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The How-To Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
Maybe you are a recent convert, or perhaps you've attended Mass your whole life, but there are still things that puzzle you, when you should genuflect and when you should bow; what the different books used at Mass are and what they contain; the meaning of words like "Amen," "Alleluia," or "Hosanna"; what to do during the sign of peace. You aren't alone. The How-to Book of the Mass not only provides the who, what, where, when, and why of the most time-honored traditions of the Catholic Church, but also the how. All in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format. In this complete guide to the celebration of the Eucharist you
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
55 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 1, 2017
Have you attended Mass your whole life? Are you a recent convert? Have you never darkened a Catholic church's door but wonder what the heck they're doing in there? This is for you!
Really. It's a remarkably gentle book, full of wisdom, but without being pushy. There are a lot of little gems about best serving Christ at His Mass, and taking it with you when you go, that hit home. Even if you know all the parts of Mass and their purpose, the reflections offered are very helpful for focusing wandering attention. (Just me?) I think my First Communicant is too young, but I will be re-reading this and sharing it with my kids. I recommend reading it a bit at a time, to let it sink in. As I've attended Mass while reading it, my appreciation has deepened, and I can't ask much more than that.
Really. It's a remarkably gentle book, full of wisdom, but without being pushy. There are a lot of little gems about best serving Christ at His Mass, and taking it with you when you go, that hit home. Even if you know all the parts of Mass and their purpose, the reflections offered are very helpful for focusing wandering attention. (Just me?) I think my First Communicant is too young, but I will be re-reading this and sharing it with my kids. I recommend reading it a bit at a time, to let it sink in. As I've attended Mass while reading it, my appreciation has deepened, and I can't ask much more than that.
September 21, 2024
A "HOW-TO" BOOK INTENDED FOR BOTH THE "NEWBIE" AND THE LIFELONG CATHOLIC
Author Michael Dubruiel has also written books such as 'How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist,' 'Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries,' 'A Pocket Guide to the Mass,' 'There Are No Accidents: In All Things Trust in God,' 'A Pocket Guide to Confession,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2002 book, "A few years ago, Our Sunday Visitor published a very popular book entitled 'The How to Book of Catholic Devotions.' That book took the lifelong Catholic and the neophyte through the traditional practices and devotions of Catholics and explained those practices and devotions in a a simple fashion. This book is an attempt to accomplish the same goal, this time explaining the supreme act of Catholic worship, the celebration of the Mass. You may be a lifelong Catholic or someone contemplating joining the Catholic Church. In either case you will find in this book a simple guide to accompany you through every celebration of the Mass." (Pg. 15)
He observes, "Some of us play an intellectual game at Mass of finding fault with the way the Mass is celebrated... But the Mass is not a place for us to sit back like movie critics and to find fault; rather, it is a place to encounter Jesus Christ. Some of those who encountered the Son of God during His earthly ministry complained about His lowly estate...
"Part of this lowering was being raised in Galilee. Galileans were considered unlettered and uneducated by the religious elite in Jerusalem. Recent Bible studies have revealed hints that Jesus was thought of in this way by some of His contemporaries. We also see this in the Scriptures themselves, when our Lord's Aramaic is not as perfect as the Jews living in Jerusalem would have spoken it... This might scandalize some of us who expect that if God were to become human, He would be perfect in every way. But a reading of the Gospels shows us that God truly lowered Himself, from being born in a cave to having 'nowhere to lay his head' during his life on Earth." (Pg. 27)
He argues, "Being a critic of the Mass has become somewhat of a hobby in the post-Vatican II Church. There are books devoted to identifying whether your priest is celebrating a valid Mass and whom to report him to if he is not... A lot of people are wasting their time policing the way their parish priest says Mass or the way some other minister fulfills a function at Mass. These attempts at liturgical purity only lead to the worshiper becoming a spectator or critic. It is a grave temptation that keeps us from fully receiving Christ!" (Pg. 28)
He says, "What should we think of when the Gloria is omitted during Advent and Lent? If you are a lifelong Catholic, it may seem awkward when we don't sing the Gloria. This is the power or ritual. We get used to the 'sameness' of the Mass, and it disturbs us when there is a break in the ritual. We should pause to reflect during the awkwardness of the seasons of Advent and Lent on why we are not praising God for sending His Son... It helps, then, to again encounter the absence of the Gloria, which reminds us that Christ has come. It allows us to wallow a bit in our sins, but only to more fully experience what God has done for us in sending His Son..." (Pg. 65-66)
He argues, "It is important that we mean what we say when we profess our faith. There are still churches that call themselves Catholic but close the doors to people who are not in the same ethnic group as the majority. This is a horrible scandal and mockery of the creed in which we proclaim that our faith is universal. There is no such animal as the American Catholic Church or the French Catholic Church or the Italian Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is a universal Church recognizing that Christ has called all people to share in His sacrifice and banquet." (Pg. 130)
This book is a very informative reference for Catholics (or others) who want to know more about what is involved in the Mass.
Author Michael Dubruiel has also written books such as 'How to Get the Most Out of the Eucharist,' 'Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries,' 'A Pocket Guide to the Mass,' 'There Are No Accidents: In All Things Trust in God,' 'A Pocket Guide to Confession,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2002 book, "A few years ago, Our Sunday Visitor published a very popular book entitled 'The How to Book of Catholic Devotions.' That book took the lifelong Catholic and the neophyte through the traditional practices and devotions of Catholics and explained those practices and devotions in a a simple fashion. This book is an attempt to accomplish the same goal, this time explaining the supreme act of Catholic worship, the celebration of the Mass. You may be a lifelong Catholic or someone contemplating joining the Catholic Church. In either case you will find in this book a simple guide to accompany you through every celebration of the Mass." (Pg. 15)
He observes, "Some of us play an intellectual game at Mass of finding fault with the way the Mass is celebrated... But the Mass is not a place for us to sit back like movie critics and to find fault; rather, it is a place to encounter Jesus Christ. Some of those who encountered the Son of God during His earthly ministry complained about His lowly estate...
"Part of this lowering was being raised in Galilee. Galileans were considered unlettered and uneducated by the religious elite in Jerusalem. Recent Bible studies have revealed hints that Jesus was thought of in this way by some of His contemporaries. We also see this in the Scriptures themselves, when our Lord's Aramaic is not as perfect as the Jews living in Jerusalem would have spoken it... This might scandalize some of us who expect that if God were to become human, He would be perfect in every way. But a reading of the Gospels shows us that God truly lowered Himself, from being born in a cave to having 'nowhere to lay his head' during his life on Earth." (Pg. 27)
He argues, "Being a critic of the Mass has become somewhat of a hobby in the post-Vatican II Church. There are books devoted to identifying whether your priest is celebrating a valid Mass and whom to report him to if he is not... A lot of people are wasting their time policing the way their parish priest says Mass or the way some other minister fulfills a function at Mass. These attempts at liturgical purity only lead to the worshiper becoming a spectator or critic. It is a grave temptation that keeps us from fully receiving Christ!" (Pg. 28)
He says, "What should we think of when the Gloria is omitted during Advent and Lent? If you are a lifelong Catholic, it may seem awkward when we don't sing the Gloria. This is the power or ritual. We get used to the 'sameness' of the Mass, and it disturbs us when there is a break in the ritual. We should pause to reflect during the awkwardness of the seasons of Advent and Lent on why we are not praising God for sending His Son... It helps, then, to again encounter the absence of the Gloria, which reminds us that Christ has come. It allows us to wallow a bit in our sins, but only to more fully experience what God has done for us in sending His Son..." (Pg. 65-66)
He argues, "It is important that we mean what we say when we profess our faith. There are still churches that call themselves Catholic but close the doors to people who are not in the same ethnic group as the majority. This is a horrible scandal and mockery of the creed in which we proclaim that our faith is universal. There is no such animal as the American Catholic Church or the French Catholic Church or the Italian Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is a universal Church recognizing that Christ has called all people to share in His sacrifice and banquet." (Pg. 130)
This book is a very informative reference for Catholics (or others) who want to know more about what is involved in the Mass.
July 3, 2023
Great!
I had this book since last year, putting it off until recently. After reading this, I must say that it described the Novus Ordo Mass well, connecting the liturgy to ancient Judaism, the New Testament, the Early Church, the Middle Ages, and the pre-Vatican II times. It did so by going through the Mass as it goes, describing the Procession, gospel reading, consecration, and the whole Mass in general.
I recommend this book highly to all Catholics (especially the Roman Rite and new converts to Catholicism), religious studies majors, all other Christian denominations, catechists, seminarians, Catholic youth groups, and chaplaincies.
I had this book since last year, putting it off until recently. After reading this, I must say that it described the Novus Ordo Mass well, connecting the liturgy to ancient Judaism, the New Testament, the Early Church, the Middle Ages, and the pre-Vatican II times. It did so by going through the Mass as it goes, describing the Procession, gospel reading, consecration, and the whole Mass in general.
I recommend this book highly to all Catholics (especially the Roman Rite and new converts to Catholicism), religious studies majors, all other Christian denominations, catechists, seminarians, Catholic youth groups, and chaplaincies.
January 23, 2024
I believe that every Catholic should read The How-To-Book of the Mass. As a convert, I learned so much about the reasons behind the traditions of the Mass. It's a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Mass.
The How-To-Book of the Mass is a comprehensive guide that delves into the rich history and meaning behind every aspect of the Catholic Mass. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or a newcomer to the faith, this book provides valuable insights and explanations that will enhance your experience of this sacred ritual.
The How-To-Book of the Mass is a comprehensive guide that delves into the rich history and meaning behind every aspect of the Catholic Mass. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic or a newcomer to the faith, this book provides valuable insights and explanations that will enhance your experience of this sacred ritual.
April 11, 2025
Read some of this every day for Lent 2025, and it was such an informative overview! This book helped me gain a better understanding of and appreciation for Mass. Going to Mass has started feeling less routine and more dynamic, and I’ve started looking forward to it every weekend.
December 14, 2025
This was a good introduction to the mass, but I was disappointed by the lack of depth. Granted, I am not new to the church, so maybe I am not the intended audience. However, a lot of stuff felt surface level and I was hoping for more detailed explanation and nuance.
November 17, 2019
Waisted of your life, go spend time with loved rather than read and contemplate on this rubbish
March 29, 2020
The explanations were very clear. What a great read for a deep understanding of everything in the Mass.
September 27, 2022
Clear, informative, and enlightening.
Read
June 26, 2023Simple easy read with good references. Basic great place to start.
June 10, 2011
I borrowed this book from the library in preparation for starting RCIA in September, and in order to hopefully get more out of attending Mass in the meantime. While the book claims to be written for non-Catholics as well as "cradle" Catholics, it is obviously written with the latter group in mind. However, it was very informative and I learned quite a bit both about the Mass and the Catholic faith. The most surprising thing, to both me and my "cradle" Catholic husband, was that I am evidently supposed to be leaving after the Liturgy of the Word. My husband does not remember ever seeing anyone dismissed during Mass, so he seemed rather surprised when I mentioned it. We live in a small town and attend a rather small parish, so perhaps this isn't practiced here . . . or perhaps the priest will start dismissing us when the RCIA class starts in September. I'm not sure, but I guess I'll find out. My husband asked if it was an old book, and perhaps it was an outdated practice, but since this was published in 2002, I don't think that is the case. I did not give it more stars because I felt that it wasn't really written so much for non-Catholics as much as it was for members of the Church. It seemed to discuss catechumans and candidates as outsiders, and did not address them as if they might be reading the book. In fact, the language and tone of the book assumed that the reader was a confirmed Catholic and full member of the Church. In a few places, the author even went so far as to address how the reader differed from the catechumans and why they couldn't participate in the Mass the same way as the reader. Since one of the reasons I picked the book was that the introduction stated that this book was for someone who "may be a lifelong Catholic or someone contemplating joining the Catholic Church." Despite my disappointment, the book is incredibly informative and interesting.
March 1, 2008
A good basic reference. I thought it was well organized and contained a lot of good information. One of the reasons I read this book was to help me understand why different churches don't always (seem to) celebrate the Mass exactly the same way. This book cleared up most of my questions to that effect, but left a few unanswered. I was able to supplement this with Catholicism for Dummies which filled in the gaps for me. Overall it is a great reference.
July 14, 2016
A fair attempt, if watered down, at instructing the faithful in the Mass. This book is a literal 'how-to', as even things such as the sign of the cross are explained in painful detail. This dedication to precision pays off at some points, and plenty of thoughtful and interesting points are raised. However, the book ironically suffers from a lack of focus more often than not, as well as from awkward blocks of texts which severely restrict the flow of the book.
December 17, 2007
Despite being a "cradle Catholic," or maybe because I fall into that category, there are a lot of holes in my understanding of Catholic theology and practices. This was a quick read which opened my eyes and heart to a deeper understanding of many aspects of the Mass.
January 23, 2008
This is helpful resource on the western Mass. It goes through the entire Mass explaining the order, the meaning of gestures and symbols throughout, and the history of the different pieces that make up the Mass.
April 21, 2008
When I first came into the Catholic church I found this to be very insightfull in understanding the parts of the mass. I also felt I learned a lot about the faith for such a small book.
September 9, 2009
very helpful. I feel so much better now that I understand the whys and whats of Mass. I can simply concentrate on my time with the Lord now.
December 24, 2009
A step by step guide to the Catholic Mass. This book takes a contemplative approach to understanding why and how the Mass unfolds and how the attendee can participate and enjoy it.
September 22, 2012
I really enjoyed the author's personal approach, reverence for the Mass, and practical, clear explanations. Excellent resource for anyone who wants to know WHY Catholics do what they do.
October 1, 2012
Really useful book for new Catholics and probably useful even to old ones who want to get more out of the mass.
September 11, 2016
3.5 stars. Solid overview of the mass for those new to Catholicism.
May 5, 2015
It's great for new Catholic's, I didn't come across anything that I didn't already know..but one thing. If your to embarrassed to ask what everything means, this is a good place to start.
February 7, 2011
Excellent book!!! Brings light and meaning to everything we do during Mass.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews