Reclaiming Vatican II (Study Guide for Individual and Group Use): What It (Really) Said, What It Means, and How It Calls Us to Renew the Church

by Blake Britton, John C. Cavadini (Foreword)

Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council sixty years ago on October 11, 1962. Ever since, the council has been alternately celebrated or maligned for its supposed break with tradition and embrace of the modern world. In his book Reclaiming Vatican II , Fr. Blake Britton clears up the misconceptions and reveals how—when properly understood and applied, the council fosters a richer experience of being in the Church. This guide—written in response to numerous requests for study materials to accompany the book—is intended for individuals, small groups, or a year-long parish-wide study. It will allow you to go beyond the polarization surrounding the council and to dig deeper into what was really said and what really happened during Vatican II. Included in the study guide are a summary and outline of each chapter of the book, key terms, questions for discussion or personal reflection, and a journal prompt called “What can I do?”

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, History

64 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2022

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading for an upcoming episode of A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.

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Short review: simply excellent. Inspirational as well as informative. All Catholics should read this book.

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Here's the full story.


I have enjoyed listening to Father Blake Britton on the Burrowshire podcast which he does with his friend Brandon Vogt. I was intrigued by the idea that he'd written a book and had it preordered but was lucky enough to get a review copy. It was everything I hoped for and a whole lot more.

This book does just what it says on the subtitle. With genuine understanding of what motivates both sides, Britton clarifies why there are misconceptions (and misapplications) of Vatican II both by liberals and conservatives. That is no small feat. By looking at why the council was so misunderstood, we see that both liberal and conservative groups are responding to "the paracouncil."

The paracouncil resulted from theologians (who may not have even been at the council), the media and turbulent, secular influences. These combined to skew the intentions of the Vatican II council into something that is loosely referred to as "the spirit of Vatican II." I'd heard the phrase but never paid enough attention to wonder why it was used. After all, if someone said "the spirit of the Bible" we'd go take a good long look at the Bible to see what it really said. No one was doing that with the Vatican II documents. I realized that's like saying "it's the vibe of the thing" which is always dangerous when dealing with the faith. The paracouncil is the reason for the iffy implementation I've noticed in a lot of parishes.

Britton walks us through the reason for the council and the major documents. As he does, we get context from ancient and modern times, what was (and wasn't) included, and thoughtful ways to help implement the true teachings of Vatican II in parishes. Along the way, he shares personal experiences as a parish priest which bring it all to life.

I was left with a profound respect for the council who so skillfully balanced Catholic tradition with the need to renew the practices of the Church so that the people have passion and vigor in their faith. I was left inspired by the council's goals and the examples of instituting proper practice in modern parishes. I'm lucky enough to worship in a beautiful church that has a profound respect for the liturgy, including the music. Here are some of the things that Vatican II added, some of which I knew and some of which I didn't. All of these are implemented in our parish and which I'm profoundly grateful for!

- Revised liturgical calendar which cycles through the gospels in a three year period on Sundays and two-years for daily Mass while including lots and lots of Old Testament scripture too.

- Encouraging Bible reading and study. This has led to a lot of great study programs which our parish uses as well as many books I use myself.

- We should all be saints. The idea that the laypeople are also called to saintly holiness.

- Making sure there is a homily with the Mass. (Who knew that wasn't always a thing? I didn't!)

- The four stages of RCIA (this is the program non-Catholics go through to enter the Church) . In our parish it is well developed. For me was a source of unexpected spiritual growth and that was 20 years ago. I thought it always was like that.

- The Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) prayed by the laity. Another thing that I didn't know. I have only recently begun dipping my toes in this practice but am grateful for it.

Reclaiming Vatican II is simply excellent. It is inspirational, informative, and easy to read and understand. All Catholics should read this book.

Also recommended: The Vatican II Collection by Bishop Robert Barron. The text of the four main council documents supplemented by explanatory commentary from Bishop Robert Barron and Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several aspects of what Fr. Britton wrote that really appealed to me. Part of the framework that he uses to write this book is in regards to his life as a parish priest. That this book is not just some explanatory look at the history of the council, what it taught, and subsequent reactions. While it covers these subjects, he connects the council to the daily life of the Church. His personal stories provide excellent examples of this and events that shaped him in his life as a parish priest.

The idea of the "Spirit of Vatican II" as being against the actual text and teaching of the council is an idea easy to grasp. Still, it can also be more polemical than useful at times in discussing this. So I especially the use of the term paracouncil that he used and had discovered in one of Henri de Lubac’s essays on the council. He goes on to define three aspects regarding the rise of this paracouncil. The council as presented as such was like a decoy sent out to represent the real thing. Like most decoys when you examine them more closely you realize that they aren't the real thing at all. The problem was on one hand more progressive elements liked what was represented in the decoy and more traditionalist elements saw it as a target to fire at. The decoy is my own imagery, not his.

This results in one viewpoint:

> Thus, in a well-meaning but misguided attempt to relate positively to contemporary society, the genius of Catholicity is supplanted by nonspiritual ideals. This “reverse catechesis” has been a disaster. As a result, millions of Catholics are leaving the Church as she seemingly fades into irrelevance, just one sentimental institution among many in our culture.

and another:

> On the other hand, many “conservative” or “traditional” Catholics are in all-out rebellion against Vatican II or, more appropriately, what is falsely peddled as Vatican II. Witnessing the deterioration of solemnity, piety, and catechesis in parishes across the world, they seek to circle the wagons by returning to the tried-and-true infrastructures of traditional Catholicism.

He goes through the four main documents of Vatican II pointing out the main points along with correcting common errors people have regarding them.

The value of this book in more than being able to make the proper distinctions and to see the council as it is. It is how he relates this to the everyday life of the faithful regarding worship of God, liturgy, and spreading the Gospel. I found very helpful the several etymologies of words used in worship and how he puts these concepts together. This was stunningly good. He tells stories regarding his own life along with those of others working towards authentic renewal in his parish. That this is not going to happen overnight and that patience and catechesis are key here.

You will have to buy the book to read his story regarding celebrating Mass in the cave of St. Jerome at Bethlehem along with other personal stories. How they deepened his life as a priest. I also really like his pastoral heart in not dismissing those with a more traditionalist view and listening to them. Just so much that delighted me.

I am probably not conveying the sense of what I found in his book since I think of it as both broad and focused. It deepened my own understanding of aspects of the documents and the liturgy itself. Looking through my copious highlights I found so much learn and to reflect on. Plus he had a list of recommended books on the subject along with a final chapter regarding "What Now?"

[Hayden F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so enthralled with this book that I read it in less than a week. My perception of the legacy of Vatican II has been a huge struggle for me, but this book took most of those concerns and answered them beautifully in the (ACTUAL) spirit of the Council by citing the documents, Church Fathers, and other great theologians. I had been pretty turned off to what I’ll call here “radical traditionalism” that bashed everything to come out of the Church post-V2 even though I love the Tradition and beauty of the Church. This book helped me have a greater appreciation for the liturgy and tradition first as the “handing on” of Christ to the Father, and thus not an ossified antiquarianism. I’m not saying that this book is a magic pill for fixing any concerns one has with the Church but it is good to see such measured ideas from a popularly published and faithful book. It helps avoid the polarizing and unfair characterization of “liberals/progressives” and “conservatives/traditionalists” within the Church and reminds us that the Church, and the faithful Catholic, do not fit in either of these modern political boxes.

To its credit, I now really want to read the four major constitutions of the Council and learn more prayers in Latin. The main message that the liturgy where our life flows from is very poignant and makes me want to make sure my parish is doing its best to do “the work of God” and that it should be “preferred to all else” (cf. St. Benedict)

It also has some of the best explanations of the liturgy and what “active participation” really means. Please read this book if you want to be a saint!

[Kelly Guilbeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Interesting. We’ve got Vatican 2 alllllll wrong my friends. I’m serious. All the misinterpretation of Vatican 2 stems from the fact that the council was in the 1960s and therefore the first council to be covered on TV as it was happening and therefore was twisted and taken out of context. It makes SO much sense when Fr. Blake explains it.
Did you know the council never even mentions “ad orientem” in its documents on the liturgy?!?!?! We have been told lies about this council. We have to stop letting this council be divisive and political. The documents are rich and holy and theologically sound. Brb need to read all of them!

[Fr. Nicholas Blackwell, O. Carm. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent introductory text to the field of study about the Second Vatican Council. His focus on the need to wrestle with the liturgical reality of the Church and the Council as a foundation point is tight and precise. He wrestles with many voices and ideologies to offer a clear pathway for journeying into the primary Council documents. The book isn’t intellectually dense or full of jargon. The text would be a great tool to start a parish series on Vatican II or use his chapters involving the four primary constitutions as introductions for those documents. Solid read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to have to come back to this one. I learned so much! Lots to chew on. It is a summary of the main documents of Vatican II, and how it has been taken out of context by many different sides. I love the last chapter and the call to the clergy AND the laity to reclaim the actual intent of Vatican II with piety, education, and evangelization. Basically, it begins with us, with our personal holiness, and the reverence of the liturgy. We have to keep prayer and tradition alive, but we have to really know our faith in order to share it. I pray that I am up to the task!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of, Reclaiming Vatican II, by Fr. Blake Britton. This is a great book on understanding Vatican II. I really learned a lot from this book.

[Ann Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful summary of the book but the discussion questions didn’t have a lot of depth.

[Alyssa Massais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was so eye opening and made me realize how much I have fallen victim to loud voices telling me what Vatican II did without ever really researching it myself. Though this is only one source and one person’s opinion, it pointed out the true teaching in the council documents on so many hot topic issues and made me want to learn more to form my own opinions. This book is so timely after having the eyes of the world on the church and so much media attention trying to categorize the church into “conservative vs liberal” which simply does not stand against the framework and history of the church. I highly recommend to all my friends who have ever made assumptions about VII but never looked at the source.

“We can’t reclaim Vatican II if we don’t read the documents.”

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among controversial topics in the Catholic Church, the Second Vatican Council is frontrunner. Conservatives complain about the liturgical changes and moral upheaval that happened in the wake of Vatican II. Liberals see those changes as progress, but hardly enough progress has been made. Often, people who comment about Vatican II have not studied its history or even read the documents it published. Instead, they rely on "what everyone knows" about the council as it has been passed down by media and pundits on both sides of the political aisle.

This book does not provide the documents of Vatican II. Rather, it gives an overview of the historical reaction to the Council and summaries of the teachings of the four key documents produced by the Council: Sacrosanctum Concillium (On the Sacred Liturgy), Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations), Dei Verbum (Word of God), and Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope). The history is interesting because it identifies the sources of the many misunderstandings during and after Vatican II. The Council was the first in church history to happen when media coverage was immediate and world-wide. A lot of media, then as now, is not focused on depth of understanding but on interesting conflicts or controversies. Also, the media used a political lens to look at the proceedings, though the Catholic Church does not divide into the typical governmental left- and right-wings. Even the progressive/conservative divide is inaccurate since the actual Church embraces both, recognizing a need to develop and to preserve. Fr. Britton shows that both are needed for authentic spiritual growth to happen. Unfortunately, many theologians with personal agendas were able to use the media as a platform to claim their viewpoints were where the "spirit of the Council" intended the Church to go. This "spirit of the Council" became a tool to advance a left-wing agenda within the Catholic Church. More unfortunately, the conservative backlash to the changes in the 1960s and 1970s took the media and the self-proclaimed experts as accurately representing the Council. So they became anti-Vatican II without understanding the Council's true teachings.

To rectify this unfortunate situation, Fr. Britton encourages study of the actual documents. He also provides overviews of each document and what they actually teach about the liturgy, the Word of God (both the Biblical texts and the Second Person of the Trinity), and the Church's role in the modern world. He shows the relevance by discussing his own pastoral activities, implementing the call to beauty and faithfulness that he finds in the documents. His efforts have had many fruits in renewing fervor and devotion in his parishes. He makes a very compelling case to study the documents, to implement changes slowly (people get whiplash from quick changes, as history shows), and to proceed in the spirit of Christ who offered His life to the Father and renews that offer every time at Mass.

Highly recommended--the only downside is that I feel I need to read the documents of Vatican II!

Sample quote:
There is a crucial point here: the Eucharist is not primarily Jesus' gift to us. It is first and foremost his gift to the Father. We are not the center of attention in the liturgy. It is not about us. Rather, it is Jesus actively incorporating our lives into his worship of the Father. We are not the origin of the liturgy; we are participants in it. This is a point that was skewed by the paracouncil in the years following Vatican II. In an attempt to emphasize the role of the congregation, some people unduly accentuated the communal aspect of the liturgy while suppressing its most vital component: sacrifice. The Mass became primarily an act of the worshipping community as opposed to an act rooted in the activity of Christ. [p. 52 italics in original]

Also, this book was the subject of A Good Story is Hard to Find Podcast #294. Check it out!

[Luana Cavalcanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time I saw the title of this book I was interested and anxious to read it. The book discusses about the Vatican II and it's a very relevant topic because there is a lot of extremism of both sides.
I think Fr. Blake Britton did a good job. ( There some a few things I don't agree with him, but I don't think I need to point it out.)
It's very relevant for catholics to read this book. Please, give a chance.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for free ARC in exchange of honest review. All thoughs are my own.
🇧🇷Primeira vez que eu vi o título do livro, eu fiquei interessada e ansiosa para ler.
O livro discute sobre o Concílio Vaticano II e é um assunto muito relevante porque há muito extremismo nos dois lados.
Eu acho que Pe. Blake Britton fez um bom trabalho. (Teve algumas coisas que não concordei com ele mas eu não acho que preciso dizer aqui)
É muito relevante que católicos leiam esse livro. Por favor, dêem uma chance.
Obrigada a Netgalley e a editora pela ARC para uma resenha. Todas as opiniões são minhas.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in the years after Vatican II and remember how people were full of hope and excited for what it meant.
I read the documents and saw how a lot was forgotten during the year and how conservatives silenced a lot of voices.
This is a well written and thought provoking book that could help a lot of people to discover what Vatican II means and its goals.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Cecilia Cicone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been dragging my feet on finishing this one for almost a year. I’m not quite sure who the intended audience is… it’s far too complex for the average person in the pew, and anyone else who would be reading it would be much more likely to actually read the documents themselves.

The biggest contribution of the book is the idea of a “paracouncil,” which most based Catholics would already understand in theory.

[Robert M Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent description of what the documents of the Council actually say and an insightful parsing of their main points, while looking fairly at both causes of the paracouncil and the traditionalist reaction to it. Highly recommend if like me you hear about Vatican 2 from others but know little about it yourself.

[Amelia Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful about Vatican II. I often hear debate been traditional and contemporary Catholics about the church and the reform from Vatican II. I think the author does a great job breaking down the what the documents say and what has happened because of the paracouncil. I’m probably going to have to read again to fully understand everything as it was a lot of info.

[Allison Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is much needed in the Church right now. Confusion over what Vatican II actually taught is at the root of so much unnecessary contention between Catholics of the age, and reading this book (or the Church documents themselves) helps to clear up so much.
Fr. Britton addresses the four major documents of the Second Vatican Council (Sacrosanctum Concilium: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Lumen Gentium: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Dei Verbum: Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, and Gaudium Et Spes: Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), discussing what each one taught, its necessary background, and what went right - and wrong - with its implementation. He encourages Catholics to embrace Vatican II as written, claiming:

"The council was not a liberal or conservative movement. It transcends today's political categories...The council was inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by his grace. It is the continuation of a long tradition in the Church."

I highly recommend!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britton explains how a number of theologians and media paraphrased the documents to promote their own ideologies and actions that the Council had not even intended. Many people never bothered to read the documents. Britton does offer reflection on the spiritual foundations of the council, clarification of points of misinterpretation, and recognition of what was done right after Vatican II.
Links to documents and a recommended bibliography are available.

[Jonathan Patrowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important and fascinating book that disseminates a lot of misconceptions regarding Vatican II. A great foundation for those looking to understand the true intent of the council and it's rampant misrepresentation.

[Jennifer Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read

It’s great to read such an even handed analysis of Vatican II. It’s inspired me so much I’m going to read all the V2 documents.

[Peter Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this book through Hoopla.

In this book, Fr. Blake Britton does a decent job of outlining the themes of the four major constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. Fr. Britton has a great love for the Church and wants to actualize the vision of Vatican II (with which I greatly simpathize). Unfortunately, however, for as much time Fr. Britton spends addressing the "paracouncil," those interpreting the documents of Vatican II in light of their own agenda, he fails to recognize that the Consilium established to carry out the reforms of Sacrosanctum Concilium acted against the intentions of the Council Fathers (see Dom Alcuin Reid's survey of the responses of the Pauline missal from Council Fathers and their general expectation of the 1965 transitional missal as the reform envisioned by the Council). Not to mention that the Concilium did not simply provide minor reforms of the Mass, but changed the texts of all the sacraments and breviaries, following "the spirit of the Council" (see Abp. Anibale Bugnini's Reform of the Liturgy to examine the direct thoughts of the chief architect in the reforms and how the Consilium was able to sideline the Congregation of Rites).

Truly reclaiming Vatican II will require us to recognize the Pauline missal as a historical abberation and work toward the restoration of the 1962 and ultimately the pre-1955 missal as a firm foundation, should we ever seek true reform in liturgical matters (not to mention the recovery of the pre-reform sacraments and Divine Office). The "hermeneutic of continuity" not only requires the recognition of some strengths of the Conciliar texts, but correcting the work of the paracouncil from the last 50 years in all facets (rather than simply correcting doctrinal errors). As a sidenote, I wish Fr. Britton would have adequately responded to the SSPX's concerns regarding collegiality, ecumenism, and religious liberty, rather then just saying that some traditionalists are out of step—I agree that the SSPX are incorrect on these matters, but it nonetheless bears addressing if one is critiquing both exesses of improper interpretation of Conciliar texts.

In short, I agree with Pope Benedict XVI that there is not a contradiction in accepting the documents of Vatican II and attachment to the usus antiquior, and I think this is the only way forward to restoring liturgical sanity and the understanding of our Latin liturgical tradition.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Catholic newspaper columnist recently wrote about a conversation he had with an elderly Irishman, who had been Catholic his whole life (educated by nuns). The columnist was saying that it can be challenging to get his family to Mass every weekend, and sometimes it’s only the Sunday obligation that gets them there. His friend said, “Don’t worry. Vatican II got rid of the obligation.” That Irishman really needs to read this book!

My point is that so many people either love or hate Vatican II without really understanding the documents, or even having read them.

Father Britton takes us through four conciliar documents beginning with the one on Liturgy. It’s interesting he starts with that one, because it’s key, followed by the Church, Divine Revelation (Scripture, but also so much more) and finally the Church in the world (evangelization).

One actionable suggestion I found interesting was that couples preparing for marriage spend time reading “Vatican II Documents, Papal encyclicals and patristic sources” to really learn what the Church expects Catholic marriage to be, because so few Catholics have been adequately educated about this. I think he’s right about the problem, and I myself have only gradually learned about the Church’s vision over the course of 30 years.

[Luke Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Blake Britton deftly weaves through the noise to reveal the true beauty, brilliance, and truth of The Second Vatican Council in a way that transcends the misguided squabbles between self-proclaimed “traditionalists” and “liberals.” In a return to the actual texts of the council, Fr. Britton explains how Vatican II properly understood, applied and reclaimed is exactly what the Church needs for the present and the future.

Personally, I wish this book had been here when I had been wrestling with how to fit Vatican II into the tradition and continuity of the Church. It would have made things much clearer. I certainly recommend this to all Catholics, particularly anyone that considers themselves to be a “traditionalist” Catholic. That being said, highest recommendations to all!

[Jaime Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing work by Fr. Blake. He systematically takes the reader through Vatican II with a balanced and in-depth analysis of intent and reality. Additionally, he provides research level background on Church tenets that helped me grow in Faith and love for our Church. My favorite was his explanation of Marian Doctrine with respect to Vatican II and Luke’s Gospel. I’m buying this book for so many of my friends and personally am ready to dive into Vatican II itself. Well done Father!

P.S. John Cavadini’s forward is superb

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend "Reclaiming Vatican II" more highly, both to normal, faithful Catholics & to those who have been seduced by dueling extremes (libs who follow the "Spirit of Vatican II" instead of Vatican II & trads who act as Protestants in rejecting an ecumenical council). With charity & clarity, Fr. Britton explains what the council (really) said, how both trads & libs have erred in misinterpreting what the council said, & how fidelity to the work of the Holy Spirit through the Council Fathers can lead to the new springtime so long desired.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after I read the Word on Fire Vatican II collection. I think this was a good segue to my next book by George Weigel on Vatican II, to sanctify the world. This book went into detail about how people misconstrued what Vatican II established and the reactionaries against that in the conservative traditionalist approach. In many senses, it was an easy read because I was familiar with the main documents of Vatican II thanks to that first book I read. I think father Blake is a good example of a pastoral priest who’s trying to reclaim Vatican II.

[STEPHEN ANDREW MC CLOSKEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

I had watched some videos by the diamond brothers about Vatican 2 . Which had me thinking is this council apostasy. But now having read this book and studied Vatican 2 with the St Augustine institute I understand the council a lot better and see a lot of good in the council I see nothing wrong with the four constitutions and the declaration Nostra Aetate which has strengthened my faith and knowledge of my religion.

[Patrick Santino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly great! It’s simple style is not literarily profound, but it is profound how simply & compactly he can fit in all the important themes & address the hot button topics all associated with Vatican II & the puke-able “spirit of Vatican 2”. Slow start, but the chapter on liturgy was entirely on point. The sections on Active Participation, Sacred Silence, & Ad Orientem were particularly great explanations.

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction and overview of the 4 major documents of Vatican II and how various groups have misrepresented or misunderstood the purpose of the council. It is a call to action for faithful Catholics to understand the documents and the faith and to reclaim Vatican II and renew the Church.
"The Second Vatican Council sought to open the doors of the Church - not so that the Church could become more worldly, but so that the world could become more holy."

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative, not just about the Second Vatican Council but on numerous theological topics. Father Britton makes an impassioned call for Catholics to read the actual texts of the council and for the church to actually follow them. While he addresses how the paraconciliars were able to hijack the message and twist it to their own particular desires, he never explains how it was that no one else including the popes stopped them.

[Ann Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting perspective on Vatican II and some of the forces that claimed to be working in the “spirit of Vatican II,” which the author calls the “para council.” It also clarified some teachings, gets into the weeds a little here, but gives hope for restoring the goodness and truth intended by church leaders.