Among the liturgical books of the Church, there is a particular family that often goes unnoticed—not because they are unimportant, but because they appear only at decisive moments. These are the ritual books: the texts that accompany the faithful at the thresholds of Christian life. If the Roman Missal orders the Church’s daily worship and the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies the passing of time, the ritual books mark transformation. They are the Church’s companions at moments of becoming—when one is baptized, confirmed, reconciled, anointed, married, or commended to God. READ MORE

Among the many books used in Catholic worship, some are familiar to most parishioners—the Roman Missal, the Lectionary, and perhaps the Book of the Gospels. There are also other liturgical books that most people rarely encounter but that quietly shape how the Church celebrates her liturgy. One of these is the Ceremonial of Bishops. READ MORE

The Season of Lent is not only a season of penance, austerity, and sacrifice. It is a very special season of preparation for those who will be coming into the church at Easter. At any point during the year, those who have considered becoming Catholic have entered into Christian Initiation (formerly Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and now called Order of CIA) which has several different phases beginning with Inquiry. We have 15 people who will be baptized this Easter (what a tremendous blessing) many of whom are children (in the eyes of the church anyone eight and older is considered an adult). READ MORE