Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for this Urgent Time, by Marva J. Dawn.  Erdmans Publishing Co.  1995.

   Dawn addresses this book to Protestant and Catholic audiences who may be engaged in "worship wars". How can we make the weekend worship more meaningful and solemn for a variety of congregations?  How can we assure that God is the center of worship, and not a vibrant preacher, a good choir, good cantors and lectors, beautiful environment decorated with live flowers?  Although all these are important and do contribute to the worship, they cannot become the Center! 
   If the worship leaders make a hymn like this the center of worship, there is trouble brewing: "I will worship, I will sing unto the Lord. I will praise God. I will celebrate and sing unto the Lord. I will sing a new song. Etc." Beware, for God is not the center of this hymn. "I" am the subject  which is repeated 28 times.
   Dawn then suggests a hymn that makes God the center of worship: "We pray to You, O God for You are supreme Truth. We beseech You O God for You are the highest Wisdom. You are the supreme Joy. You are the greatest Good. You are the Light of minds. We love You, we love You above all things. We seek You, follow You, and are prepared to serve You. Etc"
   The author suggest ways to plan appealing and accessible worship services without "dumbing down" to popular culture and becoming too involved with what is popular today. She answers liturgy questions with deep intelligence, much experience, and proper musical examples. She explains how to "do theology" in local parishes.
   This book is dedicated to worship leaders, teachers, pastors, participants in worship, children, teenagers, parents, musicians, composers, preachers, and thinkers. Since we have been doing liturgy for over 2000 years, we should be better at it by this time, but often we act like amateurs. If a drama club needs only six weeks of practice, 2000 years should make us better liturgical leaders.  Read Dawn's  book and learn more about liturgical finesse. 

- Thanks to Sr. Irene Hartman OP for this review



St. Albert Chmielowski (1845-1916): June 17

Born in Igolomia near Kraków as the eldest of four children in a wealthy family, he was christened Adam. During the 1864 revolt against Czar Alexander III, Adam's wounds forced the amputation of his left leg.

His great talent for painting led to studies in Warsaw, Munich and Paris. Adam returned to Kraków and became a Secular Franciscan. In 1888 he took the name Albert when he founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor. They worked primarily with the homeless, depending completely on alms while serving the needy, regardless of age, religion or politics. A community of Albertine sisters was established later.

Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1983 and canonized him six years later.