Book Review: “Jesus Invites Me to Mass”

Often “the best things come in small packages.”  This common saying is definitely fitting for the book, “Jesus Invites Me to Mass.”
 
While the book is only 16 pages in length and there are few words on each page, the author, Sabine du Mesnil, and illustrator, Gemma Roman, have delivered a small but wonderful “package” for children to learn about the various elements of Mass.
 
This colorful book highlights the various aspects of the “four main parts” of Mass. The simple explanations and illustrations will help children easily understand how to be active participants during the Introductory Rites (rituals and common practice), the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings), Liturgy of the Eucharist (the Last Supper in which the bread and wine are distributed), and the Concluding Rites (prayer dismissing attendees).
 
Quickly in the book, readers will learn about making the “sign of the cross” and how to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness for sins committed. From there, the author and illustrator guide children through other key elements, including the Creed, the Eucharist and sharing the sign of peace with one another. At the end of the book, the reader is encouraged to think of a special place in their home where they can go to “speak with Jesus,” pray and give thanksgiving for all blessings.
 
From the illustration on the front cover and continuing throughout the book, the reader is drawn into the true spirit of Mass and the Catholic faith.
 
While this book is targeted for young children, two of my teenage grandchildren read the book and commented they were pleasantly surprised that they gained new knowledge about some of the key elements of Mass.
 
This would be an excellent book to use to begin teaching children about why we, as Catholics, do what we do at Mass.
 
John Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.