Catholic Update Guide to the Mass: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

Catholic Update Guide to the Mass

Edited by Mary Carol Kendzia

St. Anthony Messenger Press

$5.99, 48 pgs., paperback

From the back cover:
What is the Mass?

Why do we need to go?

What do we do when we get there?

The Mass is the central mystery of our faith. Do you know what it's all about? Are you up to speed on the changes in the Roman missal? Does the Mass hold real meaning for you or has it become routine?

This is a little guide that is concise and easy to read and absorb. Read it, dog-ear it, underline it, share it, and study it during your free moments. You know, like when you are waiting at the orthodontist, waiting for soccer practice to end, waiting for Scouts to wrap up. There's lots of waiting in moms' lives. Keep it in the car with a pen and you will be good to go.

The Catholic Update Guide series takes materials from their popular Catholic Update Newsletters to educate readers about the Catholic faith—its doctrine, its expression (the Mass), the Sacraments, and its guiding influence in daily life. You can order a free copy of the newsletter by visiting http://www.catholicupdate.com/. There is also the Catholic Update Guide to Confession at The Catholic Company.

This particular edition explains the most important prayer on earth—from what the Mass is, to what to do when we are there, to the forthcoming and valuable changes to the Roman missal.

In its first chapter, Fr. Tom Richstatter explains how the Mass perpetuates Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. That means that the three holiest days of the year, called the Triduum, live in real time and during the Mass we witness Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection as He was two millenia ago. Fr. Richstatter explains how the Mass has remained the same in this way even though it has changed in appearance over the years. He provides a beautiful and eye-opening explanation of our sacred and unique Sunday (and/or daily) devotion.

The book's second chapter continues with Fr. Richstatter and moves on to answer a question that infects and haunts many Catholics across the globe. I often hear this question from Catholics I think of as “cultural Catholics” or “secular Catholics.” That question is: Why do we go to Mass? Many Catholics want to know, Why bother? (You might want to read “What Kind of Spouse Are You?” about why it is important that we worship.) Especially when children are preparing for their sacraments and their parishes require them to attend weekly Mass, this becomes a hot topic.

Father Richstatter clearly explains why attendance at Mass is such a critical component of our Catholic faith. Do you wonder why you must attend Mass to be considered a practicing Catholic? I think you'll find Father's answers heart-filling and beautiful.

He also addresses the very basic question: “What can this one hour do for our faith and our lives?” Father gives us five answers (emphasis added):

1. I need others to pray well.
2. The Mass enables me to pray with my whole body.
3. Besides talking to God, I need God to talk to me.
4. Being borne again once didn't quite do it.
5. The Mass helps me find the sacred in the ordinary.

The third and final chapter answers the question, “How do we go to Mass?” This is an important chapter for all of us, but especially for those who have been away from the the Mass and are curious yet hesitant about returning home. In this chapter, Fr. Lawrence Mick explains the changes in the new Roman missal and what it means for our personal experience of the Mass. His writing is clear and comforting, helping readers to realize that there is nothing to be afraid of. It seems to me after reading this chapter that this particular change in my life will not be hard.

This chapter reminds me of a recent conversation I had with a priest. He said, “The changes are not necessary but they do deepen the meaning of the Mass and more clearly reflect the original intention of the Mass.” In other words, the Mass is a deep and beautiful expression as it is celebrated today and that the consecration, the summit of the Mass, is complete and truly valid without the changes. However, the changes in the Roman missal will help reveal to us even more so the beauty of the liturgy, and by giving us this gift of understanding it will bring us that much closer to Christ. The changes are given to us as a gift, and as always we must receive this gift with graciousness. To put it simply, give it a fair shake!

Upon our Confirmation, we are given the directive to continue our faith formation. And this Advent, the new Roman missal is coming. The changes are not difficult to learn, but we should be informed and ready!

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Catholic Update Guide to the Mass. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

How to Use Social Media for Learning--The Right Way!

Just in time for moms preparing for the new home school year, here is an excellent post about how to use social networking in a productive, educating, and respectful way. You will want to bookmark the link below for future reference!

Allison at Totus Tuus Family & Homeschool attended the Vatican Bloggers Meeting in Rome, she explains, and has become much more interested in the realm of social media and its possibilities.

As Catholic moms, I know you will agree with me that there are many pitfalls to social networks, but--as with all things--they also possess a potential that can praise Our Dear Lord and help teach our children in new and glorious ways. As always, it is up to the parents to provide the proper guidance.

If you don't know where to begin, here's a great place to start.

As my children are getting older (now both teens), they are aching to use more social networking, something I have been holding back. And I have been wondering how I can help them learn the beneficial ways to use the new medium. First, I need to educate myself. That's why I like this post so much. It gives specifics, sites and resources to check out myself.

Many thanks to Allison at Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool!

Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool: How to Use Social Media for Learning ... and homes...: "I just read this article that relates to the image above and wanted to capture it's message here and share it. Ever since my trip to the V..."

Just What IS a Woman's Role if She Cannot Be Ordained?

first posted July 4, 2010

by Kathleen Blease

One day, I came across a post on Facebook from a man who, for the life of him, couldn't reason why women aren't ordained priests. Still quite young, he reminded me very much of myself at that age, and he was quick to argue that the Church is sexist in its methods. Many years ago, I too had the argument that since the Church was in dire need of priests, then women should be ordained and given all the privileges of men.


How naive could I have been? Now, many years later, I see the wisdom of the Church, and I'm grateful youngsters such as I was had no authority in the matter.

So what is the role of woman in the Church if she cannot be ordained? Indeed, women hold the highest role! Yes, you read that correctly--the highest role. This is not my opinion. It is the teaching of the Church herself, one which has been underscored by Pope John Paul II.

If you don't believe this, consider:

Mary, Mother of God, is the highest of all saints--including all the men--and the Queen of Heaven, crowned solely for her singular and perfect role as a mother. In all her perfection, her own Son did not choose her to be a priest. She remained his mother, who raised and nurtured Him, who prayed for Him during His ministry and while He was absent from her. It was Mary who also gave comfort to the Apostles, who suffered at the foot of the cross, and whose divine agony became divine mercy, making God's grace evident on Earth.

It was a mother--a woman--through which God made Himself present among His Creation. Remember, God could have manifested Himself in any form and under any circumstance. If He so desired, He could have come to us from the sky a mighty warrior and claimed Israel in one strike. Yet, He came to us through the womb of a lowly and simple, yet perfect, woman. If this does not clearly define the power of motherhood and God's elevation of the woman, then nothing will convince you.

Well, let's try this, too...

Among the saints are Doctors of the Church. These are saints who are considered the most edified among the holy, and they are named such by the Pope himself. Two of my favorites are St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Avila. Their gender has nothing to do with their ultimate status!

Now how can anyone call the Catholic Church sexist? But, no, the young man on Facebook wouldn't give up. His final question: "Just where does it say in Scripture that only men can be priests?" Margie Prox Sindelar, a wonderful lady on my friends list, wanted to help him out. Here's what she had to say, reprinted with her permission. Make yourself comfortable, this is a long list that will make you think...and think...and think.

Just because women and men have different roles, does not make us unequal in dignity.... men can not bear children.... So was God sexist when he created us that way? and Yes, there are many places in Scripture that support a male only priesthood, so the church has no authority to change what God has commanded:

Gen. 3:15; Luke 1:26-55-- Mary is God's greatest creation, was the closest person to Jesus, and yet Jesus did not choose her to become a priest. God chose only men to be priests to reflect the complimentarity of the sexes. Just as the man (the royal priest) gives natural life to the woman in the marital covenant, the ministerial priest gives supernatural life in the New Covenant sacraments.

Judges 17:10; 18:19 – fatherhood and priesthood are synonymous terms. Micah says, “Stay with me, and be to me a father and a priest.” Fathers/priests give life, and mothers receive and nurture life. This reflects God our Father who gives the life of grace through the Priesthood of His Divine Son, and Mother Church who receives the life of grace and nourishes her children. In summary, women cannot be priests because women cannot be fathers.



Mark 16:9; Luke 7: 37-50; John 8:3-11 - Jesus allowed women to uniquely join in His mission, exalting them above cultural norms. His decision not to ordain women had nothing to do with culture. The Gospel writers are also clear that women participated in Jesus' ministry and, unlike men, never betrayed Jesus. Women have always been held with the highest regard in the Church (e.g., the Church's greatest saint and model of faith is a woman; the Church's constant teaching on the dignity of motherhood; the Church's understanding of humanity as being the Bride united to Christ, etc.).


Mark 14:17,20; Luke 22:14 - the language "the twelve" and "apostles" shows Jesus commissioned the Eucharistic priesthood by giving holy orders only to men.

Gen. 14:10; Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:15,17 - Jesus, the Son of God, is both priest and King after the priest-king Melchizedek. Jesus' priesthood embodies both Kingship and Sonship.


Gen. 22:9-13 - as foreshadowed, God chose our redemption to be secured by the sacrificial love that the Son gives to the Father.

Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19 - because the priest acts in persona Christi in the offering to the Father, the priest cannot be a woman.


Mark 3:13 - Jesus selected the apostles "as He desired," according to His will, and not according to the demands of His culture. Because Jesus acted according to His will which was perfectly united to that of the Father, one cannot criticize Jesus' selection of men to be His priests without criticizing God.


John 20:22 - Jesus only breathed on the male apostles, the first bishops, giving them the authority to forgive and retain sins. In fact, the male priesthood of Christianity was a distinction from the priestesses of paganism that existed during these times. A female priesthood would be a reversion to non-Christian practices. The sacred tradition of a male priesthood has existed uncompromised in the Church for 2,000 years.

1 Cor. 14:34-35 - Paul says a woman is not permitted to preach the word of God in the Church. It has always been the tradition of the Church for the priest or deacon alone (an ordained male) to read and preach the Gospel.


1 Tim. 2:12 - Paul also says that a woman is not permitted to hold teaching authority in the Church. Can you imagine how much Mary, the Mother of God, would have been able to teach Christians about Jesus her Son in the Church? Yet, she was not permitted to hold such teaching authority in the Church. (A note from Kathleen: Note that this is not referring to CCD teachers and mothers. This is referring to the teaching authority we now call The Vatican, The Pope, who provides us with the infallible teachings of The Church, which is protected by Our God from error.)


Rom. 16:1-2 - while many Protestants point to this verse denounce the Church's tradition of a male priesthood, deaconesses, like Phoebe, were helpers to the priests (for example, preparing women for naked baptism so as to prevent scandal). But these helpers were never ordained.

Luke 2:36-37 - prophetesses, like Anna, were women who consecrated themselves to religious life, but were not ordained.

Isaiah 3:12 – Isaiah complains that the priests of ancient Israel were having their authority usurped by women, and this was at the height of Israel’s covenant apostasy.

I'll bet you never thought there was this much available in Scripture. To all Catholic women, I'd like to say:

If you are a mother, you know that your tasks are endless and can seem overwhelming. Indeed, we have a habit of using the word "mundane." But the truth is, motherhood can seem to be too much not because it is mundane but because it is so huge! Embrace the task Our Lord has granted you. You are the moral gate keeper of your home, and it is your most urgent task to raise the next generation in a way Moses instructed his people. That is, teach your children while you are at home and away, at work and at rest. Teach your children so they can teach their children and all the generations will know Him.

God bless!

You might also be interested in my book review on The Authentic Catholic Woman, which is an excellent and uplifting explanation of the how the Church sees her precious daughters and their unique role in God's plan.

Go to Christ Through Mary? Here's Why

How you even wondered why Catholics go to Jesus through Mary?

From Catholic convert and well-known blogger, Denise Bossert, this is a beautiful explanation of why we should turn to our Blessed Mother and Queen in Heaven when we want to approach Christ.

God bless.

Catholic By Grace: Asking Mary for Help

Trying to Grasp the Seven Sacraments? This Little Guide Can Help. The Power of the Sacraments: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

 Sr. Briege clearly explains the sacraments; why they are the path to holiness and a gift instituted by Christ. Her short essays have a powerful message that's steeped in love as deep as the ocean. Clear, moving, and succinct.

Servant Books, paperback, 64 pages, 5" x  6", $9.99

Sr. Briege McKenna writes:

The sacraments, as one of the old writers put it, are "the veins of the Church." Veins of the physical body pump blood to the heart and revitalize it. Veins run through the Church that Christ instituted when he said, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). 


The sacraments are veins that flow with life. At every stage of our spiritual journey, they bring us life. What kind of life? Supernatural life, the life of grace, which makes us holy....

...We are on a pilgrimage here. This helps us realize why the Lord in his mercy and great love gave us the sacraments that are guaranteed. He promises, "I will be there to help you." That's what a sacrament is.  In the sacraments, Christ guarantees his presence. This doesn't depend on feelings; it depends on faith. On each step of the journey, he meets us with the needs we have.

First, let me say that appearances can be deceiving--yet still revealing. When I opened the envelope that came in the mail, I was first disappointed that this book was so small. It's only 5" x 6" and 64 pages. It looks more like a little gift book than an instructional text that promises to share all the nuances of the Seven Sacraments.

I didn't expect what I eventually found inside. After a careful read, I found Sr. Briege's explanation of the sacraments to be both complete and moving, and well described in just a few pages.

This little book's slim trim size and page count fit its mission perfectly. Sister Briege defines the seven sacraments in simple measure, and her words are steeped in truth. In her short essays is an ocean of Faith that is deep and wondrous. We could live out our lives exploring and loving it. A few simple lines delivered to us, and we are on our way contemplating with awe the life-giving and sustaining power of the mysterious sacraments. Simple yet complex, they are a gorgeous paradox. Thus, this little book fulfills its mission beautifully.

Sister Briege's voice and style are warm, welcoming, and instructive. You will find a willing friend who explains why we are Catholic.

There are seven chapters, one for each sacrament, of course. In each essay, Sr. Briege explains the scriptural root of the sacrament and its value in our lives, and also her personal experience of seeing it dramatically alter ordinary folk. Sister has traveled the world in her ministry and has met people in a variety of situations, such as life is, so she has had the unique opportunity to learn about the personal and private struggles of believers who turn to the sacraments for help and hope.
 
My reaction to call this work a "little gift book" was exactly right. The Seven Sacraments are themselves a gift we receive directly from our Lord, each one clearly explained by Christ in scripture. Thankfully, Sr. Briege shows us just where in the New Testament we will find them.

Bravo to Servant Books for packaging it in such a way. The Power of the Sacraments would make a wonderful gift for birthdays, St. Valentine's Day, your loved one's saint's feast day, or Mother's Day.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company.  Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Power of the Sacraments by Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C.  They are also a great source for serenity prayer and baptism gifts. 

About the author:  Born in Newry, Ireland, Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C., is known worldwide for her ministry to priests and her healing  ministry. A member of the Sisters of St. Clare, she has traveled extensively, giving conferences in all parts of the world. Her healing from crippling arthritis is recounted in her book, Miracles Do Happen (Servant Books).

God bless!

Pope's Message About Catholics' Use of Technology: Both Wise and With the Times

"Lisa, Thanks so much for sharing this with us and bringing our attention to such an important topic. Once again, through Christ’s wisdom, the Catholic Church prayerfully and thoughtfully stays with the times and helps its precious people to live Catholic Christian lives in all manners, even in the virtual world! Praise Our God for His loving wisdom; we are never abandoned in even the smallest way."


Above is my comment posted on Lisa Hendey's CatholicMom.com. Indeed, praise God we are never abandoned. There is hope, faith, and love is all things and in all ways. The Church is not living under a canopy of dust; instead, it thrives in the light and lives well in the times.
What am I talking about?

In his World Communications Day Message, entitled Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age, Pope Benedict XVI addresses how Catholics can and should use technology in a way that reflects the teachings of Our Christ, in all ways. If you use communications technology in any manner, including newspapers (print and online), TV, emails, social networking, texting, blogging, and so on (And who doesn't?) then this pertains to you!

Moms and Dads: Technology, too, is part of our Domestic Church and thus falls under our parental jurisdiction, no?  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the invasion of today's technology, the Pope's message would be a great place to start in managing and using this lightning-fast communication tool.

Lisa Hendey at CatholicMom.com has put together a wonderful post that provides a link to the Pope's complete document as well as a variety of Catholic news links, reflections, and responses. Click here to visit Lisa's post and get the full story. It is well worth our time as Catholics to read this loving message from our Holy Father.

God bless.

Catholic Doctrines Look Complicated? Don't Sweat It!

I would like to extend to you a little advice. Don't ever be afraid of documents, scriptures, encyclicals or other materials of the Catholic Church.

If they look complicated (and they often do to me), then simply read over the materials and enjoy what you can glean from them. Even if you take away only one short sentence that helps you grow in your Faith, your reading time has been well spent. Well done.

There is no need to have fears about what you don't understand. Little by little, the Lord will open these doors for you and in the right time.

A Reflection on the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation

Our Mother Church calls to us, "Come to me, just come." And we reply, "Jesus, I am here, just as I am."

At Catholic by Grace, Catholic writer and blogger Denise Bossert shares a beautiful reflection on the sacrament of Reconciliation. Perhaps each one of us can see a little bit of ourselves in what she writes. Click here to read, In These Rare Moments, I Feel Like A Little Girl Again.

God bless!

Why God Matters: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steve Lumbert

Why God Matters shows us how a typical life is a doorway to Our Christ and Savior.

I promise you, it won't take much of your time to read Why God Matters, but your reward will be special. As you read Karina's and Deacon's stories, you will nod your head as you recount your own, then realize, "Ah, yes, there was Christ."

hardcover $12.76

114 pages, 8 1/2" x 6"

Tribute Books

If you are feeling a  little distant from God, if you think your days are filled with too many mundane tasks, or if you wonder if God is watching over you, here is a helping hand.

With a title like Why God Matters, one would expect a tome of theology and doctrine. But fear not. Karina Lumbert Fabian (a revert) and her father, Deacon Steven Lumbert (a convert) are average, every day people who discover the simple beauty of the Catholic Church and the Faith and how they are drawn to live in its midst. There are no miracles depicted here--well, perhaps I should say here are the type of miracles that come upon us gradually, most times without being noticed. This is what I would call "how grace drizzles in." No thunder and blinding lights, just ordinarly people with typical experiences our Lord hands us daily.

Small and written in quick passages, this handbook of faith can go anywhere and read at anytime you have a spare moment. Or, if you'd like, it's just as useful for deep contemplation, with the inclusion of scripture and quotes from saints and famous catechists, as well as various selections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Perhaps take Why God Matters with you to visit our Lord at the tabernacle or at Adoration.

There is an image I like to keep in mind: When a little bird is thirsty, he dips his beak into water, then lifts his face toward Heaven to let the nourishment seep in. So, we too can do the same--take tiny bits of our Lord's wisdom, then turn our face to Heaven to let His nourishment fill us.

I promise you, it won't take much of your time to read Why God Matters, but your reward will be special. As you read, Karina's and Deacon's stories, you will nod your head as you recount your own, then realize, "Ah, yes, there was Christ."

The back of the book includes useful materials, such as: a list of further reading (including websites as well as books), the Anima Christi prayer, the Prayer of St. Fancis, and Deacon Steve's Prayer for Enlightenment.

Why God Matters has received the seal of approval from The Catholic Writers Guild and is available at Kathleen's Catholic Book Shop in the right column of this blog. Click on the little red box, and you can order the book without leaving Kathleen's Catholic.

To visit the book's website, click here.

Happy reading and God bless!

Anne Rice's Remarks: Reinvent the Truth to Fit the World

by Kathleen Blease

FOR A NONCATHOLIC DISCERNING CONVERSION, THESE HIGH-PROFILE STATEMENTS CAN BE QUITE DAMAGING, BUT THE CHURCH PROVIDES US WITH LOVING AND COMPLETE ANSWERS

Pilate knew the truth, and he found a way to reinvent it to fit the world's desires.

Last winter, I read an article/interview about/with Anne Rice in a Catholic magazine, and I was thoroughly confused and dismayed by her remarks; and I was disappointed that the magazine (which I picked up in the vestibule of our church) would publish her story at all. The article put her child's homosexuality and her husband's atheism on the same plane as her re-discovered Catholicism--as though all three were simply a matter of choice in lifestyle, all equal and acceptable. How could a publication devoted to our Dear Savior allow such a story?

Worse yet, my husband, who is not Catholic (and who is the beneficiary of many prayers), read the story and was a little jilted and thoroughly confused. He wanted to know, Why do Catholics behave this way? And I could see that he really wanted no part of a church where people are allowed to profess one thing and do another. I tried to encourage him to remember that what Jesus gave to Peter would never change, regardless of what people try to do to reinvent it. And THIS is what our one true Faith is all about.

As someone who is in love with a nonCatholic, I can see how these types of public verbiage--indeed, a public reinvention of Christ's Bride--published in Catholic magazines and newspapers are quite damaging. They give individuals one more excuse to reject the One Truth and turn to the world for quick solutions and easy comforts. If only they knew how God aches for us to say Yes to His will! If only they knew that He loves us even when we turn away. If only they knew that each time we falter, He carries us. And when we drift--willingly--He is still waiting for us at the end of the road and will run to us as soon as He sees us approaching.

George Sipe at Convert Journal writes an excellent post on this very issue. He also cites The Anchoress (Elizabeth Scalia), who clearly explains the Catholic theology and doctrine, which would help us sort out these types of public proclamations made by high-profile individuals, ala Nancy Pelosi. There are answers. As Catholics, we needn't be jilted. The Church--the One Truth based on love and compassion--gives us answers that are complete. Many thanks to George for his courage in openly addressing this issue and sharing information from Scalia.

God bless.