I hope you guys can help! My mother has recently returned to the Church after a 25+ year absence, and she was asking me about the origin of each Sunday of the Liturgical year. For example, last Sunday was Trinity Sunday, and our church bulliten contained an explaination of how it came to be called Trinity Sunday, so I was able to tell her about it, but as for all the rest, I'm at a loss. Is there a book that I can get her that explains the special days and seasons of the year, for example she also has really specific questions about what Pentecost is, and I'd like to be able to give her a reference she can refer to all year round. Thanks in advance for your help!

God Bless

Amy

-- Amy (yankeelady78@sc.rr.com), June 11, 2004

Answers

Dear Amy,

It's wonderful to hear about your mother's return to the Catholic Church. My own mother is returning as well, and I wish to join (we were Protestant). My mom subscribed to a monthly publication called "Magnificat." She bought one issue at a time for $4.95 at a Catholic bookstore, but subscription is cheaper at $40/yr. You might want to check a local Catholic store to see if this is what you're looking for. You could buy her one issue to see if she likes it, then decide whether to subscribe. I think it is a rather beautiful book.

It has everything that's in the missal at Church, including all the Scripture readings for daily mass. It's better though because it has the exact date and day, updated every year. It also has a history of a Saint for every day, prayers for each day, and a daily meditation.

I have the June one here with me, and there is a reflection called "The Blessed Trinity" written by Isaac of Stella, an abbot from France who died in 1169. I wonder if this is what you read in your church's bulletin? Well I hope that was helpful.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), June 11, 2004.

Not sure about a book, but here is a very informative website on the subject:

http://www.catholicculture.org/lit/overviews/lit_year_main.cfm

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), June 11, 2004.

Paul,

Thanks for that site - some wonderful info!

Amy,

Here is the link to the Magnificat publication that I told you about.

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), June 11, 2004.

Yes, that is the info that I got out of our bulletin, and thank you Emily and Paul for the information!

Amy

-- Amy (yankeelady78@sc.rr.com), June 12, 2004.