The General Principles of Ceremonies of the Roman Rite

Don’t be confused by the title of this short, but valuable book! Though primarily intended for those who are involved with the sacred liturgy, The General Principles of Ceremonies of the Roman Rite (For Inferior Ministers) actually has an even broader application.

This book can impart to the average lay person a better appreciation and understanding of the Romanitas of the Roman Rite, a unique characteristic that only the namesake liturgical rite of the Eternal City possesses! Tragically, to many modern-day Catholics, the solemn pageantry of the official worship of God appears as meaningless ritualistic actions. The average Catholic can defeat this liturgical ignorance by reading about the solemn pageantry of the official worship of God appears as meaningless ritualistic actions. The average Catholic can defeat this liturgical ignorance by reading about the “hows” and “whys” of the Roman Rite, thereby making the formerly inscrutable gestures and reverences suddenly recognizable for their complete devotional worth and purpose!

Of course The General Principles of Ceremonies of the Roman Rite is an invaluable resource for the liturgically minded, as it concentrates solely on the systematic exposition of the foundation for all rubrics of the Roman Rite, and not any mere particular ceremony. It is of great use to anyone involved in the liturgy, whether it be the laymen who serve as masters of ceremonies, the seminarians who are studying the liturgy, or priests who want to fully understand the demands of the rubrics, and the Roman spirit of the liturgy.

To facilitate the explanations on the general principles, 18 pictures, 2 expository tables and 11 diagrams have been included, while 183 footnotes provide valuable sources of authority, further explanations and various tips. Other features include a table of contents and two glossaries of terms (sanctuary-related and rubrically-related) used within the book. Printed in easy-to-read text, this 5½” x 8½” booklet is packed with essential knowledge for any Catholic interested in better understanding the ceremonial intricacies of the ancient Roman Rite, but especially for master of ceremonies, servers (ages 12 and up) and clerics (even priests).

Softcover, 92 pp.