The presumed mystery" of liturgical functions is swept away as Searle gives basic, practical steps leading to an effective liturgy.

This book was written for persons who may be attracted to the Orthodox Church (whether in its Greek, Russian, or other manifestations) because of its beauty and sense of reverence, but who do not know much at all about God, the history of Israel, the message and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, and the development of the Church’s belief in Jesus as the divine Son of God. It also tries to show how one’s belief in Christ is fully compatible with a scientific understanding of the universe and the evolution of the human race.

"A disciplinary map for understanding African Catholicism today by engaging some of the most pressing and pertinent issues, topics, and conversations in diverse fields of studies in African Catholicism"--

The expression "liturgical drama" was formulated in 1834 as a metaphor and hardened into formal category only later in the nineteenth century. Prior to this invention, the medieval rites and representations that would forge the category were understood as distinct and unrelated classes: as liturgical rites no longer celebrated or as theatrical works of dubious quality. This ground-breaking work examines "liturgical drama" according to the contexts of their presentations within the manuscripts and books that preserve them.

A manual of ideas and experiences emphasizing the fact that a good presider must be aware of what will happen at every planned moment of a liturgical celebration.

In the course of a teaching and writing career cut too short, Mark Searle (1941-1992) provided a worthy contribution to the study of liturgy. The breadth of his liturgical interests and his desire to integrate a wide range of academic areas with the study of liturgy mark this scholar as a gifted thinker and author, arguably a pioneer. In Rehearsing God's Just Kingdom, Stephen S. Wilbricht explores Searle's basic conviction that liturgy represents, rehearses, and forms in its participants the essential commitments of the Christian community. Searle called for the church's liturgy to be embraced as a rehearsal that is performed over and over, again and again, until it is practiced perfectly in the kingdom of heaven. In an age when so much depends on instant gratification and in which institutional commitment is often held in contempt, Searle's thinking provides an avenue for liturgical renewal that hinges upon a respect for and trust in ritual forms and behavior.

The rites of religious profession mark the initiation of women and men into the various religious communities of the church. These public liturgies of the church manifest and shape the relation of these women and men to the church and to the world. How are the rites of religious profession to be understood, prepared, and celebrated? Edward Foley offers an overview of their history and a reflection on the theology of these rites. He then shows how to approach these liturgies and bring them to life as celebrations of the church. We learn how much the rites themselves tell us about the formation of religious women and men, and how and the place these communities have in the church. This volume also contains the entire official text of the Rite of Religious Profession. This includes all revisions to this text made through 1988.

When Thomas asked him 'How can we know the way?' Jesus replied, 'I am the way, the truth and the life.' This book will serve as a guide for all who seek to walk with Jesus on their Christian journey. This book gradually leads one through the many layers of Catholic Christianity as the way, the truth and the life.

Preparing Parish Liturgies provides historical background, synopses, and careful outlines of the Church's major liturgical books and documents. Then, with easy-to-understand language, helpful charts, and sound liturgical principles, the author arms both the veteran and the novice with practical tools for preparing parish liturgies that are both faithful to the Church's rich tradition and sensitive to the pastoral needs of their assemblies.