Reviews

Catechesis is one of the most important ministries that the church can provide for both its young people and adults. Maureen Gallagher has contributed an excellent resource for those involved in catechesis with The Art of Catechesis. While this book’s primary focus is on catechesis, she ties in the aspects of Christian living, including the sacramental life and the liturgical functions of the church.

This book provides the background material needed for those commissioned with the duty of fostering spiritual growth in the lives of those they catechize. Gallagher begins by outlining the fundamental principles of catechesis and those who undertake this important role in the church. A major concept contained throughout the pages of this book is that catechists must first come to an understanding of their role and identity as Christian people.

Gallagher uses the richness of Catholic tradition as a means of calling forth the church’s dynamic history as the primary tool in catechizing those who are engaged in catechesis. Her intent is to spark interest in the scriptural, liturgical and teaching traditions of the church in all catechists so that they, too, will deepen their own faith spirituality. This book is recommended for those who train catechists as well as for all those who catechize.

— René J. Dorsey

Prayer for Parish Groups 
by Donal Harrington and Julie Kavanagh; St.Mary’s Press, 702 Terrace Heights, Winona MN 55987-1320; 1998; 253p; $12.95.

It’s your turn to lead prayer for your parish council, the liturgy planning team or the ministers of care. You’ve forgotten about this duty until 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting, and you still have to write a report as well. Where do you turn?

The answer can be found in Prayer for Parish Groups by Donal Harrington and Julie Kavanagh. This book contains more than 100 prayer services with themes from The Yeast of Hope to Rekindling the Commitment to A Dream Not Dreamt. In addition, there are prayer services with seasonal, holiday and liturgical motifs.

Each prayer service is designed with a focusing element, a reflective piece, some quiet time, a movement of sharing, some intercessions and a closing prayer. Scripture is often the keystone, but the authors have included original compositions as well as works from such tested writers as Edward Hays, Meister Eckhart and Anthony de Mello.

Harrington and Kavanagh suggest ways to overcome common obstacles, which include a feeling of inadequacy on the part of the prayer leader, uncertainty as to the nature of prayer and the attitude that the time given to the opening prayer is “wasted time.”

They suggest how to begin, focusing especially on thorough preparation and participation by all. They also discuss the positive effects that prayer has on the life of the group. Another chapter is a step-by-step guide for preparing a prayer session, and the authors include consideration of the following elements: setting, environment, music, readings, gesture, silence and shared prayer. A checklist concludes the chapter along with the advice to “let the Spirit work.” When you follow the steps in this book, every meeting you attend can be a life-giving source of meaningful prayer.

— Marilyn Peters Krawczyk
 

Videos

This Catholic Update video is suitable for catechists, adult inquirers, high school students, and parents of children preparing for first communion.

The four segments form a unified whole, yet each can stand alone in a catechetical setting. Discussion questions and a leader’s guide allow the user to explore the richness of each segment.

The story segment is titled “Bread That Remembers” and focuses on two brothers whose anger becomes symbolized in their refusal to share bread. The bread remembers, and it is only after a gathering of village folks who tell stories of the brothers’ goodness that the bread is placed at the doorstep of the duo with the hope that the bread may be finally be shared. Images of bread making are intermingled with the subjective and symbolic primary story, thus inviting deeper levels of meaning.

The witness segment is actually a series of interviews which features ordinary Catholics discussing their personal experience of the Mass, the meaningful parts of the Mass and how they live as members of the Body of Christ. This segment flows logically in to the teaching module, which allows Thomas Richstatter, OFM, to review the structure of the Mass through the lenses of gathering, storytelling and meal sharing. This 15-minute segment is extremely useful in any setting in which a deeper understanding of the Mass is desired. It also places great emphasis on the Jewish roots of the Mass, especially the eucharistic prayer.

The final reflective segment, “Song of the Body of Christ” with David Haas and Friends, is accompanied by visuals of the various parts of the Mass. A prayer service is suggested which allows song and symbol to complete our “walk through the Mass.”

— Marilyn Peters Krawczyk
 

Music

Tim Smith’s second release with OCP is a fine follow-up to his first. As before, Frances Brockington contributes to a fine recording featuring choir with piano and other instruments. Eight of the pieces are psalm settings utilizing the excellent Liturgical Psalter from ICEL. Traditional American texts are skillfully set: the title tune and two by Isaac Watts. A setting of the “Song of Farewell” and “Voice of Christ” (one of the highlights) rounds out a fine collection.

The primary accompaniment is piano. Some pieces are fairly easy; others require alert reading ability or a feel for Smith’s gospel-pop-contemporary influences. Instrument parts are provided for nearly every song, but the keyboard parts are so well written that a simple combination of assembly, cantor and accompanist would more than suffice.

The pieces that stand out include the settings of Psalm 31 (Good Friday), Psalm 80 (Advent) and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Even obscure Psalm 115 is represented well here. If your parish has explored beyond your missalette psalms, this collection is worth a serious look. If not, I’d still recommend the fine recording and music book as valued resources to any serious parish music program.

— Todd Flowerday
 

Reviewers

Marilyn Peters Krawczyk is director of religious education at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Palatine, Ill.

Todd Flowerday serves at St. Edward Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, as liturgist and pastoral musician.

ML

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