An unintimidating guide to understanding the Catholic Mass

Throughout the centuries, the liturgy of the Church has taken a variety of regional and historical forms, but one thing has remained constant: the Mass has always been the central form of Catholic worship.

"Catholic Mass For Dummies" gives you a step-by-step overview of the Catholic Mass, as well as a close look at the history and meaning of the Mass as a central form of Catholic worship. You'll find information on the order of a Mass and coverage of major Masses.Covers standard Sunday Mass, weddings, funerals, holiday services, and holy days of obligationProvides insight on the events, symbols, themes, history, and language of the MassTranslations of a Mass in Castilian and Latin American Spanish

If you're a Catholic looking to enhance your knowledge of your faith, an adult studying to convert to Catholicism, a CCD instructor, or a non-Catholic who wants to understand the many nuances of the Catholic Mass, this hands-on, friendly guide has you covered.

With the twelve-volume series Feasting on the Word, Westminster John Knox Press offers one of the most extensive and well-respected resources for preaching on the market today. When complete, the twelve volumes will cover all of the Sundays in the three-year lectionary cycle, along with moveable occasions.The page layout is truly unique. For each lectionary text, preachers will find brief essaysA--one each on the exegetical, theological, pastoral, and homiletical challenges of the text. Each volume will also contain an index of biblical passages so that nonlectionary preachers may make use of its contents. The printed volumes for Ordinary Time include the complementary stream during Year A, the complementary stream during the first half of Year B, the semicontinuous stream during the second half of Year B, and the semicontinuous stream during Year C. Beginning with the season after Pentecost in Year C, the alternate lections for Ordinary Time not in the print volumes will be available online at feastingontheword.net.

Dominican priest Leo Thomas applies the wisdom of pastoral care to the ministry of religious healing. He does so with practical, concrete, step-by-step explanations of how to offer healing to those who are hurting. The book's goal is to show Christians-lay and ordained, Catholic and Protestant-how to minister together in a powerful way so that hurting people can experience the healing love of God who meets them in their need. The end of each chapter contains reflection questions to help readers bring healing into their own lives while deepening their spirituality. Also included are chapter summaries and a list of recommended resources that expand upon the subjects covered.

This illustrated workbook arises out of many years of leading retreats, study and quiet days on the theme of the cross in many contexts from an English Cathedral city to a South African township. The symbol of suffering and sacrifice, the cross also stands for the triumph of love over hate, life over death, hope over despair.
This includes complete outlines with prayers, readings, guided meditations and instructions for making crosses on the following themes: Crosses from around the world, Holy People, Holy Places & Crosses: Bridget, Francis, Andrew and others, Good Friday Pilgrims: living the cross, Making Crosses: yours and mine, Meditating with Crosses, and Following The Way of the Cross.

Inclusive language is a concern that resonates deeply with the sense of conversion and welcome to a community that is inclusive. This treatment is sensitive, respectful and is sure to raise consciousness.

Living Scripture captures the essence of each week's Scripture readings in an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format.

Composed on the occasion of the poet's near-fatal bout with typhus in 1623, the Devotions contains the essential germ of John Donne's mature thought, embodied in obscurely structured verse/prose divisions. Because of its seeming digressiveness, critics have struggled to understand this most significant of Renaissance texts as a whole. Kate Gartner Frost, however, shows that the Devotions, which combines odd bits of natural history, personal life-data, quotations from scripture, and descriptions of unpleasant medical nostrums with personal religious outpourings, is a unified work belonging to the tradition of English devotional literature and spiritual autobiography from Augustine onward. Frost examines how Donne patterned his work on models and structures that allowed the blending of chronology, experience, anecdote, and insight into the fullness of extended metaphor reflecting the human condition. Donne's use of biblical typology is treated, as well as his adherence to a poetics rooted in pre-Copernican cosmology, which relies on underlying spatial structures. Finally, Frost reveals the actual numerological structures present in the Devotions and addresses the problem of discursive reading in relation to spatially organized premodern works. Originally published in 1991. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Called to Participate is the late Mark Searle's last testament on liturgical reform. It draws on the teachings, writings, and international lectures of this noted liturgist and professor. Where do we go from here? Seale asks in response to the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council. Searle offers a historical perspective of the roots of liturgical reform during the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. He describes the nature of liturgy as ritual activity, where the people of God are invited to participate in liturgy as sharing in the life of God. Selected aspects of the liturgy are considered, such as the proclamation of the Word. He also comments on the social character of the liturgy, which is to move beyond the assembly to participate in God's work in an outward or public ministry. Called to Participate bids us to form a contemporary spirituality that is firmly rooted in the liturgy. It leads worshipers to find entry points into the mystery of God's work in the world. It is a help to liturgical leaders to grasp the nature and function of liturgy and to inspire faith-filled planning, preaching, and catechesis. Barbara Searle, PhD, is a psychologist at the Madison Center and Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Anne Y. Koester is associate director of the Georgetown Center for Liturgy in Washington, D.C.

Whether you have made prayer a habit for many years or this is your first prayer devotional, inspiration is waiting for you in the daily prayers written here. Ultimately, prayer is a conversation with God. You don't need to use fancy words or recite long passages of Scripture. Just talk to God. Open your heart. He adores you, and he's listening to every word you say. Some days your prayers may be filled with gratitude, some days with repentance, and some with need. Just lay your heart and your prayers at the Father's feet and wait for his powerful response. May God bless you as you connect daily with God. SPECIAL FEATURES - High-grade faux leather cover provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Special heat debossing gives the cover a two-tone appearance and creates indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - This high-quality, sturdy Smythe-sewn binding stitches the signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the binding. - This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off. - Coordinating sturdy zippered closure allows you to tuck important extras inside.

"A modern classic."--The Christian Century

Too many Christians still think that worship is only a Sunday-morning activity done inside the church, while mission involves how the church engages the outside world. But Ruth Meyers argues that a dynamic relationship exists between worship and mission -- that gathering as God's people includes at its heart our being sent out into the world in God's name. Meyers explores this relationship by taking readers through the various parts of the worship service: gathering, proclaiming the Word, praying for the world, celebrating the Eucharist, and going forth to continue participating in God's mission in the world. In each chapter Meyers includes stories of worship practices in different churches and considers how the actions of worship relate integrally to mission. Missional Worship, Worshipful Mission emphasizes that missional worship is not a set of techniques but rather an approach to worship and congregational life in which God's mission permeates every aspect of what the church does.

Composed on the occasion of the poet's near-fatal bout with typhus in 1623, the Devotions contains the essential germ of John Donne's mature thought, embodied in obscurely structured verse/prose divisions. Because of its seeming digressiveness, critics have struggled to understand this most significant of Renaissance texts as a whole. Kate Gartner Frost, however, shows that the Devotions, which combines odd bits of natural history, personal life-data, quotations from scripture, and descriptions of unpleasant medical nostrums with personal religious outpourings, is a unified work belonging to the tradition of English devotional literature and spiritual autobiography from Augustine onward. Frost examines how Donne patterned his work on models and structures that allowed the blending of chronology, experience, anecdote, and insight into the fullness of extended metaphor reflecting the human condition. Donne's use of biblical typology is treated, as well as his adherence to a poetics rooted in pre-Copernican cosmology, which relies on underlying spatial structures. Finally, Frost reveals the actual numerological structures present in the Devotions and addresses the problem of discursive reading in relation to spatially organized premodern works.

Originally published in 1991.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Jesus is our source for everything. When we rely on him alone, our satisfaction in life increases and anxiety begins to subside. Comparisons cease. Unnecessary pursuits pause. And we begin to notice the little things. The things that matter. Life. Breath. Kindness. Stillness. Beauty. This is where we find deep connection with our loving Savior. As you quiet yourself before him and meditate on these Scriptures, devotions, and prayers, experience the goodness of his presence, and be refreshed with his perfect peace. When you recognize that Jesus really is all you need, other concerns fade. Hope dawns with the sunrise. Tender mercies fall fresh. Boundless joy springs up from a well within. And you find the strength to walk through each day with grace. Features: - High-grade faux leather provides durability and exquisite tactile appeal. - Heat debossing on faux leather darkens its color, giving the cover a two-tone appearance and creating indentation which shows off the intricate design and varied texture. - Metallic and matte foil finishing touches are elegantly placed to enhance certain features, capturing attention and adding class for an aesthetic appeal. - This high-quality sturdy Smyth-sewn binding stitches book signatures together creating durability and allowing pages to lay flat when open. Decorative head and foot bands are also added to further complement the overall design. - This matte art high quality paper with a smooth satin touch provides long-lasting vivid coloration and durability. - A beautiful satin ribbon marker conveniently keeps your place so you can quickly pick up where you left off.

A resource to inform, inspire and challenge, Word in Our Time is written for all who take part in worship to help them engage more deeply with the Scripture readings of the day. Preachers will find it an invaluable resource which enables them to make links between the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel texts, bring out their essential message and relate them to the experience and needs of the congregation. In addition to pithy and informed commentary on the principal service readings for each Sunday and major holy day in Year C, the year of Luke, many practical preaching' helps are also included: information on biblical or historical background, variations in interpretation, illustrative quotes and points for application. Those who read in church will be helped by a better understanding what the biblical writers were saying, and for all who prepare for worship by prayerful reading of the lessons for the day, Word in Our Time provides many thoughtful and stimulating insights which will encourage fuller integration between our worship, celebration, learning, spiritual formation and daily living.

The bestselling author of The Cloister Walk reflects on the sanctifying possibilities of everyday work and how God is present in worship and liturgy as well as in ordinary life. Definitely not "for women only."

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." "

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.

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.

"Worship is man's full reason for existence. Worship is why we are born and why we are born again."--A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer earned a legendary reputation as a prophetic voice, and he continues to be a bestselling author half a century after his death. A preacher at heart, he found his greatest joy in practicing the presence of God. Worship was his focus and his passion. His sermons were such a strong declaration of what he discovered during private prayer and worship of the triune God that he had both the ability and the Spirit's anointing to move his listeners to wrestle with what God was saying to the Church. His writings carry the same message to a new generation of worshipers. The Purpose of Man is the perfect introduction to Tozer. Drawn from messages he called his best teaching, this book will also delight those already familiar with, moved by, and changed by his other classics. What Tozer offers on the subject of worship here in The Purpose of Man will challenge you to reconsider your life's priorities while at the same time hold out a cup of Living Water for your soul.

Thomas of Edessa flourished as a teacher at the School of Nisibis, an important Christian intellectual centre in sixth-century Persia. He accompanied the later patriarch Mar Aba on his travels around the Mediterranean and followed him to Nisibis. Thomas's only surviving writings are two lectures in Syriac ('Explanations') on the feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany. These discourses were later incorporated into a collection of Explanations of the Feasts covering the whole ecclesiastical year. This volume presents an edition of Thomas of Edessa's Syriac text of Nativity and Epiphany, accompanied by a facing-page English translation. These discourses, with the editors' introduction and notes, elucidate Thomas's place in the theological development of the Church of the East. He is the earliest author after Narsai to draw extensively upon the theology of Theodore of Mopsuestia, but earlier Syriac traditions are also reflected in his work, and his Christology is not yet the doctrine characteristic of Babai and later East Syriac authors.