In Ceremonies of the Sarum Rite Richard Urquhart provides the first systematic attempt at describing the ceremonial of the Sarum Mass in 500 years. Using the sources available, and tracing the Sarum rite and it's occasional use from the act of supremacy through to modern times Urquhart has compiled a volume that offers the best possible reconstruction and overview of these profoundly beautiful rites from the liturgical treasury of the Church.

Urquhart considers Sarum in the light of Pope Benedict XVI's ground-breaking apostolic constitution, Anglicanorum Coetibus and how this has reopened the question of the catholicity of part of the Anglican patrimony. He also considers the impact of Pope Benedict's Summorum Pontificum and its proposition that what was sacred for earlier generations remains sacred now, arguing that this supremely pastoral teaching calls for a more profound and detailed study of the rite.

The book covers all aspects of the rite, beginning with an outline of the vessels, books and vestments and then moving on to outline both Low and High Mass, special forms, processions and blessings, and the ritual year. Appendices cover the role of the laity, and offer an ordo misae with simple rubrics.