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.

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).""

This volume presents a kind of anticipated companion volume to the HBS edition of the Directorium Sacerdotum, a variety of ordinal or directory, which was privately compiled by Clement Maydeston, who though a priest held formally the post of 'deacon' at the Brigittine Abbey of Syon, Middlesex (c. 1390-1456). Despite these origins, the compilation acquired a de facto official status. The Directorium Sacerdotum itself was published as volumes 20 and 22. The Directorium aimed in part at providing calendrical and rubrical solutions for those observing the Sarum Use. It did this by making a distinction between the practice of the Salisbury cathedral chapter and the practice that could reasonably be required from the many others in England who followed in general the Sarum Use. Maydeston's position was that outside the Salisbury chapter it was reasonable to make modifications to meet local conditions and calendars. This was deemed unacceptable by some, who maintained that the practice observed at Salisbury itself should be followed everywhere. This line of argument ignored the fact that in any case there were contradictions between the existing manuscript drafts of the Sarum ordinal and the rubrics of the liturgical books. The edition focuses in particular on two printed texts which offer Maydeston's defence. The first is the Defensorium Directorii Sacerdotum printed in successive editions of the Directorium Sacerdotum by Wynkyn de Worde in 1495 . The second is the text Crede Michi, a longer and more considered rubrical tract compiled by Maydeston but incorporating rubrical adjudications made by the Salisbury canons c. 1440-1450, and partly based on an earlier work by one John Raynton. The text given is that printed by Wynkyn de Worde in the quarto of 1495.

The order for the coronation of William III and Mary at Westminster on 11 April 1689 (from London, College of Arms, MS L.19; Lambeth Palace, Misc.MS 1077) with a fourteenth century Anglo-French text (Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 20) and an eleventh century rite for the coronation of an Anglo-Saxon kingfrom an English pontifical (Cambridge, Corpus Christi College, MS 44). With apparatus and considerable notes.

A handy guide for couples, family members, and priests in the preparation for a Catholic wedding. It includes the entire liturgical rite with options, practical details of church arrangements, an insightful commentary, and valuable checklists.

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 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.

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.

This practical guide introduces readers of all denominations to the roots and wings of worship as celebrated in the Afri-Zairean experience, and offers them insights for developing authentic and sensitive worship celebrations for the parish community.

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."

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 1993 and 1994, The Centre for Christianity and the Arts at the Institute of Church History, University of Copenhagen, arranged symposia with liturgy and the arts in the Middle Ages as the uniting theme. Scholars, with different professional backgrounds and from different European countries, as well as from the USA, presented papers of which 11 are collected and published in this book.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

* 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

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.

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.