One Ordinary Sunday
A Meditation on the Mystery of the Mass
Published on 19. May 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
979-8-4008-0109-9 (ISBN)
Description
Award-winning writer Paula Huston offers a rich spiritual reflection on the origin and meaning of the Catholic Mass.
For Catholics, the Mass is the "source and summit of the Christian life," as the documents of the Church put it. Yet many Catholics might confess to not understand in any depth what goes on in a typical celebration of the Eucharist. In One Ordinary Sunday Paula Huston guides us through a Mass at her home parish in a rural California town. Huston's personal and spiritual reflections offer fresh and often unexpected insights into the profound mystery at the heart of the Catholic faith.
A natural storyteller, Huston deftly illuminates what might seem either mysterious to those unfamiliar with the Mass or overly familiar to those who have lost an appreciation of its mystery. In the Mass "we are healed and restored and spiritually fed," she writes. "We are unified and made whole as a people and as a Church. We get a little taste of heaven."
For Catholics, the Mass is the "source and summit of the Christian life," as the documents of the Church put it. Yet many Catholics might confess to not understand in any depth what goes on in a typical celebration of the Eucharist. In One Ordinary Sunday Paula Huston guides us through a Mass at her home parish in a rural California town. Huston's personal and spiritual reflections offer fresh and often unexpected insights into the profound mystery at the heart of the Catholic faith.
A natural storyteller, Huston deftly illuminates what might seem either mysterious to those unfamiliar with the Mass or overly familiar to those who have lost an appreciation of its mystery. In the Mass "we are healed and restored and spiritually fed," she writes. "We are unified and made whole as a people and as a Church. We get a little taste of heaven."
Reviews / Votes
"It would be hard to imagine an easier and more attractive introduction to the Eucharist. We find ourselves suddenly in the midst of it with Paula Huston and her family, with all the questions and problems and, yes, awe about what is going on. But the big words are there-transubstantiation, epiclesis, anamnesis-and before we know it we are doing theology. Highly recommended."Jerome Kodell, OSB, Subiaco Abbey "This is one of the most beautiful, profound books on Christian faith I have ever read. Clear in its vision but never resting in easy certitudes, Paula Huston's honest and at times painfully vulnerable meditation on her own unfolding faith journey becomes a powerful guide to the meaning of prayer. The liturgy, yes, but also that mysterious wordless space toward which God is always calling us. Extraordinary and deeply moving."
Douglas E. Christie, PhD, author of The Blue Sapphire of the Mind and The Insurmountable Darkness of Love "Part meditation. Part testimony. Part catechesis. Paula Huston reminds us that at each Sunday at Mass, and at every Eucharistic celebration, our personal and communal stories are seamlessly intertwined with the story of Jesus and the stories of the many who have believed in him throughout history. Truly inspiring."
Hosffman Ospino, PhD, Professor of Theology and Religious Education, Boston College, Clough School of Theology and Ministry "Paula Huston's One Ordinary Sunday is a classic example of mystagogy. Huston invites the reader to plumb the depths of celebrating Eucharist on one Sunday in Ordinary Time with extraordinary grace. In this extended theological reflection, we find catechesis, history, spirituality amid the ordinariness of life that is both timeless and timely. Enhanced by a comprehensive bibliography and index, the book's appendices include valuable, detailed study guides to accompany catechumens on their journey to initiation, book groups interested in deepening their understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist, and individuals looking for spiritual enrichment. Highly recommended!"
Julia Upton, RSM, PhD, Retired Distinguished Professor of Theology, St. John's University, New York
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Collegeville, MN
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
363 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-4008-0109-9 (9798400801099)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2024
LITURGICAL PRESS
€19.49
Available for download
Person
National Endowment of the Arts Fellow Paula Huston is a longtime oblate of New Camaldoli Hermitage. She is the author of two novels and eight works of spiritual nonfiction, including The Hermits of Big Sur, published by Liturgical Press. She lives with her husband Mike on four acres eighty miles south of Big Sur, where they grow olives, keep bees, and raise vegetables. Endlessly inspired by two devoted dogs and five fascinating grandchildren, she spends her days in the garden, the kitchen, and her writing studio.
Content
Contents
Preface xiii
Introduction xix
Part I: The Story
Prologue 3
Gathering 13
The Opening Processional, the Sign of the Cross, the Greeting
Preparing 27
The Confiteor, the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Collect
Remembering 37
The First Reading
Responding 47
The Responsorial Psalm
Reconnecting 57
The Second Reading
Resurrecting 67
The Alleluia, the Gospel Reading
Listening 79
The Homily
Declaring 89
The Profession of Faith
Interceding 101
The Universal Prayer, or Prayer of the Faithful
Part II: The Sacrament
Prologue 113
Offering 121
The Preparation of the Altar, the Presentation of the Gifts, the Blessing of the
Bread and Wine, the Prayer over the Offerings
Praising 133
The Sursum Corda, the Preface, the Sanctus
Kneeling 143
The Eucharistic Prayer, the Epiclesis, the Institution Narrative and
Consecration, the Mystery of Faith, the Memorial Acclamation
Assenting 153
The Intercessions, the Doxology, the Great Amen
Praying 167
The Lord's Prayer, the Passing of the Peace
Communing 179
The Co-Mingling; the Agnus Dei; Lord, I Am Not Worthy; Holy Communion
Going Forth 193
The Prayer after Communion, the Final Blessing and Sending Forth, the Recessional
Epilogue 201
Appendix I: OCIA Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 209
Appendix II: Book Group Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 221
Appendix III: Individual Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 227
Acknowledgments 231
Notes 233
Bibliography 241
Index 247
Preface xiii
Introduction xix
Part I: The Story
Prologue 3
Gathering 13
The Opening Processional, the Sign of the Cross, the Greeting
Preparing 27
The Confiteor, the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Collect
Remembering 37
The First Reading
Responding 47
The Responsorial Psalm
Reconnecting 57
The Second Reading
Resurrecting 67
The Alleluia, the Gospel Reading
Listening 79
The Homily
Declaring 89
The Profession of Faith
Interceding 101
The Universal Prayer, or Prayer of the Faithful
Part II: The Sacrament
Prologue 113
Offering 121
The Preparation of the Altar, the Presentation of the Gifts, the Blessing of the
Bread and Wine, the Prayer over the Offerings
Praising 133
The Sursum Corda, the Preface, the Sanctus
Kneeling 143
The Eucharistic Prayer, the Epiclesis, the Institution Narrative and
Consecration, the Mystery of Faith, the Memorial Acclamation
Assenting 153
The Intercessions, the Doxology, the Great Amen
Praying 167
The Lord's Prayer, the Passing of the Peace
Communing 179
The Co-Mingling; the Agnus Dei; Lord, I Am Not Worthy; Holy Communion
Going Forth 193
The Prayer after Communion, the Final Blessing and Sending Forth, the Recessional
Epilogue 201
Appendix I: OCIA Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 209
Appendix II: Book Group Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 221
Appendix III: Individual Study Guide for
One Ordinary Sunday 227
Acknowledgments 231
Notes 233
Bibliography 241
Index 247