The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus That Will Change Your Life

by Tom Curran

For the first time, the popular message that continues to inspire tens of thousands of Catholics nationwide is available in print. Based upon his most requested CD/DVD series of the same name, Dr. Tom Curran's new book, The Four Encounters with Jesus that will Change Your Life examines the Mass not merely as a ritual, but as an event, a point of contact where Jesus Christ approaches you to change your life. Do you ever hear, Mass is boring, it s the same old thing week after week , or do you find yourself saying something similar? If so, this book is for you. Chapter by chapter Dr. Curran accompanies you from the time you pull into the parking lot for Mass, until you walk out the doors after the final blessing, using examples and stories from everyday life that will move you deeply and at times make you laugh. By the end you will see with new eyes what is so familiar to you, and hear with new ears what you ve heard over and over at Mass, and your response will never be the same.

Genres: Religion, Catholic

129 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Diana McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and thoughtful and thought provoking. It has made me more aware of the importance of understanding and fully participating in the the mass.

[Monica Zebold-Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for Gospel Girls study. Learned quite a bit and received many ideas and ways to think about the parts of the mass. The Afterward on Adoration was my very favorite.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating and helpful in developing a more clear understanding of being an actual participant in the Mass.

[Mary Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple framework to understand the Mass, which we need. There were phrases which deepened my own understanding and it was worth reading for these phrases alone. I sense that the Roman Catholic Church to which I belong, the tradition which grounds me, is tilting in the moment towards a more vertical understanding of relationship with God, a smaller, less catholic and universal understanding which places more emphasis on a priestly culture. This particular angle is the perspective here, but it’s only an angle. It does not invalidate the framework. It really is a useful, thoughtful little book; I just wish there was more of the profound sense that we are the Body of Christ, and this includes, especially includes, those who are hungry, dirty, poor, marginal, illegal, lonely, sick and stupid. Instead, the sense of "community" seems to be limited to those who are in the church building.

One other note: p.118 The second epiclesis is when we receive communion? Maybe not. I think it happens on the altar. Communion is a result of this. Which is why I was refused communion when I was doing RCIA. An exception is made for the ill, but not the able-bodied.

I like his take on the silence in Eucharistic Adoration.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a convert to Catholicism, I found Dr. Curran’s book extremely helpful in finding a deeper understanding of my faith. He begins his book by stating that at Mass there are no spectators. He proceeds by clarifying how each of our actions from the time we enter the church have significant meaning in our participation with the ritual that brings us closer to Christ.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up Catholic. I went to Catholic schools. I go to Mass regularly. I never knew or understood what I have been missing until I read this. I recommend this to all Catholics. Now is a great time to read it with all the changes in the Mass.