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The Sacred That Surrounds Us: How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven

The Sacred That Surrounds Us

How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven

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You'll Never See A Catholic Church The Same Way Again.

Did you know that everything about the confessional in a Catholic church—even its size—was designed in a highly specific way by St. Charles Borromeo to answer objections to the sacrament by the Reformation? Did you know there is both a theological and a practical reason why the credence table is placed where it is?

Each item in a Catholic church is there to point to a larger truth.

Every sacred vessel and item is packed with symbolism and meaning, aimed at making each visit to a Catholic church a powerful reminder of God’s presence and the truths of our Faith.

"With faith, piety, and reverence on every page, The Sacred That Surrounds Us flows from the author's heart to every blessed reader."

-Rev. Michael Becker, Rector of St. John Vianney Seminary

The Sacred That Surrounds Us helps reveal Catholic churches as shrines of devotion. Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are made tangible with this book, which explains with clarity the symbolism and history behind the sacred items we see in every Catholic church.

In ancient and medieval times, the faithful knew the meaning of all the sacred items in a church. Today’s Catholics can now re-discover the sacred that surrounds them in church.

“When entering a Catholic church, we step into a spiritual world of wonder and mystery cherished by billions throughout the millennia. But do we understand the multiple aspects of the church and liturgy meant to draw us into worship and sweep us into heaven as we celebrate the Mass together? Thanks to Andrea Zachman, these treasures of Catholic worship hidden in plain sight are now beautifully and simply explained. Every family should own and study this book together.”

—Steve Ray, author, Crossing the Tiber

In modern churches, it can be difficult to realize the immense religious and cultural heritage we as Catholics are heirs to. It can be difficult to enter into the mysteries we are partaking in during the mass.

But every Catholic church, from the small, modern parish to the ancient basilica, has similar sacred objects and vessels.

The Sacred That Surrounds Us helps Catholics make every visit to a Catholic church a pilgrimage of faith.

In The Sacred That Surrounds Us, Catholics will read:

At least one historical fact about the sacred item or church feature being discussed. It answers the question, why is this here? When in Church history did we start using this, and why?
At least one symbolic reality about the sacred item or church feature. It answers the question, what deeper reality is this pointing towards? What insight can we gain by meditating on this item?
A beautiful, high-resolution picture of the item or feature being discussed.
A quote from the Church Fathers about this item, or a relevant quote from the Bible.

“There’s so much more to worship than meets the eye. This is your guidebook to Catholic worship—the vessels, vestments, furnishings, personnel ... everything. Highly recommended.”
— Mike Aquilina, EWTN host, author, The Mass of the Early Christians

Some of the items and features discussed:

The Monstrance
The Humeral Veil
The Tabernacle
The Holy Oils
The Altar Bells
The Aspersorium
The Aspergillum
and 44 more!

“Masterfully combining gorgeous photography with clear and informative text, The Sacred That Surrounds Us allows us to step into the church as never before. This book is a must-have resource for every catechist, faith formation director, Catholic school teacher, and Catholic parent.”
—Pamela Patnode, author, Dare to Live Catholic

Learn things about sacred objects like...

Tabernacle comes from the Latin tabernaculum (meaning tent) because the Ark of the Covenant, carrying God's sacred Law, was carried by the Israelites in the desert in a tent. In the Christian Church, this sacred law is now fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is present in the Eucharist which is often reserved inside the tabernacle.

Stained glass windows were first popularized in the twelfth century to help those who could not read learn the stories they depict.

Inside the monstrance, the Eucharist is held in a glass container called a luna or lunette.

At Mass or at other times in the church, we sit to learn, we stand to show something exceptional is happening (such as during the reading of the Gospels and specific prayers), and we kneel to show reverence to God.

Catholics can take The Sacred That Surrounds Us with them to any Catholic church, walk around reading and praying with this book, and (we pray) they will experience "the scales fall from their eyes" as they realize how every Catholic church points to heaven. We only need to learn how to see it.

Paperback, 125 pages

SKU: 9781945179716
Weight: 0.78 lb

5 stars: 9 (90%)
4 stars: 1 (10%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Loved it But..

As an adult convert I loved this book so helpful and wonderful colored pictures showing each Holy item and space but I did not like there was no pronunciation break up below each word some of the words are like whhhaaa? I needed to google them and hear them but besides that it A++

I even made a game called Seek and you shall find What Holy items in your book? I go into a new Church I look around and try to find one of the spaces and items in my book within reason of course I am not poking around places that a lay person should not go without permission and I am quite during my hunt shhh! sometimes if I am lucky the priest might leave a Holy item on the alter that usually is in the backroom and I am like oooo! Bonus points.

If you have kids just make sure you set up some rules kids will rush into the church and might start tearing up the place looking for the items Ha!
Happy Bible Object Hunting!

Beautiful, informative book

I agree with all the previous comments given concerning this book. I showed it to my pastor and he thought it would be a great resource for training alter servers. I think it should be in every Catholic family 's home, in the hands of the catechist regardless of the age group but especially those teaching the sacraments and RCIA. In fact I'm buying one for each of my grown children for them and their children.
The only thing I would consider changing is the cover because it could be a hard sell for older students especially middle and high school.
I initially bought it for my young grandchildren but when I began looking at it and reading it I realized it is an absolute "must have" for any age. Thank you Andrea Zachman for your dedicated work to serve our Lord through giving us insight into the Sacred that surrounds us pointing us to Heaven. God's blessings sends us forth.

A great addition to your library or a gift for family and friends

This book is exquisite! I am a cradle Catholic of 70 years and I have learned so much. I knew the names of the sacred items and I also launder the sacred linens for my church, so I was surprised at how much I didn't know. I love reading about the history of our church and this book reveals the history and purpose of these sacred items. I originally bought it for my grandsons, but I may not be able to part with it. I guess I may have to purchase another one. Treat yourself to a wonderful read. God bless.

Everything you wanted to know and more!

A great text for Catholics and non Catholics who want to know the “rest of the story” behind what is involved with the inside most Catholic Churches from vessels used at Mass to the organization of the interior of the church and the reasons for it. The pictures and explanations of each are written in a way that would not bore anyone and are not lengthy. A must read for everyone in the pews and even better for those who have left the Church and are outside the church looking in, wondering about it all...... This would be a great book for distribution to every Church family/ Catholic school, then share with others! 👍

Beyond the surface

My wife and I got this book as we wanted to deepen our understandings of everything at our church. This book is leaving us in awe at each page. We both feel as if the wisdom, beauty, and truths of this book have penetrated our souls, taken our knowledge and understanding of our faith and the “sacred that surrounds us” at church to a whole new level of loving our faith more! If every Catholic household had this book, there would be no one leaving the faith and many people would come back to the church with this beautiful book of understanding. This book benefits people that just live on the surface of our Catholic Faith, and to let themselves dive deep into this book to see the truth, beauty, and sacredness in our churches. It is truly an honor to be parishioners at St. Michael Catholic Church, in St. Michael MN where Andrea Zachman goes as well, that she created this incredible book for us! We wish we could give this book to all our family.

Wonderful Reference

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between a sacristy & a sanctuary is, or wondered where the narthex of your church is, or just wanted to know the names of the various garments the priest & deacon wear, this book is for you. I bought this book for myself, but soon suggested we start using the book in our weekly Bible study group. Each week we take a few minutes to read about a new item in the book, & review the weeks we’ve already covered. We are finding this group learning is a great way to remember the terminology.

A great resource

This is a great resource to learn what the different secret things are, where they came from and the history of their use. This is a must have for any catechist. I wish I had a copy when I was teaching.

Dean

A Must Have for Any Age!!!

This book is one of a kind! It is rare that you find a Catholic book that can hold the attention of both children and adults. As a Catholic Youtuber I learned so much from this book!! Feel free to check out the video review my 8 year old sister and I made at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIvR58lYsts . This April she will be receiving her 1st Holy Communion and this book was so enlightening for her as well. The beauty of the pictures captivates readers both young and old while the descriptions are written in such a way that are intellectually stimulating yet simple at the same time. Please purchase this book - you will not regret it!

A Treasure

A beautiful and simple written reference book who will make any catholic grow in knowledge, faith, and devotion. The pictures and quality of each page are top graded and the size perfect to have it handy and carry along at every moment. Very well done!

fostering reverence and awe for the Sacred items in our Church

This is a beautiful 125 page Catholic reference book as beautiful as any photographic coffee table book. It explains the historical and symbolic significance of each vessel, vestment, linen, devotional, Church furnishing and architectural space found within a Catholic Church. Each sacred article is presented with exquisite photography and meticulously described with infused Catholic teaching to relay the deeper meaning and ethereal qualities and purposes from our rich Tradition and Faith. As we learn more about these vessels, vestments and articles within the sacred spaces of our Church, we can come to a better appreciation of the beauty and significance they lend to the remarkable Sacraments we receive. This book will help to foster reverence and awe within the Faithful, as we are called to approach the Altar of the Lord.