Elements of Rite: A Handbook of Liturgical Style

by Aidan Kavanagh

Paperback. Blue highlighter throughout. Wrappers are slightly worn, rubbed and scuffed. Some fading to edges and corners. 110 pages.

Genres: Theology

110 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two questions: 1)Why was I not required to read this in seminary? 2)Why do we ordain anyone who has not read it?

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book. The author is terse and unintentionally hilarious. Too many of his prescriptions are unqualified (that is, he does not provide a good background to their history and use), but most of them are spot-on anyway. This should be in every sacristy. Perhaps if enough churches stuck to this as a general guide (for the most part), then "novus ordo" wouldn't be seen as a dirty word.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most beneficial lessons about the topic of liturgy can be learned just by listening to those that know and experience if talk about it. This book was in that category for me. Whether you use this to actually help you plan or just use it to gain insight into how teachers of liturgy think, it is helpful.

The guides for style in the last chapter are helpful for anyone planning services in any tradition.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended to my by a dear friend and wonderfully present celebrant, this should be required reading for anyone in liturgical ministry - even those who deny they have a liturgy. Written from a Roman Catholic perspective, it is nonetheless wonderfully applicable across the board, especially for those sharing the liturgical tradition of the Church.

[Joshua Booher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good. However, at times I felt he was out of touch with the common man. (The author is/was a monk.)

[Royce]

Short little book about liturgy. It's a little Catholic for me, but he makes some good points. It gets a little thick at the end. Mr. Kavanagh is very anti-pew, also.

[Luis Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one the best books I have read on liturgy. Don't let its brevity fool you. It is packed tight, with virtually no fluff. It is a book to read carefully and intentionally.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book---one of my favorite liturgy books.