LITURGY FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD (Three Volumes) by Charles Miller, CM ($10.95)*

9.95
ALBA: 0-8189

Volume One of this 3-volume trilogy sets the lighthearted yet serious tone of the series, asking: Who is Jesus and how and why do we worship him as we do in the liturgy? What is prayer and what does it mean to pray as little children? Why have Catholics found the changes in the way they worship God following the Second Vatican Council to be either too little too late, or too much too soon? Volume Two speaks of the four ways in which Christ is present during the Mass. How the eight elements in the Eucharistic Prayer reflect the eight steps to holiness are explained in detail. The participation of all in the liturgy ("the work of the people") is emphasized. Every Catholic will recognize the various scenes that Father Miller humorously describes to illustrate his points. In this volume serious theology is interspersed with practical pastoral and spiritual suggestions to make the liturgy all that it is meant to be. Volume Three deals with the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), Marriage, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Funerals, the Seasons of the Liturgical Year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, the Sundays and Weekdays of Ordinary Time), Mary and the Saints, Music, Art, Vestments, Posture and Gestures. Culture and Liturgy along with some thoughts about the future are also dealt with here. In this trilogy, many things which we thought we understood are presented in such a manner that we find ourselves blessed with new insights into old truths.

Father Charles E. Miller, C.M. was ordained as a Vincentian priest on Trinity Sunday, May 27, 1956. From almost that time he has been on the faculty of St. John's Seminary in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as professor of homiletics and liturgy. He served three terms as rector from 1978 to 1987. In 1988 Cardinal Roger Mahony conferred upon him the Laudatus award "for excellence in the promotion of the liturgical life of the parishes and people of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles." In 1996 he was appointed to the Wilfred L. and Mary Jane Von Der Ahe Chair of Homiletics and Liturgy at St. John's Seminary. Among his many books for Alba House (ten of which are still in print), Sunday Preaching is the most recent.

Reviews

"Although each volume of this set stands alone with a separate title and focus, together they present one of the finest, clearest introductions to celebrating the liturgy that I have ever come across. The author brings together succinctly much of the thought and message of many of his previous books on the subject in a straightforwrd manner. It is intended to be a 'pastoral presentation on pastoral liturgy' but it really is written for all the people of God.... Father Miller has written about the liturgy from a deep love and understanding of each aspect of the liturgical celebration in parishes. He explains what these worship experiences can be, with an emphasis on what the Second Vatican Council meant. These three volumes are recommended to all worship commissions, liturgical planners and celebrants. They are an excellent source for discussion groups of adult Catholics wishing to more completely understand the Holy Mass and the sacraments." --Arnold Rzepecki in Catholic Library World, September 2001

"I enthusiastically recommend this three-volume series. They are written in clear, understandable prose, sprinkled with humor, and truly fulfill the author's purpose to communicate to both priest and baptized parishioner alike. For busy pastors looking for an education tool for their liturgy committees, Eucharistic ministers, and those participating in the R.C.I.A. program, this book meets the need superbly. For parishioners seeking to understand their faith and seeking to teach their own children about the Mass, there is no better resource. And for parish priests, seeking to update and refresh their own appreciation of the great gift God has entrusted to us as 'stewards of these Mysteries,' my brother priests will be rewarded by this work. On a personal note, I simply add that the next best thing to having Fr. Miller in your parish to speak on the liturgy is to have his magisterial treatment of the liturgy available for reading, study and reflection." -- Msgr. Jeremiah J. McCarthy, Rector/President St. John's Seminary, Camarillo in Los Angeles Tidings, June 1, 2001

"Liturgy for God's People: New trilogy from educator (Homiletics and Liturgy professor), Vincentian Fr. Charles E. Miller, C.M.. Title for the series: Liturgy for the People of God. The author's aim: Clear, practical (i.e., not academic, esoteric) look at the Liturgy 'as our life as Catholics' -- a pastoral presentation on Roman liturgy (not considering monastic, experimental, or other rites). The rhetorical question: Do people in the pews know that liturgy is 'the work of the people' -- that effort is required of everyone present -- involving hearts, voices, souls, bodies, feelings, minds (and sometimes even humor)? The author elects to begin at the beginning -- with Jesus, Who He is, the Prayer of Children, Becoming Like Children, Getting to Know Christ Jesus. Details: (1) Foundations of Vatican II Liturgy, Vol. 1, 128 pages with the first part developing a personal relationship with Jesus, and the second part (chapters 5-11) on Vatican II. Of special interest -- 'A Liturgy Made Better by the Spirit,' and 'A Change in the Church, A Change in Ministry.' (2) The Celebration of the Eucharist, Vol. 2, 208 pages, 15 chapters covering each part of the Mass, including 'Some Pastoral Points About Communion,' and the Appendix, 'A Few Words (or More) to Presiders.' (3) Sacraments & Other Matters Liturgical, Vol. 3, 208 pages, 15 chapters looking at the sometimes forgotten celebrations that are also Liturgy -- the Sacraments, the Liturgical Year, the Calendar, the Liturgy of the Hours; including chapters on 'Vestments, Robes, and Sunday Best,' and 'Culture and Liturgy.' This volume, as with the other two, can be a source of continuing education for the Prayer-Worship committee as well as for any baptized Christian." --Crux of the News, May 28, 2001

Available in three volumes or as a specially-priced set of all three. Please indicate your preference when ordering. If ordering volumes 2 or 3 or the set of all three, the price will be adjusted upon receipt of your order but will not be reflected on your program-generated receipt. Prices are as follows:

Foundations of Vatican II (Volume 1): $9.95 (list: ~~$10.95~~)(#0878-5)
Celebration of the Eucharist (Volume 2): $12.95 (list: ~~$14.95~~)(#0879-3)
Sacraments and Other Matters Liturgical (Volume 3): $12.95 (list: ~~$14.95~~)(#0880-7)
All three volumes: $33.95 (list: $41)(#0881-5)

(Purchase of this book helps you qualify for the free shipping option if it is being offered at the time of your order.)