Paraclete Press

By Laura Alary, Illustrated by Ann Boyajian Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas presents Advent as special time for waiting and watching—paying attention—to the ways God comes to us. Told from the point of a view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be. This book reassures children of the presence of God in all times and places and invites them to become part of the holy work of making Christ present in the world. . SKU: 46553

These saints have spoken to the hearts of millions. They’ve helped many on the way to understanding the role of God in their lives. In this collection, may their words again help all who long for a life of meaning, touched and transfigured by God. Holy Thirst presents all the essential themes of Carmelite spirituality, excerpted from classics such as The Way of Perfection of St. Teresa of Avila, The Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross, The Story of a Soul of St. Therese of Lisieux, and The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Also included are shorter portions by lesser known, more recent Carmelites: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and Sr. Miriam of the Holy Spirit (Jessica Powers). “As you hold this collection, it is important to recall the beginnings of Carmelite spirituality, a beginning that takes us back to the twelfth century and the time of the Crusades. A band of brothers-conscientious objectors, of sorts-witnessed firsthand the clash of civilizations and all that it entailed. They knew death, they knew loss, and their very souls were bruised. The only next step that they could envision was to leave the world as they knew it and settle on the sacred mountain known for centuries to Jews, Christians and Muslims as the holy home of the Prophet Elijah...” -Adam Bucko, from the Foreword Format: Paperback Trim size: 5.25 x 8 inches Weight: 7.2 ounces. Pages: 288

“May the Lord grant us all the hope of being saints.” Pope Francis recently shared this prayer with the world - and that includes kids. You, too, can become a saint. You just have to open your heart and let God help you. This book introduces you to a saint every day—people like you who made the choice to love Jesus and give their lives to him. These stories, prayers, and suggestions for becoming holy are designed with your needs and your life in mind. Once you get underway toward sainthood, you should go ahead and reveal these examples and teachings to the adults around you, too. We all need this!

By Jane G. Meyer, Illustrated by Chiara PasqualottoZeal and excitement are a part of every child. This book celebrates a young child's enthusiasm to put into practice the words of Christ: to feed and clothe the poor; help the needy; and love one's neighbor. As Thomas showshis family the items that he has packed into his suitcase after hearing a stirring homily at church, they marvel at his inventiveness and loving heart. Thomas is traveling to the Kingdom of Heaven, and he knows what it takes to get there! Along with his suitcase, Thomas and his family figure out a way to accomplish the almost impossible goal that Thomas is so excited about. The Suitcase captures bits and pieces of Christ's parables in a story format, familiarizing the reader with Christ's Heavenly Kingdom in a natural, subtle way. "With heart-melting proseand joy-filled illustrations, The Suitcase captures and conveys the spirit of Christ's gospel teachings with a story that belongs in every home. Thomas and his family teach us that God's kingdom is all around us and that each of us, know matter how young, have a role to play in loving the world around us."—Lisa M. Hendey, founder of CatholicMom. Com and author of theChime Travelers Series"Jesus teaches through story and metaphor all throughout the Gospel and it presents a challenge for our children who understand everything literally when they're young. This book captures the innocence of our children but also the unique gifts they offer in spreading God's love. The illustrations beautifully capture their energy and imagination, and the story teaches us all about the kingdom of heaven."— Rev. Rebekah McLeod Hutto, author of The Day When God Made Church. SKU: 46468

By Jon M. Sweeney This joint biography illuminates the lives of Francis and Clare and their way of life. It shows how they were bound together by devotion to God as well as the violentobjections of their families to religious life. It explores a variety of issues they faced, including the treatment of lepers in medieval society, corruption in the church, and attitudes toward the created world. You will learn how Clare's spirituality influenced that of other prominentwomen, how Francis lost control of his own movement, and why Francis's body was secretly buried after his death. . SKU: 46507

By Jon M. Sweeney This warm-hearted little book is a window into the soul of St. Francis, one of the most passionate and inspiring followers of Jesus. "Prayer was to Francis as play is to a child: natural, easy, creative, and joyful," author Jon Sweeney tells us. "Before it became common to speak in personal terms of a relationship with God, Francis did so and made it seem natural." With this guide, readers will: Pray the words that Francistaught his spiritual brothers and sisters to pray. Explore Francis's time andplace and feel the joy and earnestness of the first Franciscans. Experience howit is possible to live a contemplative and active life, at the same time. Visit Jon Sweeney's blog at www. Jonmsweeney. Wordpress. Com. . SKU: 46488

Catholic Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart is a creative and practical guide for a wide range of domestic church situations. Catholic women can live out their familial vocation with seasoned, simple suggestions for answering Christ’s universal call to holiness. Lovely poems conclude each chapter on a note of warmth that will lift hearts beyond the kitchen and up the path toward heaven. This resource is for Catholic mothers (and grandmothers who often fill the motherly role) who are in the trenches raising their children through thick and thin amid the bombardment of the culture. They need and crave the guidance, encouragement, and affirmation that this welcoming book will offer. “Truly a work of love that will lift up mothers in their vocations and encourage them.” —Jean M. Heimann, Catholicfire blogspot “Genius . . . moves beyond the warm fuzzies of motherhood and addresses it as ‘a tapestry of joy and suffering woven together as one beautiful work of art.’ Written in the familiar tone of one girlfriend talking to another, this book presents and converses on the myriad of seasons and components that make up a mother’s life.” —Maria de Lourdes Ruiz Scaperlanda, mother of four, award-winning author “[This] is the book I wish I’d had when my own sons were toddlers. I spent too many years stressing out over things that don’t really matter and missed a lot of opportunities along the way. Donna-Marie has done the difficult work of meticulously compiling a treasure trove of resources to guide and instruct us in the sublime responsibilities that accompany our role as mothers.” —Lisa Hendey, founder of CatholicMom. Com The poor will always be with you, Jesus said - but that doesn’t mean Christians have ever figured out how to be with the poor. Pope Francis has emphasized a vision of a “Church that is poor and for the poor.” But growing economic inequality continues to spread across the globe. This book takes a fresh look at the role of churches, and individual Christians, in relating to poverty and the poor among them. A strong focus is placed on the biblical and theological roots of the Church’s commitment to care for the poor. At times praised as a virtue and blessed as a condition, poverty easily confuses us, and we are often left doing little to nothing to make a difference with and for the poor. As a social evil and a burden, poverty has elicited many kinds of reactions among the followers of Christ. It is time for Christians to figure out what to do about it. Contributors include Pope Francis, Pheme Perkins, Sandra M. Schneider, and Thomas Massaro SJ. “This book provides a wonderful, provocative theological framework for those of us who minister among our most vulnerable sisters and brothers. For anyone who regularly looks into the eyes of suffering, this book offers context, hope, and inspiration.” —DONNA MARKHAM, OP, President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA “The authors challenge us to see, hear, and think differently about the meanings of poverty, and to love passionately those whom Jesus loved—the poor.” —PROFESSOR M. SHAWN COPELAND, author of Enfleshing Freedom: Body, Race, and Being “As a good Franciscan, Ken Himes knows poverty from the inside and has taught well his student Conor Kelly. Here they draw together rich resources that call all of us to the poverty we need, and to resist needless poverty. This book is an ideal resource for conversation.” —THOMAS H. GROOME, author of What Makes Us Catholic, Sharing Faith, and many other books Published in cooperation with the Church in the 21st Century Center, Boston College

By Vinita Hampton Wright Teresa of Avila articulated for all of us the wondrous interior landscape of prayer. Journey with her through a week of prayer and meditation. Pray the psalms andconfessions Teresa prayed. Use her words for meditation, and become acquainted with the wisdom of the saints whomade such an impact on Teresa's spiritual growth and practice. Each day of the week includes morning and evening prayer, and there is a topic for every day, based on themes that emerge from Teresa's life and work. "It is love alone that gives worth to all things." —Teresa of Avila. SKU: 46489