery that we are called to profess and celebrate every day. Since this mystery belongs to all Christians, the writers of this series have written their reflections with the average reader in mind. Yet the knowledge and insight that they bring to this work make it invaluable even to those who are themselves well versed students of the liturgical calendar. Readers will come away not only with a greater understanding of the liturgical year, its structure and meaning, but with a deepened appreciation of the prayer life the liturgical year provides through its structure.

"Do not stay where you are, but move ahead, move toward Jesus ... Do not ask yourself whether the road is firm or practicable... look only to see that it is really the road that leads straight to Jesus."
(from the sermon about Albert Schweitzer)
Here are 12 worship resources about modern-day saints. Eleven are designed for "the sermon slot." Dag Hammarskjold's chapter is an entire liturgy. Each resource has parts for two or more readers. One is the narrator while another shares excerpts from the writings of the saint. Additional readers may make connections to our lives today.
The 12 saints are:
- Wilhelm Loehe
- St. Benedict
- Cyril and Methodius
- Bartolome de Las Casas
- Thomas Aquinas
- Albert Schweitzer
- Perpetua and Felicity
- Dag Hammarskjold
- Athanasius
- St. Ignatius
- Ludwig Nommensen
- John Christian Frederick Heyer
Lutherans will find these 12 commemorated in the "Lutheran Book of Worship "during 1993 and 1994.
Thomas A. Renquist is pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota. He previously served two parishes in Iowa. He holds a master of divinity degree from Yale.

Days of the Lord is an excellent guide to the riches of the Church's liturgy, and a welcome companion to the Sacramentary, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Lectionary. First published in Belgium, this outstanding seven volume series will enable all Christians to enter into the mystery of the liturgical year, to pray with understanding, to proclaim the beauty and wealth of the liturgy. More than a thorough commentary on the readings, more even than a reflection on the liturgical seasons, this series comprehends the totality of the liturgical year-that vehicle developed by the Church to express, summarize, and present "the whole mystery of Christ," the mystery that we are called to profess and celebrate every day. Since this mystery belongs to all Christians, the writers of this series have written their reflections with the average reader in mind. Yet the knowledge and insight that they bring to this work make it invaluable even to those who are themselves well versed students of the liturgical calendar. Readers will come away not only with a greater understanding of the liturgical year, its structure and meaning, but with a deepened appreciation of the prayer life the liturgical year provides through its structure.

This text covers changes in the Mass since publication in 1971, including the 1985 reprint revisions (notably Eucharistic Prayers and Eucharistic Prayers from Masses with children). It also describes the rites of the Church in the context of their theological and historical background and in relation to pastoral practice. It is aimed at theology students, students on liturgy courses especially those following the syllabus for liturgical formation issued by the Liturgy Office and all those seeking a deeper understanding of the Mass.

The Eucharist should not be limited to the congregation that gathers to hear the word of God and proclaim its faith. It is, first of all, the active presence of the sacrifice of Christ, who gathers us together and lets us partake of his divine life through his body and blood in Communion.

Christians are always hoping to find helpful ways to contemplate the eucharistic mystery in all its fullness, and this set of meditations by Father Raniero Cantalamessa - presented by him in the presence of Pope John Paul II - is written in a simple and warm style and nourished by Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers from both the East and the West. These meditations answer the needs of all who hope to experience the radiant and radiating Eucharist that shines into their hearts and into the life of the Church.

Much has been written regarding the western liturgy; the same cannot be said of the Byzantine liturgy. Father Taft contributes to a remedy of that shortfall through this work. In it he traces the origins of the Byzantine Rite during its period of formation: from its earliest recorded beginnings until the end of Byzantium (1453 c.e.). While the rite has undergone some change in the period since then, its outlines remain essentially the same.

The official announcement of the revision to the Common Lectionary, in which 20 international denominations, from Protestant Free Wesleyan to Roman Catholic, participated for six years. A complete three-year listing of the Lectionary (A, B, C) guides Scripture reading on the Lord's Day, aiding pastors and professors who use the Revised Common Lectionary that begins in Advent (November) 1992.

'I have spent al my life in this monastery', wrote Bede from his isolated Northumbrian cell, 'applying myself entirely to the study of the Scriptures...I have made it my business, for my own benefit and that of my brothers, to make brief extracts from the works of the Venerable fathers on the holy Scripture, or to add notes of my own to clarify their sense and interpretation.'

From the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, Bede's authority as a scriptural exegete was second only to that of the Doctors of the Latin Church. His influence was enormous. Yet modern readers associate this remarkable scholar-monk only with his History of the English Church and Nation and ignore the works he saw as his chief accomplishment.