Shape a Circle Ever Wider: Liturgical Inculturation in the United States

by Mark R. Francis

The face of the Catholic Church in the United States is changing dramatically. From a Church at the beginning of the twentieth century made up of predominantly urban, working class European immigrants, parishes today are becoming increasingly diversified. What impact does or should this diversity have on liturgy and worship? What effect should it have? This primer examines how a living tradition of worship might be adapted to speak the good news of Jesus Christ more eloquently to the culturally diverse people of the United States. In these pages, you'll have the opportunity to examine the many issues and areas covered by gesture and posture, environment and art, areas for devotion, verbal communication, music and the liturgical calendar. All of these liturgical facts need to be studied in light of the cultural and multicultural contexts of the United States. This welcome contribution to the continuing work of the liturgical reform through inculturation is ideal for parish liturgy committees, pastoral ministers, seminarians, and students of liturgy and theology. Press Association 2001 Book Award winner, first place, in liturgy Published by Liturgy Training Publications.

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2000