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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

The Eucharistic celebration is 'the center of the Christian community,' 'the source and summit of the Christian life,' or further, 'the center and culmination of the entire life of the Christian community.' Root, source, center, summit: the Eucharistic celebration is at the heart of our faith and our life. To study it is to look at its own heart. That is where we meet Jesus Christ, present in his Word, present in the Eucharist, present in the celebrating community." From these words of introduction to his concluding remarks, Father Deiss offers an explanation of the post-Vatican II Mass that is as remarkable for its simplicity as it is for its thoroughness. He examines the structure of the celebration as revealed by Vatican II, a structure that, in his words, appears now "simpler, more luminous, more beautiful" than ever before. Lucien Deiss, C.S.Sp., for ten years a professor of theology and Scripture at the Grand Scholasticat de Chevilly-Larue, is one of the pioneers of the biblical and liturgical renewal. He worked for the reform brought about by Vatican II and participated in the ecumenical translation of the Bible. He is the author of numerous books, including Celebration of the Word; Springtime of the Liturgy; The Mass; and Joseph, Mary, Jesus, published by The Liturgical Press. He has composed many liturgical songs, some of which have been translated into the principal world languages, including Chinese.

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.

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.

Shalom means much more than prosperity, more than a sense of well-being, and more than quiet and calmness. It is more than the absence of stress and much more than peace. It is a peace that surpasses understanding; it is a promised gift. This book of eloquent poems, monologues, and worship resources is about the search for shalom.

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.

'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.

'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.

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 resource will help pastors and visitors in their ministry with the sick and the dying. It is designed for use by any person, ordained or lay, who is engaged in any ministry of care.

The Presbyterian Supplemental Liturgical Resource (SLT) series includes liturgies that were used on a trial basis in preparation for the development of the "Book of Common Worship." Though superseded by the "Book of Common Worship," SLR resources remain valuable, both for the variety of liturgical texts they contain and for the commentary on the text, which contains rich historical, theological, and practical background.

Transcending the common distinctions between high church/low church and formal/informal, this book argues for a balance in the patterns and various levels of worship participation, giving all Christians a fresh look at worship as a whole. Craig Erickson discusses the elements of participation in detail, setting historical and theological insights within a comprehensive theory of liturgical participation. He enables students, ministers, and congregations to understand the historical significance of the elements of worship and offers useful suggestions for strengthening Christian worship.

This unique and groundbreaking study moves "beyond the texts" of prayers to carefully study the worshipping community from an anthropological perspective. Hoffman's innovative approach opens up the world of prayer to the academy and the community at large. With the publication of this book, the study of liturgy will never again be the same.

In these reflections on the readings for Lent and the Triduum, Monsignor McIlhon invites us to ponder the consistency between what we believe about human dignity and how we live that dignity. If Lent becomes a daily journey whereby we consent to become one with the visible features of Christ's risen life, waiting to be raised from the dyings of our life, then the paschal mystery becomes a marvelous experience.

Although he writes with great sensitivity and theological depth, Monsignor McIlhon does not become pedantic nor does he go beyond the depth of the average reader.

For priests, religious, and serious lay people looking for something more than pious writing about the most important season of the Church year, this book will make excellent Lenten reading.

"A Singing Faith" is a book of inspiring hymns composed by renowned hymn writter Jane Parker Huber. It includes an introduction in which Huber discusses her songwriting process, commentaries on the hymns, and a topical index.

This liturgical resource will help guide pastors and other church workers as they help church members through the bereavement process.

The Presbyterian Supplemental Liturgical Resource (SLT) series includes liturgies that were used on a trial basis in preparation for the development of the "Book of Common Worship." Though superseded by the "Book of Common Worship," SLR resources remain valuable, both for the variety of liturgical texts they contain and for the commentary on the text, which contains rich historical, theological, and practical background.

This volume seeks to address the needs of teachers and advanced students who are preparing classes on the Middle Ages or who find themselves confounded in their studies by reference to the various liturgies that were fundamental to the lives of medieval peoples. In a series of essays, scholars of the liturgy examine "The Shape of the Liturgical Year," "Particular Liturgies," "The Physical Setting of the Liturgy," "The Liturgy and Books," and "Liturgy and the Arts." A concluding essay, which originated in notes left behind by the late C. Clifford Flanigan, seeks to open the field, to examine "liturgy" within the larger and more inclusive category of "ritual." "The essays are intended to be introductory but to provide the basic facts and the essential bibliography for further study. They approach particular problems assuming a knowledge of medieval Europe but little expertise in liturgical studies per se.

The articles on Eucharistic liturgy given here are reprinted from the pages of Worship magazine. This expanded edition of the 1982 printing includes three additional essays: Justice and the Eucharist" by R. Kevin Seasoltz, O.S.B.; "Stipends and Eucharistic Praxis" by M. Francis Mannion; and "Stipends in the New Code of Canon Law" by John M. Huels, O.S.M.

A manual of ideas and experiences emphasizing the fact that a good presider must be aware of what will happen at every planned moment of a liturgical celebration.

The presumed mystery" of liturgical functions is swept away as Seale gives basic, practical steps leading to an effective liturgy.

This well-known and respected work on the eucharistic celebration has been updated and revised. The editor Monsignor Maas-Ewerd has incorporated the insights of recent research, updated the bibliography, and re-formulated many passages in light of some important changes in thought and language since the first edition.

"The Eucharist: Essence, Form, Celebration" helps readers gain an understanding of correct form for celebration of the eucharistic liturgy in light of the renewals of Vatican Council II. It is therefore an explanation of the Mass, as Pius Parsch, to whom the first edition was dedicated, understood it. It is an explanation both of the biblical foundations and of the historical development of the liturgy within its two-thousand-year tradition. Thus, Maas-Ewerd maintains that we must inquire into both aspects - Jesus' foundational intention and the Church's long tradition of celebrating the Lord's legacy - to obtain a clear picture of the enduringly valid form of the Mass at all times, including its present realization.

In the foreword to the first edition, Johannes Emminghaus wrote that, despite the many content and language changes since the first edition, Parsch's fundamental principle was correct, and it remains so today: the essence or nature of the liturgy can only be explained on the basis of Christ's institution (as witnessed in Scripture) and the traditional teaching of the Church. Its form, in turn, with its many changes and its high and low points, is explicable also through Scripture and history; but the manner of its celebration can only be explained through the form as we know it and especially through the concrete faith of people.

The intent of "The Eucharist: Essence, Form, Celebration" is practical: it is meant as an aid to an appropriate and responsible celebration of the congregational Eucharist. Readers - those in ministry, teachers, catechists, and members of parish liturgical committees and study groups, as well as those interested in Church history - are invited to an active participation, one that bears fruit because it stems from faith.

Maas-Ewerd maintains that our task now is to live with the renewed liturgy, to integrate it more fully into our lives, and at the same time understand and celebrate it as a sign of salvation and as the Church's self-expression. "The Eucharist: Essence, Form, Celebration" encourages this process.

Part One is "The Fundamental Structure of the Mass Through the Ages." Chapters are: "Fundamental Structure of the Mass," and "The Continuing Identity of the Mass Through Many Changes." Part Two is "The Celebration of Mass in Its Current Form." Chapters are: "The Celebration Begins," "Liturgy of the Word," "The Celebration of the Eucharist," and "The Conclusion of the Mass." A reminiscence of Professor Johannes H. Emminghaus (1919-1989), a bibliography, appendices, and an index are also included."