The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, together with the Pope, have at last given form and structure to the almost universal desire of the People of God to worship in a more meaningful way. The history of this liturgical renewal in the Church is well known. What remains now is to implement in the most effective way possible the unmistakably clear, but general provisions of the Liturgical Constitution approved almost unanimously at the Second Session. It is the purpose of this volume to aid and support the priest in this task of liturgical renewal, so that all the parish services will be true worship.
The Liturgical Conference has been able to draw on the many years of study and practical experience of its
members: in parishes of all sizes, urban and rural, all over the country; in houses of study, schools and colleges; in monasteries, convents and private institutions of all types, the suggestions for initiating a program of worship have been tried and not found wanting. But the cardinal problem is the problem of understanding, and the People of God will not be able to fulfill their function without it. Therefore the first two chapters are devoted to a detailed review of the priest's and the people's role in the liturgy.