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."

Volume 2 A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Post-Nicene and Constantinopolitan eras through St. Jerome. Volume 2 concludes with Julian of Eclanum (d. 454). Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome; Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouet de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum. In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work. The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouet and much that is not. All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken. The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume. Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists. In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.

Volume 3 A source-book of theological and historical passages from the writings of St. Augustine to the end of the patristic age. Volume 3 ends with St. John of Damascene (d. 749). Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome; Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouet de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum. In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work. The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouet and much that is not. All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken. The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume. Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists. In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.

The Faith of the Early Fathers Series Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras - ends circa 382 Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome; - concludes with Julian of Eclanum (d. 454) Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. - ends with St. John of Damascene (d. 749) The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouet de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum. In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work. The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouet and much that is not. All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken. The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume. Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists. In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.

Volume 1 A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras. Volume 1 ends circa 382. Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome; Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouet de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum. In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work. The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouet and much that is not. All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken. The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume. Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists. In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.