General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours

Liturgia Horarum

by Catholic Church, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

An essential resource for "liturgical formation of the People of God," Introduction to the Order of Mass offers a detailed guide to the celebration of Mass, from introductory to concluding rites. An accompaniment to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the pastoral Introduction provides scriptural and historical context for the acts, objects, materials, symbols, rites, and prayers of the Mass-and in so doing helps all reach fuller and more active participation. As the Introduction makes clear, the celebration of Mass is "the work of the whole body of Christ; the ministers and other members of the congregation have a part in the action and a contribution to make." Whether a priest or deacon, lector or liturgical musician, server, usher, or among the gathered assembly, Introduction to the Order of Mass provides the insight, guidance, and specific suggestions on how each may enrich his understanding and participation in that most glorious of celebrations, "for the good of the whole and for the glory of God."

Genres: Catholic, Reference, Christian, Prayer, Religion, Faith

89 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

About the author

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity. The Catholic Church is among the oldest institutions in the world and has played a prominent role in the history of Western civilisation. It teaches that it is the church founded by Jesus Christ, that its bishops are the successors of Christ's apostles and that the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter. Catholic doctrine maintains that the Church is infallible when it dogmatically teaches a doctrine of faith or morals. Catholic worship is centred on the Eucharist in which the Church teaches bread and wine are supernaturally transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. The Church holds the Blessed Virgin Mary in special regard. Catholic beliefs concerning Mary include her Immaculate Conception and bodily Assumption at the end of her earthly life.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this during my first year of formation in Carmel. Rereading in preparation for being formator for Aspirants next year, will be reading this as an open book.


2015: Helpful background information necessary for reading/praying the Divine Office. However, be advised, it's not a step-by-step, how-to manual. Although entitled 'General Instruction' this book presupposes a rather high level of understanding of liturgical prayer.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Church amazes me.

I started praying the Liturgy of the Hours a few years ago.
I picked up a book (Divine Office for DODOs) and learned how to pray through Morning and Evening Prayer.

Then I started looking at some of the other offices.
Then I received the 4-volume version as a gift.

It just keeps getting deeper. Optional memorials for the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturdays. The patron's of Dioceses and individual churches are raised to higher feast days. How to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with a Mass. More and more options for a deeper spirituality. And this is just one devotion in the history of the Church!

I loved this book. An explanation for how to use and explore and understand the Liturgy of the Hours is fantastic. The only downside is that now I really want to read Sacrosanctum Concilium

[Talea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It helped me understand so much about the Liturgy of the Hours. I’ve prayed them off and on for a few years now, but have always wondered about the history and why certain things are the way they are. This answered those questions.

[Peter]

Still waiting on the specific.

[Mike Gartland]

This is a great book to have on hand for reference if you don't want to keep pulling Volume 1 of the shelf as questions arise.