Parishes gearing up for ‘Mass Explained’ study groups

Msgr. James P. Moroney, a priest of the Diocese of Worcester (Mass.) and a liturgical expert, was on  sabbatical in Assisi a few years ago when the thought struck him as he gazed from his top-floor apartment across the plaza at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Why not write a simple, easy-to-assimilate book that would explain both the history of the Mass over the last 2,000 years as well as its rich meaning as the source and summit of Christian life?

The result of his endeavors was “The Mass Explained,” which received such great reviews in 2009 that it went into several reprintings.

Now in an updated edition – including information on the new English translation of the Roman Missal – “The Mass Explained: An Introduction to the New Roman Missal” will be the centerpiece of an archdiocesan-wide effort during Lent to help Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans understand and appreciate the theological riches of the Mass.

Started in upper room

“I think we always tend to be a bit myopic or parochial, but we are part of an extraordinary adventure, which begins in the upper room when Jesus breaks bread and says, ‘Do this in memory of me,’” said Msgr. Moroney, who last week was appointed the new rector of St. John’s Seminary in the Archdiocese of Boston. “It has been carried on in every town and every place and every time between then and now.”

“In New Orleans, every time Mass is celebrated in your beautiful cathedral and in all your beautiful parishes, we meet the same Lord who gave his body for us,” Msgr. Moroney said.

He said the book was designed “for all of those people whom I have known in parishes through the years, and it comes from a preacher’s heart. More than anything else, it is written in love to them as a gift and as a reminder of the great gift of Eucharist.”

When Archbishop Gregory Aymond promulgated a “Year of the Mass” with his pastoral letter in November, he envisioned a series of follow-up workshops in parishes across the archdiocese, coordinated by the Office of Worship, that would go beyond the new translation and delve into the history and the theology of the Mass.

The archbishop has asked every parish to use the book in small study groups, beginning with the second week of Lent. The idea, said Msgr. Ken Hedrick, director of the Office of Worship, is to raise awareness among adult Catholics about the beauty of the Mass.

Knowledge fuels love

“As with most things, the more we understand things, the more we appreciate them,” Msgr. Hedrick said. “Another benefit is just people coming together. It’s a better way for adults to learn rather than just sitting in the corner by yourself and reading. You can bounce ideas off other people and lay questions out. Coming together in groups also helps people get to know each other. It builds a real sense of community.”

Betty-Ann Hickey, the associate director in the worship office, said “The Mass Explained” was chosen because it had “good and important information” without being “overwhelming or intimidating.”

“It’s a friendly book,” Hickey said. “It’s something that someone who really doesn’t know a whole lot about the Mass can sit down and read. At the same time, someone who may have more knowledge can still sit down and even if they’re not learning anything new, chances are they’re going to be learning it in a way in which they can then pass it on.”

Msgr. Moroney has suggested that the book be discussed in one-hour sessions over four weeks. He is preparing a brief video introduction for each segment, and he has expanded on the discussion questions at the end of each chapter with additional questions.

Msgr. Hedrick envisions the study groups being led by a facilitator, not necessarily a priest, deacon or religious, but someone who can keep the conversation moving and afford everyone with the opportunity to speak. The participants would read the section of the book before the discussion group meets.

“However the pastor sees it working best,” Msgr. Hedrick said. “The archbishop would like us to focus on this as our Lenten project, so it’s a sacrifice of time to learn more about the sacrifice of the Mass.”

‘Wonders of the Eucharist’

Hickey said Msgr. Moroney had been thinking of using the book as a catalyst for parish catechesis, which is why he was excited to learn of the local plans.

“My hope is that the average Catholic meets Jesus in the Eucharist and appreciates more deeply the wonders of the Eucharist,” Msgr. Moroney said. “Blessed Pope John Paul II spoke in his last encyclical letter that the one thing missing the most in our approach to the Eucharist was an amazement that God would give us his own body and blood as food and drink.”

Msgr. Harry Bugler of St. Philip Neri, Josephite Father John Harfmann of Corpus Christi-Epiphany and Father Ronald Calkins of Mary Queen of Peace have already placed their bulk orders.

“Whatever brings about a greater appreciation of the standing of the Mass and how integral it is to our Catholic way of life is good,” Msgr. Bugler said.

Father Harfmann said his parish would start first with parishioners who serve in ministerial roles at Mass for “some in-depth discussion and understanding of what’s being done and why.”

Spur for young adults

Father Calkins said his parish will try to identify and train facilitators who can use the book for home-study groups. He is especially interested in young adults.

“We sort of targeted a group of about 10 young adults that we know are active churchgoers,” Father Calkins said. “Our youth minister, Stephen Johnson, and his wife Sandi have agreed to facilitate that young adult group.”

Individual parishes can order books at a discounted rate $6 per participant by calling the Office of Worship at (504) 861-6300.

“What makes this book nice is that it’s not just written by someone who knows the Mass, but it’s written by someone who loves the Mass,” Msgr. Hedrick said. “That comes through in the book.”

Peter Finney Jr. can be reached at [email protected].

Other archdiocesan initiatives celebrating the ‘Year of the Mass’

— Participation in the Sacred Liturgy: An Invitation to Offer the Sacrifices of our Lives: Msgr. James Moroney will offer a special workshop for the laity April 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Anselm Parish, Madisonville, and April 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Dominic Parish, New Orleans. He will expand on some of the themes of his book, “The Mass Explained,” and discuss the meaning of “full, conscious and active” participation in Mass. He also will examine the prayers of the Mass. Registration fee is $5 per person or $75 per parish. Contact the Office of Worship to register or for more information: worship @archdiocese-no.org; (504) 861-6300.

—The Mass: Christ and the Catholic Educator: Geared for elementary and high school educators. Scheduling can be done for a faculty in-service or a day of reflection. Contact the Office of Eucharistic Renewal:

[email protected] (504) 482-8010.

—The Mass: A How-to Guide to Who We Are:An interactive program for archdiocesan high school students to increase full, conscious and active participation in the Mass. Also available for parishes’ PSR instruction and confirmation preparation. Contact the Office of Eucharistic Renewal.

—The Mass: A Personal Invitation from Jesus, Himself:An interactive program for primary school students to increase a love of the Eucharist. Contact the Office of Eucharistic Renewal.

—The Mass: A Personal Invitation to the Vocation of Parent:A program for families designed to empower parents to the dignity of the role of being the first educators of their children in the faith. Contact the Office of Eucharistic Renewal.

—Deanery mornings/evenings of reflection: To be offered in each deanery during the Easter season and continuing into the fall. Video presentations by Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Fabre and Office of Religious Education director Alice Hughes, and a live presentation by Msgr. Ken Hedrick or Betty-Ann Hickey of the Office of Worship. Contact the Office of Worship at (504) 861-6300.

—Collaboration with archdiocesan offices: Msgr. Hedrick and Hickey will work with archdiocesan offices to model liturgies that are “good experiences of liturgical prayer. We want to make sure we model well what the Mass can be,” Msgr. Hedrick said.