An Important Study on the Worship of the Early Church This introduction to the origins of Christian worship illuminates the importance of ancient liturgical patterns for contemporary Christian practice. Andrew McGowan takes a fresh approach to understanding how Christians came to worship in the distinctive forms still familiar today. Deftly and expertly processing the bewildering complexity of the ancient sources into lucid, fluent exposition, he sets aside common misperceptions to explore the roots of Christian ritual practices--including the Eucharist, baptism, communal prayer, preaching, Scripture reading, and music--in their earliest recoverable settings. Now in paper.

Catholic social teaching guides us in how we are to live the Gospel in today’s world. Liturgy forms us in these teachings and sends us out into the world to give witness to the Gospel. Organized by the seven themes of Catholic social teaching as developed by the United States bishops, this resource explores the intimate connection between liturgy and Catholic social teaching. It provides insights for parish teams on how Catholics might better live what it is we celebrate each time we gather to worship God and express more fully, consciously, and actively what it means to be in right relationship with God and the world. With questions for discussion and reflection following each thematic chapter, worship teams, parish councils, and peace and justice committees will be able to evaluate and improve parish liturgical practices and ministerial outreach as rooted in Catholic social teaching. With penitential services organized by each of the seven themes, this resource also provides parishioners with the means to examine their own consciences, make acts of reparation, and resolve to be more committed to following the teachings of the Church. "Liturgy and Catholic Social Teaching" resource is sure to help build a world that more closely reflects the love and mercy, justice, and peace of God.

Available on microfilm from University Microfilms.