A Picture Book of the Mass, Illustrated by the Masters, created by Lacy of Catholic Icing (a site every Catholic mom with young children should know, so bookmark it now if you haven't already!)
I was so excited to see these booklets, I ordered a bunch for all my kids and each of our god-families. I asked for an extra copy in exchange for an honest review on my blog. Sometimes this works and I'm so glad this is one of those times!
We have had a number of missals in our home and all of them seem to be full of pictures of Mass in the 1980s or funky illustrations that just don't seem to do Mass the justice it deserves. This book features beautiful full-color high quality reproductions of real art relevant to each part of the Mass. Only two pages don't have any artwork on them and those both have a full-page painting on the facing page. I've never seen a missal quite like this one, especially priced so reasonably, and think it will be a great blessing. Lacy says on her website she thinks this book is great for all Catholics, including adults, and I agree, but I also think all our children deserve missals like these, that feature so much Beauty along with the awe-inspiring sacrifice of the Mass. There's a post over at Catholic Icing with lots of pictures of some of the beautiful artwork.
The text is very simple, showing only the most important and consistent responses and parts of the Mass. It can be used easily throughout the year and in any parish despite differences in celebrations. Of course, it is based on the new translation of the Roman Missal and is published with the approval of the Committee on Diving Worship. The people's responses are all in red, easy to find and read. There are small icons showing when to sit, stand or kneel (enormously helpful for those visiting or new to the Catholic faith).
I just received these today but am really excited to see how the children use them at Mass this weekend. I think helping Second Daughter follow along in the book might help her focus more at Mass. She'll be four next week and has great difficulties being still and quiet at Mass, but she loves Mary and the saints and does want to be good (or so she says); I think she'll love having her own Mass book. I'll help her follow along, of course.
The booklets are already on back-order, but they'll be shipping again on July 23rd. You can go ahead and order now and they'll ship when they're in stock again!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I do not receive anything if you follow a link above and make a purchase.
If you are a parent of one of our godchildren or a godparent of one of our children, I have one of these books for you already. I was thinking of saving them for Christmas, but I'm not sure I can wait that long. If you want it earlier, let me know and I'll get it to you.
