Customer Reviews

A Child's Missal

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

There is a quote on the back cover of this book that is very apropos - 'The history of the Church is the history of the Mass,' a statement made by Maria Montessori. This book shows the Mass, a traditional form of the Mass. There are certain elements that some parishes will perform differently (this book shows the priests facing the altar; many parish Masses have the celebrant facing the congregation now), but the overall structure of the Mass remains the same.

This is a book intended for children, but the several adults with whom I have shared the book have all found it to be beautifully presented and very accessible. One person said, 'My mother's book she took to mass was very intimidating to me, but this one makes it look wonderful!' Her sentiment is one that I echo; while I am trained in liturgy and theology (and thus presume to make a claim on some small understanding of what goes on during the Mass), there are other elements of the service that reach out to people in different ways, touching people in body, mind and spirit.

The visual images throughout the text, which include delightful iconography done by Sister Anna Marie McCormick (derivative of eighth-century icons) and children-oriented illuminations done by Adam Repka (again inspired by Christian imagery throughout history), are simply stunning. Rich in colour and detail, they serve the original functions of art in the church, which is to be both educational and devotional. The icons and illuminations tell the story in ways that bare words could never do. These images are supplementary to photography of acolytes, choristers, congregation and clergy performing their various functions together to celebrate the Mass.

Each section of the Mass is presented in a two-page spread. The careful reader will notice the Latin headings in white-reverse printing, very subtle, placed near the centre of each spread; the principle heading in English is on the top right, corresponding to the Latin title. Each section begins with a selection from scripture, and continues with simple explanations about what is happening and why at each point of the Mass. The graphic imagery includes an angel guiding a boy through the pages; this echoes such imaginative treks as Dante's visionary journey in the Divine Comedy.

The pages are durable and colourful, and should stand up to much use; the book itself is a hardback, in anticipation of children's use that can be a bit rough on books. This book is useful for following the action in church services as well as explaining things in catechism or personal learning times.

Patmos is new to publishing; this is one of three books currently available (they also have a book on the Rosary and a book for Sunday Evening Vespers). With books of the quality of this Child's Missal, they cannot help but to grow. This book is a blessing.

Wow! What a gift this was! I was surprised by how easy this book was to use. The pages were filled with many pictures, explanations and reflections for the mass. My children were so interested in the pictures and the different ways to explain what was going on during the mass. I found that I was turning the pages before they were! It not only taught my children about the traditions, the different parts and what we should be reflecting on during mass but it reminded me of everything that I learned growing up with a much simpler and glorified understanding. This Missal enpowered me as a parent to not only be an example but a more knowledgable teacher. Thank you.

I'm not a child psychologist, but I believe one of the best things about this book is that it has something for children of all ages. (I'm sure adults might learn something about the mass from this as well.) My three-year-old is captivated by the pictures on each page which include very reverent photographic images, colorful icons and "cartoon pictures" of a guardian angel explaining different parts of the Mass to a little boy. There are scripture verses on every page as well. All in all a very Roman Catholic presentation of the liturgy which gives more precedent to the mystery and majesty of the Mass than many "children's missals".

I feel like Scrooge here, giving a less-than-stellar review to what is obviously a gorgeous book and a labor of love from devout Roman Catholics. Prospective buyers need to be aware, however, that this is not a traditional missal. While it outlines the SECTIONS of the Mass wonderfully (e.g. the Offertory), it simply does not include what your child is expected to SAY at Mass. That's right - no responses, no Nicene Creed, etc... It's a lovely book, though, just not a missal.

Rich symbolism and the story of Christ's life is briefly introduced on beautifully illustrated pages reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts. Siter Anna Marie McCormick is a self-taught artist who illustrated the left side of the pages with love. Adam Repka created the illustration on the right side of the pages.

So, two artists bring beauty to the sections on Introit Antiphon (Entrance Procession), Readings and Sermon, Offertory (Antiphon and Prayers), Preface and Sanctus, Intercession, Oblation (offering and Epiclesis), Consecration, Memorial (Passion, Resurrection & Ascention), Remembrance, Canon's End, Preparation for Communion, Communion and Thanksgiving, and the Final Blessing.

On the pages about "Readings and Sermon" we see Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem on the right and a picture of a priest on the right. Throughout the book, we gain a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Mass.

~The Rebecca Review

Calling this book a jewel might seem trite, but it's the highest word of praise I can give it. The rich illustrations fairly glow and the text explains the Mass in a simple, succinct way, illuminating the meaning of the Mass and its parts while never once dumbing it down. It's a book that adults can read and enjoy as much as kids will. Never before have I seen a better Mass book for children of all ages, and I speak as a cradle Catholic homeschooler.

This book is the most beautiful child's Missal I've ever seen. The artwork is exquisite and the explanations of the Mass are beautiful, clear, and doctrinally on target. Every Catholic parent should have one of these for their young (and older!) children. Those who are interested in what the Mass is really all about should read this as well. If we had more textbooks like this for children, we wouldn't have so many Catholic children not knowing their faith.

The company that published this book saw fit to include the photo of a pedophile priest, Father Carlos Urrutigoity. He is one of the Priests who helped found the Society of St. John, a traditionalist religious community in Shohola Township, Pennsylvania, in 1998. Shohola, Pennsylvania is the home of this publisher of this book. He was accused, along with another priest, of fondling a boy. A civil case filed by the alleged victim against the diocese, the society, another priest and Urrutigoity was settled for $454,550 in 2005. The publishers of this book know full well that the priest depicted in the book is a pedophile and yet they present him as benevolent cleric celebrating the mass. He is presented as a model of a Catholic priest, someone who could be trusted to guide young minds in the development of their faith. This can be no farther from the truth. This company is profiting from a book with the image of a priest that harms children. Consider this when considering buying this book.