The Church: Unlocking the Secrets to the Places Catholics Call Home Hardcover – March 5, 2013

As a Catholic who has returned to the Church, there’s a lot to learn! This book provides so much information about every detail of the Catholic Church that I did not know and I bet a lot of other Catholics didn’t know. Many things in this book aren’t talked about in Catechism classes and as a Catholic coming home to the Church, I wanted to learn as much as possible in order to be a good Catholic and adherent to my faith. It’s an excellent book. Highly recommended!

The Church by Cardinal Wuerl and Mike AquilinaThis book is the second in their trilogy series, The Mass being the first. It is a very easy book to read and would be an excellent Communion present for a late teen or an adult. Being a late convert to the Catholic Church (at 72 years of age), I did not know anything about the church building except that it has pews and there is an altar. This was the extent of my knowledge - but, not any more. I’m now savvy on the Church’s interior furnishing from ambo and ambry to naves and tabernacle and everything in between. I even know that there’s a poor box hidden away somewhere in my church. I now have to go searching. (LOL). From reading this book, I even know the name of the tinkling mass bells (sacring bells) and why the Church still uses them. This book is just loaded with tidbits of information. The chapter on Symbols and Abbreviations is fascinating. I even learned why we parishioners are dismissed so fast after receiving the Eucharist – we’re supposed to leave church, “to get out there” and carry the Word forth to the outside world. As these authors said, “Christians go to church for respite, not refuge”.

This book is well written and organized making it easy to follow its objective. The information provides a basic description of the various parts of a Catholic church and its contents and expands on their historical and traditional origins. I like the inclusion of scriptural passages--especially chapter/line references--allowing the reader to dig further. Other references, such as the writings of Church scholars, saints, etc., are also very helpful in bulking up the reader's understanding of the church symbols, decor, structure, icons and so much more.This is an essential book for those who just want to learn more about the church building and those who might feel that the "trappings" could be eliminated or are a distraction. It might even be of value as a "backup" to discussion around the dinner table. For the serious student of the subject though, it is somewhat cursory, but the references will be handy. I felt the authors could have offered more elaboration on some of the material.I would recommend this book to all Catholics and those who are interested in the real meaning behind all of those traditional arguments concerning the "trappings" of Catholic worship--especially the church building itself. I found it inspirational as well as informative.

Most helpful, insightful, book on the Mass. Vert thorough, leaves no doubt about why things are the way they are, and done the way they are done. A book to read again and again.

A beautiful book not just to read but to take to Mass and meditate on. Each of the chapters representing what one might take for granted of the One Holy Apostolic Church.

My husband ordered these copies at a great price and even bought a couple of extra in case someone in his parish needed one. They are giving my husband and daughter many hours of blessings!

Very good book and i recommend for all new Catholics and also for Catholic who have been in the Church since their Baptism. Explains what is happening in the Mass and why.

I found Cardinal Wuerl and Mike's book informative. It is an easy read too. They revealed things that I did not know before. I recommend this book.

Only four-star because I wished the pictures were in color! The writing style is very simple and so easy to follow. It gives the reader a good introduction on why churches are built and decorated as such. Highly recommended to new and even cradle Catholics, or for those who are considering joining the catholic church.