Reviews

Books

Mystagogy, the fourth stage of the initiation rite, provides the model for a practical and theological reflection for every member of the church. With a chapter devoted to each sacrament and an additional chapter on funerals, Hughes presents a historical summary, an outline of the initiation rite and reflections gathered from interviews with parishioners from across the United States. Each chapter closes with both a statement of the faith expressed and a challenge to live the commitment that follows from saying “Amen.”

The result is an affirmation that communal ritual is formative and that this awareness and understanding are within the grasp of everyone who participates. The sacramental reflections build one upon the other. As one person observes in the chapter on penance: “We need one another for the sacraments” (132). This is least evident in the chapter on confirmation, in which most of the reflections are based on the period of preparation rather than on the celebration and focused on the individual’s choice rather than God’s choice.

Liturgists are encouraged to prepare the rites well. Catechists are encouraged to develop skills and methods that foster remembering. Saying Amen is an excellent example of liturgical catechesis. This model of sacramental reflection will engage readers in a full and rich experience of the paschal mystery and show them a way to share the faith of the church.

— Elizabeth Lilly

Guide to the Revised Lectionary by Martin Connell; Liturgy Training Publications, 1800 North Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-1101; 1998; 70p; $5.

This scholarly presentation answers the need of many of us who want to “get a handle” on the revised readings for the Sunday liturgy. The content is brief, concise and clear.

In addition to the lectionary readings for the full church year for Cycles A, Band C, there is pertinent information and explanations of the process and development of the liturgy and a schedule of the former one-year cycle of readings prior to Vatican II.

This is a useful guide for every church parish, for diocesan religious education resource centers and for anyone responsible for lectionary catechesis. This would also make a great inexpensive gift for any person interested in spending time getting ready for Sunday liturgy.

— Sister John Martin Ebrom, CDP

Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest by Wayne Muller; Bantam Books, a division of Random House, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036; 1999; 241p; $23.95.

In our modern world it seems that each new day brings yet another way to do more things, make more money and communicate with others faster in a never-ending flurry of activity. In Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest, Wayne Muller has taken the essence of sabbath, the deliberate slowing down of everyday activity, and explored its nature in a way that is irresistibly appealing. Writing in a style that calls to mind Muller’s friend and mentor, Henri Nouwen, the necessity of sabbath is considered in the context of a variety of faith traditions. What emerges from this exploration with absolute clarity is that each tradition wisely recognizes the need to make space for the soul to rest, to set aside time to build that inner emptiness that can be filled with a presence of peace. Muller’s gentle poetic style contributes well to this sense of holy time — of sacred play — and he includes gentle exercises and recommendations of ways to build sabbath time into even the busiest of lives. This book is not only a delightful addition to a library of spiritual reading but an essential tool in the vital effort to restore balance into lives filled with too many tasks, too many details, too many unnecessary goals and too little time for rest. Muller’s vision of sabbath contains the power to transform, to return people to a simpler interior way of life, and to infuse the healing power of the sacred into the life of the world. This book is a powerful first step on that journey to restoring sabbath.

— Donna Cole

The Earth Is the Lord's: The Bible, Ecology, and Worship by Dianne Bergant; The Liturgical Press, St. John’s Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500; 1998; 71p; $6.95. 

Scientific insight has transformed our anthropological perspective. Theology is now catching up. On the other hand, the “Grand Unified Theory” which today’s scientists are seeking is presupposed in the Scriptures. The author wants us to approach the Scriptures with new eyes and new ears to discover images and nuances relating to the integrity of all creation, which we may have missed or neglected in the past. She reminds readers of Ministry & Liturgy that our lectionary does not use much of the Scriptures that show the grandeur of God’s nature. When it does use such passages, it frequently has a different purpose. She ends with a reminder that as Christ is the instrument of God for the transformation of the world, so we, as we leave our liturgical celebrations, become similar instruments.

— David O. Brown

Jump Start: 180 Lessons, Icebreakers, Projects and Weekend Activities for Junior High by Michael Amodei; Ave Maria Press, PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556; 202p; $6.95.

A great collection of icebreakers and activities aimed at young adults is found in the new edition of Jump Start. Good teaching ideas with thoughtful questions for discussion are combined with activities that are age-appropriate and not hard to implement. Outlined by the month, the sessions invite us into a new way of presenting the liturgical celebrations of the year. Summer and Ordinary Time include education on the saints as well as the seasonal celebration. The coordination with Scripture for reflection times is nicely balanced with exciting activities that would appeal to this age group. The text is user-friendly, allowing for possibilities to skip around in the offerings and change the games to fit group needs.

— Miriam J. Gallagher
 

Audio-Visual

Familiarizing us with the sacraments and how they have existed through the centuries to modern time is the subject of this wonderful conversation with Keenan Osborne. Easy informative listening is balanced with ideas for the future church against the perceived needs of the new millennium. The sacraments as gifts and the challenges that we face in making them a part of our lives with a concrete understanding of what God has given to us completes the 80-minute tape. This is a cost-effective way of helping people understand the sacraments in their lives.

— Miriam J. Gallagher, RSM

Christian Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist by Keenan Osborne, OFM; St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati, OH 45210; 1999; recorded talk on cassette, 80 min., $8.95.

Exploring the sacraments of initiation, Keenan Osborne speaks on the past and present of these sacraments as well as the expectations of Vatican II and its goal of educating the laity so that their children’s journey may be guided by adult family faith. His strong emphasis on the necessity of the family’s participation in these moments presents a challenge for those whose parishes still struggle with active participation. Humor, common sense and good theology provide easy education through listening. The time spent in reminding us of the gift and of the wonderful benefits of Eucharist enables all of us to make deeper commitments for our spiritual journey. This is another great teaching tool and wonderful assistant for those involved with the sacraments of initiation.

— Miriam J. Gallagher, RSM
 

Music

Thanks to OCP, this fine Australian composer is getting more exposure in North America. This collection of Willcock’s arrangements of Christmas tunes provides many worthy alternatives for the parish music director. The recording is fine listening, highlighting good choral performance with tasteful, understated accompaniment on piano or organ. The choral songbook includes very well-written instrument parts for 7 of the 21 pieces.

Willcock presents eight carols from non-English countries, suggesting the use of the original languages in liturgy or performance. Throughout the collection, the choral writing has a “British” sound, which comes out nicely, even on the spirituals “O Poor Little Jesus” and “GoTell It on the Mountain.” Christmas chestnuts such as “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “What Child Is This” feature original yet accessible arrangements. Lesser-known fare such as “Sussex Carol” and “Noel Nouvelet” benefit from the tasteful and varied blend of harmony and accompaniment.

The songbook makes an excellent resource for any parish with a choral tradition. The musicianship required is well within the abilities of most parish volunteers; only a few pieces are of medium difficulty. This collection is especially recommended for Christmas fanatics.

— Todd Flowerday

ML
 

Reviewers

Sister John Martin Ebrom, CDP, is currently serving as director of Catholic Community Services for the Diocese of Alexandria, La.

Donna Cole is pastoral associate and coordinator for liturgy at St. Jude in Budd Lake, N.J.

David O. Brown, OSM, ministers as a retired priest in a downtown city parish.

Miriam Gallagher, RSM, is a pastoral associate and educator of Scripture and religion programs appropriate for students and their families.

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

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