This book is a historical-theological commentary on the approved, postconciliar, Eucharistic prayers of the Roman Rite. The author, Father Enrico Mazza, traces each prayer to its root time and gives the reader the cultural-theological climate of those times before analyzing the theological principles as translated in the prayers today.

From USCCB Publishing, this revision of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) seeks to promote more conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful in the mystery of the Eucharist. While the Missale Romanum contains the rite and prayers for Mass, the GIRM provides specific detail about each element of the Order of Mass as well as other information related to the Mass.

In this critical analysis Enrico Mazza concentrates on structure as he traces the evolution of the Eucharistic Prayer from its origins in the ancient Jewish rites and its Christian beginnings in the Didache. He then examines the paleoanaphoras of the early centuries and moves through the origin and progressive development of the larger anaphoric families (Alexandran, Roman, Antiochene), showing the influence of the Jewish rites on the formation of the Christian texts, and arriving finally at the classical anaphoras of the fourth century.

We somehow think that during the eucharistic prayer at Mass we are expected to be quiet, prayerful, and attentive-if we can be, with our children or other neighbors in the pews distracting us. In this inviting book Barry Hudock shows us that the eucharistic prayer is indeed the most dynamic and explosive" moment of Christian worship-in fact, of Christian life. Hudock takes us back to the beginnings of formal eucharistic worship in the early church, then forward to Vatican II and beyond, unpacking and exploring the eucharistic prayers old and new in words and concepts accessible to all of us. He also offers us, as the fruit of the journey, a set of points for a eucharistic prayer spirituality to prepare us for the explosion into life that is the whole purpose of our being.

For everyone who loves liturgy and its ability to empower the people of God, here is an invaluable collection of material that will bring a new joy and energy to Eucharistic worship. Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher present 150 new Eucharistic prefaces, one for each Sunday and major holy day of years A, B & C, together with a range for special occasions. Aiming to reflect the many dimensions of Christian life, each one is rich in Biblical allusion and seasonal resonance that reflect the scripture readings of the day and the time of year. Rather than using abstract theological concepts, these new prayers are full of vivid, concrete imagery that will help make Eucharistic worship a focused, fresh and engaged time of new discoveries and greater engagement with God.

A comprehensive, quick reference for all Episcopalians, both lay and ordained. This thoroughly researched, highly readable resource contains more than 3,000 clearly entries about the history, structure, liturgy, and theology of the Episcopal Church—and the larger Christian church worldwide. The editors have also provided a helpful bibliography of key reference works and additional background materials. “This tool belongs on the shelf of just about anyone who cares for, works in or with, or even wonders about the Episcopal Church.”—The Episcopal New Yorker

Solidly rooted in Scripture, this book includes an extensive collection of Eucharistic adoration prayers, such as prayers at Mass, Marian prayers, prayers of the saints, novenas, litanies, and more.

In this volume in the Liturgy Documentary Series, the bishops reaffirm the distribution of the Holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds.