Request for Referral for Good Liturgy Book

[markw31415]

I’m a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate for the class of 2011. I was not an altar server as a youth, so much of what I’ve learned has been new to me, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.

While I know that practice, practice, practice is key, my mind really likes to be aware of the theory behind what we’re doing in liturgy.

Could anyone please recommend a good book for me on the subject, especially pertaining to the rites I will be taking part in as a deacon?

I have the GIRM, and I also have both volumes of The Rites, but is there something more, that perhaps mixes the actual rubrics with reasons and history behind the rubrics?

In searching Amazon, there’s tons of liturgical books available, but I can’t tell which are good (orthodox and Roman Catholic) and which are not.

Thank you for any thoughts you may have,

Mark

 

[japhy]

This isn’t exactly answering your question, but I would also suggest getting a pair of books by Rev. Peter J. Elliott: “Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year” and “Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite”. Those two books (written in GIRM format, with numbered paragraphs) are guides to liturgical celebrations and provide details and diagrams (e.g. for processions) and instructions.

 

[Andy_Corder]

One I found very useful in my formation program is “The Liturgical Ministry of Deacons” by Fr Michael Kwatera O.S.B. and published by Liturgical Press. If you need the ISBN, let me know.

Another book you may find useful (not trying to be demeaning here) is “The Acolyte Today”. If you are not familiar with the various items that are found on / around the altar, this little book can be a real gem. It is designed to teach acolytes how to do things and the proper names of things, but it can be a really good resource book for a deacon aspirant who is unfamiliar with the names of the items or what they are used for. It is published by Franklin X McCormick, Inc.

 

[markw31415]

Thank you both very much! I will order those books. God bless you.
Mark

 

[benedictgal]

You should try to get a copy of Redemptionis Sacramentum. The document covers the course of action to be taken to correct liturgical abuses.

Now, my buddy japhy has given you excellent resources for the practrical side of the liturgy. What you probably should get your hands on are books that explore the spiritual and theological side as well. The following by Pope Benedict should help:

Feast of Faith
A New Song for the Lord
Spirit of the Liturgy

Scott Hahn also have an excellent book called “The Lamb’s Supper”. Francis Cardinal Arinze, the prefect (head) for the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discpline of the Sacraments (the Vatican depertment in charge of the Church’s liturgical life) has an excellent book called “Celebrating the Eucharist.”

Having these books in your library will give you the tools you need to understand the spiritual and theological aspects of the Mass and help you grow in your vocation.