Transforming Catholicism Liturgical Change in the Vatican II Church

The Constitution of Sacred Liturgy is widely regarded as the most significant among the sixteen documents produced by the Second Vatican Council. The constitution has radically redefined the methods and meanings of Catholic worship, including a shift from rote enactment of rituals to the laity as a spiritual community. Transforming Catholicism offers the first social scientific analysis of these liturgical changes in worship and their implementations in local situations. Guided by a consistent theory of policy implementation, David R. Maines and Michael J. McCallion examine the growing emphasis placed on biblical interpretations of sacred meanings, interpretative homilies, and the production of Mass in local languages. This book incorporates first-hand empirical data in studying the influence of professional liturgists on parish worship practices and the subsequent symbolic interactionist theories. Transforming Catholicism is a sophisticated and engaging read that will captivate seminary professors and those interested in policy analysis. Book jacket.

Michael J. McCallion holds the Fr. William Cunningham Chair of Catholic Social Analysis at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and is the Director of the Office of Pastoral Resources and Research in the Department of Parish Life and Services in the Archdiocese of Detroit.