How Not to Say Mass: A Guidebook on Liturgical Principles and the Roman Missal

by Dennis C. Smolarski

A bestseller, now revised In this revised edition of a bestseller, Father Dennis Smolarski has one very clear aim in this book--to waken an awareness in, and encourage the authentic celebration of, the liturgy as set forth by the Second Vatican Council. He first explores general principles for liturgy, for understanding symbols, and for being a presider. He then examines the Mass, section by section, using the approach of via negativa, or counterexamples, focusing on what NOT to do. He reminds presiders of the many obvious, but sometimes unconscious, violations of rubrics and liturgical principles which can be detrimental to the celebration of good contemporary liturgy. This popular book, originally published in 1986, has been updated based on liturgical documents published since 1986 and the recently revised 3rd edition of the Roman Missal (2002). A must-read for all who have an active role in the liturgy of the
--priests
--deacons
--lectors
--acolytes
--musicians
--liturgy committees
--members of the assembly

Genres: Theology

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A JESUIT PRIEST POINTS OUT PROBLEMS AND ERRORS SOMETIMES PRACTICED

At the time this book was first published in 1986, Jesuit Dennis Smolarski was on the mathematics faculty at the University of Santa Clara in California. He has also written 'The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 1969-2002: A Commentary,' 'Sacred Mysteries: Sacramental Principles and Liturgical Practice,' 'Eucharist and American Culture: Liturgy, Unity, and Individualism,' etc.

He explained in the introductory "Prenotes" section, "This book is NOT exclusively geared for priests. It is directed to ALL who have an active role in the liturgy of the Church, i.e., bishops, priests, deacons, readers, acolytes, musicians, liturgy committee members, active Christians. However... I decided to address my remarks primarily toward the presiders of the eucharist. Nevertheless, these remarks, in many cases, can also be taken to heart by many others...

"My major concern is to awaken people... to the authentic celebration of the renewed eucharist in the Roman Rite... Re-writing prayers, re-arranging sections of the liturgy, re-assigning liturgical roles will not, of themselves, lead to a 'better' liturgy, if the ... leaders of the liturgy ignore the basic symbols and fundamental gestures involved in the 2000-year-old tradition of Christian worship." (Pg. 1-2)

He suggests, "One should not abandon all hope of singing if one is not a Caruso or a Pavarotti, but one of the greatest crosses in the pre-Vatican II Church was having the endure the cacophonous warblings of an aging pastor who could not carry a tune in a bucket. Since nothing is absolutely required to be sung by a presider in the present Sacramentary, the presider need not worry about his inability to sing. Thus, a presider need not inflict his lack of talent on an assembly." (Pg. 24-25)

He observes, "Frequently pastors and people are caught in a mutual bind---readers so poor that no one in the assembly can truly understand the proclamation of God's Word, so the church must be filled with missalettes. But that is no excuse for using the missalettes by the ministers of the Word. To read God's 'two-edged sword' from a disposable missalette is like putting the Blood of the Lord into paper cups---most Catholics would be aghast at the latter but do not bat an eye at the former. Yet in the realm of symbol, both are equivalent." (Pg. 47)

He asserts, "Do not interrupt the eucharistic prayer for announcements... If an announcement is necessary it should occur BEFORE the preface dialogue... this is one of the places mentioned in the Sacramentary... and the Directory of Masses with Children... as appropriate for the presider to give a brief admonition (and invite the assembly to think of motives for thanksgiving)!" (Pg. 64-65)

He states, "The Sacramentary specifically forbids a eulogy at a Catholic funeral... However, it continues to be a common occurrence to hear praises of the deceased as if the funeral were actually a canonization rite. The homily must be based on scripture, but also should not neglect the life of the particular Christian that died. It should encourage the assembly to a deeper faith in eternal life... the Rite of Christian Burial does allow a family member to say a few words before the final commendation, at the end of the liturgy. This may be an appropriate time for a few familial remembrances, but again, it should not turn into a list of reasons for canonizing the deceased." (Pg. 82)

Smolarski's points and commentary will be of interest to Catholics concerning about the proper "procedures" to follow in the Mass, and who perceive some current "abuses" in the liturgy.

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise book that covers the basics of norms for postconciliar masses with a very short treatment explaining why each norm is expected as it is. In many places, Fr. Dennis is spot-on, and I wish would go into deeper detail. In places where I would argue with him (which are but few) I also wish he would go into deeper detail. His personal opinion and style screams through the text, so be warned in case postconciliar masses trigger you.

[Fr. Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fr. Smolariski had some good things to say. His desire to have good liturgy is fantastic. He corrects many things that priests have done to abuse the liturgy. On the whole, its a good guidebook to celebrating mass well.

Granted the new edition was before the promulgation of Sumorum Pontificium, when speaking about the 1962 mass he speaks of it as an abberation a falling away from what good liturgy is. This, in and of itself, destroys his premise of respecting the liturgy. That was the liturgy provided for the Church it is good. Where there the things that could make for better evangelization to men of the 21st Century, of course, but to knock as antiquated and not speaking at all to 21st Century man is a lie. Many gain much spiritual depth through participation in that liturgy. I think he's liturgically nearsighted and that mars the intention of the book.

[Jessica Westberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an updated version of this book, but I guess it's not the kind of guideline that I was looking for.