book
Participation of the Heart
Engagement
Making the Mass More Meaningful for the
Modern Catholic
This book offers a fresh perspective on how Catholics can deepen their connection to the Mass. It encourages personal engagement and reflection, helping readers navigate the familiar rhythms of the ritual with renewed understanding. By exploring the balance between the comforting sameness of tradition and the dynamic changes in our lives, this book provides practical insights for finding spiritual enrichment and active participation in every Mass experience. Perfect for anyone seeking to rediscover the richness and depth of Catholic worship.
transformation
A Resource for Spiritual Growth and Group Enrichment
Participation of the Heart is more than a book—it’s a tool for transformation, designed to help individuals and groups deepen their understanding of the Mass. Ideal for parish study groups, OCIA participants, or personal enrichment, this resource invites Catholics to engage with the liturgy in a meaningful and practical way. Each section includes reflection questions to spark thoughtful discussion and connect the rituals of the Mass to everyday life. With guidance on how to pray and study the words and actions of the liturgy outside of church, readers can discover new ways to grow in their faith. Whether used as a guide for group conversations or as a personal devotional, Participation of the Heart inspires deeper engagement with Catholic worship, making it a valuable addition to any parish library or faith formation program. Empower your parishioners to make every Mass a profound and personal encounter with Christ.
This book is divided into two sections, with the second serving as a guide to deepen your understanding of each part of the Mass.
The second section lists all the parts of the Mass and includes:
- Introduction/Background for that part of Mass
- Scripture References for the Text
- What the Documents of the Church say about it
- How to Connect what We do on Sunday to the Rest of the Week
- Reflection Questions
- The Actual Roman Missal Text
The first section of the book offers activities and meditation methods to help you engage more deeply with each part of the Mass, complete with examples for guidance.
When St. Olaf Catholic Church in downtown Minneapolis used the book for small group study, I created tailored recommendations for applying these methods to different parts of the Mass. I selected the approach that best suited each text and action.
What People are Saying
"The Archdiocesan Synod Year II asked us to explore a deeper engagement in the Mass. Vicki Klima’s book Participation of the Heart: Deeper Engagement in the Mass has been the instrument that has helped me and my small group members come to a deeper appreciation and love for the Mass. As we explore each section of the Mass with the help of Vicki’s book, we realize the important role that each of us play in the celebration of the Mass. We have learned through prayer and reflection that we are not just passive observers. Each section of the Mass is rich in prayer, symbolism, and worship. Vicki’s book has opened our eyes and our hearts to the great privilege of not just attending but actually participating in the Mass. We look forward to continuing our journey through Lent concluding just before Easter. Thank you Vicki for responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to write this book."
–Vicki Costello, St Olaf Catholic Church, Downtown Minneapolis
"Participation of the Heart begins by providing fruitful instruction on alternative ways we can use to meditate on the words and our experience of the Mass. It then leads us through each stage of the Mass, providing just right “bite-sized” bits of information about the purpose and meaning of each stage. That then provides a means of reflecting on our experience of each part of the Mass and how it relates to our relationship with God and our daily lives outside of Mass.
The result for me has been a significantly sharpened focus as we go through each stage of the Mass, and a much deeper appreciation and experience of it that I expect will continue to grow."
–Kevin
"This book is exactly what I was looking for. I needed something to help connect the Mass with my life—preparing for Mass and continuing after Mass. Learning to reflect on words and phrases, along with the homily and how my life at this point ties in with the readings ahead of time and again after Mass has been a big help. The reflection questions in the participation section are so helpful."
–Rosemary, A lifelong Catholic
"An OCIA candidate in our parish told me, It opened my eyes and ears, so now coming to Mass means so much more to me! Small groups love the down to earth style and great background information on each part of the Mass. But what people have most appreciated is the way Vicki invites us to reflect on what we experience in the liturgy, and discover together what it means for us as a community today. One small group member said, “Vicki’s witness helps us witness our faith to one another.” We’re grateful for this terrific resource!"
–Virginia, Director of Social Ministry, Small Group Leader
"As our parish planned for the Archdiocesan Synod Year II implementation focusing on the Mass, I knew we would not find a better resource than Participation of the Heart: Deeper Engagement in the Mass. It has been valuable for individual reflection and small groups, liturgical and music ministers, and parish staff. Vicki has made her deep knowledge of the liturgy and vast experience serving the Church at prayer so accessible to a great cross-section of people. I highly recommend her book."
–Michael Griffin, Director of Social Ministry, Saint Olaf Catholic Church, Downtown Minneapolis
"Faithful, Comprehensive, and Effective. Participation of the Heart enriched individuals’ encounters with Christ in the Eucharist and inspired liturgical ministers across the state of Maine. The book’s accessible content and thoughtful structure was well-suited for regional workshops that utilized prayer, learning, and practice to help participants reflect on their personal participation at Mass, deepen their understanding of why Catholics gather for worship, and become more mindful of how serving in a liturgical role invites others to living encounters with Jesus Christ. Parish leaders also found the book easy to use in encouraging all parishioners to embrace their primary liturgical role as active participants in the assembly and forming liturgical ministers."
–Lori Dahlhoff, EdD, former Director of Lifelong Faith Formation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland (Maine)
