Research features & articles
The Hand Missal History project is dedicated to exploring Catholic history through the experiences of the laity. The ultimate goal is to publish a book, telling the story of hand missals for the laity from their early origins through the publication of the Roman Missal of 1969.
There are other topics, adjacent or related to the story of hand missals, which also help illuminate the lived experience of the laity and how they understood the faith and participated the sacramental life of the Church. The format of a longform essay lends to exploring these subjects, being unconstrained by publication considerations.
Longform Research Features
The “New Mass” of 1964
This multi-part study explores how the laity experienced and reacted to the very first post-conciliar liturgical changes.
Teaching the Mass with Song & ‘Dialog’
This heavily illustrated article reveals that vernacular recitation of the Mass texts–aloud and in common by the congregation during the liturgy–far predate the Second Vatican Council.
The Epistles & Gospels in English
A comprehensive study of English scripture translations and the custom of reciting the Sunday liturgical readings from the pulpit for the benefit of the faithful between 971 and 1964.
Forgotten English Rituals
A comprehensive study of the official use of vernacular languages in Catholic ritual books and the administration of the sacraments between 1450 and 1962.
Shorter articles & posts
A Modern History of Gothic Vestments
An illustrated exploration of Gothic-style vestments in the Roman Catholic Church between 1838 and 1957.
“Lift up thy voice with strength” – Part 3
This is the final part of a three-part series, exploring the history of the televised mass and the spread of cry rooms in Catholic churches.
“Lift up thy voice with strength” – Part 2
This is the second in a three-part series, exploring the history of microphones in Catholic churches used on the altar and throughout the sanctuary.
“Lift up thy voice with strength” – Part 1
This is the first in a three-part series, exploring the history of microphones in Catholic churches used for pulpits and preaching.
“Lift up thy voice with strength”
A three-part series of illustrated articles, exploring the history of the use of microphones and loudspeakers in Catholic worship between 1922 and 1958.
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