The Mass is meant to transform you.

Even for the most devout Catholics, attending Mass can sometimes feel routine. Many find themselves going through the motions, feeling bored, or distracted by thoughts and responsibilities.

Yet the Mass is the greatest act of worship in all creation. It is the closest we come to heaven on earth. What if you could enter more fully into what is truly happening?

In Pocket Guide to the Mass, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri invite you to see the Liturgy not as a familiar ritual, but as a profound encounter with Christ. This accessible guide helps you understand and participate in the Mass with renewed clarity, devotion, and awe.

Inside this guide you’ll discover:

The theological foundation of the Mass
Why we go to Mass in the first place
The four main parts of the Mass and how each draws you closer to God
The biblical roots and rich history of the Liturgy
Why the Sunday obligation is central to our faith
How to prepare your heart before Mass and remain present throughout
What is really happening on the altar
How to respond with intention rather than distraction
How to pray the Mass following the example of the saints
The complete Order of the Mass with explanations for each gesture and prayer

This addition to Ascension’s best-selling Pocket Guide collection is perfectly designed to bring with you to Mass and follows along with Fr. Mike’s teaching Mass.

Whether you’re new to the Mass, returning after a long absence, or have attended for years but long for a deeper experience, this guide will transform how you approach the Liturgy. Walk out of every Mass changed, renewed, and closer to Jesus.

SKU: 9798892760959
Format: eBook
Edition: 1st
Page Count: 176
Language: English
Publisher: Ascension Press
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2026

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest and evangelist well known for his social media videos and podcasts, hosted the 2021 breakout podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™, which became the #1 podcast on the Apple charts after its January 2021 launch, and is the most popular Catholic podcast of all time. The Bible in a Year was Chartable’s #1 global podcast in religion for several years, and was covered by news outlets including CBS, Fox, and The New York Times Magazine.

Dr. Edward Sri

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, well-known Catholic speaker, and author of several best-selling Catholic books and resources. His work with Ascension includes Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a groundbreaking Catholic study program filmed in 40 locations across 4 continents. Together with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Dr. Sri guides viewers on a spiritual pilgrimage through Foundations of Faith that will transform the way participants understand Catholic teachings and live the Catholic Faith.

Dr. Sri’s other study programs with Ascension include A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion and When You Pray: A Clear Path to a Deeper Relationship with God. He has also authored several books with Ascension, including the Pocket Guide to Prayer, co-written with his wife, Beth and Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR.

Dr. Sri is the host of the acclaimed Ascension podcast All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri. Together with Curtis Martin, Dr. Sri is a founding leader of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), of which he serves as senior vice president of Apostolic Outreach.

Dr. Sri lives with his wife Beth and their children and grandchildren in Colorado.