Understanding Liturgy is a thoughtful exploration of the meaning of the rites and rituals of the Catholic Church. This book is designed for anyone who wants to delve deeper into their Catholic faith and appreciate the beauty of the liturgy. Many Catholics experience the rites and rituals of the Catholic Church without fully understanding their meaning and significance. For these people, the sacraments and other liturgical rites are not relatable to their everyday life. They come to church to pray and encounter God, but often leave the church unfulfilled and unable to make the connections between liturgy and life. Understanding liturgy will draw each person into a more meaningful relationship with God by guiding them in their appreciation of: •liturgical art and environment; •the celebration of feasts and solemnities; •church devotions; •the Mass and the other sacraments; •the liturgical year. Understanding Liturgy is organized into sections, allowing the reader the opportunity to learn the material and put it into use immediately. The content is presented in a practical fashion to explain why the Church prays as it does, drawing upon Catholic Church documents published since the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Charlie Dispenzieri makes sense of these rites and rituals in a very accessible style. He is a master teacher, presenting throughout the country in formal classroom settings, retreats, and seminars. As a liturgist with a vast educational background and an abundance of practical experience, he has mentored priests, deacons, and laypeople to be more successful and effective liturgical ministers.