-Study Guide Edition - This new book by Dr. Tom Curran examines the Mass not merely as a ritual, but as an event, a point of contact where Jesus Christ approaches you to change your life. Chapter by chapter Dr. Curran accompanies you from the time you pull into the parking lot for Mass, until you walk out the doors after the final blessing, using examples and stories from everyday life that will move you deeply and at times make you laugh. By the end you will see with new eyes what is so familiar to you, and hear with new ears what you've heard over and over at Mass, and your response will never be the same.
Ideal for educators, pastoral ministers, catechists, or lay study groups, the new study-guide edition of The Mass: Four Encounters With Jesus that Will Change Your Life includes in-depth questions designed to stimulate group discussion. The guide covers all chapters of the book, and challenges participants to examine their experience of the Mass with the goal of bringing about a greater understanding of what is happening and Who is showing up at Mass. Journey with others as you prepare for a personal encounter with Our Lord, who longs to encounter you and to change your life.
Dr. Curran’s book not only lends itself to personal spiritual reading, but catechists and teachers can gain insight about how the leavening power of the Eucharist can help those they serve draw closer to Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book.
Most Reverend Joseph J. Tyson,
Auxilary Bishop, Archdiocese of Seattle
Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools
This wonderful book should be required reading in all Catholic high schools and RCIA programs. It presents a clear, thoughtful and lively invitation to deepen the way we encounter Jesus Christ at Mass.
Fr. Sean Raftis, S. J.,
Prof. of Speech and Communications, Seattle Univ.
Tom Curran is a master in the faith and a powerful teacher, and in this new book is yet another example of how Tom effectively evangelizes and teaches the faith with conviction and clarity.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston
Tom Curran’s new book, The Mass, shows his brilliance in communicating about the mysteries of our faith. I am sure I will personally raid it for ideas for homilies, especially for young people, but not limited to them.
Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark
I’ve now read the book twice…something I seldom have the chance to do…but, the message/lessons were so worthwhile that I had no trouble justifying the time spent in that endeavor! You may have seen from my account that I’ve purchased multiple copies of the book for myself, family, and friends. It’s my hope that God will “water these seeds” and bring what changes are needed in their lives…as only God cam know and determine! The book, literally, has already changed my life and I’m so happy to have gained those insights into the Mass before it was too late! Thank you, God, for giving Dr. Tom and all the people who helped him with their precious gifts which they were so generous in sharing.
Paula Atwood, Renton, WA
Please send me four more copies of The Mass: Four Encounters With Jesus That Will Change Your Life. I read the copy you gave me for Christmas and thought it was the best and easiest faith lesson I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to hare The Mass with my boss, the rector of the Cathedral in Kansas City as well as a couple of others.
Mrs. Gail Monaco, Kansas City, MO
I purchased the book several weeks ago, have read it & will read it again & again! This should be required reading in every parish, especially for the youth. I have become so much more aware during Mass, & the idea of the angels & saints coming down to join us at Mass makes me so proud of my faith, & my parents who passed it on to me. And those wonderful Benedictine nuns in St. Cloud, Minnesota! I am a cradle Catholic. Neither of my daughters attends Mass, one is actually anti-Catholic. I'm praying for their return to the faith. Now all I need is for them to actually pick up & read Tom's book - he did a fabulous job. How could anyone say that Mass is boring after reading "The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus that Will Change Your Life". Congratulations Tom! I listen to you on my way to work; it's a beautiful way to start my day. Thanks for your work.
Mary Ann Allen, St. Cecilia's Parish, Stanwood, WA
I received your book in the mail yesterday afternoon and was thoroughly delighted to see that you have finally been published. What a beautiful gift you have for bringing the truth of our faith and the treasures of the Mass into the hearts and minds of people in such unassuming but enlightening way! Reading the book in its entirety, I was compelled to stay with it from beginning to end this morning and was certainly amazed at the way the words on the pages flowed from your pen into my heart. Thank you, for sharing your work with me.
I pray that your message will reach the hearts of many and will open them to receive our Lord’s grace in new and powerful ways as they learn to view the Mass as something wondrous and truly special in their lives. There are so many in this world who need to find those graces. Thank you for the work you do, and may you be blessed with much success in your efforts to teach the Gospel in truth and love.
Tena Klessig, Green Bay, WI
Dr. Curran’s words truly touched me and I have so much more respect and reverence for the Mass. I was embarrassed I had been going to Mass for 40 years and been so nonchalant. Thank you so very much.
Bridgett, Spokane Valley, WA
The beauty of this book lies in Tom’s simple, conversational approach – as if friends sat down over a cup of coffee to discuss the Mass. We can all relate to the true-life stories he shares. By unveiling the Mass as a real and personal experience, he helps to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to this wonderful encounter with Christ. I wish this book had been available when I was a facilitator of the Confirmation program in our parish. I will continue to use this book to redirect my focus and to grow in my understanding of the Mass. And I will give this book to family and friends so they too can learn to deepen their experience and appreciation of the Mass.
Sue Bregel, Auburn, WA
I am in the second reading of The Mass and wanted to share with you how it has changed my appreciation of the Liturgy. It truly puts me into His Presence. I sent in a donation and received the Mass book and am giving them as Christmas gifts. You are such a blessing and I’m looking forward to your next book.
Rosita, Seattle, WA
I am a parishioner at St. Mark parish in Shoreline, WA. I am going to be baptized into the Church this Easter, and I am coming from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I wanted to let you know that I read your book, The Mass, and have passed it on to other prospective members of the Catholic faith. I thought it was a phenomenal book and made it really easy for the common reader to understand the personal encounters and relationship that is developed with God through the Eucharist. I will continue to use this book as a guide for helping other folks understand the Mass. Thanks!!!
Andrew, Shoreline, WA
Dr. Tom – I love your book and it has inspired me in many ways. And I hope that that inspiration will inspire thousands and thousands of people. I love your love for Jesus and His Church! Peace to you my brother.
Dr. Tom Curran is Executive Director of MyCatholicFaith.org, a Catholic ministry dedicated to bringing to life the hidden riches of the faith that have remained buried for many Catholics. Tom is in high demand as a speaker across North America. In the past twenty years, he has given over 1800 presentations to more than 350,000 people in 35 states and 6 countries.
Dr. Curran’s weekday radio program, Sound Insight, is one of the most listened to programs on Sacred Heart Radio, 1050 am Seattle, and also airs in Spokane, Kodiak, Alaska and Amarillo, Texas.
Dr. Curran received his PhD in systematic theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a graduate degree in theology from the Gregorian University in Rome, and has an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Tom lives in Federal Way, WA with his wife, Kari, and their nine children.