The Word of the Lord at Mass: Understanding the Lectionary introduces the book from which Catholics hear Scripture proclaimed throughout the year. Accenting the vital link between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, this inviting book presents the Lectionary as a book designed to be proclaimed in the liturgy, to give voice to the living Christ speaking to his people. It explains what a Lectionary is, how it developed over the centuries, and how our current Lectionary grew out of the Second Vatican Council and differs from previous ones.

In engaging language, Regina Boisclair explains why readings are chosen and combined, exploring the various implications of those choices. She especially highlights how, in harmony with the liturgical year, the Lectionary presents Bible selections that unfold Christ's Paschal Mystery. She also discusses the ecumenical impact of the Catholic Lectionary, concluding with an explanation of the physical aspects of the Lectionary's layout and an in-depth tour of the four volumes. Designed to be friendly and accessible, this book includes quotes from Church documents, charts, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading. This book will enrich understanding of the Lectionary, for liturgical ministers and for anyone interested in the role of the Bible in Catholic life.

Regina A. Boisclair is professor of religious studies at Alaska Pacific University where she holds the Cardinal Newman Chair of Catholic Theology.  She earned Master’s degrees from Providence College and Yale University, the title Élève Titulaire of the École Biblique de Jérusalem and a PhD from Temple University. Her principle research interest concerns lectionaries used in the contemporary churches. She is an active participant in the Catholic Biblical Association of America, College Theology Society, the Society of Biblical Literature and the Anchorage Interfaith Council.