Pocket Guide to the Mass

Margaret Rash reviews Ascension Press' Pocket Guide to the Mass by Father Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri.

Pocket Guide to the Mass

By Father Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri

Published by Ascension Press

Pocket Guide to the Mass by Father Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri, from Ascension Press, is a guide to greater understanding of the history and beauty of the Mass, leading the reader to deeper devotion to and participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Reading this book opened my eyes to so many things I have routinely taken for granted in the past, even the meaning behind simple responses we say at Mass. I also credit this book for encouraging me to attempt journaling what God places on my heart during the readings.

History and Walkthrough of the Mass

This brief and accessible book is packed with information on why we do what we do at Mass. The reader is walked through the parts of the Mass, a brief history of the development of the Mass and its Biblical foundations, as well as the basic theology of the Mass.

You will find why the Mass is called a Sacrifice, the Real Presence of the Eucharist, why we have a Sunday Obligation, and practical ways to prepare ourselves for Mass and to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. The book draws on Scripture, history, the Catechism, and the Saints to invite the reader to deeper devotion of the Mass through this greater understanding.

St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) saw the profound connection between what we do at Mass and what we are called to do as Christians in the world each day. (49)

There is also a helpful guide to the Order of the Mass that could be used to aid participation.

At the heart of active participation in the Mass is uniting our entire lives with Christ’s sacrificial offering of himself that is made present in the Eucharistic Liturgy. (39-40)

“The Mass in a Month” Podcast

Dr. Edward Sri hosted “The Mass in a Month” Podcast, available on the Ascension app, during the month of May, 2026. The podcast is still available through the app and on AscensionPress.com, and it is an amazing companion for the Pocket Guide to the Mass.

Though the book absolutely stands on its own, if you're looking to go even deeper into the meaning behind what we do Mass and the Biblical roots, I definitely recommend checking out “The Mass in a Month” podcast episodes on the Ascension app. The podcast and book have impacted the way I participate in the Mass in a deep way.

Practically everything we say and do at Mass is rooted in Scripture and packed with profound meaning. (43)

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Copyright 2026 Margaret Rash
Images: (top) detail from cover