An online publication designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the Catholic Mass

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An online publication designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the Catholic Mass

READ NOWSEE VIDEO
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& INFOGRAPHICSREVIEW
QUESTIONSREFLECTION
QUESTIONSBROWSER
COMPATIBILITYYEARS IN
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CHAPTERSCONTENT
PAGESPHOTOGRAPHS
& INFOGRAPHICSREVIEW
QUESTIONSREFLECTION
QUESTIONSYEARS IN
THE MAKINGVIEW ON ANY DESKTOP OR MOBILE DEVICE
READ NOWSEE VIDEO
READ NOWSEE VIDEO
Saint Pius of Pietrelcinawithout the sun than to do without Holy Mass.”“ It would be easier for the world to survive
without Holy Mass.”without the sun than dofor the world to survive“It would be easier
Saint Pius of PietrelcinaThe words of St. Padre Pio underscore the importance of the Mass in Catholic worship. Yet many of us who faithfully attend weekly—and some daily—want to learn more.
Whether you read the book in a classroom, with a parish group, or on your own at home, it’s sure to renew faith, deepen devotion and increase participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.The online book Mass Explained is a walk through the Eucharistic celebration from beginning to end. It explores the source of its prayers, the meaning of its postures and the development of its vessels and vestments.
READ NOWSEE VIDEO
READ NOWSEE VIDEO
Mass Explained enlists the Church’s vast inheritance of sacred art and architecture to help tell the story of the liturgy. From Duccio to Caravaggio to Michaelangelo, the book highlights the work of the great masters across all ages to explain the different parts, prayers and postures that make up the Eucharistic celebration.A Work of Art1|6
Mass Explained enlists the Church’s vast inheritance of sacred art and architecture to help tell the story of the liturgy. From Duccio to Carravagio to Michaelangelo, the book highlights the work of the great masters across all ages to explain the different parts, prayers and postures that make up the Eucharistic celebration.A Work of Art1|6
What do Roman military standards have to do with the entrance procession? How did Jewish table blessings influence the offertory prayer? Why are almost all paintings of the Last Supper—including DaVinci’s—inaccurate? Learn about many unfamiliar Biblical manners, practices and customs to better understand the Mass.Ancient Practices
Revealed2|6
How did the inventions of Johannes Gutenberg, Henry Ford and David Hughes influence the Mass? What do the lunar landing, Mr. Spock and Gomer Pyle have to do with the liturgy? Discover how seemingly unrelated technological innovations, historical events and these pop culture icons are connected to the Mass.Making
Connections3|6
If you’re a visual learner, Mass Explained’s wealth of diagrams, maps and charts organize complex information into concise, engaging and easy-to-understand infographics. Learn about the ancient Hebrew agricultural cycle, the missionary journeys of St. Paul and the dispersion of saintly relics in the early Church.Off the Charts4|6
Mass Explained explores some of the most debated topics relating to the Mass. Should we hold hands at the Our Father? Exactly when does transubstantiation occur? Should we receive the Eucharist in the hand or on the tongue while standing or kneeling? The book takes a fair look at both sides of the issue.Clear the Air5|6
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, how valuable are several hundred? The pages of Mass Explained are filled with magnificent images shot by professional liturgical photographers. Many custom photo sessions were arranged to capture beautiful, up-close pictures that clearly illustrate key points in the Mass.Get the Picture6|6
Mass Explained enlists the Church’s vast inheritance of sacred art and architecture to help tell the story of the liturgy. From Duccio to Caravaggio to Michaelangelo, the book highlights the work of the great masters across all ages to explain the different parts, prayers and postures that make up the Eucharistic celebration.A Work of Art1|6
Mass Explained enlists the Church’s vast inheritance of sacred art and architecture to help tell the story of the liturgy. From Duccio to Carravagio to Michaelangelo, the book highlights the work of the great masters across all ages to explain the different parts, prayers and postures that make up the Eucharistic celebration.A Work of Art1|6
What do Roman military standards have to do with the entrance procession? How did Jewish table blessings influence the offertory prayer? Why are almost all paintings of the Last Supper—including DaVinci’s—inaccurate? Learn about many unfamiliar Biblical manners, practices and customs to better understand the Mass.Ancient Practices2|6
How did the inventions of Johannes Gutenberg, Henry Ford and David Hughes influence the Mass? What do the lunar landing, Mr. Spock and Gomer Pyle have to do with the liturgy? Discover how seemingly unrelated technological innovations, historical events and these pop culture icons are connected to the Mass.Making Connections3|6
If you’re a visual learner, Mass Explained’s wealth of diagrams, maps and charts organize complex information into concise, engaging and easy-to-understand infographics. Learn about the ancient Hebrew agricultural cycle, the missionary journeys of St. Paul and the dispersion of saintly relics in the early Church.Off the Charts4|6
Mass Explained explores some of the most debated topics relating to the Mass. Should we hold hands at the Our Father? Exactly when does transubstantiation occur? Should we receive the Eucharist in the hand or on the tongue while standing or kneeling? The book takes a fair look at both sides of the issue.Clear the Air5|6
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, how valuable are several hundred? The pages of Mass Explained are filled with magnificent images shot by professional liturgical photographers. Many custom photo sessions were arranged to capture beautiful, up-close pictures that clearly illustrate key points in the Mass.Get the Picture6|6
A Class ActAll of Mass Explained’s 552 pages are accompanied by images. But don’t let that fool you, it’s not a superficial picture book. It’s a deep dive into the liturgy. It explores the roots of each section of the Mass with its unique prayers and gestures. Every word said by the ministers and assembly is presented and studied. Mass Explained is packed with scriptural references, quotes from the Church Fathers and the Catechism and excerpts from saints, popes, councils and encyclicals.

At the end of each of its 43 chapters is a Chapter Overview, 15 Review Questions and three Questions for Reflection and Group Discussion. Mass Explained received the necessary approvals for it to be used as a study text in schools and parishes.READ NOWSEE VIDEO
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A Class ActAll of Mass Explained’s 552 pages are accompanied by images. But don’t let that fool you, it’s not a superficial picture book. It’s a deep dive into the liturgy. It explores the roots of each section of the Mass with its unique prayers and gestures. Every word said by the ministers and assembly is presented and studied. Mass Explained is packed with scriptural references, quotes from the Church Fathers and the Catechism and excerpts from saints, popes, councils and encyclicals.

At the end of each of its 43 chapters is a Chapter Overview, 15 Review Questions and three Questions for Reflection and Group Discussion. Mass Explained received the necessary approvals for it to be used as a study text in schools and parishes.
—Code of Canon Law #827.2“Books related to Sacred Scripture, theology, canon law, Church history, or religious or moral disciplines cannot be used as textbooks in education at any level unless they are published with the approval of the competent ecclesiastical authority, or receive such approval subsequently.”The Church grants submitted books on faith and morals that are free from doctrinal error a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. These declarations are required of any publication intended for Catholic education:Sound TeachingWith this official approval, Mass Explained can be used as a study text in schools, parishes and homes.Mass Explained received a Nihil Obstat from Reverend Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, J.C.D., Chancellor for Canonical Affairs. An Imprimatur was granted by The Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, Florida.
“It’s shocking that the world has waited so long for a
comprehensive, lavishly illustrated, beautiful guide to the Mass. The world
holds nothing greater than the rite that was established by Jesus Christ. This
book should be among every Catholic household’s prized possessions.”—Mike Aquilina, Author, The Mass of the Early Christians
“Patrick It’s shocking that the world has waited so long for a
comprehensive, lavishly illustrated, beautiful guide to the Mass. The world
holds nothing greater than the rite that was established by Jesus Christ. This
book should be among every Catholic household’s prized possessions.”—Patrick Madrid, Author, Why Be Catholic?: Ten Answers to a Very Important Question
“This book comes at a propitious time as the Church in the United States
is engaged in promoting a Eucharistic Revival among our Catholic faithful. Mass Explained will assist the reader into full, conscious, and active participation in the Sacred Mysteries. I look forward to adding this attractive catechetical tool to the arsenal of resources available to those seeking to grow into an adult faith.”—Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, Florida
The Church grants submitted books on faith and morals that are free from doctrinal error a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. These declarations are required of any publication intended for Catholic education:Sound Teaching
—Code of Canon Law #827.2“Books related to Sacred Scripture, theology, canon law, Church history, or religious or moral disciplines cannot be used as textbooks in education at any level unless they are published with the approval of the competent ecclesiastical authority, or receive such approval subsequently.”
Mass Explained received a Nihil Obstat from Reverend Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, J.C.D., Chancellor for Canonical Affairs. An Imprimatur was granted by The Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, Florida.
With this official approval, Mass Explained can be used as a study text in schools, parishes and homes.Several scholars, catechists, liturgical musicians, priests, nuns and lay ministers have provided their expertise and input throughout the project.READ NOWSEE VIDEO
—Mike Aquilina, Author,
The Mass of the Early Christians“It’s shocking that the world has waited so long for a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated, beautiful guide to the Mass. The world holds nothing greater than the rite that was established by Jesus Christ. This
book should be among every Catholic household’s prized possessions.”
—Patrick Madrid, Author, Why Be Catholic?:
Ten Answers to a Very Important Question“Patrick It’s shocking that the world has waited so long for a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated, beautiful guide to the Mass. The world holds nothing greater than the rite that was established by Jesus Christ. This
book should be among every Catholic household’s prized possessions.”
—Thomas G. Wenski,
Archbishop of Miami, Florida“Mass Explained will assist the reader into full, conscious, and active participation in the Sacred Mysteries. I look forward to adding this attractive catechetical tool to the arsenal of resources available to those seeking to grow into an adult faith.”
button to gain instant access and start reading today!At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the Mass its unchanging foundation. The prayers, postures and gestures that surround this core, however, have evolved over time. In some instances, the changes were drastic—such as the reforms of Vatican II in the 1960s. More recently in 2021, a change involved removing the single word “one” from the end of the Collect: “Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.”

Mass Explained is a living, online document that can be modified, updated and amplified instantly to incorporate future liturgical changes. It will never be out-of-date. The ebook has the look and feel of a regular paper publication, but its interactive table of contents and thumbnails make navigation a snap. Whether you’re on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, Mass Explained will look crystal clear and work flawlessly.A LIVING DOCUMENTREAD NOW
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the Mass its unchanging foundation. The prayers, postures and gestures that surround this core, however, have evolved over time. In some instances, the changes were drastic—such as the reforms of Vatican II in the 1960s. More recently in 2021, a change involved removing the single word “one” from the end of the Collect: “Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.”

Mass Explained is a living, online document that can be modified, updated and amplified instantly to incorporate future liturgical changes. It will never be out-of-date. The ebook has the look and feel of a regular paper publication, but its interactive table of contents and thumbnails make navigation a snap. Whether you’re on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, Mass Explained will look crystal clear and work flawlessly.A LIVING DOCUMENT
If you’re reading this sentence, then you’re probably like me—always wanting to learn more about the Mass. While attending design college, I reverted to Catholicism in 1993 and it was the beauty, mystery and glory of the liturgy that brought me back.

That same year I set out to research, write and design a book that explained the Mass from beginning to end. It’s taken 29 years.A Message from
the author
Why so long? I wanted to know the meaning behind what’s done and said at Mass. Each time I attended, I asked “what don’t I understand?” My question encompassed everything from the source of the prayers to the development of the scriptures to the evolution of the vessels and vestments.

These inquiries would set off days—sometimes months—of research. Until they were answered,
the book was incomplete.A Long and Winding Road
But would an all-encompassing book on the liturgy ever be complete? It would be impossible to say “This book has everything you need to know know about the Mass.” A quote attributed to St. Jerome about scripture can be easily applied to the Mass: “It’s shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim.”

This elephant’s been paddling for 30 years and simply wanted to share his findings with fellow swimmers.An everlasting source
In addition to what was written, the way the book looked was equally important. My degree in graphic design taught me the impact the senses have on learning and the Catholic Church has been blessed with a vast inheritance of paintings, sculptures, vessels, vestments and sacred sites.

All these assets were leveraged to design a book that will hopefully satisfy intellectual appetites, meet spiritual needs and fulfill an inherent desire for beauty.Eye of the Beholder
The liturgy is what brought me back to my faith and I’ve been studying it my entire adult life. This book is my opportunity to share what I’ve learned. The Mass is a divinely instituted Sacrament, rooted in Scripture and tempered by tradition. It’s the holiest event occurring on earth. The most perfect form of prayer. A most inconceivable act of love!

I pray that reading Mass Explained will help you fall deeper in love with the Mass, the One who instituted it and the Church He founded.Dan GonzálezSHARING THE GOOD NEWS
In addition to being home of the online book MassExplained, this website also features a wealth of liturgically-focused articles. Among the varied topics are the explanation of the Sunday readings, the examination of ancient practices and the challenges parents face in passing on the faith. The stories range from the divine to the every-day.

Connect with our global community of blog readers who add to the discussion by sharing their own unique perspectives, liturgical customs and cultural traditions.Join the Conversation!
In addition to being home of the online book MassExplained, this website also features a wealth of liturgically-focused articles. Among the varied topics are the explanation of the Sunday readings, the examination of ancient practices and the challenges parents face in passing on the faith. The stories range from the divine to the every-day.

Connect with our global community of blog readers who add to the discussion by sharing their own unique perspectives, liturgical customs and cultural traditions.Join the Conversation!

Mass and the Macaroni Necklace

A Father’s Day Reflection on the Eucharist

Happy Ascension Thursday Sunday!

Easter Triduum

Think Fast! It’s Lent.

Mass: Masked or Unmasked?

Communion in the Time of Corona

The Post-Pandemic Mass

To Quarantine is Catholic

The Catholic Roots of Carnival

Flawed Applause?

The Good Samaritan

Watch the Language

Learning from Millennials

A Holiday from Hell?

Mass Mimicking

Bread of Life Discourse

Judge Not

I Crossed the Line at Mass

5 Reasons You Don’t Want To Live Forever

Let the (quiet) Children Come to Me.

9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, Florida 33138
Telephone: 305-762-1233 Facsimile: 305-757-3947Reverend Monsignor Dariusz J. Zielonka, JCDImprimatur et Nihil ObstatArchbishop of MiamiGiven in Miami, Florida, on the 31st of August in the Year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two.This imprimatur is an official declaration that this text is free of doctrinal or moral error and may be published. No implication is contained therein that the one granting this imprimatur agrees with the contents, opinions or statements expressed by the author of the texts.Therefore, in accord with canon 824 of the Code of Canon Law, I grant the necessary approbatio for the publication of "Mass Explained."The book "Mass Explained" has been carefully reviewed and found free of anything which is contrary to the faith or morals as taught by the Roman Catholic Church.by the grace of God and favor of the Apostolic See
Archbishop of MiamiTHOMAS G. WENSKIDecreeOffice of the ArchbishopARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI