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From the back cover of The Mass:

When personal reflection and devotion come together to produce a book, you can expect an admirable outcome. When faith underlies the reflection and love explains the devotion, the book produced is not just admirable, but beautiful. Joan Carter McHugh has structured her book, The Mass, in a repetitive rhythm of explanation, history and reflection related to each part of the Eucharistic Liturgy. Well practiced in opening her mind and heart to God in prayer, Joan now opens both in prose for readers who want to bring the Eucharist closer, as she has done, to the center of their lives.

William J. Byron, S.J.
Past President, Catholic University of America

Archdiocese of Chicago

One of the last promulgations of John Paul II was to declare a Year of the Eucharist. How fitting as the life of this "giant" came to an end that he invited the universal church to reflect on the power of the Eucharist. Joan Carter McHugh's book The Mass: It's Ritual, Roots and Relevance in Our Lives, is a marvelous resource as we move forward reflecting on this central sacrament in the life of a Christian.

Joan guides us through a meditation. A meditation that draws upon the masterpieces of art history, the extraordinary wisdom of many scholars and the life experiences that she and many others share in pondering the mystery of the Eucharist.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. Rarely does such a reflection emerge that can find a place on one's night stand or the podium in a classroom, the lecture hall of a seminary or the centerpiece of a small group discussion. Please take the time to read this book. Joan opens up her heart and faith through the chapters of this book. Many will be invited to a deeper awareness of the enormous gift of the Eucharist after reading this book. Joan poses the question. "How exactly do we live out our mission?" Without the Eucharist we will forever struggle to begin to respond. Any person who reads The Mass: It's Ritual, Roots and Relevance in Our Lives, will be grateful.

Reverend Jeremiah Boland
Archbishop's Delegate for
Externs and International Priests

Review of The Mass
Bro. Charles Madden, OFM Conv.

A frequent excuse given for not attending Mass nowadays is, "I don't get anything out of it!" Perhaps the reason for not getting anything out of Mass is a real lack of knowledge of what the Mass is all about. Any Catholic with even just a shred of spirituality in them will realize after reading this book, what a great gift and treasure Christ has given us in Holy Mass!

The book is divided into four major sections, corresponding to the four great parts of the Mass: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites, each section having several subsections. Each of the thirty-three subsections has an explanation, a history and a
reflection that leaves the reader with a real understanding of that particular part of the Mass. Each of these small segments is clearly explained, often with interesting anecdotes, which hold the reader's attention and uplift his spirit.

Because the Mass is so well explained bit by bit it is easy to use as either for meditation or for catechizing. It could easily be used as a text for weekly CCD classes or in a home schooling context. Anyone just newly received into the Church will find this detailed explanation of the Mass an
excellent meditative follow up to their RCIA instructions. Slowly reading The Mass while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament during a Holy Hour is a great way to allow God to penetrate into the depths of our souls!

Reviews of Witness Ministries

Endorsements of Witness Books

Book Reviews