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Living the Mass: How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life
Second Place, Liturgy category
Catholic Press Association book awards, 2012
“This little book is a gem!” From Sunday Mass to Monday mayhem: Can the central act of Catholic worship transform our daily lives? In the United States, only 25% of self-proclaimed Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis. Many Catholics believe that far more people would attend if only the homilies were better, or the music were more inspiring, or . . . the list goes on. But best-selling authors Fr. Dominic Grassi and Joe Paprocki are convinced that the real problem lies not in the Mass itself but in a lack of understanding of how the Mass prepares each person to live day in and day out as a baptized Catholic Christian.
In Living the Mass , Grassi and Paprocki show how each part of the Mass relates to our baptismal call, closing the chasm between Sunday Mass and daily life. This newly revised edition takes into account the changes in the new Roman Missal , yet rather than isolating those texts or commenting on them, the authors have integrated the changes seamlessly into the book. This assimilation ensures that readers stay focused on the core message of the book—how the Mass as a whole changes us—rather than become sidetracked by the Missal’s new texts.
Ideal for the countless Catholics who attend Mass simply out of habit, for the many who haven’t been to Mass in a while, or for anyone seeking to join the Catholic Church, Living the Mass compellingly demonstrates how the one hour spent at Mass on Sunday can truly transform the other 167 hours of the week.
Catholic Press Association book awards, 2012
“This little book is a gem!” From Sunday Mass to Monday mayhem: Can the central act of Catholic worship transform our daily lives? In the United States, only 25% of self-proclaimed Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis. Many Catholics believe that far more people would attend if only the homilies were better, or the music were more inspiring, or . . . the list goes on. But best-selling authors Fr. Dominic Grassi and Joe Paprocki are convinced that the real problem lies not in the Mass itself but in a lack of understanding of how the Mass prepares each person to live day in and day out as a baptized Catholic Christian.
In Living the Mass , Grassi and Paprocki show how each part of the Mass relates to our baptismal call, closing the chasm between Sunday Mass and daily life. This newly revised edition takes into account the changes in the new Roman Missal , yet rather than isolating those texts or commenting on them, the authors have integrated the changes seamlessly into the book. This assimilation ensures that readers stay focused on the core message of the book—how the Mass as a whole changes us—rather than become sidetracked by the Missal’s new texts.
Ideal for the countless Catholics who attend Mass simply out of habit, for the many who haven’t been to Mass in a while, or for anyone seeking to join the Catholic Church, Living the Mass compellingly demonstrates how the one hour spent at Mass on Sunday can truly transform the other 167 hours of the week.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2005
41 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 16, 2022
This is a newer edition of Living the Mass that reflects the updated translation of the Mass which took effect in 2011. It's a good break down of each segment of Mass, followed by how to incorporate that part of Mass into the six other days of the week when most people aren't at church. It's a good reminder of why Mass proceeds as it does and the significance of each portion of the Mass. That being said, I judge non-fiction books by what I walk away with after reading them. If I come away with one gold nugget that I will remember well into the future, then the book is a five-star one for me. Living the Mass came through with this particular gem: "Too often the phrase 'practicing-Catholic' can be defined solely by attendance at Mass on Sunday. The Concluding Rites, however, remind us that we are to practice our faith day in and day out in the same way that a doctor practices medicine each day." It then goes on to list the seven virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. I had an a-ha moment reading that. My friends and family who say they are no longer practicing Catholics? I'm not accepting that anymore. If they are exhibiting those seven virtues, they are practicing Catholics whether they want to admit it or not!
March 20, 2017
Wonderful book, but a little simpler than I wanted, too light on theology for me, but others would love. The book follows a similar structure for each portion of the Mass. First, an anecdote by one of the authors brings up something useful for a starting point. Then the basics of both the what and the purpose of a section of Mass is explained. Then there is a bit perhaps with another anecdote about what you are supposed to get out of this broadly. The chapter ends with ways to live this out during the rest of the week and an inspiring quote from Scripture or a saint. The Mass is broken down into fairly small sections ie not just Liturgy of Word and Eucharist. Finally, the book wraps up with a review of the way the Ten Commandments are there to help us and how the Mass reinforces them along with the Works of Mercy and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Really adds a great perspective on how to approach Mass with more than a weekly check list item.
July 7, 2018
This book is an easy going read. The author really calls people out in the fact that the world does not revolve around you lol. I got some great insights in this book about little things I didn't know about the mass or how to greater participate. The reading is more on a juvenile level so it's something anyone can read. If I was to describe this book in one word it would be okay. The book doesn't go into great detail and the side stories don't always seem to relate. If your looking for a book to help engage you in the mass pick this one up.
April 26, 2022
This book discusses the different parts of the Mass. Additionally, the authors, Reverend Grassi and Joseph Paprocki provide practical suggestions for applying the Mass to one’s daily life. The book was a good spiritual and educational explanation of the Mass and featured a good set of suggestions for making the Mass relevant to our daily lives. I learned a lot from reading this book. I would recommend this book for anyone who wanted to learn more about the Mass and how to apply it to one’s life. This could be a book for anyone to read and benefit from.
May 17, 2017
It made me think more about a lot of what I take for granted in the mass. Also, one of the authors is my former pastor who I miss, so it was nice to have his perspective in my life again.
January 1, 2021
Excellent book, a truly blessed breakdown of the Sunday Mass. I'll read this book again in the future I really enjoyed this.
February 21, 2022
Our church gives us each a book every year. This is our 2022 book. As a gardener, I love the book quote by Saint Therese “I can prove my love by scattering flowers.” My big take away from the book is the reminder that “Spirituality is about what we are doing with our energy every moment of our lives.” To be a spiritual person, we must live our faith in all that we do, not just in church.
December 26, 2022
This book was a gift last Christmas to the members of our parish. I read it slow to process it all in. It’s so insightful and meaningful.
August 22, 2016
My Parish provided this book to each family at the beginning of Advent. The authors break down the Mass section by section to show how they all fit together, with the ultimate purpose of sending us out to face the world.
The book is written for Catholics, rather than as apologetic, so familiarity wit the rites is assumed. After each Chapter there is a section titled "The Other Six Days," that gives examples of how to use the lessons and examples from that part of the Mass during the rest of the week. The examples aren't "preachy," and many of them are very laity-friendly. The authors are a priest and a married religious educator, who use examples from their lives. (I related to the story of kissing relatives good-bye at family parties!)
This would be a good book for teens to read, especially when they ask why they have to go to Mass each Sunday, as well as adults. As a lector, I found the section on the Liturgy of the Word helpful. The authors don't explain some of the historical significance of the vestments and actions of the priest, but keep their focus on the purpose. The language is straightforward and mostly jargon-free. Good book to read for Lent!
The book is written for Catholics, rather than as apologetic, so familiarity wit the rites is assumed. After each Chapter there is a section titled "The Other Six Days," that gives examples of how to use the lessons and examples from that part of the Mass during the rest of the week. The examples aren't "preachy," and many of them are very laity-friendly. The authors are a priest and a married religious educator, who use examples from their lives. (I related to the story of kissing relatives good-bye at family parties!)
This would be a good book for teens to read, especially when they ask why they have to go to Mass each Sunday, as well as adults. As a lector, I found the section on the Liturgy of the Word helpful. The authors don't explain some of the historical significance of the vestments and actions of the priest, but keep their focus on the purpose. The language is straightforward and mostly jargon-free. Good book to read for Lent!
February 3, 2016
My church gave copies of this book to everyone a while back, and it's been sitting on my bookshelf for a while. I had been wanting to read it to help my get closer to my faith and hopefully bring me back to my roots with the church.
I would say that this is a good read to give you new and expanded meaning for the different parts of the mass, and how they should be applied in our faith and the life we live outside the walls of our church. The authors also use storied throughout to illustrate their points. I do appreciate the explanations and feel like I can go to church and listen and act more in what I am called to do in my world and community, to be a better person and try to help other people. However, I stopped at three stars because much of the message started to run together, and I honestly couldn't tell you the explanation of one part of the mass versus another. It seemed that they all kind of ask us to do the same thing, or build off of each other, so it got very redundant. Also at the end there was a "recap" section with bulleted lists and a lot of those bullet points were redundant and sounded very similar to other bullets. BUT, maybe that's my attention span.
I would say that this is a good read to give you new and expanded meaning for the different parts of the mass, and how they should be applied in our faith and the life we live outside the walls of our church. The authors also use storied throughout to illustrate their points. I do appreciate the explanations and feel like I can go to church and listen and act more in what I am called to do in my world and community, to be a better person and try to help other people. However, I stopped at three stars because much of the message started to run together, and I honestly couldn't tell you the explanation of one part of the mass versus another. It seemed that they all kind of ask us to do the same thing, or build off of each other, so it got very redundant. Also at the end there was a "recap" section with bulleted lists and a lot of those bullet points were redundant and sounded very similar to other bullets. BUT, maybe that's my attention span.
November 7, 2013
Excellent resource. Catechists can use the facts here to teach. Jaded Catholics who have grown tired of the rites and rituals can find new life at Mass. Outsiders looking in can learn why the Catholic Mass is structured the way it is. This book goes beyond explaining the Catholic Mass. It gives ideas on what baptized Catholics are called to do outside of the Sabbath day. Live the faith you profess by having a clear understanding of your obligations and calling. Read this book to understand how the Mass is a lifeline to live in love, peace and harmony with all of God's creatures.
February 26, 2015
I read this book about ten years ago and LOVED it. It really added to my experience of the mass. I remember thinking at the time that i ought to buy a copy for our parish library, as i thought it should be available to everyone.
After trying to remember the title for a good year or so, i finally found it again at the library. I'll check back and let you know if it was as good the second time around!
Btw The Lambs supper by Scott Hahn also came highly recommended to me!
After trying to remember the title for a good year or so, i finally found it again at the library. I'll check back and let you know if it was as good the second time around!
Btw The Lambs supper by Scott Hahn also came highly recommended to me!
December 24, 2016
This book was chosen for our book discussion at church. It impressed me with the way it outlined the mass bringing the message of each part of the mass to our daily lives. I enjoyed the first six chapters. After that, I was too distracted to get out of the book what the authors intended for the reader. I have to blame myself, too many obligations, a vacation, and a difficult time spiritually to really read the book well. I hope to pick it up again someday.
July 10, 2008
While directed toward Catholics, this is a very readable book for those who want to learn about the Mass. For Catholics, it sheds light on some things we take for granted and provides us with the opportunity to think about the motions we go through each week. It allowed me to get more out of the Mass. Well worth the time.
January 19, 2013
Great concept but I think I would have laid the book out differently. It was rather redundant and common sense.
October 6, 2013
Resource for Sac Prep, always re-reading
November 26, 2016
A good book for Confirmation.
October 3, 2014
Excellent
April 9, 2015
I read this book as part of a discussion group at my church. It was easy to read, yet generated worthwhile faith-sharing
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews