Simply put, Mass Explained is written for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Mass. Exactly who this is and why they’ve manifested this interest, however, varies greatly.
Cradle Catholics: For many lifelong Catholics, their formal sacramental education ended with their First Communion or confirmation. Their current understanding of the Mass and the Eucharist is based on childhood instruction. Although they may know all the Mass prayers, responses, and gestures, they’re unsure of what it all means. “Mass Explained” will help transform their rudimentary understanding of the Liturgy into a more mature and comprehensive one.
Converts/Neophytes: The newly initiated likely received an explanation of the Mass during their OCIA preparation. With so many topics covered, however, this instruction would have necessarily been brief. Even though they’ve been received into the Church and attend Mass weekly (or even more frequently), they’re still in a period of early spiritual growth and want to know more about this beautiful yet mysterious ritual. “Mass Explained” is an ideal way for them to further their development, become more acquainted with the Mass, and increase their understanding and participation.
Parochial Schools / Educators: From DREs to religion teachers to campus minsters and catechists—anyone involved in faith formation will profit from reading “Mass Explained.” They will not only benefit personally but can use it to train teachers and volunteers and incorporate the book into the curriculum they develop. The images will help capture their student’s attention and draw them into the text. Each of “Mass Explained’s” 43 chapters ends with a chapter overview, 15 review questions, and three questions for reflection and group discussion.
Homeschoolers: There are 3.7 million homeschool students in the United States that make up about 6.73% of all school-age children (K-12). Many parents who teach the Mass to their children do not know their faith as well as they would like. “Mass Explained” is the perfect addition to their sacramental catechesis curriculum. Parents can read the book alongside their younger children while older students can read it on their own.
Small groups:Many churches have small groups that get together regularly at the parish or someone’s home to pray, read Scripture, and share faith. Mass Explained can be used by these groups as part of a special series of meetings. The 43 chapters make it ideal to be covered at weekly gatherings over the course of one year with nine weeks off for vacation and holidays. Members can read a chapter together or at home then meet to review the questions and discuss how the previous chapter impacted how they celebrated Sunday Mass.
Parents: Catholic parents want to pass on the faith to their children. Those whose kids are leaving for college have a particularly pressing task. These young adults are at a pivotal point in their lives, when the faith of their parent’s either becomes their own—or it does not. Impressionable students often wonder whether their faith is reasonable while many things at college tell them it isn’t. Parents could gift Mass Explained to their freshman children to help evolve their faith into a more adult one that can tackle the questions they will undoubtedly encounter. In addition, parents of younger children may feel stumped when they’re asked more mature questions about the Mass. In these circumstances, parents can read the book to solidify their understanding of the liturgy in order to provide grown-up answers.
RadTrads: With the promulgation of “Traditionis Custodes,” Pope Francis restricted the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. Some “radical traditionalists” exclusively attend the older form asserting its superiority over the Novus Ordo which they reject as being irreverent or illegitimate. Reading “Mass Explained,” which continually references the Latin Mass, will reveal the beauty and sacredness of the newer form, continuity between the preconciliar and postconciliar Mass, and help heal the division the Holy Father sought to mend.
Post-Pandemic: The pandemic separated many faithful from the Mass for two years. Reading Mass Explained is a good way for those who have been away to re-engage and recommit themselves to the central act of our faith with passion, joy, and a deeper understanding.
Related
R. Reynolds | Greensboro, NC –
This is a truly remarkable and useful book for understanding the Catholic Mass. Understanding the Mass better helps us not take it for granted. This book is loaded with nice images, photos, and illustrations along with their pertinent explanations. A picture is worth a thousand words. It reminds me of those cool DK Eyewitness books that had many photos etc to help illustrate and bring the content matter to life but much thicker and with more info. The Mass Explained would make a great sacrament of confirmation or communion gift and would be an awesome addition to any Catholic library or book collection. My son used it as a reference for a “program” he had printed for his wedding that explained some parts of the mass for guests that weren’t too familiar with them.
D. Knox | Littleton, CO –
This book is a treasure! It will feed your love of the Mass. Every Catholic should have a copy of this book, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.
M. Glaser | Port Jefferson, NY –
Wow! Jaw dropping for sure. This amazing book came quickly, sealed in a box literally full of visuals and so much interesting information about every single part of the mass with related history, the bible and art. The table of contents helps you quickly navigate. Well-known Catholic authors (Aquilina, Madrid) highly praise and recommend this. It has a nihil obstat and an imprimatur. Worth the price. The author should be commended. I will be viewing and reading this for years! Highly recommend for anyone who has a curiosity where it all came from.
E. Kociolek | Tampa, FL –
The purchase exceeded my expectations. First of all, the book arrived in a box, which ensured safe travels (i.e. no damage). There is SO much information in that book, but it’s broken down into sections and interspersed with photos and art. I have not been this excited about a purchase in a while.
P. Norman | Silver Spring, MD –
Thank you…for throwing yourself into such a necessary and worthwhile book. It appears every bit the realization of the New Evangelization that Saint John Paul, II sought. I will be living the experience of this book over the next year or so. I lector at my church and am involved in one of its bible study groups. I plan to bring this book to the attention of our priests and the leader of our parish’s liturgical and religious programs so that they can see this for themselves and appreciate how important this new resource is. I hope that many copies will be ordered within the parish. I also hope that the study and enjoyment of this book will spread to the clergy and laity of the Church as a whole in the same way the Good News once spread in the ancient world.
D. Williams | Chesapeake, VA –
l just received Mass Explained today, and l must say, it exceeds my expectations! lt is a work of art, absolutely beautiful and such high quality! l can’t wait to delve into it and learn all l can about my favorite hour every week!
S. Hill | La Crosse, WI –
This book is one of the most thorough and approachable single-volume books on the Mass I have encountered…Mass Explained would be a welcome and fruitful addition to any Catholic family’s home…Gonzalez helps bring the Mass alive to his reader in a manner that demonstrates the Mass as the truest and fullest expression of human experience in adoration of the Divine.
Catholic Journalist | Chicago, Il –
What an awe-inspiring, beautiful, educational, well-researched gift of knowledge, art and theology! The tastefully designed embossed cover and colorful quality photographs make it an aesthetically pleasing artifact for homes or schools, piquing curiosity, drawing the reader into the mysteries of the liturgy, with supporting Scripture quotes and historical facts. I would be excited to be a student in a class using this gem of a textbook, with informative margin notes, end-of-chapter summaries, review and discussion questions, but meanwhile it is one of my favorite coffee table books that takes me on a faith journey and enlightens me every time I open it.
P. Miller | Conneaut, OH –
I just received my copy of Mass Explained yesterday. I stayed up way, way too late last night reading it, and I have thoroughly enjoyed what I have read so far! So, I ordered a second copy today to give as a gift to the deacon in my parish who is celebrating his ordination anniversary at the end of August. I can hardly wait to get home tonight to continue reading. Thank you for authoring such a magnificent book!
Catholic Journalist | Chicago, Il –
A labor of love, this rich study of the Mass brings in theology, history, Scripture, art and excellent pedagogy in explaining each part of the Mass. It is a perfect book for religious education but also for personal study, a deeply edifying book that will enhance devotion to the Eucharist. A lavishly illustrated, carefully designed, exemplary work that deserves a wide readership.
N. Grieco | Cedar Brook, NJ –
I must say that I FINALLY have started to digest (SLOWLY) your wonderful Mass Explained. I have learned more in the first 88 pages than I can remember ever learning about ANY given topic in my entire ( Catholic) life! And, I have not started reading about the Sign of the Cross in the beginning of the Mass!
This is a GLORIOUS, WONDERFUL book of explaining ALL THINGS CATHOLIC in the most easily understood, most organized & most beautifully illustrated way. The consistent layout of each page is amazing. Here I must also thank you for having text & sentences NOT interrupted by having to turn the page.
I spend time reflecting on SO much info. Thank you for being an important part of furthering my understanding of Catholicism, but more importantly, for being a part of deepening my faith. May God bless and keep your soul forever in the palm of His hand. You have inadvertently become an Evangelist of our generation!
Catholic Journalist | Chicago, Il –
This beautiful book will truly help both Catholics and non-Catholics alike to understand the Roman Catholic Mass. This book can serve as an encyclopedia for the Mass. It explains the significance of each element of the Mass, from vessels, to church structure, to gestures. The beautiful illustrations help the reader understand exactly what is being described, and the Bible references show the importance of each element as well as the connection to the life of Jesus and the other books of the Bible.
Catholic Journalist | Chicago, Il –
The first impression of this book, with its large, full-color format, 500+ pages and 1,700+ images: magnificent! The quality of the content is equally exceptional, as each of the 42 chapters provides a detailed description of an aspect of the Mass (The Entrance Procession, The Altar, The Sign of the Cross) that includes scriptural and historical foundations as well as questions for review and reflection. This book ought to be read and treasured by every Catholic family, in addition to being a valuable resource for teachers and catechists.
T. Epp | San Tan Valley, AZ –
I first ran across the information on Mass Explained a few years ago as an RCIA director. I was well impressed by the movies and graphics on the website. When I was notified about the book being published, I had to have it. It has been a sure delight, a wonderful experience of study of the Mass, and an immersion into such beautiful content and graphics. I’ve been through 12 chapters now and take what I learn as I attend daily Mass. I can say to Dan Gonzalez from my heart: Well done, good and faithful servant.
T. Hook | Minneapolis, MN –
Vastly illuminating. Remarkable depth.
V. Chris | Titusville, FL –
Outstanding addition to our library
A. Boniol | Port Allen, LA –
I received my order yesterday. All I can say is wow! Wow, Wow! This book is amazing. I can’t wait to dig into this.
Fr. R. Fajardo | Chicago, IL –
I wanted to let you know how wonderful Mass Explained really is. I made them my Christmas gifts to family and friends, and they are all amazed at the richness of the book. Your research and obvious love of the Holy Sacrifice really shines forth. This is such a treasure, and a solid education in the Holy Mass! This Lent I will be teaching a parish class on the Mass and will use the book, encouraging participants to pre-order a copy beforehand. Again, congratulations and many blessings! May your book contribute to the Eucharistic Revival begun in these United States, and onward to all the world!
A. Bonion | Port Allen, LA –
You are missing out if you don’t take the time and purchase this book. Trust me you will not be disappointed. I got mine right before Christmas and I could not stop reading and flipping the pages.
A. Herrera | Lake City, FL –
Excellent book, nothing left out, great work, highly recommended!
J. Acosta | Rialto, CA –
It’s a beautiful book with wonderful photos. It explains the history and traditions of Catholicism’s Jewish roots and how they’re part of the Mass today.
K. Colbert | Euclid, MN –
So. Much. Content. I love the variety of illustrations including sacred and secular art. It will take us the entire school year to read and study through this book. I love the breadth and depth of this work. A book to be savored.
M. Rymarz, Obl. O.S.B. | Flushing, MI –
I love the book and have recommended it to many others. As an OCIA instructor, this book is a wonderful resource. Thanks again for this wonderful book.
N. Michaud | Abbeville, LA –
I just received my order and I am so blown away with the quality. Thank you for doing this. When my friend saw mine, she immediately ordered her own! I think one should be in every Catholic home.
G. Santibañez | Coral Gables, FL –
Absolutely love the book! Highly recommend it.
J. Coffey | Portchester, NY –
“WOW” my copy of Mass Explained arrived in perfect condition! Thanks to you for all your hard work ! There are no two ways about it, this a beautifully written and illustrated book to help in understanding the Mass ! I’m asking all my friends to get this BOOK!
B. Musgrave | Pueblo, CO –
Got my copy and it is SO beautiful! What a work of art!
T. Loz | Macungie, PA –
I have been excited about this book ever since I heard that it was going to be published. I loved the app on my iPad and have been happily anticipating the book’s arrival, and it did not disappoint!!! I actually just got it back because I brought it over to my church and have been passing it around to our various organizations for their perusal. I know our pastor ordered one for the parish and many people have expressed an interest in it, as well. I am happy to have it back so I can begin to read it. It is a MASTERPIECE, so well worth the wait! Thank you for your endeavor!
L. Pendleton | Princeton, WV –
As a cradle Catholic, I find I have done things all my life without truly knowing the deeper meaning. I now can’t get enough information and this book is amazing! I belong to a prayer group and a Bible study and I will take the book and show it to both groups. I’m thrilled beyond words with the book! It has far surpassed my expectations! My sincere thanks doesn’t seem adequate for all of the years of work, editing and data collection that went into making this possible. I will treasure this book!
P. Ledger | Waipahu, HI –
OMG. Just received my book. It’s so beautiful and informative. Can’t wait to get into it. Absolutely gorgeous. Well done. If you’re creating anything else I’m in.
R. Kubasko | Tempe, AZ –
I got my books today, and let me say, this truly is an incredible accomplishment and a gift of your complete self to the universal Church. I will be making this a gift to every one of our OCIA students from here on out every year. My personal favorites so far are the Leonard Nimoy mention AND giving the Rite of Peace the proper deep dive that it deserves! What an enormous blessing to the church. Thank you, Daniel. This was an effort any of us could only hope to offer with our entire lives. Awesome!
J. Neely | Edmond, OK –
I saw this book and WOW! The most beautiful and thorough book of the Mass I have ever seen. This is a book I’ll show my priests, fellow parishioners and RCIA catechists. This is amazing! A treasure that will last my lifetime.
G. Forte | Palm Coast, FL –
There are no words that can express enough the gratitude I have for you and the book you have compiled for the world to read and understand about our faith. After thumbing through several sections just to take it in, I
have found myself more and more engrossed in the material, photos and story line as the pages turn. Your attention to detail brings together all the great stories of the Bible and as we read on we can correlate the stories with many of the great speakers that I have been drawn to over the many years. Thank you for your dedication to the Catholic faith. And bless you and your family.
B. Strait | Milan, MI –
As a recent convert (Easter 2023), this is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I have two other books explaining the Mass, and they are very helpful, but the unique nature of this work – especially the included images and margin notes – has me excited! I love all the little details of the Mass; the imagery, signs, etc.
S. McCann | Alamogordo, NM –
The book is beautiful and textbook quality. I love that the book has end of chapter overviews, questions for review and questions for reflection and group discussion. The chapters have lots of images, which is great if one wants to do a chapter a day or every week.
D. Gammill | Alexander, AR –
This book is so much more in depth than I thought it would be. My daughter teaches middle school at a Catholic school so I bought an extra for her classroom. She is thrilled with it!!!!! Thank you for all your hard work on this book.
C. Cueto | Jensen Beach, FL –
In every aspect, the book looks downright impressive, thorough, and beautifully put together. Very nice packaging and presentation. Dan did extensive research—the book is over 500 pages with beautiful illustrations. It will be a great resource for catechist formation and enrichment.
A. Rawlings | Marion, IN –
I just received “Mass Explained” yesterday and WOW! It is awesome — beautiful artwork and so much information packed in it that it’s going to take me a while to digest it all. Thank you so much for creating such an heirloom treasure.
L. Viera | Orlando, FL –
I ordered five books since I wanted to gift one to each of our two Parish Priests and one to the Catechism Teacher I assist. Well they arrived as did a third priest to our Parish so, I ended up ordering another as I gifted one to our Faith Formation Director. I’ve had nothing but great acknowledgment on the beauty of the book and content. Can’t wait till we can share with our students in a few weeks. Must also say that Daniel was fabulous in responding to my many questions, thank you.
J.Arakaki | Honolulu, HI –
I just received my book yesterday. It’s very beautiful, well made, and very heavy! It’s so worth the investment. Thank you for all of your hard work and time in making this amazing book.
L. Savoie | Waukesha, WI –
I have been craving a deep dive into the Mass. I pre-ordered and was very excited when the books arrived today. The packaging was meticulous and visually appealing. I really appreciate the care in ensuring the pages would not bend. Flipping through and stopping to read random pages I can already tell this book is everything I hoped it would be. Deep dive into the details with beautifully images, study guide built in, and I already noticed responses to some of the tough questions about why Catholics worship as we do. I can’t wait to show the Rector at my parish and ask for a study group. A big thank you to Dan Gonzalez for using his God given talents to serve Him in this way. God bless everyone involved in this project.
B. Dean | Broomfield, CO –
I received your book recently and it is totally amazing. I hope I live long enough to get through all the beautiful pages. (I’m 77!) Thank you for all your efforts in producing this treasure.
A. Weiss | Alamogordo, NM –
It is a masterpiece—both visually and the text itself—and a real pleasure to read through. The information shows the ancientness, modernness, and comprehensibility of the Mass. I hope this will help my parishioners and all your readers to be able to enter into the Mass more aware of what we are doing. I have already talked to our study group about using this as a study on the Mass. It gives me great hope when authors like yourself come out with such wonderful and faithful works. My word for your book: revolutionary.
K. Davenport | Lawndale, NC –
I received the Mass Explained today. It is gorgeous!! I can’t wait to curl up with it and dive in.