Books - (also see Inspirational Books)

Since Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi founded the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) in Rome seventy years ago, they approached children's catechesis with a focus on Scripture and liturgy, and solidly based their approach on the Montessori principles of education. CGS is a gift and legacy that Sofia and Gianna have bestowed on generations of adults and children around the world who have fallen in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

In recognition of seventy years of CGS and of forty years as a national association, CGSUSA has compiled the commemorative journal The Gift of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The heart of this journal comprises a collection of previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia's personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter, covering various reflections on life and on the nature of the Good Shepherd Catechesis itself. Also included are Coulter's observations of Gianna's work with children in Rome. CGS members and catechists will appreciate Sofia and Gianna's long and deep experience of living the Catechesis joyfully and fruitfully with adults and children alike.

Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages

ISBN 9781616717971

Since Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi founded the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) in Rome seventy years ago, they approached children's catechesis with a focus on Scripture and liturgy, and solidly based their approach on the Montessori principles of education. CGS is a gift and legacy that Sofia and Gianna have bestowed on generations of adults and children around the world who have fallen in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

In recognition of seventy years of CGS and of forty years as a national association, CGSUSA has compiled the commemorative journal The Gift of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The heart of this journal comprises a collection of previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia's personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter, covering various reflections on life and on the nature of the Good Shepherd Catechesis itself. Also included are Coulter's observations of Gianna's work with children in Rome. CGS members and catechists will appreciate Sofia and Gianna's long and deep experience of living the Catechesis joyfully and fruitfully with adults and children alike.

Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages

ISBN 9781616717988

The recent retranslation and US adaptation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults can be seen as the work of the Second Vatican Council continuing to unfold, fulfilling the council's mandate to draw up texts and rites so that they express more clearly the holy things that they signify Sacrosanctum concilium, 21). In this present volume, A Pastoral and Theological Commentary on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, fourteen authors all scholars and pastoral ministers steeped in the Church's living liturgical tradition help us appreciate this unfolding more deeply by presenting the historical development and theological significance of the OCIA rites and texts, thus enriching our pastoral practice.

Introductory essays present a contextual foundation, including discussion of historical and theological roots and an exposition of Christian Initiation: General Introduction Then, following the structure of the OCIA, eight chapters of commentary concentrate on each stage of Christian initiation, from acceptance into the Order of Catechumens through the Period of Mystoagogy, including chapters on the Rites for Particular Circumstances. Further commentaries on the musical enrichment of the rites and on the newly revised National Statues for the Catechumenate round out this panoramic, yet accessible, view of the rites of the OCIA.

This book is for anyone ministering in or studying Christian initiation. We believe it offers a deep understanding of the rites for both those long familiar with this process and those fairly new to it. For those who wish to pursue further study, either casual or in-depth, a vast array of endnotes and bibliographies offer plenty of suggestions editor Victoria Tufano, from the introduction).

Paperback | 7 x 10 | 224 pages

ISBN 9781616717254

The process of initiating new adult Catholics or helping baptized adult Catholics complete their initiation can be complex and confusing! This helpful chart outlines the process of initiation according to baptismal status for those seeking initiation in your parish. It identifies the important components of the Church's vision for initiation according to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Parenthetical references to paragraphs in the OCIA are provided. By using this chart, you will have at your hands a simple guide to the OCIA, a clear vision of who participates in the process, what rites take place and when, and how those seeking initiation are formed.

Single Sheet

ISBN 9781616718282

Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith.

Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church's wisdom concerning the vision of children's initiation according found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms.

This book has been revised according to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Paperback | 6 x 9 | 160 pages

ISBN 9781616717261

Children of varying ages and states of faith formation undergo a variety of paths to Christian initiation. This book is an invaluable resource for initiation coordinators, catechists, and directors of religious education as they prepare children and their families to undertake their journeys of faith.

Author Rita Burns Senseman shares the Church's wisdom concerning the vision of children's initiation according found in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). You will find parish-tested models and sample sessions; appendixes on how to prepare and lead child catechesis, and how to celebrate the liturgical rites; answers to frequently asked questions; and a glossary of terms.

This book has been revised according to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Paperback | 6 x 9 | 160 pages

ISBN 9781616717278

Available for Shipment November 2024

The new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults was recently approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmed by the Apostolic See.

LTP's study edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults includes the full texts of the rite: introductions, National Statutes, ritual texts, chants, and appendixes. Printed in the same dimensions as our ritual edition, this paperback version of the rite is durable and flexible for ongoing personal study, coursework, reference, and liturgical preparation. As a study and preparation tool, this resource is essential for priests, deacons, undergraduate and graduate theology, liturgy and ministry students, catechists, Christian initiation team members, and those who prepare the liturgy. Margin lines and ritual outlines are provided as a visual tool for recording notes and observations and for referencing the parts of the liturgical rites.

The new translation may begin to be used on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2024. The mandatory use date is Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Paperback | 7 x 10 | 448 pages

ISBN 9781616717933

The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names marks the beginning of the period of purification and enlightenment in the Christian initiation process. At the heart of this rite is the ritual action by which the catechumens write their names in the Book of the Elect, thus ritually symbolizing that they have been called by God to become initiated at the great Easter Vigil. The enrollment of names and the subsequent election by the bishop are the most ancient and the most important part of this liturgy.

The Book of the Elect is a formal record of the names of all those from the parish who have been elected for baptism. This elegantly designed book provides a dignified option for diverse parishes to ritually inscribe the names of their elect. Quotations from Scripture decorate the pages of this book in both English and Spanish. These texts have been carefully chosen and point to the new reality that has been bestowed upon those who have now been elected by God the blessed ones whom the Lord . . . has chosen as his heritage Psalm 33:12b). The lines on the page provide the elect with enough space to sign their names neatly and legibly. Parishes may also record the date of their election.

On the Cover:

The cover of this book presents three overlapping circles as a sign of the Trinitarian relationship of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The circles are placed within an image reminiscent of ancient baptismal fonts. In doing so, the overlapping circles become the focus of the cover and are thus suggestive of the heart of the initiation process coming to know our God of love and deepening relationship with him in and through the Church. In baptism we are baptized into this Trinitarian relationship and are commissioned to become part of the divine dance, a network of relationships that exudes love, mercy, and justice. The octagonal shape of the font points to new life, a new order, the day of creation (the eighth day, the perfect day), and the day of Christ's resurrection. Hints of flowing water surround the baptismal shape, an indication of the redemption those elected by God will receive at Easter.

9781616718299 | Hardcover | 9 x 12 | 128 pages | Language: English

Throughout their initiation process, the elect have prepared to be welcomed into the Catholic Church. After a time of catechesis and prayer, they along with a sponsor, godparent, and parish leaders have discerned that God is calling them to begin the final stage of their journey of preparation during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment.

A Journal for the Elect and Neophytes is a tool to guide the elect's prayer and reflection throughout the seasons of Lent and Easter. It includes brief introductions for each Sunday or ritual that the elect will celebrate with their parish family, as well as reflection questions or an activity prompt. The journal provides spaces to write responses and reflections on the seasons and on the liturgies they have experienced. By taking time to ponder how God spoke to us through the signs, symbols, music, and people in the liturgy, we provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, heart, and mind to the presence of God in a deeper or new way, which allows us to strengthen our relationship with God.

A companion to the elect as they prepare for and celebrate the wonderful seasons of Lent and Easter, this journal will provide them with insights and reflections to continue their journey as new members of our faith community.

9781616717339| Saddlestitched | 6 x 9 | 64 pages

Deeply based on the Scriptures, the writings of the Saints, and the teachings of our two most recent Popes, this profound and remarkably readable book will introduce you to some of the "hidden" truths of the Eucharist � truths that have always been embraced by theologians, saints, and mystics, but have rarely been passed on to the average person in a meaningful way. In 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, these truths are finally made accessible to all, as author Vinny Flynn shows how each reception of Holy Communion can be a life-changing experience.

No matter how much or how little you already know about the Eucharist, the "secrets" revealed here will bring you to a new, personal "Emmaus" experience, again and again. Perfect for personal devotion, catechesis, study groups, book clubs, and theological studies, 7 Secrets of the Eucharist will rekindle the "Eucharistic amazement" called for by Pope John Paul II.

Author: Vinny Flynn

ISBN: 9781884479311

Pages: 140

Size: 7.5 x 4.7

Becoming Eucharistic People: The Hope and Promise of Parish Life

Winner of a first-place award in the future church category from the Catholic Media Association.

Also available in Spanish. See Here

We cant just talkabout Christs presence in the Eucharist; we have to believe it, celebrate it, and liveit both individually and as a community of the faithful. And we must cultivate a culture in our parishes that treats Real Presence not only as an important Catholic doctrine, but also as the most important part of parish identity.

InBecoming Eucharistic People, theologian Timothy P. OMalley, author of Real Presence, outlines four essential dimensions of a Eucharistic culture in a parish one that fosters reverence and unity among the faithful, includes every dimension of human life in the mystery of Christs Body and Blood, and invites people back to parish life or to become Catholic for the first time.

OMalley director of education at the McGrath Institute of Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, academic director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, and a member of the executive planning team for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops" Eucharistic Revival shows what it means to foster a parish culture where the Eucharist infuses the worldview, priorities, and practices of its members. OMalley leads you through discovery and discernment about how to create a parish culture where each person is called to holiness and receives the spiritual, theological, and pastoral help they need to meet Christ fully present in the Eucharist and to become a witness to him in the world.

OMalley will help you reflect on four essential facets of a Eucharistic parish culture:

• liturgies of joyful reverence that celebrate the gifts of diversity;
• formation that engages the mind, imagination, understanding, and will;
• a rich life of popular piety and the vibrancy of the domestic Church; and
• a commitment to solidarity with your neighbor.

O"Malley says that when we reflect Christ"s Real Presence to others, our parishes will become sacred spaces in which every person is led to deeper communion with God and with their neighbors.

Online resources, including ideas for parish retreats, teaching resources, and videos based on this book and the US bishops Eucharistic Revival are available from the McGrath Institute for Church Life.

Books in the Engaging Catholicism series from the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame help readers discover the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith through a concise exploration of the Churchs most important but often difficult-to-grasp doctrines as well as crucial pastoral and spiritual practices. Perfect for seekers and new Catholics, clergy and catechetical leaders, and everyone in between, the series expands the McGrath Institutes mission to connect the Catholic intellectual life at Notre Dame to the pastoral life of the Church and the spiritual needs of her people.<

Pages: 160

Trim size: 5 x 7 inches

ISBN: 9781646801565

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist  shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as: What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus' purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, "This is my body... This is my blood"?

To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys--the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence--have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Inspiring and informative,  Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist  is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the mystery of Jesus' presence in "the breaking of the bread."

• What is Eucharistic adoration, and why is it so important?
• What does Scripture teach about this devotion?
• What are the fruit of Eucharistic adoration?
• How should I spend my time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament?

• Teaching about the Eucharist from Scripture and Church documents
• Scripture verses for adoration, wisdom and inspiration from saints especially devoted to our Eucharistic Lord
• Prayers, Rosary meditations, reflections and hymns

Grow closer to Christ in the Eucharist with My Daily Visitor: Eucharist. This handy devotional with 40 reflection themes helps you to pray and reflect on the source and summit of our Catholic Faith.

For each entry, Aleteia.org editor-in-chief Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, offers a brief reflection on a particular quote from a saint and concludes with a prayer. Reflection themes include the Real Presence, the Virgin Mary, forgiveness of sin, sacrifice, breaking of the bread, the Lambs Supper, the new covenant, and more. This devotional also contains a collection of prayers before the Eucharist written by saints.

Perfect for Eucharistic adoration, prayer groups, and personal quiet time, My Daily Visitor: Eucharist will help enliven your relationship with Jesus in the holy Eucharist.

Working mom Michelle Schroeder knows how busy we all are, so she packs a lot of info into this brief, easy-to-read booklet.

You will not only explore the nuts and bolts of Eucharistic Adoration but also discover great reasons and times to enter into the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, including when you need focus in prayer and when you just feel the need to be with Jesus.

In The Handy Little Guide to Adoration you will learn, as Michelle did, the life-changing benefits of Eucharistic Adoration.

ISBN: 9781681923215

Stations of the Cross According to St. Paul offers passages from Paul's letters for devotional reflection.

These worthy meditations on Paul's writings help us comprehend the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Because of Paul's intense understanding of the cross, the reflections lead those who open themselves up to the Holy Spirit to attain greater spiritual depth.

ISBN: 9780809145744

Author: Ronald D. Witherup, SS

9781568540351 | Paperback | 8 3/8 x 10 7/8 | 176 pages | Language: English

This third volume of a three volume series, includes liturgical images for Year C that will enliven your bulletins, handouts, programs, and orders of service. Original art is drawn from the Sunday readings of each year of the Lectionary, from the great feasts and seasons. There is also a handy subject index and pieces for the national holidays. Suggestions for using the art are given in the introduction. Secretaries, parish staffs, musicians, worship coordinators, principals, and teachers will find top-quality illustrations for many different projects.

Fulfilling what he has called a "grave responsibility," Pope Francis has often addressed the issue of economic inequality and the use of personal, corporate, and national wealth. Francis's teaching is rooted in the teaching of Jesus, preserved in the pages of the New Testament. The Bible has more to say about the use of wealth than it does about other moral issues of our day, yet this teaching seldom enters into the conscience of believers. In Wealth, Wages, and the Wealthy: New Testament Insight for Preachers and Teachers Fr. Raymond F. Collins redresses this issue and provides the reader with a careful examination not only of what Jesus said about wealth but also of what each of the New Testament authors wrote about the topic.

Subtitle: New Testament Insights for Preachers and Teachers
Author: Raymond F. Collins

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814687840
Details: 366 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 06/12/2017

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the Church’s ritual for welcoming and forming adults and children of catechetical age in the way of Jesus as it is lived in the Roman Catholic tradition. In this resource, Fr. Ronald J. Lewinksi provides a basic and thorough introduction to the Church’s vision for the process of Christian initiation, guiding initiation ministers through the various rituals and steps of the OCIA through the lens of conversion, evangelization, and discipleship. This book is an excellent resource for new and experienced initiation ministers as well as for those who seek a deeper understanding of how the Church welcomes and initiates adult Catholic Christians. This revised edition has been updated to reflect the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

9781616717360 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 112 pages | Language: English

You said yes to coordinating the RCIA/OCIA in your parish. You knew it was going to be a big commitment and require a lot of your time. But it turned out to be much bigger and more complex than you ever imagined. The more you learned about those asking to become Catholic, the more you realized that "the way we've always done it" just isn't going to work anymore if you want to form lifelong disciples. Something has to change.

Leisa Anslinger, a veteran of RCIA leadership and parish planning, knows how to help communities develop a vision, navigate change, and bring out the best in their leaders and parishioners. In A Vision for Conversion: Eight Steps to Radically Change Your RCIA Process, Leisa walks you through the eight most effective ways to move your parish RCIA process from maintenance-mode into a true conversion journey that inspires seekers to lifelong discipleship. Whether you're an RCIA veteran or just getting started, this book will be your companion and guide as you plan for the change your parish needs to initiate seekers into Christ.

120 pages, 6" x 9" Paperback

Publication Date: 12/15/2018

Convertirse en personas eucar ƒ ­sticas: ‚  La esperanza y promesa de la vida parroquial

Also available in English. See Here

No podemos simplemente hablar de la presencia de Cristo en la Eucaristía; tenemos que creerlo, celebrarlo y vivirlo individualmente y como comunidad de fieles. Y debemos cultivar una cultura en nuestras parroquias que trate la Presencia Real no solo como una doctrina católica importante, sino también como la parte más importante de la identidad parroquial.

En Convertirse en personas eucarísticas, el teólogo Timothy P. O’Malley, autor de Presencia Real, describe cuatro dimensiones esenciales de una cultura eucarística en una parroquia, que fomenta la reverencia y la unidad entre los fieles, incluye todas las dimensiones de la vida humana en el misterio del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo, e invita a las personas a volver a la vida parroquial o a convertirse en católicos por primera vez.

O'Malley, director de educación en el Instituto McGrath para la Vida de la Iglesia en la Universidad de Notre Dame, director académico del Centro de Liturgia de Notre Dame y miembro del equipo de planificación ejecutiva para el Avivamiento Eucarístico de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, muestra lo que significa fomentar una cultura parroquial donde la Eucaristía infunde la cosmovisión, prioridades y prácticas de sus miembros. O’Malley lo guía a través del descubrimiento y del discernimiento sobre cómo crear una cultura parroquial donde cada persona está llamada a la santidad y recibe la ayuda espiritual, teológica y pastoral que necesita para encontrar a Cristo plenamente presente en la Eucaristía y convertirse en testigo de él en el mundo.

O’Malley lo ayudará a reflexionar sobre cuatro facetas esenciales de una cultura parroquial eucarística:

• liturgias con alegre reverencia que celebran los dones de la diversidad;
• formación que involucra la mente, la imaginación, el entendimiento y la voluntad;
• una rica vida de piedad popular y la vitalidad de la Iglesia doméstica; y
• un compromiso de solidaridad con tu vecino.

O’Malley dice que cuando reflejamos la Presencia Real de Cristo a los demás, nuestras parroquias se convertirán en espacios sagrados en los que cada persona sea guiada a una comunión más profunda con Dios y con su prójimo.

Los recursos en línea, que incluyen ideas para retiros parroquiales, recursos didácticos y videos basados ​​en este libro y el Avivamiento Eucarístico de los obispos de los Estados Unidos, están disponibles en el Instituto McGrath para la Vida de la Iglesia.

Pages: 160

Trim size: 5 x 7 inches

ISBN: 9781646802715

Primer Libro de la Misa from Catholic Book Publishing is a Deluxe Boxed Set for boys that contains the My First Eucharist Edition of the First Mass Book (Primer Libro de la Misa) in Spanish, deluxe chain rosary in a two-piece illustrated twist case with Scripture verse, a colorfully decorated taper candle, and a beautiful laminated bookmark. This Deluxe Boxed Set of Primer Libro de la Misa for boys will be a treasured gift, useful and inspiring for prayer and a remembrance of First Communion.

Primer Libro de la Misa from Catholic Book Publishing is a Deluxe Boxed Set for girls that contains the My First Eucharist Edition of the First Mass Book (Primer Libro de la Misa) in Spanish, deluxe chain rosary in a two-piece illustrated twist case with Scripture verse, a colorfully decorated taper candle, and a beautiful laminated bookmark. This Deluxe Boxed Set of Primer Libro de la Misa for girls will be a treasured gift, useful and inspiring for prayer and a remembrance of First Communion.

Q & A for parents by Michaela I. Tudela

Parents play an essential role in the faith journey of their children who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Parents nurture their children's faith, create a prayer-filled home environment, and guide the family's engagement in parish life. Along the way, however, parents often have questions about the process of initiation that is outlined in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the way it applies to their children. This booklet answers those questions and encourages parents to support their children in the life of faith. Initiation coordinators and catechists can also use this book to begin a conversation with parents and guardians about the sacramental journey for their children as it is outlined in the OCIA.

978-1-61671-682-0 | Saddlestitched | 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 | 16 pages | Language: English

Available in Spanish!

The publication of the second edition of The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides new liturgical and pastoral opportunities for presiders and parishes. In One Love, Fr. Paul Turner--one of the most reliable experts in Catholic liturgy today--provides sound guidance and instruction on the rite. Among the many important and practical topics he covers are:

• uses for the expanded introduction
• the engagement ceremony
• the location for the wedding
• the revised words for the questions, consent, and reception of consent
• the customs of the arras, the lazo, and the veil
• other wedding customs
• and more

One Love promises to be the go-to liturgical resource on Catholic weddings for years to come.

Author: Paul Turner

Details: 88 pgs , 6 x 9 

Publication Date: 08/09/2016