Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A guide to Celebration [Paperback]

Howard E. Gally (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1989

“Unlike liturgical manuals of the past, which were intended specifically for the use of the clergy, this book is directed to a wider audience—to members of parish worship committees, priests, organists and directors of music, lectors, deacons, cantors and other singers, bishops, altar guild members, acolytes—in short, to all who bear responsability for the planning and conduct of public worship.”
—from the Preface

So begins Howard Galley’s classic guide to the Eucharistic liturgy, The Ceremonies of the Eucharist. Galley opens his formidable liturgical learning and veteran ecclesial experience for all worshippers to access. Throughout, he enhances his suggestions for practice with “the rationale and historical background” for his recommendations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Out of his deep familiarity with both liturgical tradition and the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Howard Galley has provided a guide to the use of the Prayer Book that is sensitive both to its liturgical and theological backgrounds and to the practical and pastoral issues surrounding public worship today. (Thomas J. Talley )

This is more than a mere manual of ceremony. Based on a deep knowledge of the history of worship, Galley shows us that liturgy is living action, the work of an assembled people of God. Read, enjoy, and use this book. (Ormonde Plater )

Howard Galley’s book is an important guide to the use of the Book of Common Prayer and provides historical and liturgical perspectives on the actions of both officiants and congregation. An informative and practical treatment of the ceremonial tradition. (Lloyd Patterson )

An absolutely superb book. I highly recommend it. (Richard F. Grien )

About the Author

HOWARD E. GALLEY was the working editor of the Episcopal Church's 1979 revision of The Book of Common Prayer. His immense knowledge of liturgy, language, and church tradition permeates that revision, as well as The Occasional Services. Before his death in 1993, Galley also served as editor for The Prayer Book Office, Morning and Evening Prayer, The Altar Book, and Lesser Feasts and Fasts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications (January 25, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936384832
• ISBN-13: 978-0936384832
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A Guide to Celebration, June 6, 2000

By 

Susan N. Eaves - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A guide to Celebration (Paperback)

The Ceremonies of the Eucharist is an excellent guide for those persons responsible for Eucharistic worship. It is particularly helpful for clergy and lay people seeking ways to improve and deepen the quality of their liturgy (worship services) through the introduction of well thought out and theologically sound ceremonies. Galley's book is intended largely for an Episcopal readership as he seeks to create the liturgical environment intended by the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. What makes this book especially useful is that he not only explains how things might be done but also discusses how differnces in size of congregation will effect choices. Overall he achieves a good balance between formality and hospitality in worship. The book is Anglican in its spirituality and breadth. Non-episcoplains would find this book interesting as an additional resource in deciding what shape and style their worship might take.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful guide to Liturgy, July 9, 2006

By 

Marty O. "Bibliophile" (Brunswick, Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A guide to Celebration (Paperback)

This book walks Priest, Deacon, Acolyte and lay ministers through the liturgy in a parallel guide, so you can see what each person needs to be doing and what others are doing at the same time. The book also discusses why things are done the way they are and when there are different approaches which is preferable. Highly recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The liturgy accessible to all, August 26, 2006

By 

Lord Cockrell of Bounds Green "Trevor" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ceremonies of the Eucharist: A guide to Celebration (Paperback)

The most appealing aspect of this book is that it allows everyone access to what is normally the province of the clergy. That is a good thing because it is often forgotten in churches, even the Episcopal Church, that liturgy is the work of the people, not something to be imposed from on high by the rector.

In typical Anglican fashion, Galley attempts to walk the via media. He gives readers broad latitude in shaping their own liturgy while explaining what many Episcopalians can not answer: why do we do that? While some of the practices he endorses and not for everyone, this book is an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in the liturgy of the Episcopal Church.