Reviews

Books

Come Celebrate Jesus! Reflections
for Advent and Christmastide Including Special Feastdays, O Antiphons and Las Posadas
Francis X. Gaeta
Resurrection Press, PO Box 248, Williston Park, NY 11596; 1997; 96 p; $4.95.
The final meditation in a series on the O Antiphons, this is a small but powerful book. Francis Gaeta kindles the warmth of the Christmas season and carries the light of Christmas into every dark corner imaginable. For Gaeta, Christmas is not just a season of the year which can be defined by dates on a calendar; it is more like a seasoning which is blended throughout the stew of life.

Although he does not talk about himself, Gaeta reveals himself in his diverse meditations to the extent that readers will feel that they know this man. The reader does not react to the information in this book but to the person. It is the author who is present but not by himself. He has brought with him the people he cares about and introduces them within the book. The author seems to have the same person relationship with Henri Nouwen as St. Nicholas. He draws inspiration from Dorothy Day as well as from St. Lucy. Through the many meditations, all very short, and through the many persons who inspire those meditations, there is Emmanuel. The presence of God-with-us infuses this book from the first word.
-- Joseph C. Scheib

A New Testament Guide to the Holy Land, 2nd Edition
John J. Kilgallen, SJ
Loyola University Press, 3441 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657; 1997; 298p; $14.95.
This is a religious guide book to the Israeli-Palestinian sites connected with the New Testament. Citations for New Testament texts set the stage for the contemporary pilgrim to see, explore and ponder through the Holy Land. This is more than geography, archeology and architecture -- although there is all of that, too. The author reflects on text and scene, thoughtfully, deftly, reverentially. Kilgallen?s forthright, readable style will turn the reader from tourist to pilgrim.
-- Daniel A. Brown

The Julian Mystique
Frodo Okulam
Twenty-Third Publications, PO Box 180, Mystic, CT 06355; 1998; 88p; $7.95.
Okulam provides the reader with significant insights from her in-depth study of the person and times of Juliana of Norwich. The chapters are brief and easy to read, and there are reflection questions following each chapter which ask the reader to reflect on the comparison of the 11th century with today.

For anyone not acquainted with the saint, this is an excellent book to give a comprehensive picture of her life and her chosen lifestyle. Even those already familiar with Juliana will glean new insights into her life and times from this book. Recommended for parish, school and retreat libraries, this book could also be excellent reflection material for faith-sharing groups interested in pursuing the lives of the saints.
-- Sister John Martin Ebrom

The Autumn of St. Francis of Assisi
Roderic Petrie, OFM
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45210-1298; 1997; 104p; $6.95.
This book shows us Francis of Assisi as his first followers saw him: approachable, winsome, influential, a man whose example made following him easy. The entire story seems to be narrated by Rufino, one of Francis' first group of friars. In it he tells why their small group banded together and how it grew. He focuses on Francis' last four or five crucial days in which, knowing he was soon to die, Francis chose to give his leadership to another. This book adds a new perspective to previous lives of the saint. It gives Francis' friends of today a gentle blend of history, imagination and love based on the spirit of simplicity with which Francis' first friends sought him and revered him.

Those who have heard of St. Francis and want to know him better will treasure this interesting approach.
-- Sister Francis Borgia

God Is Calling
Judith Dunlap and Mary Cummings Wlodarski
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45210-1298; 1998; 12-book boxed set; $89.95.
God Is Calling is a family-centered catechetical invitation for growth in understanding God and God?s powerful love for all. Divided into three formats entitled "Yahweh," "Jesus" and "Spirit," families cover Old and New Testament stories, reading about men and women who tell of God in their life journey. Two sets of texts, one designed for young children and the other for ages 11-14, reach children of different ages appropriately with the same concepts. Suggestions for intergenerational sharings enhance the family liturgical year.

In Yahweh Calls, topics include Yahweh, the chosen people, kings, queens, prophets and heroes that prepare for the Messiah. Jesus Lives tells stories of Jesus through friends, miracles, parables, passion, death, and resurrection. Spirit With Us begins at Pentecost and talks about aspects of belonging, prayer, forgiveness and action that leads to new beginnings as we live the Spirit in our lives. A third part has suggestions for integrating this time of learning in the children's catechumenate. It all concludes with an invitation for families to celebrate four times of retreat.

In all, this boxed set is invitational and creative, colorful, age-appropriate, and family friendly. Focused clarity, good art, and great storytelling welcome parents to a new catechetical opportunity sharing their Jesus story in a way that children will want to repeat over and over again.
-- Miriam J. Gallagher

Liturgy and Ecology in Dialogue
Lawrence E. Mick
Liturgical Press, St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500; 1997, 90p; $8.95.
There is always a certain tension in any dialogue. The possibility of dialogue indicates an underlying relationship but the need for dialogue reveals a strained, perhaps broken, relationship. There have been those who have seen liturgy as trivial and irrelevant to the planetary concerns represented by ecology. Others have seen the science of ecology as depersonalizing. Mick explores all sides of the liturgical-ecological relationship: moral, aesthetic, social, personal, transcendent and practical.

His explorations reveal an under-appreciated harmony that has broad implications for the experience of liturgy as an act of faith involving mind, heart and will. Seeing many sides of a complex reality is the beginning of a more complete understanding. Pastoral teams, worship committees and individuals involved in liturgy will find that the dialogical emphasis of Liturgy and Ecology in Dialogue is carried forward by "Questions for Reflection and Discussion."
-- Joseph C. Scheib

To Heal As Jesus Healed
Barbara Shlemon Ryan, Dennis Linn and Matthew Linn
Resurrection Press, PO Box 248, Williston Park, NY 11596; 1997; 112p; $7.95.
Written as an explanation of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, this book assists the priest in understanding all the various facets of this sacrament, concentrating on the meaning of healing. There are also numerous references to and application of non-sacramental healing services which can be conducted by lay ministers.

This book will be helpful to priests and other ministers of healing.
-- Mary Jane Treichel

Prayer Moments for Every Day of the Year
Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND
Twenty-Third Publications, PO Box 180, Mystic, CT 06355; 1998; 80p; $7.95.
This is a treasury of brief, one-sentence prayers taken from Scripture, the liturgy and sayings of the saints and holy people. Each is filled with meaning that may be sufficient food for brief reflection throughout the day. There are more than 300 prayers divided into 60 categories with a blank section to record one's own favorite reflective thoughts.

This seasoned author will delight former readers and win new readers with her style of simplicity with depth. Recommended as a gift for busy people and as a resource in parish and retreat libraries.
-- Sister John Martin Ebrom

Praying with the Sick: Prayers, Services, Rituals
Sandra DeGidio, OSM
Twenty-Third Publications, Mystic, CT 06355; 1998; 49p; $6.95.
This is a treasury of brief, meaningful and personalized prayers for the sick, the dying, persons in a coma and those facing or recovering from surgery. A section covers 15 ways of ministering to the sick. Included also are short services, rituals and Scripture passages which may be helpful in ministering either to homebound persons or in hospitals and nursing homes. There is also a blessing included for families who have suffered the loss of a child.

This would make a welcome gift to a communion minister and would be helpful to anyone who does outreach in the parish when visiting with persons who are suffering physically or mentally.
-- Sister John Martin Ebrom

The Eucharist: Essence, Form, Celebration
Johannes H. Emminghaus
The Liturgical Press, St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500; 1997; 272p; $19.95.
This is the one-volume introduction to the history and theology of the Mass that you need. Steeped in scholarship but not cluttered by its apparatus, this book outlines the history of the development of the Mass and then carefully explains the main liturgical themes of each segment of the ritual. The author is detailed but never fussy when he analyzes the components of public worship. He has a keen pastoral sense and deliberately intends to make this book a successor to the pioneering work of Pius Parsch, updated, of course, with the experience, restoration and changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council.

The book's origin -- for a German-speaking audience -- intrudes at several points, but the reader can easily adapt.
-- Daniel Brown

The Learning Congregation: A New Vision of Leadership
Thomas R. Hawkins
Westminster John Knox Press, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396; 1997; 171p; $14.
Hawkins offers a vision of the church in which leadership is not a matter of knowing how to do something but of helping the institution learn how to function. By this he means that the church itself is changed in its responses and its ability to act and to respond to situations. This is an experience for the church that leads to conversion and transformation.

The book will be directly helpful for those who work with a worship committee because its direction is more administrative. It will also be helpful in helping liturgists and preachers think through what they hope will happen in worship. It is easily read and not technical or complicated, with good illustrations for the author's points. In many ways, it tells us what we already know, but that can also be very helpful sometimes.
-- Joseph R. Alfred

Eucharist: Toward the Third Millennium
Gerald Austin et al.
Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101; 1997; 122p; $9.
This volume contains the presentations given at Catholic University of America to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the liturgy program at the university. Members of the liturgy faculty, after careful study and research, presented their results at a symposium entitled Eucharist: Toward the Third Millennium. The topic selected for the symposium highlighted contemporary theological and pastoral aspects of the Eucharist as the third millennium approaches. Recent issues that have surfaced in this area were addressed both in the major presentations and in subsequent discussions. Issues such as Sunday worship in the absence of a priest, the role of women in the liturgy, music and the eucharistic prayer, and liturgical theology lead to much discussion and debate among the participants in the symposium.

Familiar and highly respected presenters, such as Kevin W. Irwin, David Power, OMI, Mary Collins, OSB, Frederick R. McManus and others, presented their research on the task of eucharistic theology, the prophetic Eucharist in a prophetic church, the liturgical homily and the common lectionary.

This volume is highly recommended to all engaged in the liturgy as an exciting new resource for study and pastoral action in regard to the Eucharist.
-- W. Regis Halloran

The Priestly Office: A Theological Reflection
Avery Dulles, SJ
Paulist Press, 997 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430; 1997; 81p; $7.95.
This volume consists of five lectures delivered by Dulles at Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J. In these lectures Dulles considers the ordained priesthood in light of the Second Vatican Council, post-conciliar theology and addresses given by Pope John Paul II on this topic. Dulles presents in a clear manner the relationship of the priest to Christ and the church. He then probes the relationship of the priest to the ministry of the word, worship and pastoral care. The last theme in this book develops the essential role of the priest as a disciple of Christ. The words of Paul then become ever more significant to the priest as a disciple of Christ: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1).

This presentation on the ordained priesthood will be of great assistance, not only to the ordained presbyter but to all members of today?s church.
-- W. Regis Halloran

Preparing the Liturgical Year,Vol. 1: Sunday and the Paschal Triduum; Vol. 2: Lent-Easter and Advent-Christmas
Corbin Eddy
Liturgical Press, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500; 1997; Vol. 1, 43p; Vol. 2, 46p; $3.95 each.
The introductions explain the general purpose of the volumes: to prepare Christian communities for the liturgy and then to give the guiding principles to succeed. The three chapters in Volume 1 are: the Paschal Mystery, the Centrality of Sunday, the Paschal Triduum; in Volume 2: Lent, Easter Season and Advent-Christmas. Each chapter begins with a explanation of the topic and then usually concludes with four small sections: Catechesis, Priorities, Summary and Discussion Questions. These aid the reader in making use of the material to achieve the proper preparation for the liturgy.

Each volume has a glossary and bibliography. In Volume 1, Appendix 1 is on the Glory Days -- the Triduum and Easter -- with a chart as a teaching tool. Appendix 2 is a list of moveable feasts to 2030. In Volume 2, charts for the Sundays and feast days relate the lectionary readings to the images and aspects of the paschal mystery. Volume 2 presupposes that one has read Volume 1.

Once the paschal mystery is understood, the move to the centrality of Sunday is obvious, while the Triduum takes its place as the major feast of the church year and each Sunday relives Easter. At this stage you are ready to prepare for Lent-Easter and Advent-Christmas. Various aspects of these seasons are described as well as events that occur therein. Those interested in having their parishes experience the paschal mystery all year long will be able to use the background supplied and apply the principles and ideas presented as ongoing catechesis.
-- Jovian P. Lang, OFM

Thresholds to Prayer
Kathy Coffey
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210- 1298; 1998; 133p; $9.95.
Kathy Coffey's ability to share her contemplative nature with the reader brings a lively awareness of how close God really is. Ordinary things and situations, chance meetings or delays, wordless gestures, even fatigue, all can lead us into prayers of praise, gratitude, petition or hope. We can delight in God's beauty at a produce stand or in a park beneath the grandeur of a golden tree and a cobalt sky. We can ask him what to do when a child is sick or when life's crises need delayed judgments.

Have you ever prayed a blessing over your computer or your x-ray machine? Have you ever reached up to the Lord in a wordless morning stretch? Many of us think of prayer mostly as a formal activity or as a time set apart, away from daily responsibilities to be alone with the Lord. Coffey shows us how to pray for and about those people and events which fill our days and nights with concerns, anxieties, joys and delights.

This book is recommended for adults who want God to be a constant companion when thinking and attending to a myriad of daily tasks.
-- Sister Francis Borgia

Breaking Open the Gospel of Matthew
Gerard P. Weber and Robert L. Miller
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45210-1298; 1998; 137p; $49.95.
This book of 15 reflections based on the Gospel of Matthew is the fourth in the Breaking Open series. It concentrates on the Beatitudes and the Our Father as taught by Jesus and remembered by Matthew. It engages the reader with an interesting and fluent style by delving into the attitudes Christ wants us to have. The authors use stories from real life, cross references from the Bible itself and on-target comparisons. For example, the Beatitudes teach us the way to happiness, joy, peace "like a spectrum of the various wavelengths of light that coalesce into one bright white light to illumine God's will for us." Readers will find that what "poor in spirit," "pure of heart" or any other beatitude really means goes far beyond the notion to which most of us are accustomed. The relationships of gratitude with mercy, compassion while serving others and forgiveness with an absence of revenge are the keys to the hope and love Christ wants for all of us. Each chapter ends with a few questions of individual reflection or group discussion and a prayer. This book, though written for group study, would also be helpful to homilists, catechists and retreat directors.
-- Sister Francis Borgia

Video

Video Guide for Ministers of Communion
Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-1101; 1997; VHS, 26 min; $39.95.
This video deals with the "how" and the "why" questions regarding the role of the communion minister. Questions and concerns that new ministers have are addressed through interviews with experienced communion ministers. This video can be an effective pastoral tool to train new communion ministers as well as re-educate experienced ministers.
-- Mary Jane Treichel

Music

Amber
Jeanne Cotter
Mythic Rain, PO Box 11840, St. Paul, MN 55111; 1998; CD $16.
Jeanne Cotter presents another album of solo piano improvisations on her second collection from Mythic Rain Publications. Having previously released a number of liturgical collections with GIA Publications, Cotter now has two albums with Mythic Rain, the first of which is entitled Many Snows, a fine collection of instrumental piano music for Christmas and wintertime. Amber, her latest release, highlights this worthy composer's new piano improvisations.

Cotter's improvisational techniques have always been inspirational to all liturgical pianists. Songs such as "Amber" and "Wild Roses" are reminiscent of her other liturgical arrangements and make wonderful pieces for meditation.

This collection is especially useful for retreats and prayer sessions where reflective, instrumental music can set a contemplative mood for prayer. Amber also makes a great gift for those who enjoy playing music as well as for those who simply enjoy listening.
-- Ray Valido

Awakenings
Joe Mattingly and the Newman Singers
World Library Publications, 3825 Willow Rd., Box 2703, Schiller Park, IL 60176; 1998; CD $9.95.
Joe Mattingly and the Newman Singers provide us with a refreshing and very professional recording of Advent and Christmas music. It was indeed a pleasure listening to such well-trained musicians. The repertoire on Awakenings ranges from such traditional pieces as ?O How Joyfully? and ?O Come, O Come Emmanuel? to rock and gospel music. The vocalists (those in groups and soloists ) are also quite talented musicians. Of special interest were the instrumentalists, who provided exquisite improvisations as was deemed appropriate. I would recommend Awakenings to anyone looking for some good-sounding Advent-Christmas music!
-- Theresa Laureta, OSF

Prophets of Joy
The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, directed by Steven C. Warner
World Library Publications, 3825 Willow Rd., Box 2703, Schiller Park, IL 60176; 1998; CD $9.95.
Steven Warner, director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir, finds inspiration for writing many of these musical pieces from the words of John Paul II and his ministry at the university. Indeed, 10 of the 16 compositions are Warner's.

The pieces celebrate the various seasons of the liturgical year, including "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Advent), "Sing Hosanna" (Palm Sunday), "Crux Fidelis" (Good Friday) and "Behold! I Make All Things New" (Easter). Warner's contemporary compositional style for this group is consistent throughout the album. I especially enjoyed Warner's "Jina la Bwana" (an African Magnificat). The discrete use of the drum is commendable.

Separate octavos for many of the individual songs are also available from World Library Publications.
-- Theresa Laureta, OSF

Reviewers

Rev. Joseph Scheib is a tribunal judge in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Daniel A. Brown teaches comparative religion at California State University, Fullerton.

Sister John Martin Ebrom is a Sister of Divine Providence of Texas and is currently serving as director of community services for the Diocese of Alexandria, La.

Francis Borgia, OSU, is a pastoral associate in St. Malachi Parish, Cleveland.

Miriam J. Gallagher, RSM, is the sacrament coordinator and adult and youth educator for her parish in San Francisco.

Mary Jane Treichel, PhD, is a pastoral counselor and a pastoral associate at St. Patrick (Bridge Ave.) Church in Cleveland and a high school mathematics teacher at Thomas W. Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio.

Joseph R. Alfred is pastor ofImmanuel United Church of Christ, Evergreen Park, Ill.

W. Regis Halloran serves in St. John the Baptist Parish in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jovian P. Lang, OFM, teaches Library and Information Science for the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University and was formerly media review editor for ML.

Ray Valido is the assistant editor of ML. He also serves as director of music at Sacred Heart Church, Saratoga, Calif.

Theresa Laureta, OSF, serves as music director of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Syracuse, N.Y.

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