With its center in the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass, the Church’s liturgical life also includes opportunities for the faithful to receive Communion outside of Mass due to pastoral need and participate in forms of Eucharistic worship outside Mass as part of a deepened Eucharistic spirituality. Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass, approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship:
- contains official introductions, which show the theological and pastoral relationship between Eucharistic celebration at Mass and communion and worship of the Eucharist outside Mass.
- includes rites for Holy Communion outside Mass, both with a fuller celebration of the Word of God, as well as a briefer form when pastorally necessary.
- includes rites for administration of Communion and Viaticum to the sick by an extraordinary minister.
- provides an abundance of Scripture readings, antiphons, responsories, and prayers before and after Communion, allowing for a deepened Eucharistic spirituality.
- offers a standard model for Exposition and Benediction in the dioceses of the United States.
- among hymnody which may be sung, includes new English translations of O salutáris Hóstia, and Tantum ergo, confirmed by the Holy See as a part of the hymnody of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition.
- expands certain rubrics to allow for inclusion of customary practices of (e.g. O salutáris Hóstia, Tantum ergo, Divine Praises) or provide necessary clarification.
- includes two elegant ribbon markers to assure easy use.
The Liturgical Press edition of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass has been formatted for readability in various environments and includes two ribbon markers for easy reference. Additionally, the cover is beautifully designed with a simple gold-stamped image to express the rich meaning of these rites.