Paraclete Press

Introduce your kids, your classroom to the sacrament of Confirmation with this lively new video presentation. Each segment includes explanations from Father Ken, interviews with kids, on-screen storyboard Bible teaching, images from around the world, and "on the road" field trips to explore in depth where certain things come from, likeConfirmation oil. Your class will enjoy paying attention to this way of instruction! . SKU: 46456

By Padre PioThe world was startled in 2007 by revelations that Mother Teresa of Calcutta's spiritual life was full of serious doubts and personal suffering for nearly 50 years. The other great saint of the last half century - Padre Pio - offers similar revelations of his own in this enlightening collection of short excerpts from hisletters. Many books have been written on the life and works of Padre Pio, but Words of Light is not a book about what others think or say about him. Here, hespeaks for himself. If you are interested in the complexities and challenges of contemporary faith, you will benefit from these short teachings, counsels, and recollections culled from some of Padre Pio's most personal writings. In these letters I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio's own 'dark night' was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross, and equally the 'living flame' of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world. — Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction. SKU: 46554

By Anynonymous, Translation and Commentary by Father John-Julian, OJNCentral to the Christian mystical tradition is the inspired work of the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. Rich with insights and perceptions of the obscurity and "unknowability" of God, this work reveals God as being on an entirely different plane of existence from human beings—so different that time-bound human language is inadequate to describe God exhaustively or accurately. Intellect and emotion both fail in seeking God, who can only be encountered by rejecting all common earthly means in a "cloud of forgetting" and the discovery of Godself in the dark "cloud of unknowing" that can be pierced only with a "lance of longing love." Now, we finally have a translation that captures all of this beauty and complexity, without minimizing the nuances, all of which are explained with extensive introductions and accompanying notes. "If I could keep with me only two books and a journal, this book would be one of the books. As far as I'm concerned it's the most important book (and among the most influential) on Christian prayer in the last two millennia. I'm delighted to endorse this fine new translation and commentary."—The Rev. Dr. Chris Neufeld-Erdman, University Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA , author of Beyond Chaos: Living theChristian Family in a World Like Ours and Returning to the Center: Living Prayer in a DistractingWorld "The Complete Cloud of Unknowing includes two classics of medieval Christian contemplative spirituality — essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God through the practice of silent prayer. They are rich texts, full of nuanced wisdom that often gets lost in modern translations. Father John-Julian has captured the beauty, humor and literaryelegance of the original versions, but also has supplemented his translation with detailed notes that convey the subtle spiritual insight that makes these works required reading. I'm excited about this book — it's a title I will recommend both to beginners and to longstanding students of The Cloud." —Carl McColman, author of Answering the Contemplative Call and The Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn Treader "In his translation of The Cloud of Unknowing, Fr. John-Julian presents us with an edition that is scholarly yet readable, learned yet spiritual. His lived experience as a monk combines with deep insight as a theologian to provide an approach to The Cloud that is contemplative in mind and soul. The book offers a rich introduction and enlightening, provocative notes that will satisfy both novice and veteran readers of the text. Fr. John-Julian's accessible version does not oversimplify the profundity of the text. This edition, with its wonderful resources, will keep the seeker journeying evermore back to the work, on both intellectual and practical roads." —Professor Frederick S. Roden, Department of English, University of Connecticut "With his mastery of the subtleties of language and local idiom, Fr. John Julian reclaims a classic of spiritual literature to its rightful place in the 21st century. By rediscovering the nuances that the Unknown Author of The Cloud of Unknowing embedded into the spiritual fabric of hiswork, the reader is drawn into the contemplative life with the fullness of its 14th century origins while being fully relevant in the 21st century. I would highly recommend this spiritual classic restored and recast for a modernworld."—Dr. Jeffrey P. Wincel, Author of Climbing the Mountain of God: The Path to Mystical Discipleship. SKU: 46500

By Jack Levison God, we know. Jesus, too. But the Holy Spirit? Now’s the time—and here’s the perfect book—to answer this question once and for all in a wonderful, inviting, and meaningful way. 40 Dayswith the Holy Spirit will inspire you to encounter God in fresh and surprising ways. You’ll develop stronger spiritual muscles as you breathe, read,reflect, and pray—all with an eye to cultivating a relationship with the least familiar member of the Trinity. The book is interactive, offering the opportunity to write and pray each day; intelligent, rooted in a rigorous study of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation; and inviting, with 40 insightful, well-planned 20—30 minute daily exercises; and prayerful, with 40 original prayers that capture each day’s insight into the deep, spiritual work of the Holy Spirit. "Jack Levison’s lively new book 40 Days with the Holy Spirit is an engaging devotional that invites the Christian community to be reacquainted withthe person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. I read it as a Pentecostalpastor/theologian and it provoked me to consider anew how the Spirit is activelyat work in my life and in the world. Though there are differences in pneumatology within the body of Christ, all who read this book will have to affirm that the Spirit is moving and Jack has caught its zeal!" —Johnathan E. Alvarado, Senior Pastor, Grace Church International, and Professor of Theology, Beulah Heights University, Atlanta, Georgia "Jack Levison’s new devotional will guide you into the theme of the Holy Spirit in Scripture, aiming for spiritual formation, not just spiritual information. My favorite part: the simple prayers at the end of each reading. A beautiful, accessible, and soul-nourishing resource!" —Brian D. McLaren, Author of We Make the Road by Walking "Jack Levison combines a scholar’s intimate knowledge of scripture with a bornwriter’s mastery of nuance, style, empathy and humor. Every page of this book brims with reverence for God and common-sense wisdom won the hardway." —David Laskin, author of TheFamily "40 Days with the Holy Spirit opens a door for all seekers, religious and irreligious, to experience ’God’s Spirit-breath within.’ This is more than a must read-its food for busy and hungry hearts." —Dr. Michael Rakes, Pastor at Winston Salem First "Is it possible to live a Spirit-filled life amid our dailydistractions and demands? Jack Levison assures us it is and offers a path to wisdom through stillness and abandonment... This book leads us to the ultimate Source, the Spirit. It is a guide not just for 40 days, but a lifetime." —Judith Valente, Correspondent, Religion & EthicsNewsweekly and author of The Art of Pausing "JackLevison brings together scholarship, Scripture meditation, concrete practices, and compelling inspiration. He helps us retrieve the tragically lost centrality of the Holy Spirit in the mainline Christian world. Here comes the return of the fire and the wind!" —Fr. Richard Rohr, ofm "Jack Levison’s book is not an overly intellectual look at the Holy Spirit, but really examines what it means to live a Spirit-filled life. A needed resource for those looking to be guided by the Holy Spirit found in Scripture. Jack opens our minds to the fullness of the Holy Spirit and removes the human limitations that we often place on this person of the Trinity, teaching us to hear and obey as God speaks." — Dr. John M. Perkins, Co-founder of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), Founder and President Emeritus ofthe John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation "As with many Paraclete books, the book is shaped for the church calendar and this one for Lent, but this book far transcends Lent. It is for personal spiritual formation. Whatmatters perhaps most about the Holy Spirit is that we don’t "get" the Spirit conceptually and internally all at once (even if you are charismatic!) but we need to learn about the Spirit more and more. We learn not by cramming it all into one session — grabbing a concordance, a dictionary and a big theological book — but by daily long term routine exposure. Jack’s book isdesigned to do that: 40 days. Stories, good Bible study, and a prayer at the end of each short chapter. Gathered around seven verbs and these verbs organize the themes of the book: breathing, praying, practicing, learning, leading, building, and blossoming. This is a devotional ... by a world class Bible scholar... andhe’s not pandering to anyone’s theology ... and he opens the Bible and lets the Spirit turn chaos into order." —Scot McKnight, author of The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others . SKU: 46526

By Clare Simpson, Illustrated by Maria Angelina Tell Me About Heaven This collection of prayers, psalms, and Bible verses makes a lovely gift for the youngest of children asking questions about heaven. The message is one of God's eternal love and care. Thisdelightful keepsake may be the gift-of-choice for children as a profound but simple way to remind them that faith—and life—are everlasting. My Heaven Book includes prayers that are easy to commit to memory and to say throughout the day, along with very simple expressed statements of Christian belief that are appropriate for the youngest of children. The message of My Heaven Book is one of God's eternal love and care. For ages 0-8. . SKU: 46465

By G. K. ChestertonThe most insightful book about Francis of Assisi—ever. Ideal for gift-giving, thisbeautiful edition offers all of G. K. Chesterton's insight, humor, and wit as he uncovers the real meaning of the life of the world's most popular saint. Samples fromthis classic book: All [Francis's] life was a series of plunges and scampers; darting after the beggar, dashing naked into the woods, tossing himself into the strange ship, hurling himself into the Sultan's tent and offering to hurl himself into the fire. In appearance he must have been like a thin brown skeleton autumn leaf dancing eternally before the wind; but in truth it was he that was the wind. The conversion of St. Francis involved his being in some sense flung suddenly from a horse. There was not a rag of him left that was not ridiculous. Everybody knew that at the best he had made a fool of himself. The word fool itself began to shine and change. SKU: 46506

By St. Augustine of Hippo, Foreword by Fr. Mark HenningerThe first autobiography ever written, and one of themost profound testaments of faith, ever."This book is the masterpiece from which all other Christian memoirs flow. Augustine's astonishing story remains as fresh as it did when he wrote it in the late fourth century. The Confessions still speaks with a clear, vivid and altogether distinctive voice to believers and seekers searching for the One who will give rest to their restless hearts." —James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints. SKU: 46493

By Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle featured on EWTN Sunday Night Prime with Fr. Andrew Apostoli speaking about Angels - Sunday, Nov. 9 The invisible world of angels is so often overlooked, though it has been present since before the dawn of Creation, offering attentive service and protection to humankind. Based on Catholic teaching, Angels for Kids offers proof of the true existence of angels while dispelling prevalent contemporary myths. This inspiring book will open the eyes and hearts of youth and their families to a greater awareness of the unseen world, as well as provide warm encouragement to keep company with the incredible angelic friends who unceasingly glorify God and who have been a significant part of salvation history; protecting Jesus throughout His life, announcing heaven's plans, and guiding and protecting the faithful. A chapter of special prayers to the angels completes the book. "Angels are our protectors,companions, and God's messengers. In Angels for Kids,Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle shares the important role they play in our lives in language that is compelling and at the same time accessible for little souls. Buy this book for your kids, savor some reading time along with them, andyou'll be amazed by how much you'll learn too!" —Lisa M. Hendey , Author of A Book ofSaints for Catholic Moms and founder of www. CatholicMom. Com All children should grow up knowing the companionship and powerful help of the holy angels. All children should grow up knowing the truth that this book teaches. It makes for a happier, more confident life. God created the angels to serve us as they glorify Him. We show our gratitude by enjoying their friendship, and Donna-Marie tells us how. —Mike Aquilina Author, Angels of God, A Year with the Angels, and Entertaining Angels "What a delightful little book! Angels For Kids is wonderful in its simplicity and, yet, profound in its content and impact. Children of all ages will greatly benefit from this little catechesis on the angels. This book is truly a gem, containing both beautiful prayers and childlike insights, and Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has outdone herself in offering to all God's children this angelic treasury!" —Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, STL Author, Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest " Science calls us to believe in the unseeable — black holes in space, which cannot ever be seenbecause they absorb all light before it can reflect back to an observer. They believe in black holes because of anomalous behavior in space. So also, Christians, like Jews, Muslims, and many other religious people around the world and throughout history believe in angels, not only because of anomalous behaviors we experience in life's events but also because of God's Revelation in Scripture. We do well to introduce children to these facts, along with astronomical facts, to prepare them for a mature spiritual life. This book is such an introduction, and parents might be reminded of their own angels as they read with theirchildren." —Fr. Mitch Pacwa,S. J. "Angels for Kids by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle surveys the whole Bible in a touching way . Thebook reminds its young readers that they are always lovingly cared for by God and protected from every kind of harm." —Jack Wintz . SKU: 46473