By Thomas O’Loughlin. Published by Liturgical Press, 2018. Reviewed by Mary Betz

Whatever our perspectives on liturgy, its purposes or how we celebrate it, this book by Thomas O’Loughlin will not fail to educate and challenge. The author’s reason for writing? “Good celebrations foster and nourish faith. Poor celebrations weaken and destroy it.”

O’Loughlin encourages us to ask questions about our liturgies: Are we welcomed and valued? Do we experience God’s love, mercy and hope? Do we go away energised and empowered? Does liturgy alert us to what is going on in the depths of our lives, link us with others and open us to mystery?

Ten chapters explore the principles of good liturgy, including honesty (do we practise what we preach), joyfulness, inclusiveness, rootedness in creation, prioritising the marginalised, avoiding clutter, being incarnational and open. The most thought-provoking for me were on celebrating community and facilitating engagement. The former asks how we express community identity in liturgy; the latter whether liturgy stirs our hands, feet, minds and spirits to action.

Rites and Wrongs will be helpful to all who desire liturgies which celebrate the mystery of God caught both in shadowy glimpses and in the joys and struggles of everyday life.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 245 February 2020: 28