Pocket Guide to the Mass

by Michael Schmitz, Edward Sri

The Mass is meant to transform you. Even for the most devout Catholics, attending Mass can sometimes feel routine. Many find themselves going through the motions, feeling bored, or distracted by thoughts and responsibilities. Yet the Mass is the greatest act of worship in all creation. It is the closest we come to heaven on earth. What if you could enter more fully into what is truly happening? In The Pocket Guide to the Mass, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri invite you to see the Liturgy not as a familiar ritual, but as a profound encounter with Christ. This accessible guide helps you understand and participate in the Mass with renewed clarity, devotion, and awe. Inside this guide you’ll The theological foundation of the Mass Why we go to Mass in the first place The four main parts of the Mass and how each draws you closer to God The biblical roots and rich history of the Liturgy Why the Sunday obligation is central to our faith How to prepare your heart before Mass and remain present throughout What is really happening on the altar How to respond with intention rather than distraction How to pray the Mass following the example of the saints The complete Order of the Mass with explanations for each gesture and prayer This addition to Ascension’s best-selling Pocket Guide collection is perfectly designed to bring with you to Mass and follows along with Fr. Mike’s teaching Mass. Whether you’re new to the Mass, returning after a long absence, or have attended for years but long for a deeper experience, this guide will transform how you approach the Liturgy. Walk out of every Mass changed, renewed, and closer to Jesus.

Genres: Catholic

176 pages, Leather Bound

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

Ordained for the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota in 2003, Fr. Michael Schmitz is currently the Director of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the diocese. Fr. Michael is known nationally for his inspiring homilies, his presentations and talks to university students, and his tremendous sense of humor. (IgnatiusPress.com)

Reviews

[Casan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Easy to read and understand. I can hear Father Mike’s voice as I read it. As someone who converted to Catholicism through the Anglican Ordinariate, I struggle to follow the Novus Ordo. This was a perfect guide to better understand the Mass.

[Artie Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSTRUCTIVE EXPLANATION OF THE MASS

I encourage everyone to read this treasure. Catholics and curious non-Catholics are provided an in depth explanation to what is going on during our reverence to God and Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The explanation is complete but in easily understood language.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pocket Guide to the Mass by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri is exactly what it claims to be, a practical, accessible companion rather than a dense theological deep dive.

I’ve grown quite fond of these little pocket guides, and this is another solid addition. It’s the kind of book you can actually take with you to Mass, not something that sits untouched on a shelf. The full order of the Mass is included, along with a thoughtful selection of prayers, which makes it genuinely useful in the moment, not just informative.

What I appreciated most was the walkthrough of the Mass. It gently explains why we do what we do, without overcomplicating things. There’s something quietly grounding about understanding the meaning behind each gesture and response, especially in something as familiar as the Mass, which can sometimes become routine if we’re not attentive.

It’s simple, clear, and purposeful.

Not exhaustive, but it doesn’t need to be. It does exactly what it sets out to do, and it does it well.

[Leo Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TRUE BLESSING TO NOW UNDERSTAND THE HOLY MASS!!!🙏❤️💕

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide I read in one sitting! Clear and concise! I also really loved the prayers at the end and how it explained each gesture and symbol of the Holy Mass.

The Eucharist is life!

[Billy Kangas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick overview. I'm not sure what the real use case of this will be in practice, but some helpful basic overview.

[Taylor Mannecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic for being a guide book! Gave me enough to think on but not so much info that I was overwhelmed!