Author:
Randy Stice
Rev.
Stice offers insightful catechesis on the sacraments of vocation based on the
methodology presented in Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's Sacramentum
Caritatis. Guiding readers through the rites of Orders and Matrimony, Understanding
the Sacraments of Vocation examines each of the rites' Old Testament
foundations, liturgical history, and sacramental theology, exploring the way in
which the sacraments of vocation affect and influence one's daily Christian
life.
To
facilitate use in adult faith formation groups, religious education classes,
diaconate programs, and undergraduate sacraments courses, each chapter includes
a number of different activities designed to help the reader review and
synthesize the material, explore a given topic in greater detail, or deepen his
or her experience of the liturgy. Steeped in the words, actions, and signs of
the rites themselves, this study will be especially useful for those involved
in preparing others for reception of the sacraments of Holy Orders or
Matrimony, including catechists, liturgists, seminarians, priests, and
deacons.
"The decision to live a sacramental life depends more and more today on
the possession of fundamental convictions. Fr. Stice's exceptional book
proposes a way of approaching the sacraments that will evoke and deepen these
convictions. Drawing upon Benedict XVI's method of mystagogical
catechesis, catechists will find here much assistance in teaching the
sacraments of vocation-and the whole sacramental economy-as vital opportunities
for a transformative encounter with God."
Dr. James Pauley
Associate Professor of Theology and Catechetics
Franciscan University of Steubenville
"Fr. Randy Stice's book is a welcome resource for the study of sacramental
theology in seminaries and theological schools, but is also accessible for any
adult faith formation program. His rites-based approach places the celebration
of the sacraments in the forefront, teasing out their meaning from the overall
shape of the prayers and ceremonies, to the smallest nuances of the
rites. More than a theology reference book, it is a guide to the
spirituality of these sacraments.
The
questions provided for discussion are an excellent teaching resource. Many
communities will welcome the inclusion of cultural expressions of the revised
Order of Celebrating Matrimony."
Rev. John-Mark Missio, MDiv, MA, STL
Vice-Rector and Director of Liturgy
Lecturer, Pastoral Theology
St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto
Paperback,
6 x 9, 160 pages
