Catholic Etiquette: What You Need to Know about Catholic Rites and Wrongs [Hardcover]

Ka Isca (Author), Kay L. Isca (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997

Are there really such things as "Catholic" manners? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" A distinctive etiquette code specific to Catholicism does exist - a code that is not always well-known or completely observed. With the refreshingly unbiased view of a convert, author Kay Lynn Isca has created a modern manual of Catholic "rites and wrongs" that helps all of us decipher and explore that code. Catholic Etiquette, the first modern guide to appropriate behavior in Catholic situations, covers many aspects of daily and seasonal Catholic life, including topics such as: What should you expect at a Catholic funeral Mass? When is the best time to arrange for a Baptism? Who is allowed to take Communion at Mass? Where should families with young children sit in church? No matter whether you are a lifelong Catholic, a convert, or a non-Catholic involved with Catholic friends or family, Catholic Etiquette provides a practical guide to help you mind your manners in any Catholic situation. "Catholics sometimes forget how 'different' they are until they are reminded by puzzled non-Catholics. The author celebrates the differences she discovered upon entering the Catholic Church, and has produced a guidebook for the puzzled (including many Catholics, no doubt) that is simple, informed, and delightfully engaging." - The Rev. Richard John Neuhaus , editor-in-chief, First Things   Table of Contents: Preface Introduction A Special Note to Readers Who Are Not Catholic Mass Fundamentals The Mass Liturgy Children at Mass Baptism First Communion Confirmation Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick Holy Orders Marriage Funerals Daily and Seasonal Catholic Living Index

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Anyone who wants to learn about 'things Catholic' will want to read this book." -- Harry Grile, C.SS.R., Liguorian Magazine

"I would recommend this as a useful resource for anyone with questions about the how's or why's of Catholic etiquette." -- Susan Hines-Brigger, St. Anthony Messenger

"Isca has produced a guidebook for the puzzled (including many Catholics, no doubt) that is simple, informed, and delightfully engaging." -- The Reverend Richard John Neuhaus, Editor-in-chief, First Things

"There is information here that even the most conscientious practicing Catholic might find helpful...." -- Mary Ellen Quinn, Booklist

"This book should be required reading for all Catholics!... Isca ...leads us through the sacraments, explaining their history and beauty." -- Gene Rohling, Catholic Online forum of CompuServe

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor (IN) (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879735902
• ISBN-13: 978-0879735906
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #707,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 96 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for "cradle" Catholics, too!, August 29, 2000

By 

SBeck (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catholic Etiquette: What You Need to Know about Catholic Rites and Wrongs (Hardcover)

As a lifelong or "cradle" Catholic, I mechanically followed the rituals of the Church - genuflecting, dipping my fingertips into the holy water, making the sign of the cross, etc... During Mass, I stood, sat, and kneeled on cue without hesitation, but also with little thought.

This engaging book, while perhaps targeted at those recently converting (or considering) to Catholicism, in a few short chapters, enriched my understanding of my own faith. By exploring the historical origins of the many rituals and customs in a straightforward and easy-to-read manner, Ms. Isca has enhanced my Catholic education.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for new catholics, January 6, 2000

By 

Tina Owens (Beaufort, South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catholic Etiquette: What You Need to Know about Catholic Rites and Wrongs (Hardcover)

This book was given to me by a friend while I was taking the "re-embering" class at church. I had a lot of basic questions that were a little to basic for the nun to answer. Bless her heart, she just knew too much and never got her answers basic enough for my questions. A friend in my class gave me the book because she understood what it was I was asking and knew the book had the answers.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Like I said, it answered so many questions. I wanted to know what I was supposed to be doing at mass and not make all the mistakes other people make because they are just doing what they see other people do.

I am now sponsoring a girl who is considering becoming a Catholic and I gave her the book for Christmas because I know she will find it helpful. This is a great book for non-catholics or new ones.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good - especially for Catholic converts, April 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Catholic Etiquette: What You Need to Know about Catholic Rites and Wrongs (Hardcover)

The author was a former Protestant, and so she explains a lot of the differences between the two religions, both philosophical differences and visible differences. I would recommend the book for non-Catholics who want to know why Catholics do the things they do, or those who might have occasion to attend a Catholic mass, funeral, baptism, confirmation, or other event, and want to know the proper things to do. It is also useful for recent converts to the Catholic religion because the author answers the questions she had herself. It's a very good book that I believe to be accurate, and is entertaining at the same time.