From Fr. John Balodvin, S.J., heralded as one of the world's leading liturgy scholars. Award-winning Boston College professor.

How did the first Christians celebrate their faith? Why have Catholicism's most cherished traditions evolved since then? 

In 12 eye-opening lectures, you will take a riveting journey through the history of the Catholic faith's most vital celebration. The Liturgy of the Eucharist has deep roots in tradition. But the Mass has also enjoyed a dynamic history over the centuries. As you will discover, its ongoing evolution reflects the ever-changing world and Christ's presence in it.

Like many inquisitive Catholics, you probably have questions about this powerful celebration. Now, you'll find enlightening answers in this series. Under the tutelage of Boston College's Father John Baldovin, one of America's leading liturgical scholars, you'll study how the first Christians celebrated the Mass, why it has changed over time, and which practices have remained constant.

Along the way, you will find a wealth of insights into wider Church history and the cultural developments that shaped current practices. This series is perfect for anyone—especially groups—interested in gaining a deeper understanding of theology and liturgical practices.

Each time we celebrate the Mass, we honor Christ's command to "do this in memory of me." Now is your chance to explore the history of the liturgy—the marvelous story of the Church's obedience to that command.

Course curriculum

    1. The_History_Of_The_Mass_Study_Guide

    1. 01 Why Study the History of the Liturgy?

    2. 02 The Earliest Liturgies in the Didache and Justin Martyr

    3. 03 The Beginnings of the Eucharistic Prayer

    4. 04 The Development of the Entrance Rites and the Liturgy of the Word

    5. 05 The Classic Eucharistic Prayers

    6. 06 The Byzantine Liturgy

    7. 07 The Roman Mass in the Middle Ages, Part I: Liturgy of the Word

    8. 08 The Roman Mass in the Middle Ages, Part II: Liturgy of the Eucharist

    9. 09 The Roman Mass in the Middle Ages, Part III: Medieval

    10. 10 Developments in the Mass

    11. 11 The Mass in the English Reformation, the Free Church Tradition, and the Roman Catholic Response to the Protestant Reforms

    12. 12 Liturgical Reform from the Eighteenth Century to the Present

About this course

  • Free
  • 13 lessons
  • 5 hours of video content