In the Midst of His People: The Authorized Biography of Bishop Maurice J. Dingman

National Catholic Reporter, Jan 12, 1996 by William C. Graham

I taught Liturgical Feasts, Seasons and Hours at Long Island's Seminary of the Immaculate Conception during the fall semester. The seminary serve the Brooklyn and Rockville Center dioceses, where there are significantly more lay students in ministry programs than there are seminarians. I asked my students to take a look at some books for NCR readers and to suggest how the books might be valuable and for whom

Serge Saint-Prix lives in New York City, holds an MBA and volunteers a his local parish. He chose Called To Parish Ministry: Identity, Challenges and Spirituality of Lay Ministries, by Greg Dues and Barbara Walkley (Twenty-Third Publications 164 pages, $12.95 paperback). He reports that "this excellent work is a tool an guideline for nonordained men and women who want to serve their parish in ministries or to understand the context of ministry.

"The authors aim to give an overall view of ministry in the historical framework. They raise our consciousness of the nature of service to God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the primitive church and of the slow transformation over the centuries to an increasingly more formal, structured clerical institution. They then bring us to the present to discuss the meaning, role and identity of the lay minister and the diverse ministries open to him or her.

"The book is balanced between light theological analysis and pastoral suggestions. At the end of each chapter there are questions for reflection and discussion."

Saint-Prix found the book "neither complicated nor abstract," adding that it "would be easy reading for anyone regardless of theological background."

Lawrence J. Schroeder works at a Long Island public utility and is a trustee, lector, liturgy coordinator and pastoral staff member at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Wyandanch, N. Y. He chose A Word That Will Rouse Them (LTP, 93 pages, $9 paperback), by Aelred R. Rosser, author of the Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers.

Rosser's new book concerns the formation of ministers of the Word and the transformation of reading into proclamation. Schroeder suggests that the author heightens the awareness of the lector's considerable responsibility, and offers encouragement. A lector himself for 18 years, Schroeder appreciates the book, noting that Rosser moves beyond the need for good speaking skills, placing priority on understanding, respecting and loving the Word of God.

Fr. Ihor Tarasiw is an Eastern rite Ukrainian priest and pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in Riverhead, N.Y. He chose Sacred Mysteries: Sacramental Principles and Liturgical Practice (Paulist, 217 pages, $12.95 paperback), by Jesuit Fr. Dennis C. Smolarski.

Tarasiw reports that the book is dedicated to considering new approaches to the sacraments since Vatican II while understanding sacrament as mystery. He found the work impressive and interesting.

Jo-Ann Metzdorff is an art teacher and school liturgy coordinator at Maria Regina School in Seaford, N.Y. Her husband is a deacon at the parish. She chose Sacraments: Rites of Passage by Jesuit Fr. William J. O'Mally (Thomas More, 277 pages, $10.95 paperback) and found a book about seeking what we have lost, about delving into mystery and imagination nation and recovering the gift of our soul, that which makes us uniquely human

O'Malley weaves myths and stories, scripture and poetry, even films and television, all to guide the reader into realizing that we all "long to feel a sense of rhythm in life that gives it meaning, coherence and purpose."

He suggests that symbols and rituals are ways of reconnecting with our soul and with God. The church offer sacraments as "rites of passage in a ongoing relationship," one that already exists. He challenges the reader to explore feelings, use imagination and to meditate on the sacraments as ways of getting in touch with one's soul and coming into a greater awareness of her or his relationship with God.

William Bowden, married for 32 years, is a member of the St. Frances Cabrini community in Coram, N.Y., where he serves on the liturgy committee and is a lector. He is CEO of a electrical manufacturing firm. He chose Restoration and Renewal: The Church In The Third Millennium (Sheed and Ward, 466 pages, $19.95 paperback), written by Jesuit Fr. Joseph Eagan, who describes where the church is today and envisions what must be done to prepare for tomorrow. Time spent in its pages will be well rewarded, according to Bowden.

He reports that Eagan writes for university students, educated older Catholics, parish study groups and members of other Christian churches. The text can be used as a workbook or study guide (questions and bibliography follow each chapter).

Eagan gives helpful background of Vatican II documents and their implementation. He explores the tensions and the struggles between the forces for further renewal and those who seek to restore a pre-Vatican II church. Bowden found the book well-written and concise and reports that he came away with a better understanding of where we are and how we can better prepare for what comes next.