Ascension recently published a new guide to the Mass titled “Pocket Guide to the Mass” by Father Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri. As the title suggests, it is brief and small enough in size to fit in your pocket and carry with you to Mass. The first sentence in the guide asks, “Do we really understand what is happening in every Mass?” That very question motivated my own journey.

In “The Song of the Lamb: Sacred Music and the Heavenly Liturgy,” Robert Cardinal Sarah, in conversation with Peter Carter, delves into a thorough examination of the part that music plays in the liturgy.

On November 2, we celebrate the Commemoration of All Souls Day. The Church calls us to pray for the souls in purgatory awaiting sanctification. This is the day that the Church Militant — the faithful on earth — can assist the Church Suffering  — souls in purgatory  — through offered prayers, sacrifices, and Mass.