Elements of Rite: A Handbook of Liturgical Style

by Aidan Kavanagh

Keeping in mind two pastoral considerations - the liturgy itself and the assembly that worships - Father Kavanagh looks not beyond rubrics but deep into their historical and pastoral existence in order to develop rules of style which articulate this existence in current Roman liturgical usage. From this research has come a pastoral manual for clergy who preside at liturgical celebrations.

Genres: Theology

126 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Craig]

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]

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]

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.

[Samuel Cheung]

NO CARPETS IN CHURCH

Despite the particularity of its subject, this book demonstrates how compelling clear, witty, and insightful writing can be no matter the subject. When you grasp the purpose and heart of something, you can judge things as frivolous as carpet. Kavanagh is of the rare species of theologians who are actually good writers without qualification. Makes me excited to go to church and see everything wrong and love it still.

[Philip]

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]

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]

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]

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