Selected Bibliography - Resources for Liturgical Formation & Planning
Here are some basic resources that I have found useful for pastoral musicians, liturgists and all who prepare and lead worship. The descriptions are (for the most part) provided by the publishers. At the bottom of this page is the information you need to contact any of the publishers to purchase these resources. I will try to continue to add to this list as I find worthwhile resources.
History & structure of the liturgy
From Age to Age: How Christians Have Celebrated the Eucharist, Edward Foley, Capuchin, Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), ISBN: 0-929650-41-7
“From age to age, you gather a people to yourself so that from east to west, a perfect offering may be made . . . .” Focusing on music, books, vessels and architecture, Foley tells how Christians through the ages celebrated and understood their eucharist. Abundantly illustrated by Robin Faulkner with quotations, photographs, maps, drawings and stories. From Age to Age offers a way to look at our eucharist today, a way to take our place among the ages.
The Word and Eucharist Handbook, Lawrence J. Johnson, Resource Publications, San Jose, CA, 1993, ISBN: 0-89390-276-4
A useful and straight-forward reference, providing historical background, the appropriate quotes from Roman Catholic church documents and simple pastoral suggestions.
The Mystery Of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of Mass, Lawrence J. Johnson, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC)
First published for the 1981-1982 national study of the Mass coordinated by the FDLC at the request of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy, this workbook provides the reader with the material necessary to study the Mass in a systematic manner. It explains the theological and liturgical reasons for the post-Vatican II revisions in the celebration. Written in clear, non-technical language.
Music and the Mass, David Haas, Liturgy Training Publications, ISBN: 1-56854-198-8
This book is a “walk-through” of the Mass, rite-by-rite and step-by-step. Chapters focus on each of the main divisions of the Mass with suggestions and criteria for selecting appropriate music for each part. Commentary on official documentation and quotes from a variety of sources are also included.
The Liturgical Documents, Liturgy Training Publications
This single volume pulls together the essential post-Vatican II documents around liturgy. It is especially useful for those who work in Roman Catholic communities.
Formation & training of pastoral musicians
To Serve as Jesus Did, Marty Haugen, GIA Publications, 2005.
A book that represents the reflections and conversations of more than 20 years of workshops, presentations and conferences
on worship and ministry. It offers a simple and practical model of ministry based on the life and teaching of Jesus.
Musicians in the Assembly, Robert Buckley Farlee, Augsburg Fortress, ISBN: 0806642793, 2001
Music and musicians play a central role in liturgy—providing crucial leadership in the pacing, style, and atmosphere of the worship experience. This handbook helps musicians understand, focus, and enrich their contribution to the life of the church. Regardless of whether your church's style is traditional, blended, contemporary, or praise, this handbook will provide background, meaning, and renewed purpose to today's church musician.
Leading the Church's Song,
various writers, Augsburg Fortress,
ISBN: 0806635916
A practical introduction to leading congregational song in a variety of
musical styles and with various instrumental accompaniments. This helpful
guide, with audio CD included, will help church musicians master the skills
necessary to confidently lead congregational song with stylistic integrity
and cultural sensitivity.
The Singing Thing, John Bell, GIA Publications, G-5510, 2001
This delightful new handbook by John L. Bell of the Iona Community explores the reasons we, as humans, are compelled to express ourselves in song. John has compiled a list of charming introspections about what motivates us to sing or prevents us from singing. Whether we sing to tell stories or don't sing because someone once told us we can't, this engaging and enlightening book examines why everyone can sing and why everyone should. A must-read for choir directors, cantors, and song leaders.
Handbook for Cantors, Diana Kodner, LTP Publications, ISBN: 1-56854-097-3
This updated approach to the roles, skills and spirituality of the cantor discusses what a cantor should know about the raw materials of singing (breathing, posture, projection, articulation and interpretation) as well as gestures, eye contact and the liturgy itself.
Other good publications
Multicultural Celebrations: A Guide Celebraciones Multiculturales: Una Guía, Mark R. Francis, Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC)
A bilingual, English-Spanish book designed to help those preparing worship to promote the full participation of all the members of a culturally diverse assembly. To this end Father Francis outlines general principles and presents in detail the varied ways in which the liturgy communicates—through words, gesture, movement, the liturgical year, art and environment.
Worship Come to Its Senses, Don Sailers, Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN, 1996
What makes Christian worship both true and relevant to ever-changing human circumstances? How can our gathering about the Scriptures, the Table of the Lord and the waters of baptism shape and express authentic Christian faith in the world of everyday life? In this book, Don Saliers finds a fresh way of answering these questions by exploring four "senses" of God: awe, delight, truth and hope.
Buying resources direct from the publisher
Liturgy Training Publications 1(800)933-1800
GIA Publications 1(800)442-1358
FDLC Publications (distributed through Oregon Catholic Press) 1(800)548-8749
Augsburg Fortress Publications 1(800)328-4648 Fax. (800)722-7766