The preface of this book suggests that of “four worldwide events” which stand out in the twentieth century, one was in 1962 when Catholic bishops from all over the world gathered in Rome for the Second Vatican Council. I'm not sure that many people would go that far, but the author makes a purposeful and powerful presentation of one aspect of the work of that Council. Her first chapter heading informs the reader what her book is about - “The Second Vatican Council and the Laity”. This is a refreshing book for all Christians, and those who remember the Papacy of “Good Pope John”, and the light he was for all Christians, will be encouraged to read about one of the major theological developments in Catholic thinking during the twentieth century. In summary, Professor Hagstrom describes how the Council moved from a largely Petrine position to a fresh appreciation of the teachings of Paul. The result has been a greater understanding of the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Confirmation, and that these are the Sacramental call to a holy life and the following along the way of Christ as priest, prophet and king for all who receive them. No longer a call to the laity to “pay, pray and obey”, but in the call of the sacramental initiation of Baptism/Confirmation to discover the ecclesial work of the laity which is peculiarly their own. A book I am glad to have read. Reviewed by Rev’d Sam Burrows, Durham (2/5/11)