A Child's Missal

This Child’s Missal takes an unusual approach to bringing children and parents alike into the mysteries of the Mass. In a harmonious mix of artwork, photos, Scripture, and text, it presents the story of how Christ’s life and the Mass are one. Going beyond the obvious connections of the Mass with the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, it shows how the rich symbolism of the Mass touches upon the rest of Christ’s life. Soon enough we realize how far reaching were Christ’s words when he said of the Mass, "Do this in memory of me".

Lofty though the ideas are, the story is told quite simply. The beautiful artwork is inspired by the best of Catholic icon tradition but re-created in a child-friendly style. The photographs from the Mass blend seamlessly with this art to create an integrated expression of what is being remembered in the Mass with what is being done.

Throughout the book, a guardian angel appears who guides a boy (called "Adam") and teaches him about the Mass. The text that accompanies the angel is filled with explanations and good advice addressed to the boy "Adam" and to each child reading or being read to.

This durable, hardbound Missal also makes a worthy catechism. It is highly visual, richly theological, and poetically beautiful. It will open the eyes of any child of God to the mysterious and wondrous reality of Christ’s life in the Mass.