How Not to Say Mass: A Guidebook on Liturgical Principles and the Roman Missal (Revised Edition)

A bestseller, now revised

In this revised edition of a bestseller, Father Dennis Smolarski has one very clear aim in this book--to waken an awareness in, and encourage the authentic celebration of, the liturgy as set forth by the Second Vatican Council. He first explores general principles for liturgy, for understanding symbols, and for being a presider. He then examines the Mass, section by section, using the approach of via negativa, or counterexamples, focusing on what NOT to do.

He reminds presiders of the many obvious, but sometimes unconscious, violations of rubrics and liturgical principles which can be detrimental to the celebration of good contemporary liturgy.

This popular book, originally published in 1986, has been updated based on liturgical documents published since 1986 and the recently revised 3rd edition of the Roman Missal (2002).

A must-read for all who have an active role in the liturgy of the Church:
--priests
--deacons
--lectors
--acolytes
--musicians
--liturgy committees
--members of the assembly

Dennis C. Smolarski, S.J., who holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is associate professor in the department of mathematics and computer science at Santa Clara University.