How to Get the Most Out of Mass

Dr. Hahn examines the Mass as a whole, as well as each individual section, and shows that the Mass has an intricate yet logical pattern.

Set of compact discs (4) recorded from a Scott Hahn conference presentation. Before you go looking for a parish with more pizzazz, you owe it to yourself to listen to this fascinating, step-by-step tape series on the Mass — and find out how even the most humdrum of liturgies lifts earth up to heaven. In this series, Dr. Hahn examines the Mass as a whole, as well as each individual section, and shows that the Mass has an intricate yet logical pattern. All of the liturgical colors, postures, sounds, and smells that bombard us are there for a reason. The five senses participate in this very physical, very spiritual act of worship. Dr. Hahn takes the Mass from its place in the “big picture” of covenant theology and salvation history, and breaks it into bite size pieces for everyone to understand and enjoy. Beginning by pointing out the inner logic of the various parts of the Mass, Dr. Hahn explains in simple, yet comprehensive detail, the many parts and elements of the Mass — from the entrance song, to the sign of the cross, to the final blessing and dismissal. Providing Scriptural support and references, he explains how each part of the liturgy transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the physical into the spiritual, the earthly into the heavenly. And best of all, you won’t need a degree to figure it out—he never gets bogged down in heavy theology. Dr. Hahn explains how, in the Mass, we actively take part in the heavenly worship. The book of Revelation, he says, is a description of the liturgy of heaven--the angels and saints singing and praising in adoration. In the Mass we are whisked up to heaven, as John was (Rev 4:1-2), to join the angels and saints before the throne of God. When we sing or say the “Gloria” and “Holy, holy, holy” we are joining “in their unending hymn.” This insightful series reveals the intensely Scriptural nature of the Mass and clearly demonstrates how not just the readings, but many elements of the Holy Sacrifice are firmly rooted in the words of the Inspired authors of the Bible. This series is a must for all Catholics who desire to be better able to defend Catholic liturgical practices from their Protestant detractors. Never again need you be at a loss to defend the “Biblical Basis” of the Holy Sacrifice-- never again will you wonder what to say to those contemplating leaving the Church on the basis of being “better fed” elsewhere-- no longer do you have to be lost for words when asked, “Why do you Catholics do that in the Mass?” And the next time your mind wanders at Mass, you’ll be able to bring it back— just by remembering that you are surrounded by angels.