Understanding the Sacraments of Vocation: A Rite-Based Approach

Understanding the Sacraments of Vocation presents insightful catechesis or mystagogy on the sacraments of vocation based on the words, actions, and signs of the rites and pastorally connects the meaning of the sacraments into daily Christian life.

The decision to live a sacramental life depends more and more today on the possession of fundamental convictions. Fr. Stice s exceptional book proposes a way of approaching the sacraments that will evoke and deepen these convictions. Drawing upon Benedict XVI s method of mystagogical catechesis, catechists will find here much assistance in teaching the sacraments of vocation and the whole sacramental economy as vital opportunities for a transformative encounter with God. --Dr. James Pauley, Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Fr. Randy Stice's book is a welcome resource for the study of sacramental theology in seminaries and theological schools, but is also accessible for any adult faith formation program. His rites-based approach places the celebration of the sacraments in the forefront, teasing out their meaning from the overall shape of the prayers and ceremonies, to the smallest nuances of the rites. More than a theology reference book, it is a guide to the spirituality of these sacraments. The questions provided for discussion are an excellent teaching resource. Many communities will welcome the inclusion of cultural expressions of the revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony. --Rev. John-Mark Missio, MDiv, MA, STL, Vice-Rector and Director of Liturgy, Lecturer, Pastoral Theology, St. Augustine s Seminary of Toronto