Catholic Books

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

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn

Recipient of the Catholic Writers Guild 2018 Seal of Approval “A journey of compassion, frustration, and triumph . . . Anderson’s love for her son marks this beautiful portrait of family and faith.” —Publishers Weekly Paul's Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul's mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family. The first of six children, Paul's early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known. Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul's parents to refer to his condition as "The Marauder." The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul's eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul's speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college. Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family's experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.

By: Marie Louise Guste Nix Historical documents confirm that Jesus Christ toured Israel during the first century, healing, expelling demons, and raising the dead to life. His powerful teaching, His love, and His rising from the tomb helped identify Him as the Messiah sent to save mankind from sin and death. In Being There, we hear from special individuals chosen to be present when Jesus changed history forever. We hear powerful stories from the voices of the prophet Simeon, John the Baptist, the apostles Peter and James, His mother Mary and His father Joseph, and many others. These sensitive accounts given by eyewitnesses will awaken your imagination, bring history to life, and perhaps deepen your love for the Lord of life. Format: PAPERBACK Pages: 110. SKU: 47897

By Enzo Bianchi, Foreword by Rowan WilliamsThe Bible is ancient, enigmatic, and from a culture vastly different from our own. That's why most of us find it hard to read. So how can we understand its importance in thechurch, and how can it enrich our lives? Central to lectio divina is the conviction that to read the Bible faithfully and prayerfully is to learn an ancient art—by entering into dialogue with the God who speaks to each of us through the biblical page. Enzo Bianchi touches on the essentials of the history of lectio, from the brilliantthinker Origen in the third century to the development of historical criticism in the modern era. He explains how to do lectio and how to understand and implement its four "moments"—lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. This is not simply a book about how to approach the Bible, because Scripture ultimately wants to lead us beyond itself, to the truth and mystery of Christ that can never be captured fully in the written word."Withhis deep biblical wisdom, Bianchi is able to explore the whole Christian tradition of prayerful reading. St. Benedict mandates at least two hours of lectio divina a day for his monks, which is a considerable challenge for the modern person. But with Enzo as our guide, we can do it!" —Terrence G. Kardong, osb, editor of American Benedictine Review"Enzo Bianchi was born in Castel Boglione, Piedmont, Italy, in 1943. In 1965, after graduating from the University of Turin, he founded an ecumenical monastic community—the Bose Community—of which he is still the prior. Friar Bianchi is a well-known author of books on lectio divina and the spiritual life, which have been translated intomany languages. He has dedicated himself to the search for spirituality capable of giving life to Christians today and furthering communion among all people. The Bose Community now numbers over eighty brothers and sisters of variousChristian traditions, and receives thousands of visitors annually. Enzo Bianchi is one of the most significant Christian voices in Europe. He shows what can be achieved by an immersion in Scripture that involves both intellect and imagination alike, and—in common with all themost serious Christian voices of our day—he cannot be labeled as a partisan "liberal" or "traditionalist." Heoffers exactly what the monastic voice at its truest has always offered: a way into the heart of our ecclesial and social questions that is honest, patient, and sensitive. His is a perspective that the English-speaking Christian world should welcome enthusiastically." —Rowan Williams, Magdalene College, Cambridge"I hope that these pages may be heard asa simple yet faithful echo of my personal experience, my community's path and my journey with the church. For years, I have broken the bread of the Word for the brothers and sisters in my community. Much of what I say here comes from that experience. It also comes from many years of preaching the Word to listeners from all walks of life. I would like to see this book ultimately as no more than a small gesture of gratitude to those witnesses of the Word whom the Lord has allowed me to meet, those "martyrs" of faith who have found ways to express all the richness of the Gospel intheir lives. Only those people who put God's Word into practice have really heard it. They are the ones who truly understand the biblical text, because they obey withoutdelay the word Christ never tires of speaking to us. The sequential sancti evangelii for today—today's Gospel—is not the product of brilliant scholarly research. It is the life and witness of God's holy people, those who are faithful disciples of the Word made flesh, their Lord." —Enzo Bianchi. SKU: 46514

By Paul Sabatier, Edited and Introduction and Annotations by Jon M. SweeneyOriginally published in French in 1894, Sabatier's was the first modern biography of Francis of Assisi. It was a worldwide bestseller, and in 2003 when this new edition was first published, it again sold more than 60,000 copies and was a selection of History Book Club. This new 120thanniversary edition includes a dozen additional annotations and a new preface bythe editor, putting Sabatier's influential work into its historical context, showing why it is still the most essential life of the saint."This new and updated edition . . . is nothing short of astonishing in its power to touch the heart and revive the soul."—St. Anthony Messenger "This book brings forth this popular saint in a way in which we come to know him more intimately than ever before. Everyone touched by this 'perpetual outsider' will want to read it."—M. Basil Pennington, O. C. S. O."The Road to Assisi . . . offers an excellent introduction to the text, helpful sidebars and notes, and fascinating illustrations, [aiding readers] in engaging 'personally with Francis, the human being."'—Publishers Weekly"Paul Sabatier's groundbreaking 1894 biography Vie de S. Fran_ois d'Assise is essential reading for anyoneinterested in the life and times of the great charismatic of Assisi. The Road to Assisi offers a clear and temperate introduction to Sabatier's passionate, often controversial engagement with the radical life and message of St. Francis. Highly recommended."—Valerie Martin, author of Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis"Today, under the editorial guidance of Sweeney, this balanced, longout-of-print work isagain in the hands of readers." —Library Journal "Sabatier's 19th century biography still reads like the classic it is. One could hardly ask for a better combination to introduce Francis to a larger public."—Mark Galli, author of Francis and His World and managing editor for Christianity Today"[This] remarkable new publicationfrom Paraclete Press has something to say to you . . . a refreshing and eye- opening work."—The Episcopal New Yorker"The Road to Assisi presents Sabatier's biography for today's reader. With helpful explanations and annotations by Jon M. Sweeney, Sabatier's narrative is supplemented with the insights of many other scholars and writers."—The Presbyterian Outlook. SKU: 46509

In Living the Mass we encounter the Holy Eucharist as paschal mystery, the “Source and Summit of the Christian Life.” We encounter God’s love for us through what God has done and is doing for us in the Eucharist. The book presents the paschal mystery defined in a Trinitarian mode as the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It also presents new theology on the paschal mystery based primarily on the abandonment text of Matthew 27:46. God gives God’s self to us in love through the Mass as the ongoing work of redemption, and we imitate that love in response by living the Mass in everyday life—professing Christ, growing in virtue, overcoming sinful tendencies, increasing in knowledge of God, and exercising faith, hope, and love.

Multiple Award-Winning book series helps to build a strong, foundational relationship with Jesus, while teaching love, and compassion for others! Melissa likes to brag that she can swim the fastest, climb the highest, and has the best of everything. Corey finds her crying in the sand box with her broken shovel, the only toy she had. They all chip in treasure coins for her birthday present. Melissa prays, giving thanks to God for her friends, and learns they are more important than all the toys in the sea. Multiple Award-Winning book series helps to build a strong, foundational relationship with Jesus, while teaching love, and compassion for others Melissalikes to brag that she can swim the fastest, climb the highest, and has the best of everything. Corey finds her crying in the sand box with her broken shovel, the only toy she had. They all chip in treasure coins for her birthday present. Melissa prays, giving thanks to God for her friends, and learns they are more important than all the toys in the sea. Lee Ann Mancini and Dan Sharp have created an underwater world that explodes with color, drawing the children into the captivating story. National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist, Readers Favorite Award."

By Wayne Weible. SKU: 46524

By St. Benedict of Nursia, Paraphrase and Introduction by Jonathan Wilson-HartgroveThis little rule can be a place to begin."Listen, my child. I want you to place theear of your heart on the solid ground of the Master's wisdom (what I received, I'm passing on to you). This advice is from a spiritual father who loves you and gives you the sort of counsel that will shape your whole life." Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove's The Rule of Saint Benedict presents the timeless wisdom of the Rule in a vibrant new language. The contemporary reader will findthis sixth-century classic more accessible, while any student or follower of the Rule will discover in this paraphrase a vital new expression. The full text is included, and detailed explanatory notes offer help in understanding challenging passages. SKU: 46504

“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!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads "often the texts of Sacred Scripture are not quoted literally but merely indicated as a reference ('Cf.') in the footnotes. For a deeper understanding of those passages, the reader should go to the texts themselves. These Biblical references are a working tool for catechesis." This Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church Book of References contains all the passages of Sacred Scripture referred to in the Catechism arranged according to the paragraphs in which the references are made. But that is only a beginning. The Catechism also refers to conciliar texts, papal documents, writings of the Fathers and of the Saints. There are more than 3,600 of these references extending from the earliest credal formulations of the ancient Church to the documents of Vatican II and beyond to the magisterial teaching of Pope John Paul II. The Book of References includes all the texts referred to arranged, along with the Scripture passages, according to the paragraphs of the Catechism in which they are referred. This Book of References is a valuable instrument in teaching, understanding, and implementing the Catechism. It is a handy one-volume reference library for use with the Catechism. "... I ask the Church's pastors and the Christian faithful to receive this Catechism in a spirit of communion and to use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life." Pope John Paul II

For over six centuries, The Imitation of Christ has been the most beloved book of devotional literature, second only to the Bible as a pathway to everyday holiness. If you have ever wondered how to dip your toes into the deep waters of this powerful classic, this book is for you. Sister Bridget Haase, known for her down-to-earth wisdom and generous heart, offers a thirty day companion guide to The Imitation of Christ. Designed to be used alongside the classic work or on its own, this little book includes daily excerpts, prayers, and reflection questions, along with space for drawing or journaling. Sifting through the text, Sister Bridget has uncovered golden “nuggets of spirituality” that can enrich and guide our everyday lives.

A 9-Day Novena to Mother Teresa, Saint of the Gutters What can we learn from the Saint of the Gutters? How might her wisdom and intercession help us in our present needs? After all, Mother Teresa was very small in stature, even frail in some respects, and she was a woman—the supposed “weaker sex.” However, this petite woman’s “yes” to God truly changed the world forever. She opened the world’s eyes to our duties to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and told us that a far worse hunger exists in our Western world. She continues to encourage us to reach out in love to those in need. Through this novena of prayer, our faith is energized as we "sit at St. Teresa of Calcutta’s feet” to learn lessons of love, and invoke her intercession for our urge Format: Paperback Trim size: 4 x 7 inches Pages: 64. SKU: 57853

Benedictine monastic spirituality has emerged as an antidote to the spiritual and cultural challenges facing people of faith today. In this book, the author focuses specifically on GRACE, and the benevolence of God as it expresses itself in many different ways along our spiritual journey. What is a person likely to experience when beginning to give up him or herself conscientiously to the spiritual journey? In this beautiful guide, gradually, we come to realize that everything that happens in our lives is somehow the gift of our loving Father. Every journey is ultimately individual. As Casey explains, what you hear within your own spirit is more significant than what he can say. But his aim is to help you listen to the voice of God in your heart. Format: Paperback Trim size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches Weight: 8.8 ounces. Pages: 240

By Lisa Hamilton As heat and pressure make diamonds out of coal, so pain and prayer have made this book a priceless gem." —Robert Owens Scott, Editor in Chief, Spirituality and Health Prayers for all in the midst of grief and sadness. As fixed-hour prayer gains inpopularity among Christians of all persuasions, it is only natural that they should want to adapt this ancient practice to particular life circumstances. Drawing on her own experience of losing her young husband to cancer, in this poignant offering, Lisa B. Hamilton accommodates the practice of fixed-hour prayer for those who mourn. For anyone coping with sadness and grief. SKU: 46559

By Carlen MadduxJust days after turning fifty, Martha Maddux, a spirited mother and civic activist, was told she had Alzheimer's disease. She and husband Carlen felt as though they'd been shoved out of a plane 10,000 feet up, withnothing to grab but themselves. A Path Revealed is not about the falloutfrom an insidious disease that extended over seventeen years. It is the story of a path of hope emerging during the darkest hours - a path that lifted Carlen and Martha above the devastating symptoms of this disease. Carlen traveled with Martha to the backwoods of Kentucky, where the quiet presence of a Catholic nun revealed a hidden path. He was forced to slow down as he traced this path halfway around the world to Australia, retreated weekends to a monastery, embraced meditation, and landed all alone in Thomas Merton's cabin. This story conveys a message of hope and joy in the midst of an almost overwhelming tragedy. SKU: 46517

By St. Benedict of Nursia, Paraphrase and Introduction by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove"This advice is from a spiritual father who loves you and gives you the sort of counsel that will shape your whole life." "Listen, my child. I want you to put the ear of your heart to the solid ground of the master's wisdom (what I received, I'm passing on to you). It's advice from a spiritual father who loves you—the sort of counsel you receive by letting it shape your whole life." So begins the famous opening paragraph of Benedict's Rule in Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove's vital, new, contemporary paraphrase. The entire text of the Rule is here plus a lengthy introduction from Jonathan, and detailed explanatory notes throughout that explain difficult passages. The result is a classic re-introduced that will enliven any 21st-century expression of religious community. SKU: 46495

By Sybil MacBeth Now kids can pray in color, too! This first-of-its-kind resource will forever change the way kids prayer - and how adults try to teach them to do it. This is prayer that makes sense to kids. One minute a day will do. Any time of the day will work. Drawing with markers or crayons is h alf the prayer; the other half is carrying the visual memories throughout the day. Praise for Praying inColor: "Just as Julia Cameron, in the Artist's Way, showed the hardened Harvard businessman he had a creative artist lurking within, MacBeth makes it astonishingly clear that anyone with a box of colors and some paper can have a conversation with God." —Publishers Weekly, starred review Sybil MacBeth is a math teacher and a dancer, and she is active in her local church in Memphis, Tennessee. Her first book, Praying in Color, has changed the prayer lives of many thousands of Christian adults, and now she has created the ideal version for kids. Sybil has been leading Praying in Color workshops across the U. S. for the last three years. You can visit her at www. Prayingincolor. Com. . SKU: 46479

If every priest in the Church knew this book and practiced what it says, we would have a different Church. Says the priesthood admits of no mediocrity; that a priest will either be a true priest and do immense good, or he will be an instrument of great evil. Gives firm, practical instructions to priests for both their personal life and their ministry-delicacy of conscience, hearing confessions, good example, etc. By one of the greatest priests who ever lived.

A daily devotional/study for Lent on the subject and the experience of temptation. Daily reflections on the hard school of temptation, based on Scriptures, inspired by the Lenten experience of a Benedictine monastic community. Each day’s reflection includes a quotation taken from two works of the German pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945): a series of lectures given on the creation and fall of Adam and Eve; and a six-day Bible study on the theme of temptation, given by Bonhoeffer during a retreat with former students of his “underground” seminary in Nazi Germany. “I will be using Lead Us Not Into Temptation for Lent, not only because it is filled with wisdom on a topic not often contemplated, but because the format—short but weighty daily entries, spiked with insights from Bonhoeffer—is ideal for the introspection which the season invites. As Martin rightly says, temptation not only can turn us, but it can teach us so that we come to Eastertide more spiritually healthy than we were on Ash Wednesday.” —Rev. Canon Dr. Dennis Okholm, Professor of Theology, Azusa Pacific University; author of Monk Habits for Everyday People

How Fault-Filled, Problem-Prone, Imperfect People Like Us Can Be Holy Saints at Heart presents an engaging picture of the spiritual life as shown in the experience and writings of the saints. The title announces the book’s double theme: the lives of holy men and women who have consecrated their lives to God, and to the possibility of our following them and also dedicating our hearts to God. Readers will discover in this book well-told and appealing stories of women and men, ordinary human beings like themselves, who knew God and whose lives as a consequence radiated light, love, and joy. Each story presents the core message of a saint’s life and highlights an important spiritual path that readers will be encouraged to follow.

As an award-winning author, host of EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms,” and mother of five, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is well aware of the difficulties women face today as they balance all their responsibilities and struggle to find time for prayer. This book will affirm women on their journey while celebrating the strength, dignity, and specific gifts of women in the context of the faith. Donna-Marie offers words of encouragement for women who are single, married, consecrated women, and single mothers, while straightforwardly addressing specific difficulties in women’s lives, with prayers for stress, complicated pregnancies, and walking through divorce. Words from St. John Paul II, saints and mystics enrich the text with inspiration.