The town fool discovers that, while a suit made of pork chops, pancakes, dead mice, and similar materials is unusual, it has definite disadvantages.

The first nonsense poem tells the tale of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bo's unsuccessful courtship; the second describes the devouring, by a menagerie of animals, of an old man's unusual costume made of food.

A book that explores the history of church vestments plus directions for making them.

A priest struggling with temptation moves back into his working-class childhood home in this “suspenseful, illuminating, and highly readable saga” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Let me begin today, illumined by Thy light, to destroy this part of the natural man which lives in me in its entirety, the obstacle that constantly keeps me from Thy Love . . . Taught this prayer as a boy by his grandfather, James Dressler recites it each time he’s tempted by earthly desires. Originally drawn to the priesthood by the mystery, purity, and sensual fabric of the Church, as well as by its promise of a safe harbor from his tempestuous home, James nevertheless finds himself—just a few years after his ordination—living at home: saying Mass for his mother at the dining room table; avoiding his pugilistic father; playing basketball; preparing to officiate at his brother’s wedding, and becoming attracted again to his first love, Betty García. Torn between these opposing desires, and haunted by his familial heritage, James finds himself at a crossroads. Exploring age-old yet urgently contemporary issues in the Catholic Church, and infused throughout with a rich sense of the history and vibrant texture of St. Paul, Minnesota, this is an utterly honest novel filled with “thoughtful themes and lyrical prose” (Booklist). “Deeply rooted in history, burning with family furies, and told by a narrator-priest you find yourself rooting for (and wondering about), this is a captivating novel, scene by scene.” —Patricia Hampl, author of The Florist’s Daughter

Comprehensive reference traces evolution of clerical attire through the late 1400s. More than 270 black-and-white illustrations and 8-page color insert depict simple alb, pallium, chasuble, cassock, surplice, mitre, and accessories.

This update of a classic work on altar guild ministry offers a lively blend of liturgical history, sacramental theology, and practical hints. The authors combine how-to advice with creative ideas on preparing for the traditional liturgies and simpler, special-occasion services.

It has been over 60 years since the last guide to the care of church linens and textiles was published and despite being used in every parish church, popular knowledge of their proper use and care is diminishing. This new guide offers help with the care of church linen and also to the use and care of vestments, hangings and other textiles.

A complete guide to what clergy wear, including the various cloths, a brief history, and theology of each liturgical garment. Vestments—the robes, stoles or other items worn by clergy, or cloths used at the altar—not only add beauty to a worship service, but are visual clues to the liturgical season and to the tone of a particular service. The most beautiful and meaningful vestments are often those made for a particular priest, serving in a specific sanctuary. But many shy away from trying to sew vestments, which seem too complicated and difficult to make. In Vestments for All Seasons, Barbara Baumgarten demystifies the making of vestments—from designing and fitting patterns, to fabric and color selection, to putting on the finishing touches. She provides patterns and directions for producing special vestments for Advent and Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, and general instructions for designing and making vestments completely from scratch. A history of the development of vestments from Roman times to the present is included, as well as a full glossary describing the various vestments worn by clergy, bishops, deacons, and choir.