Want to get more out of the Mass? Have you ever been confused by some of the things that happen at Mass? Join us as we teach through selections of A Devotional Journey into the Mass: How Mass Can Become a Time of Grace, Nourishment, and Devotion, by Chris Carstens. Since this is not a reading group, there is no need to order a copy of the book to participate in this series, though it is recommended. If you would like a copy of your own, click the book image below to view the book on Amazon. If not, no worries. Simple join us.
About this book
If you're unhappy because the Mass has become for you routine or even boring and tedious these pages are for you. They teach you eight simple ways to make your every Mass a joyful time of piety and intense devotion.
Explaining the spiritual meanings behind the signs and symbols, words and actions of the Mass, author Christopher Carstens teaches you spiritually-enriching ways to enter the church building, make the Sign of the Cross, pray the Opening Prayer, listen to the Readings, prepare your soul at the Offertory, participate in the Eucharistic Prayer, receive Communion, and even respond to the Dismissal.
Soon with the help of author Carstens wise suggestions you will be surprised to find each Eucharistic Celebration a fountain of peace for you, a profound refreshment for your soul.
Among other things you'll learn from these pages:
The meaning of the "sacramental principle": if you don't understand it, then Mass is almost surely flat for you
How each element of the Liturgy has a sacramental quality about it, and can be for you a grace-filled encounter with Jesus
How to transform your prayers at Mass into a conversation with God
Why silence both within the liturgy and outside of it is a necessary element of that conversation with God
There's a proper spiritual way to make the Sign of the Cross (do you know what it is?)
How the Creed can be for you the highpoint of the Liturgy of the Word
Why, during the collection, you should also explicitly offer Christ your heart
The best way in the Mass to participate in Jesus' saving work: do you know what it is?
What you should desire in order to receive the Eucharist most efficaciously (and what that desire presupposes in you)
Coming and going through the church doors: what, each time, it should mean for you spiritually
Plus, at the end of each chapter, a list of action items for the next time you go to Mass, and much, much more to awaken in you the bright spirit of joyful devotion that we are all called to have at Mass
If you're unhappy because the Mass has become for you routine or even boring and tedious these pages are for you. They teach you eight simple ways to make your every Mass a joyful time of piety and intense devotion.
Explaining the spiritual meanings behind the signs and symbols, words and actions of the Mass, author Christopher Carstens teaches you spiritually-enriching ways to enter the church building, make the Sign of the Cross, pray the Opening Prayer, listen to the Readings, prepare your soul at the Offertory, participate in the Eucharistic Prayer, receive Communion, and even respond to the Dismissal.
Soon with the help of author Carstens wise suggestions you will be surprised to find each Eucharistic Celebration a fountain of peace for you, a profound refreshment for your soul.
Among other things you'll learn from these pages:
The meaning of the "sacramental principle": if you don't understand it, then Mass is almost surely flat for you
How each element of the Liturgy has a sacramental quality about it, and can be for you a grace-filled encounter with Jesus
How to transform your prayers at Mass into a conversation with God
Why silence both within the liturgy and outside of it is a necessary element of that conversation with God
There's a proper spiritual way to make the Sign of the Cross (do you know what it is?)
How the Creed can be for you the highpoint of the Liturgy of the Word
Why, during the collection, you should also explicitly offer Christ your heart
The best way in the Mass to participate in Jesus' saving work: do you know what it is?
What you should desire in order to receive the Eucharist most efficaciously (and what that desire presupposes in you)
Coming and going through the church doors: what, each time, it should mean for you spiritually
Plus, at the end of each chapter, a list of action items for the next time you go to Mass, and much, much more to awaken in you the bright spirit of joyful devotion that we are all called to have at Mass
About the author
Carstens is Director of the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, a visiting faculty member at Mundelein Seminary and the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, and editor of the Adoremus Bulletin. Along with Father Douglas Martis, Carstens is the co-author of Mystical Body, Mystical Voice: Encountering Christ in the Words of the Mass (Liturgy Training Publications). He lives in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, with his wife and eight children.