The Spirit of the Liturgy
Recommended. Age: 17+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A wise cardinal who later became Pope wrote this book about the Mass. He explains why we worship God the way we do. He shows that the Mass is a gift from God, not a show we put on. Catholic World Report says its central claim is that liturgy is about doctrine, not taste. Some points, like facing east, are still argued among faithful Catholics.
For parents
Age 17+, set by Lumen's independent reading age. There is no objectionable content, but it is dense, best read by a parent first or with an older teen who loves the Mass. Ask: why does the priest face the cross? What is the difference between worship and entertainment?