Most Helpful Customer Reviews
151 of 155 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One-stop-shopping for all, April 26, 2003
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
118 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Enlightened Cradle Catholic, November 14, 2003
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I highly recommend this book!, August 3, 2003
By A Customer
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192250339_.gif){kind=small}
