These Guidelines provide the principles and practical information needed by bishops and priests to participate in “the unity of the Eucharist” that is expressed through concelebration of the Mass. There is also detailed information for deacons and liturgy planners to help those who plan and minister in both large and small parish and diocesan settings.

This resource takes a pastoral approach to the long-standing practice of Eucharistic adoration. It addresses frequently asked questions about Eucharistic adoration especially what is the relationship between Mass and Eucharistic adoration, what is the importance of Eucharistic adoration, and the difference between Eucharistic adoration and exposition. It also includes excerpts from Redemptionis Sacramentum and Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass.

Nearly four hundred years in the making, the third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal underscores the nature and importance of the Sacred Liturgy in the life of the Church, and the central place of the Eucharist in the life of the faithful. Translated from the original Latin and building on earlier editions, this volume retains many of the Church’s most ancient expressions of faith, while amending others to meet the concerns of the modern era. Fully indexed, the book covers in detail the duties and functions of the ministers and people of God; explains the specific elements of the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist and how each is to be ritually performed; and highlights the roles of song, posture, and movement. An indispensable document for all in the Church.

In this encyclical letter, Pope John Paul II seeks to rekindle in the faithful the profound sense of “amazement and gratitude” that surrounds the Eucharist. It is from the Eucharist that the Church draws her life. From “this living bread” the Church draws her nourishment. In this moving examination, from the night of Jesus’ betrayal through Mary, “woman of the Eucharist,” to today’s celebration, Pope John Paul II stresses the central importance of the Eucharist, and urges everyone to “experience it ever anew.”

The Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy’s newsletter has been a leading voice since its inception in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council. Spanning from the mid-sixties to the dawn of a new millennium, this new compendium of newsletters is the perfect research tool. All issues of the BCL Newsletter are presented chronologically; an extensive index makes this substantial volume an essential resource for bishops, priests, deacons, liturgists and liturgy committee members, seminarians, college/university students, libraries, and all those interested in tracing developments in liturgical thought and action.

This report sheds a positive light on the strengths and limits of the RCIA program in this country. It highlights an interdisciplinary study that included diocesan RCIA coordinators, regional diocesan and parish leadership consultations, individual surveys of those who became Catholic through the RCIA program, telephone surveys of those candidates who did not complete the program, and a survey of bishops. Conclusions provide focus for future goals and objectives.

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.”

The Eucharist stands at the center of the Church’s life. And through the centuries, the celebration of this great mystery of faith has been invested with reverence, care, devotion, and love. In this Instruction, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, sets forth the liturgical norms for the celebration, reception, and adoration of the Holy Eucharist, prepared to ensure that this supreme act of worship is universally observed with the sacredness it demands. As stated by Pope John Paul II in his encyclical letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia, this mystery “is too great for anyone to feel free to treat it lightly.” The work outlines the sacred responsibilities of the bishops, priests, and deacons, as well as the participation of the lay faithful, and addresses a range of concerns regarding Holy Communion. An indispensable liturgical guide that belongs in the hands of every cleric, religious, and member of the lay faithful.

What does it mean that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist, under the appearances of bread and wine? How does this happen? These and other fundamental questions about the mystery and gift of the Eucharist are answered by the bishops in this handy parish resource. Presented in an easy-to-read format, the pamphlet simply answers fifteen of the most theologically complex questions, covering such topics as transubstantiation, the Eucharist as a sacrificial meal, the role of the Holy Spirit, signs of reverence, Christ’s presence outside the Blessed Sacrament, and the Mystical Body of Christ. A valuable aid for pastors and religious educators in deepening an understanding in all members of the Church.

In this volume in the Liturgy Documentary Series, the bishops reaffirm the distribution of the Holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds, in fulfillment of the Lord’s command to “take and eat... take and drink.” Of special interest to pastors, deacons, Eucharistic ministers, and liturgists, the work describes the methods of Holy Communion under both kinds, and establishes norms, under the recognitio of the Apostolic See, for reverent and careful distribution.

In every Church building, art and architecture become the joint work of the Holy Spirit and the local community, in preparing a place to receive God’s Word and to enter more fully into communion with Him. In this volume, the bishops offer instruction on how to design places of worship that are dignified, beautiful, and “suited to sacred celebrations.” Essential for anyone involved in building, renovating, furnishing, or decorating Church buildings. Available in two formats: three-hole punched for easy insertion in a binder and paperback.

Popular devotional practices play a crucial role in helping to foster the “ceaseless praying” as taught by the apostle. In this booklet, the bishops respond to common questions about popular devotional practices and their proper function in the life of the Church. An essential guide for those seeking to make use of sound devotional practices, to help experience God in their everyday lives.

Contains reflections on the developing pastoral challenges to the Catholic funeral tradition, especially the growing practice of cremation.

In one of his most inspiring addresses to young people, Pope John Paul II encourages altar servers to understand and appreciate the responsibility they have in this holy service to the Church. The perfect resource to distribute to all altar servers in your diocese, parish, or school!

Ideal for priests, deacons, and those in formation for these ministries. It offers a practical examination of the principal ingredients for effective homilies.

Originally delivered at a forum on liturgical translation, these three papers offer liturgists, musicians, pastoral leaders, and scholars differing views on and identify significant issues for developing a process for liturgical translation. This collection includes an introduction, opening remarks from the forum by Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus and Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, and a summary and synthesis by Dennis D. McManus.

Envisioning “a new era of liturgical renewal,” the Congregation for Divine Worship addresses various issues including inclusive language, inculturation, and suitable languages for translation, as it sets forth the principles to be followed in the translation of all liturgical texts. Laid out in a side-by-side, Latin-English to be followed in the translation of all h format, this definitive presentation of the Instruction is written for liturgists, musicians, catechists, scholars, and parish and diocesan pastoral leaders who work with prayer and worship. Includes complete text of the fourth instruction Varietates Legitimae: Inculturation and the Roman Liturgy.

The revised praenotanda to the Lectionary for Mass.

This revision of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) promotes more conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful in the mystery of the Eucharist.

Contains the significant documents of the postconciliar reform of the liturgical year and General Roman Calendar.

Includes the introduction to the Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist; relevant sections from Eucharisticum Mysterium, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, and Inaestimabile Donum; as well as responses of the Congregation for Divine Worship to questions regarding Eucharistic adoration and perpetual exposition.

Includes the complete text of the Directory for Masses with Children (Congregation for Divine Worship) as well as the introductions to the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children and the Roman Lectionary for Masses with Children.

The bishops outline the methods of distributing Holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds. Having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See, this document clearly affirms that the restoration of the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds does not represent a change in the Church’s traditional beliefs concerning the Holy Eucharist. Ideal for pastors, deacons, Eucharistic ministers, and liturgists.

For pastoral musicians, liturgy committee members, and those interested in a deeper understanding of the Mass. Introduction to the Order of Mass looks at the ministers, symbols, and rites of the Mass and offers specific suggestions on how to enrich the participation of the faithful.

This resource takes a pastoral approach to the long-standing practice of Eucharistic adoration. It addresses frequently asked questions about Eucharistic adoration especially what is the relationship between Mass and Eucharistic adoration, what is the importance of Eucharistic adoration, and the difference between Eucharistic adoration and exposition. It also includes excerpts from Redemptionis Sacramentum and Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass.

Animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus, beginning with Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem and ending with the Magi’s arrival. Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for “Best of the Year” in Children’s Video.

Anticipating the arrival of Christ, a despairing shoemaker finds himself visited by, and helping, several people in need.

Penitential practices offer important ways for all to grow in the Lord, by strengthening the resistance to temptation, allowing expressions of sorrow for sins committed, opening the door for charitable works and so much more. In this pamphlet, the bishops have created a useful pastoral tool for helping parishioners understand how penance, rather than diminishing life, empowers all to live more fully the way of discipleship. From prayer to fasting to almsgiving and beyond, this handy reference helps foster in parishioners a deeper understanding of penance in all its various forms, and provides guidance in cultivating penitential practices in daily life. Includes a listing of penitential days and seasons in the Church calendar, along with sample expressions of penance.