The Liturgical Environment - 3rd Edition by Mark G Boyer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Thousands of readers have found Fr. Mark Boyer's The Liturgical Environment: What the Documents Say to be a useful compendium of the church's law and guidelines on the liturgical environment. Rooted in the norm of active participation as the guiding principle for all liturgical celebration, each chapter considers the ecclesial documents that pertain to the particular objects under discussion, the theology found in the documents, and the praxis that flows from the theology. Now in its third edition, The Liturgical Environment has proven to be an essential resource for all those involved in planning, building, renovating, decorating, and worshiping in a sacred environment.

This new edition is significantly expanded and revised to take into account important material from the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, the new General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Pope Benedict's apostolic exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis, and the Vatican's Instruction on the Eucharist, Redemptionis Sacramentum. Additional material has been added on celebrating the parish feast day, principles involved in decorating, and fakery in the liturgical environment. New information on the font and various baptismal scenarios for the Easter Vigil is also included. Three new chapters focus on celebrating marriages, funerals, and anointing the sick; on the concept of progressive solemnity in the liturgy; and on liturgical furniture for conference use when Mass is not celebrated in a church. Finally, new discussion questions present opportunities for reflection and discussion.

Review Quotes

This latest edition of a useful reference work will be a welcome addition to any clergy member's bookshelf. The useful information it contains could also satisfy the questions of laypersons, who have always wondered "why we do that" or simply wanted an authoritative refresher on the meaning of rituals, vestments, and clothing the sacred environment.
Victor H. Matthews, Dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs, Missouri State University

When you walk into a Catholic church building, you know where everything should be. Or do you? The rules governing liturgical space sprout ever-new leaves due to a growing series of books and decrees. Mark G. Boyer organizes this legislation by theme, shows why the law says what it does, and makes practical applications that will affirm and surprise you. After reading this book, you'll see the insides of churches as you never have before.
Rev. Paul Turner, pastor, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Kansas City MO, author, Let Us Pray: A Guide to the Rubrics of Sunday Mass

Whether a parish team is planning to build a new church, renovate an existing space or simply preparing to adorn a worship space for the seasons, they need to seek a firm foundation in liturgical law and theology. Happily, Mark Boyer's latest edition of The Liturgical Environment: What the Documents Say provides such a foundation. In each chapter, he examines an element of the worship space. He cites relevant and current church documents, draws theological principles from those documents, suggests praxis based on that theology, and provides questions for reflection and discussion. Of greatest value is his use of the liturgical texts themselves-always a rich source of doctrine and rich fodder for reflection.
Rita Thiron, Executive Director, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions