Elements of Rite: A Handbook of Liturgical Style

This book never ceases to astonish me. In just a few pages, Kavanagh teaches worship leaders more about the internal logic of the Western rite than most of the heavy-duty liturgiological studies ever written. Combined. And by the way, Aidan Kavanagh could have written some of those big fat books full of history and theory. In fact, he did -- his "Liturgical Theology" is a classic of the genre. This is something different, and much more unusual. The title is an obvious reference to Strunk and White, which for decades has been the book English teachers reach for in the hope of teaching students how to write essays that are more than one awkward phrase strung after another. it isn't a book about literary theory or a technical review of prosody or rhetoric; it's a straightforward how-to guide. But even accomplished writers often keep a copy by their desk, because its advice never ceases to be good. In the same way, Kavanagh does not offer a review if liturgical development, or an exhaustive theological exploration. Nor is it a guided tour of the rubrics, or the GIRM. It is a how-to guide for worship leaders (especially the clergy, but also laypeople), but the practical advice proceeds from a deep understanding of the theological basis. Simply following Kavanagh's direction doesn't just lead to a less awkward performance of the rites -- it leads to a deeper understanding of them. Objections to this marvelous book? I suppose some readers may wish that it wasn't focused on the Roman rite -- but have no fear, because most of the advice applies just as well to the worship of other Christian communities. And other readers, passionately devoted to the EF, may worry that the advice seems too "modern" in feel -- but I'm not sure they're right. The rubrics may be different, but the underlying principles aren't.

I just saw that Fr Aidan has gone to join the great liturgy of which our earthly ones are mere shadows. In tribute, let me say that this little book may be of more help to a parish trying to honor God and serve its people in the liturgy than many a heavier tome. It is full of wit and insight, practical (if opinionated!) advice on "doing church."