In three separate sessions, from 1545 to 1564, the Fathers of the Church met in Ecumenical Council at a small town in the Austrian Tyrol, named Tridentum-in English, Trent. That meeting-the Council of Trent-produced a large number of canons and decrees, condemned the errors of the Protestant Reformation, and shown as a beacon to all the world. Of the twenty Ecumenical Councils of the …

This is the official liturgical law for the Roman Missal revised in 2002.  Includes all the adaptations for Masses in the United States and an index of important topics.

A Pastoral Resource of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy Pastoral Liturgy Series 1 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops An essential resource for “liturgical formation of the People of God,” Introduction to the Order of Mass offers a detailed guide to the celebration of Mass, from introductory to concluding rites. An accompaniment to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal , …

Pope John Paul II This encyclical is the latest study of the Pope on the theology and importance of the Eucharist. Topics include: The theology of the Eucharist The importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church The relationship between the priesthood and the Eucharist The Eucharist as a point of unity - and separation - among Christians The importance of the liturgy and …

This book brings together the writings of the popes on sacred music.  Many of these documents are almost totally unknown, some are found only in Latin, and a great number are inaccessible to the average musician.  They form a vast panorama of legislative thought.  Fragmentary references are found in the writings of such early popes as St. Damascus (375-384), St Celestine …

This instruction covers the following: Liturgical formation of Clerics and Faithful Vernacular translation of liturgical texts The Rite of the Mass Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals Divine Office Proper Construction of Churches and Altars

In 1997, eight different Vatican Congregations co-authored this document concerning problems with the bluring of the distinction between the lay faithful and the ordained priesthood, primarily in liturgical matters. Among other things addressed were the use of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, the preaching of homilies and the proper minister for the sacraments. The document is divided …

Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship Following the letter of Pope John Paul II, Dominicae Cenae , on the Eucharist this document was issued to summarize and correct certain abuses in the liturgy. Some issues addressed include using unworthy vessels for the Body and Blood, using unapproved Eucharistic prayers, permitting the tabernacle to be on an altar and the proper use …

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Fifth Instruction "For the Right Implementation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council" This document provides the official guidelines for the translation of liturgical texts. Of great importance is the rejection of the equivalent language approach to translation that claims to preserve the …

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments Fourth Instruction for the Right Application of the Conciliar Constitution on the Liturgy This document addresses the idea of adaptation of the liturgy to a local culture. It explains when this should occur and to what extent adaptions may be made. The document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. The …

Redemptionis Sacramentum Congregation For Divine Worship This document is the latest document from Rome meant to curb liturgical abuse as well as provide a system for the reporting and correction of such abuse. Sections include: Preamble Chapter I - The Regulation of the Sacred Liturgy 1. The Diocesan Bishop, High Priest of His Flock 2. The Conference of Bishops 3. Priests 4. Deacons Chapter …