This book contains the Liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church for the liturgical year of 2003. (The readings are for liturgical year B). It contains the ceremonies for most of the Catholic year, particularly in the archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, where it is published. The first major part of the book is the Order of Mass (the primary and most fundamental ceremony of worship in the Roman Catholic Church). There is an entrance song, the rite of blessing and sprinkling of holy water (to recall baptism) or alternatively a penitential rite. This is followed by the Kyrie, and then the Gloria. There is an opening prayer, followed by the Liturgy of the Word, including various readings from the Old and New Testament of the Bible, depending on the day and time of year; then the homily or sermon. There is a profession of faith and general intercessory prayers. This is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Holy Communion or the Breaking of Bread), which includes the offertory, the blessing and consecration of the bread and wine, and other prayers, and then Communion itself. Finally, there are the concluding rites. There are a number of hymns throughout the main part of the book, (#1-44), as well as many antiphons and shorter responses and musical themes. The next section of the book then gives the various special readings, antiphons, and Mass propers (prayers and readings specifically for the Mass on a given day) for each Sunday and major feast day throughout the year.
There are rites of baptism, both for babies and adults, and other sacramental rites in this portion of the book as well. The last major part of the book contains various hymns (#45-976) for use at various times of year and in various circumstances. Finally, there is a section of acknowledgements, and Index of First Lines and Common Titles, and a reference to books of accompanimens and of support materials available from the publishers, the Oregon Catholic Press. The inside front and back covers also have several of the major Catholic prayers, e.g., the Prayer of Saint Francis, the Regina Coeli, the Dedication to Jesus, etc.