Customer Reviews

The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I can easily see how this book would be indispensable for those new to the Catholic faith. In fact, I was tempted to buy this book for the entire RCIA class this year (pecuniary interests prevented this, of course).

What may not be so obvious is the value to cradle Catholics. So many details of the Mass are lost in the fog of CCD & "Religion Class" (in my day, calling it "Catechism Class" would have offended the hippies and ex-nuns). Details on the meaning and purpose of bowing vs. genuflecting, signs of the Cross, etc., were invaluable, as was the emphasis on the liturgical calendar and historical origins of different components of the Mass.

The author does a great job of focusing on the Real Meaning, as opposed to simply detailing the mechanics. The Scriptural storyline provided is relevant and helpful, as are the personal anecdotes. Also helpful was the admonition to the overscrupulous. It was particularly appropriate for me to be armed with humility when I began to notice fellow parishioners genuflecting to the empty tabernacle on Good Friday.

The only thing missing from this book is an appendix of prayers during Mass (before & after are provided). While referencing the text of the Gloria, the Confiteor, etc., the full text was not provided. Obviously these can be obtained elsewhere, but it would have been nice to have them for reference in this book.

In summary, Dubruiel's work ought to provide an entertaining and instructive read for any Catholic - cradle, convert, or returning, as well as providing a full explanation for non-Catholics wondering what the "smells & bells" are all about.

As a "cradle Catholic", I'm pleasantly surprised to find how much I learned from this book! At age 25, I obviously know the "how" of mass, but this book also gives the "why" - something I was (unfortunately) never taught in CCD growing up. It explains the rituals of the mass by telling of their uses in the early church and/or relevant passages in the bible. It also gives "opportunities for spiritual growth" in the sidebars that are especially helpful to the cradle Catholic. I know I will get at least twice as much out of attending mass from now on!

The book is an "easy" (fast) read. I read half in one sitting; I suppose it might take a little longer for a new or non-Catholic not already familiar with the traditional mass. It is not too overbearing or complicated and would therefore be great for teens with a ho-hum attitude toward attending mass.

My mother always used to complain that my generation was not taught the "parts of the mass" in CCD as hers was. I don't know if this is a result of changes made by Vatican II, or simply the archdiocese I grew up in. I hope CCD children today are again taught the parts of the mass; I personally purchased this book to learn more myself so I can teach my own children better. After reading it, I wish I could afford to pass out copies at my church to the other parishioners of my generation who are obviously also not getting as much from the mass as they could be!

I agree with another reviewer that it would have been nice if the text of the prayers explained were included in the book, even if just in the back. But don't let this keep you from purchasing it; if you are a cradle Catholic, you already KNOW the prayers. If you are new, they can be easily found in a missal at any Catholic church.

I bought this book several a couple of months ago but just really delved into it more deeply this week. I used it in preparing a talk about the mass for our RCIA group. I have many books on the mass but this one was the most help. The catechumens and candidates and even some of the sponsors got interested in it after seeing me refer to it a few times in my talk. Several of them asked me to order copies for them.

One of the nice features of this book is the content on "how" to go to mass. The author tells us what happens in the mass and why, but also explains how to get more out of the mass every time.
Great book. You won't be sorry for buying it.

Michael Dubruiel's latest book is a terrific resource that should be located on every Catholic family's bookshelf. Whether you are exploring the faith or a lifelong Catholic, this book will provide enlightenment. Dubruiel looks at each part of the Mass in a step-by-step fashion, offering explanations for the biblical backgrounds and traditional reasons behind the prayers and rituals. In the week that I've had this book and been reading it, I've already changed my perspective on celebrating the Eucharist. I would recommend this book as an excellent choice both for families looking to enhance their experience of the Mass and for those looking to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church pertaining to the Mass.

I was born Catholic, before Vatican II and there is so much about the Mass that I didn't know, well I thought I knew until I read this book. The author does a great job at showing how every prayer in the Mass is from the Bible and a running meditation throughout the book helps one to see the connection between the connnection between the Mass and Jesus.
The book is full of helpful advice on how to stay focused during the Mass, how to deal with the quirks of liturgical ministers, and even how to hear a great sermon at every Mass--I found this to be especially a big help because my pastor isn't the greatest preacher.
Everything is presented simply, yet there is a depth of knowledge here that even impressed my pastor when I mentioned to him a topic that I had just read about Lord's Prayer.
I highly recommend this book to those who are Catholic and have never really been given any instruction on the Mass (like me) and also to those who are thinking about joining the Catholic Church and want a better understanding of what goes on during the Mass.

Like its companion book from Our Sunday Visitor, The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions, I thought I might be wasting a 10-spot buying this. Like the original book, I was quite wrong. This is clearly the book for anyone who wishes to probe deeper into the origins and meaning of the Mass but who hasn't had the luxury of a seminary or solid Masters-level study of Catholicism.

Talk being cheap, I buy this for my spiritual directees and we use it as the basis of our discussions once they have progressed from the basics of individual prayer to consideration of the liturgy.

To me, no other writing has even come close to explaining how to attend a Catholic Mass. The author's personal details about kneeling,for example, went beyond the usual descriptions. He sprinkles his opinion throughout with an interesting flair, letting me know how to "behave". I need this intimate approach due to my total ignorance of the church, since I'm a convert. I'm going to buy several more copies for gifts, in order to remove the ignorance barrier that my friends have. In this way, they can make up their own minds without my proselytizing.

This book has really opened my eyes. I was baptized Catholic and remember attending Mass and just doing things because everyone else did. I don't think as children we understood or were interested if we were told the meaning. Now that I am thirty and have three children I want them as well as myself to have a more complete understanding of what is going on and why. This book is easy to understand and has truly made celebrating mass an enriching expierience. Don't hesitate to include this book in your library. This is perfect for anyone who is interested in joining the Catholic faith or anyone who wishes to learn more. How can we teach our children when we truly do not understand ourselves. This book really identifies the parts of mass in an easy to understand language. Did your parents ever tell you what the significance of entering the church doors or why we bless ourselves with holy water before entering the church and what it symbolizes? Or did we just forget exactly why and just did it because that is what we have always done? If so than this book will really explain what we have taken for granted. I will be watching and mindful during the solemnity of the Annuciation of the Lord to genuflect and not bow. If you don't know what I am talking about than you need this book. I can't wait to get other books from this author. I will reading this book over and over.

I'm in the RCIA program for conversion to the Catholic faith. I had numerous questions regarding the Mass that I wanted answered. This book is very thorough about where/when the traditions started and why Catholics today do certain rituals. Some of the facts not even my teachers in the program knew. This is an especially helpful book even for those who where raised in the Catholic church.

This book walks you through every step of the mass. I am a cradle Catholic and I learned alot from this book. This book is rich in information on the Catholic faith as relates to the why and wherefors of everything you see. This is a great resource for all those in the faith as well as those new to the faith.