NEWSLETTER #3

THANK YOU!

I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has chosen to be part of this exciting publishing adventure. Thanks to your support, God willing, Mass Explained will soon reach the hands of believers eager to learn more about the liturgy, participate more actively at Mass, and grown in love for our Lord in the Eucharist.

KICKSTARTER COUNTDOWN

The clock below is counting down till this Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 9 AM EST.

On that day, I'm launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the printing of Mass Explained through pre-orders. I hope you will support this project by placing your order!

Visit this link and click the green Notify Me on Launch button to receive a reminder email on Thursday, February 1, 2024. You’ll also get to see how many backers have already signed up. If you have yet to register on Kickstarter, the log in screen will appear. Click the sign up link near the bottom of the page and follow the easy steps. Your support is vital. Together, we can make Mass Explained a reality.

BOOK SAMPLE

I am happy to share that I received a proof sample of the entire book from the printer which uses the same paper and cover embellishments as will the final version. I photographed the book for the Kickstarter page. Here's a behind-the-scenes photo and a few of the final pictures:

The video below shows most of the book's pages.

THE ^$8,000 CAMPAIGN TARGET

Once the Kickstarter campaign launches on Thursday, February 1, 2024, we'll have one month to secure ^$8,000 for printing. While this amount doesn't cover the entire printing cost, it will bridge the gap between what I can contribute and the overall expense.

THE BOOK'S PRICE

The Kickstarter page features three reward tiers, each offering the same soft-cover edition of Mass Explained. The distinction lies in the quantity of books included, with options for 1, 2, or 5 copies. Opting for a higher quantity results in a lower cost per book:

Early Apostle (1 Book) | ^$44 | That's ^$44 per book

Divine Duo (2 Books) | ^$80 | That's ^$40 per book

High-Five (5 Books) | ^$180 | That's ^$36 per book

HOW WAS THE BOOK'S PRICE DETERMINED?

Part of the reason I decided to complete the printing myself was the desire to create a book that is beautiful. Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire is a strong proponent of beauty as a form of evangelization:

"Beauty has always been and should continue to be a powerful tool for the Church to proclaim the Gospel and evangelize, whether in the form of paintings, poetry, architecture, sculptures, music, or even the lives of the saints....The best evangelical strategy is one that moves from the beautiful to the good and finally to the true....The beautiful claims the viewer, changes him, and then sends him on mission."

Entrusting the rights to a publisher who, rightfully, may decide to reduce the number of photos, print in black and white, or even exclude images entirely to save costs, would detract from the beauty of the book. Most contracts grant the publisher this discretion.

So I decided to venture out on my own and spared no effort or cost in the creation of this book, viewing it as a sacrifice in the Biblical sense—it's my first-fruits, an unblemished lamb, and a giving back to God of what He has bestowed on me. It represents the best I could offer in terms of my time, talent, and treasure:

• The book is offset printed using archival inks. It's not print-on-demand or digitally printed. Offset printing offers consistently high print quality, ensures sharp and clear images with vibrant colors and is particularly suited for projects that demand a dynamic color range such as the reproduction of artwork.

• All Interior pages are full-color and printed on high-quality 70lb matte art paper with a smooth coating and neutral pH designed to faithfully reproduce artistic details.

• The soft cover is printed on 130lb coated paper and features soft touch laminate, providing a protective finish with a velvety feel.

• Select cover elements are enhanced with spot gloss UV and a spot reticulated texture varnish, adding a premium finish to the design.

• Sewn binding ensures Mass Explained is a worthy investment that will stand the test of time.

• Mass Explained quotes extensively from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the New American Bible. The reproduction of these texts need to be licensed from the USCCB for each copy.

• Proper licensing from ICEL (The International Committee for English in the Liturgy) is required for each copy of the book for the reproduction of passages from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Order of Mass, and various liturgical books.

• Certain artworks in the book require royalty payments for every copy sold.

• It was necessary to fund numerous professional photo sessions aimed at capturing close-up images of the priest and other ministers at the altar, ensuring a clear depiction of what transpires at Mass.

• Several hundred stock photos were licensed for use in Mass Explained.

• If Mass Explained is successfully funded, Kickstarter will collect a 5% fee as well as a 5% credit card processing fee.

• Although it would have drastically cut costs, I chose not to print the book in China due to human rights violations—recognizing the Chinese government's suppression of religious freedoms including the restriction of Christian worship and the persecution of believers.

These design decisions contribute to a visually beautiful book, provide a delightful reading experience, enhance its aesthetic appeal and give dignity to the covered topic. Nevertheless, these enhancements come at a price.

ADD-ONS

After pledging one of the three tiers, you may want to include an optional add-on designed to help you commemorate a loved one or give Mass Explained as a gift. The book's combination of informative content and artistic beauty make it a distinctive gift for anyone wanting to enhance their understanding of the Eucharistic liturgy. Mass Explained can be gifted to celebrate:

• Priestly and Diaconal Ordinations & Anniversaries
• Weddings and Anniversaries
• First Communions
• Confirmations
• Confirmation Saint’s Day
• Baptisms
• The Profession of Vows
• Christmas
• Easter
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Birthdays
• Graduations

The book can serve as a valuable resource for teaching and guiding others in their spiritual journey. Consider gifting Mass Explained to religious leaders, educators, or members of faith communities such as:

• Acolytes and Altar Servers
• Seminarians
• Catechists
• Emmaus Brothers and Sisters
• Knights of Columbus
• Directors of Religious Education
• Religious Education Teachers

If you desire to give Mass Explained as a gift, two optional add-ons are available that will help you customize it through personalization:

• Acknowledgment Listing Add-On

• Acknowledgment Listing + Belly Band & Bookmark Add-On

Acknowledgment Listing Add-On: ^$100

Leave a lasting legacy in the pages of Mass Explained by having your name or that of a revered bishop, priest or deacon; a cherished minister; a newlywed couple; a devoted friend; a caring parent; or a dearly departed loved one, included in the Acknowledgments section of the book. A loving memorial to someone close to your heart.

This Acknowledgment Listing add-on includes the name of one person (and optional title) or a couple's shared surname in the Acknowledgments section of the book. A deceased loved one can be preceded by a cross, if desired. The list will appear alphabetical by last name as in this example:

I extend my deepest gratitude to these individuals whose treasured support and generous contributions have played an instrumental role in bringing this project to fruition: Emily Anderson, Caleb Brooks, Dr. Sophia Chang, The Most Reverend Liam Foster, ♱ Ethan Hayes, Sr. Olivia Mendez, Jessica Patel, Mr. and Mrs. Perez, Mia Rodriguez, Deacon Marcus Turner, and The Very Reverend Jackson Wallace.

Acknowledgment Listing + Belly Band & Bookmark Add On: ^$175

With this add-on, you will receive the Acknowledgment Listing add-on above plus a personalized message on a removable die-cut belly band and accompanying bookmark.

I will personally contact you so we can collaborate to create a custom-crafted message for any occasion that perfectly captures your sentiments. This can include scripture passages, poetry, photographs, or any other message you wish to make the belly band and accompanying bookmark a uniquely tailored touch. Feel free to entrust the design decisions to me, or, if you prefer, you can specify your favorite colors and fonts for a more personalized touch.

Turn a functional item into a cherished keepsake that will remind the recipient of your kind gesture and thoughtful gift.

The sample below shows the belly band and bookmark created for the Jackson family who gave Mass Explained to Fr. Fitzgerald on the occasion of his 30th anniversary of priestly ordination.

Belly band front

Belly band back

Accompanying two-sided bookmark with the same messaging as the belly band

WELCOME ABOARD!

If you've recently signed up to receive these newsletters, THANK YOU! This is Newsletter #3. Here are links if you would like to read the others:

Newsletter #1

Newsletter #2

As I gear up for Mass Explained's launch on Kickstarter this Thursday, February 1, 2024, your support, interest, and enthusiasm mean the world to me! Please join my grassroots effort to spread the word about the book by sharing the website. And if you know someone who has a Catholic radio show, podcast, or is a reporter for your diocesan newspaper, let them know about this 30-year passion project! I'd be happy to talk to them!

Thank you once again for your eagerness to embark on this journey with me and bring "Mass Explained" to life!

Please don’t hesitate to reach me at [email protected]

God Bless,