Suggests nearly fifty brief exercises designed for spiritual renewal, and includes meditations on prayer, worship, faith, the family, and evangelism

Right Here, Right Now

Religion & Spirituality

Christopher Carstens

New Age & Spirituality

Ballantine Books

As an initiative of the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake and Liturgy Training Publications, Mystical Body, Mystical Voice: Encountering Christ in the Words of the Mass, uses the texts of the third typical edition of the Roman Missal to illustrate how the liturgy is enriched and the Church's understanding of the Second Vatican Council is deepened through the translation of the Missal. This book is not simply a guide that explains the revised texts as if we were simply changing the words we say at Mass; rather, it seizes the opportunity of the promulgation of the third edition of The Roman Missal as a valuable vehicle for liturgical catechesis.
 Grounded in sacramental theology and the liturgical rites of the Church, respected authors Rev. Douglas Martis, sacramental theologian, seminary professor, Director of the Liturgical Institute, and Christopher Carstens, Director of the Office of Worship, LaCrosse, WI--recall for the readers that the Sacred Liturgy is safeguarded by the Church. Its purpose is the glorification of God and the sanctification of humanity. To that end, the texts of the Mass are viewed in light of the Paschal Mystery and the Church as the mystical body of Christ. 
 Mystical Body, Mystical Voice is intended to assist pastors; associate pastors, deacons; directors of liturgy; music; religious education programs; and parish and diocesan leaders in their catechesis about the Mass in light of the third edition of The Roman Missal. This accessible book explores: The sacramental nature of the liturgy, The symbolic use of words in the liturgy, A brief history of translation of the missal, An examination of the texts of the Mass, A section on liturgical catechesis, Features discussion questions to help parish leaders and all readers deepen their understanding of the Mass.

Mystical Body, Mystical Voice: Encountering Christ in the Words of the Mass

Douglas Martis

Liturgy Training Publications

In this book, Carstens shows the meaning of ritual, the characteristics of liturgical rituals, and why men and women today may find ritual challenging; clarifies the place that signs and symbols have in liturgical worship; provides a mystagogical explanation of the liturgical rites of the Church and various elements of the rite, leading the readers from what they can sense to what is otherwise undetectable: Jesus Christ; explains the Churchs use of liturgical language, time, ministers, music, and architecture. --Book cover.

Principles of Sacred Liturgy: Forming a Sacramental Vision

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: <ul>
<li>The meaning of the "sacramental principle": if you don't understand it, then Mass is almost surely flat for you</li> <li>How each element of the Liturgy has a sacramental quality about it, and can be for you a grace-filled encounter with Jesus</li> <li>How to transform your prayers at Mass into a conversation with God</li> <li>Why silence both within the liturgy and outside of it is a necessary element of that conversation with God</li> <li>There's a proper spiritual way to make the Sign of the Cross (do you know what it is?)</li> <li>How the Creed can be for you the highpoint of the Liturgy of the Word</li> <li>Why, during the collection, you should also explicitly offer Christ your heart</li> <li>The best way in the Mass to participate in Jesus' saving work: do you know what it is?</li> <li>What you should desire in order to receive the Eucharist most efficaciously (and what that desire presupposes in you)</li> <li>Coming and going through the church doors: what, each time, it should mean for you spiritually</li> </ul>
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

A Devotional Journey into the Mass: How Mass Can Become a Time of Grace, Nourishment, and Devotion

Christian Books & Bibles

Sophia Institute Press

The Church's liturgies from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost afford Catholics a wealth of sacramental signs and symbols. Yet many of us who yearn to enter into these liturgies have never been instructed in the meaning behind them or how to profit spiritually from them. Author Christopher Carstens remedies this deficiency in A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery, explaining each element of the Lenten and Easter calendar so you can joyfully and intentionally enter into its liturgies with a clear head and a pure heart. You'll discover, for example, how sacramentals such as ashes, palms, and candles reveal Christ, and how processions, kneeling, and anointing shape both your body and soul so that, overtime, you will come to reflect the humble yet glorified Son of God. Along with scores of other details, you'll learn the following about these celebrations: Ash Wednesday: Why, as you enter Lent, you must know where Lent is leading you, liturgically and in your spiritual life, Lent: How understanding liturgical time is a key to praying better in Lent, Palm Sunday & Holy Week: For these days, God has given weapons to win your spiritual battles; here you'll learn what they are and how to use them, Holy Thursday: Why, on this day, you must give particular emphasis to praying for priests and serving others, Good Friday: Why thoughtful watching and prayerful listening are your primary tasks for the day, Holy Saturday: Why this day is the time for silent meditation, prayer, and fasting, The Easter Vigil: These pages show you how to enter it with eyes and heart wide open, absorbing each detail into your soul, Easter Sunday: Finally, you'll learn how to answer the call to sanctity from God and for God, throughout the Easter season and for the rest of your life! Book jacket.

A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery

Solemnities: Celebrating a Tapestry of Divine Beauty

Alexis Kutarna

Denis McNamara

Ascension

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