• A sample page featuring the monstrance and the luna from catholic book, The Sacred That Surrounds Us: How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven by Andrea Zachman and Ascension
  • A sample page featuring the tabernacle from catholic book, The Sacred That Surrounds Us: How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven by Andrea Zachman and Ascension
  • The back cover of the catholic book, The Sacred That Surrounds Us: How Everything in a Catholic Church Points to Heaven by Andrea Zachman and Ascension, featuring reviews and smaller images of Jesus, stained glass windows, an altar server holding a cross, the Eucharist and the most precious blood, and more.
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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

by Andrea Zachman
$ 19.95
$ 19.95
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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: 

  1. 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? 
  2. 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?
  3. A beautiful, high-resolution picture of the item or feature being discussed. 
  4. 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

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    Customer Reviews

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    Liam
    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!

    C
    Cecilia R.
    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.

    P
    Pat I.
    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.

    D
    Deacon M.
    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! 👍

    W
    Weston L.
    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.

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