The Mass Is Never Ended: Rediscovering Our Mission to Transform the World (Paperback)

~ Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (Author) "THERE ARE TWO words we laypeople need to redeem from misuse and misunderstanding: vocation and mission..." (more)
Key Phrases: mission worthy, Body of Christ, Holy Spirit, The Christian Spiritual Tradition (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Ave Maria Press (October 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594710694
• ISBN-13: 978-1594710698
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #215,197 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Road to happy, holy, and fulfilled life, October 3, 2007

By	Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The main thesis of this new work by Gregory Pierce is that the Mass of the Catholic Church provides everything we need to be happy, holy, and fulfilled in our lives: a mission worthy of our lives, a community to send us forth, and a spirituality of work. These three embody the 15 chapters of The Mass Is Never Ended, each of which closes with a short "story about" that synthesizes the topic and questions for reflection and discussion.

The mission we share was given by the Father for Jesus to begin, then by Jesus to the first disciples and all who, by virtue of their baptism and confirmation, follow them. Pierce defines the mission as "no less than to transform the world into a place much more like the way God would have things." He then turns to the question of "how?" sharing answers he has discovered in the Mass. The liturgy assures us that bringing about the kingdom is God's job, not ours and that "Jesus never intended that any one person or any single group of us would be able to pull off this mission." Throughout the Mass, we are reminded that our work is acceptable, our failures are forgiven, and we are being sent forth once again so that God may use our collective efforts to accomplish the mission. Tracing the Latin word for "Mass" to a military term from which the word "missile" also derives, Pierce makes the point that the words of the dismissal, however humdrum they may seem, propel us, "like a cannonball," back into our workaday lives. Armed with the sending forth and the promise of re-gathering in a week or less, we approach our work, whatever it is, aware of our mission.

The book's final section on the spirituality of work provides concrete ideas and examples that support the author's argument that it's almost too simple. "Stick close to the Mass," he writes "Allow it to forgive you, to prepare you, and to send you forth. Leave the church as if you had been shot out of a cannon, embrace your mission to make this a better world, and develop your own spirituality of work to sustain you."

Pierce's latest work has much to offer individuals, RCIA groups, retreat planners, and small church communities. Appendixes contain a litany of work, a Eucharistic Prayer that emphasizes "sending forth," and synopses of books and movies that shed light on the spirituality of work.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Joy to Read!, November 8, 2007

By	Joan Williams (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This new book by author and publisher, Gregory Pierce, is a joy to read. It is packed full of powerful reflections on how the Catholic Mass supports and sustains us in carrying out our mission "to help bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven." Pierce makes the vital connection between our celebration of the Mass and our life mission.

The Mass provides us with all we need to carry out what Pierce calls our "mission impossible." We are not alone in this difficult mission of bringing about God's kingdom. Our celebration of the Mass within our respective communities supports us in our work, encourages us when we get discouraged and provides a constant reminder "to do the good that presents itself."

In fifteen short and easy-to-read chapters, Pierce tackles the topics of vocation or mission, the Mass as a sending forth, and the spirituality of work. Included are a mini-story and questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter.

Pierce's writing is clear and down-to earth with delightful touches of humor. For example, regarding the Fall of Adam and Eve, he writes "The first couple of beings off the assembly line were slightly flawed." One of the most exciting parts of the book for me is Pierce's translation of the dismissal, "Ite missa est", at the end of Mass. Instead of the lame-sounding dismissal we often hear, Pierce's lively rewording jumps off the page: "Go, what are you standing around for? Get out of here. You are being sent forth to do something. Go do it!"

"The Mass Is Never Ended: Rediscovering Our Mission to Transform the World" is a refreshing look at the Mass and our Christian mission that will be of great benefit to a wide audience of individuals and small groups. I strongly recommend it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A meaningful reason to become active in their Catholic church, November 3, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Very highly recommended reading, especially for young adults seeking a meaningful reason to become active in their Catholic church and those older Catholics fearing that the Church has diminished commitments to social justice, "The Mass Is Never Ended: Rediscovering Our Mission To Transform The World" by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (an experienced book editor, as well as the president and co-publisher of ACTA Publications), examines the Roman Catholic Mass with respect to its connection to the remaining 167 hours of the week. The purpose of this beautifully written and spiritually inspiring book is to encourage the reader to renew a dedication to the Christian mission of community and spirituality in the home, in the workplace, and in the community, thereby creating a continuing connection to God resulting in their enjoying richer and more fulfilling personal and professional lives.