Years ago, you might have found people bringing their own copy of the Missal to Mass. Over the years, it seems to have lost some ‘steam’ with Catholics. Part of that shift might be the prevalence of the tissue paper thin yearly books containing the readings and music for the parish. I had years of just listening as the Scriptures were read during Mass and occasionally would utilize the disposable books at church. But, as I grow deeper in my faith, I was having a serious tug towards having my own Missal.
When the Revised Edition of the St. Joseph Red Vinyl Sunday Missal arrived in my house, I was giddy with excitement. I had some stares from the boys as they could not understand why their mother was treating that package like a treasured gift received. However, I know what a treasure this book is for me today and in the future.
Why a Missal?
First off, even though I can quickly find online which readings will be on a given Sunday, I prefer the ability to pull a book off my nightstand or shelf.
Secondly, I prefer the feel and format of the Missal to the missalettes found in most parishes. Besides, they rarely have enough of them for people to use. That’s especially true when you have several boys with you who all want to hold their own copy.
Third, I like to easily prepare my mind and heart for Sunday Mass by reading the Scriptures ahead of time. Not only does the Missal have the readings, it also has some commentary for each selection. These commentaries help to bring the Scripture alive.
Could I survive being an active, practicing Catholic without a Sunday Missal?
Yes. But, my prayer life is becoming more enriched each week as I avail myself of this fantastic resource.
St. Joseph Red Vinyl Sunday Missal retails for $25.95.
I wrote this review of St. Joseph Red Vinyl Sunday Missal for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and Oplatki Christmas Wafers. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples to write reviews for Tiber River. All opinions expressed are my own.
