The New Sunday Missal [antikvár]

FOREWORD The use of a missal is of great value to those who wish to participate in the Mass and to reap the spiritual benefits that such participation offers. To participate in the Mass is much more than being a reverent spectator at a sacred ceremonv in which we are not personally involved. It is much more than an opportunitv for priváté prayer in an atmosphere that is conducive to devotion. Rather, it means involving ourselves in a public act of worship wherein, tpgether with the priest and those around us, we offer the Divine Victim to our Heavenly F^ther while, at the same time, we offer ourselves as a pledge of our lovaltv and our love. A few minutes with the missal before Mass will acquaint us with the readings, the responsorial psalm and the prayers that are to follow, and deepen our appreciation of the Eucharistic Prayer with its awesome implications. The intelligent use of the missal should strengthen our devotion to the Mass and convince us that here is a Sublime Action in which we are asked to play an active part May the use of the missal become more widespread in our midst. +James Cardinal Freeman Archbishop of Sydney ABOUT THIS MISSAL The primary purpose of a missal is to make it easier for the user to take part in the Mass actively and fully. The New Sunday Missal has been designed with this simple aim in mind. It is, first and foremost, a prayer book: that is, a book to stimulate prayer, especially in and with the liturgv of the Mass. Beside the prayers of the Mass - which are the people's prayers, not just the priest's - there are alsó prayers for priváté use before and after Mass, in the morning and evening* and on special occasions. At the beginning of each Mass text is a 'Praver Thought' which not only comments on the feast or readings of the day but alsó provides a praverful reflection to help the reader prepare for the Mass.