If Your Mind Wanders at Mass [Paperback]

Thomas Howard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

Distractions, fatigue, boredom at Sunday worship-maybe we experience these because we don't fully appreciate what's going on at Mass. Howard's profound and practical look at the liturgy focuses our wandering minds. It reminds us that at Mass the veil separating earth and heaven lifts, so that we stand with angels and saints in the presence of God Most High.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Every Catholic needs this book. I need this book."
-Scott Hahn

"Howard's reflective guidance is just what we need after many years of busy ways of getting into a participate mode. He shows us how to pay attention and let the wonder of the Eucharist touch our souls."
-Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem., Author, Celebrating the Mass

"A book that will be treasured by anyone who wants to get more out of Mass. A gem in any age, it is especially valuable today when people are given so few sound, practical helps for understanding and appreciating the divine gift that is the Mass."
-James Akin, Author, Mass Confusion: The Do's and Don't of Catholic Worship

"Howard provides an essential but missing piece in our equipment: a contemporary step by step, prayer by prayer, guide through the Mass, founded on firm orthodoxy, sensitive to the meaning of the liturgy as it has been given to us, and expressed in his vivid prose for which he is justly famous."
-Steven Clark, Author, Catholics and the Eucharist

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 105 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898707617
• ISBN-13: 978-0898707618
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #685,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Worship & Devotion > Hymnals
  • #64 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Clergy > Sermons

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, short, easy to read book, May 18, 2006

By 

Jessica R. Westberg "A Catholic with a sense ... - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: If Your Mind Wanders at Mass (Paperback)

What a simply wonderful book! This book really helped me to get more out of my participation at Mass, and to understand why things the way they are at Mass. This is a book you can go back to, time after time.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful at every Mass I've attended, November 22, 2006

By 

estelle (New York State) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: If Your Mind Wanders at Mass (Paperback)

Thomas Howard's book, If Your Mind Wanders at Mass, has given me visual images and insights that I have carried with me at every Mass I've attended since reading it. The significance of each part of the Mass is beautifully explained. For instance, Mr. Howard discusses the very first prayers at the Mass, where we first approach the Almighty God. What will the response of the Almighty be to His creatures? A greeting of peace and fellowship - how could God be so good to us? I had never really noticed the number of times the greetings such as "The Lord be with you/And also with you" are exchanged during the Mass, and Mr. Howard suggests that such greetings resound throughout heaven, that place of peace and love. Simple yet profound thoughts on all parts of the Mass are found throughout this small book. Reading it has given me a far greater appreciation for the gift of the Mass and greatly increased my gratitude for being able to participate in it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Those Who Want More Out of Mass, September 7, 2008

By 

Antoinette Klein (Hoover, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: If Your Mind Wanders at Mass (Paperback)

Thomas Howard has compiled an easy-to-read, step-by-step guide through the Catholic Mass. I feel this would be especially helpful for non-Catholics planning on attending a service or converts to Catholicism who want to develop a deeper appreciation for the traditions embodied in the Mass. As a life-long Catholic and the product of twelve years of Catholic schooling, I didn't find anything particularly new or revealing, but it was a good review of the things I already knew. I didn't think the title did justice to the material, but I believe his theory was that if you fully understand what is taking place you will be deeply committed to participating and not distracted by extraneous thoughts. I applaud his style and feel this is as good a guide to the Mass as any I've seen. He carefully dissects each part of the Mass giving a full explanation as to its history and liturgical significance and concisely explains why the Mass is the central act of Catholic worship.