Parish Resources

El matrimonio en el Senor
Un recurso de formacion catolica

Leisa Anslinger, Laura Boyce-Steinhauser

As couples prepare to be married in the Catholic Church, it is important for them to take time to share their faith and gain insights into each other's family history and personal expectations for a sacramental Marriage. This resource is designed to help couples put Christ at the center of their marriage. It will engage them in conversation about Catholic teachings, handling conflict, developing strong communication skills, maintaining financial security, starting a family, and fostering a prayer life. They will learn more about their future partner and develop a strong foundation for marriage while deepening their relationship with God and giving witness to his love in the world.

This resource can be used during day-long Marriage preparation formation sessions, weekend retreats, and with sponsor couples.

978-1-61671-585-4 | Saddlestitched | 8 1/2 x 11 | 80 pages | Language: Spanish

Effective Preaching: Bringing People into an Encounter with God edited by Michael E. Connors

Effective Preaching: Bringing People into an Encounter with God is a practical collection of essays, featuring leading preachers, homilists and homily instructors. Compiled by Michael E. Connors, CSC, the Director of the John Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics at the University of Notre Dame, this imaginative book focuses entirely on the practical side of Catholic preaching. It will provide imaginative, hands-on, tested advice to help homilists develop preaching effectiveness, using techniques that will turn satisfactory preaching into exceptional preaching. This practical resource will be essential for priests, permanent deacons, seminarians in homiletics classes; retreat leaders, OCIA catechists; all who preach.

978-1-61671-486-4 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 224 pages | Language: English

Preaching is an essential part of the life of the church. Preachers are called to proclaim the word of Godthe Good News of salvationin the church's name. Since the Second Vatican Council, the popes have emphasized a vision of good preaching that meets the needs of the church and the people of God. In this articulate and engaging guide for deacons, priests, and bishops, Deacon Peter Lovrick brings this mission into focus for the twenty-first century. He begins by outlining the church's expectations of homilists. He then presents various methods for clarifying and measuring the marks of preaching that fulfills the church's vision. Finally, he discusses practical steps preachers can take to accomplish those goals and nourish the faith of their people through homilies.

Priests, deacons, and others involved in the ministry of preaching: the people entrusted to your care want you to read this book!

Subtitle: A Practical Guide to Catholic Preaching for the New Evangelization
Author: Peter Lovrick; Foreword by Cardinal Thomas Collins

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814646052
Details: 96 pgs , 6 X 9 
Publication Date: 03/04/2016

In Christ in the Gospels of the Ordinary Sundays, Father Brown discusses the Gospels as they are used in "the Ordinary Time." It is the time the Church treats the Gospels consecutively and in detail, with Year A of the three-year cycle taking its readings from Matthew; Year B from Mark; and Year C from Luke.

Father Brown discusses how a Gospel was formed and explains what is distinctive about each of the four Gospels. Then he fits the Sunday readings, one by one, into an overall picture of each Gospel, showing how the Gospel shapes the narrative, its theological emphases, and what it says to readers. With such an overview, the Sunday selections may be read in context and interpreted in their original sequence.

During Ordinary time people turn from reflecting on the mystery of Christ to considering how that mystery affects their lives. In Christ in the Gospels of the Ordinary Sundays, Father Brown provides an overview of the meaning of the Gospels during the many weeks of Ordinary Time.

Chapters are "Understanding How Gospels Were Written and Their Use in the Sunday Liturgy," "The Gospel According to Matthew," "The Gospel According to Mark," "The Gospel According to Luke," and "The Gospel According to John."

Subtitle: Essays on the Gospel Readings of the Ordinary Sundays in the Three-Year Liturgical Cycle
Author: Raymond E. Brown, SS

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814625422
Details: 120 pgs , 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 
Publication Date: 09/01/1998

A Concise Guide to Canon Law: A Practical Handbook for Pastoral Ministers

Pastoral ministers are faced with new questions and challenges every day, and answers aren't always easy to find. Canon law can provide the answers to some of the most complicated questions, but busy pastoral ministers don't always know where or how to find those answers. What's needed is a clear, concise, easy-to-use reference guide to church law, one that puts the answers right at your fingertips.A Concise Guide to Canon Law will do just that. This handy reference provides a compact overview of the most important canonical issues facing pastoral ministers today. Arranged by topic, it offers a thorough summary of church law including such topics as the sacraments and church organization and is complete with reference numbers to relevant canons in the Code of Canon Law. Helpful sections of "frequently asked questions and answers" at the end of the chapters make finding answers to the most often-asked questions even easier. With more and more lay people becoming involved with church administration, and with members of parishes and faith communities raising more complex and complicated questions, Understanding church law is vital and A Concise Guide to Canon Law makes it easy.

Author: Kevin E. McKenna

ISBN: 9780877939344

6" x 9" Paperback

128 pages

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel reading assigned for each Sunday in Cycle C of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean cultural world in which Jesus lived and suggests a cross-cultural comparison with contemporary Western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of the Scripture to modern life situations.

By John J Pilch

5-3/8 x 8-1/4 paperback 184 pages

From the publisher of the popular Great Adventure Catholic Bible  comes the first-ever edition of the  Catechism of the Catholic Church with the brand-new, specially designed Foundations of Faith  approach!

This version of the  Catechism  contains:

• Carefully designed pages to make the  majestic truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith readable, organized, and inviting

• An original and specially designed color-coded approach that helps readers  understand how everything in the  Catechism  is connected together

• The Catechism at a Glance Chart woven within the text to show how the  Catechism  is structured  and where to find key teachings of the Catholic Faith

• Highlighted keywords and visual references that help Catholics  quickly identify major truths and easily find their place within the big picture of the Catechism

• Dozens of callout boxes to  highlight the books of Sacred Scripture and the writings of the Church that are the basis for the  Catechisms teachings

• An exclusive, never-before-seen appendix, Sources from Scripture and the Church with a clear introduction to hundreds of sources  in th  Catechism

With  a beautiful design to reflect the profound beauty of the Faith, this edition of the  Catechism  adorns the treasures of the Church wisdom with:

• A smooth, white, leatherlike cover

• Dazzling gold foil stamping

• 4 silky, color-coded ribbons

This 224-page volume offers a clear synopsis of the essential contents of the faith as promulgated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 598 questions and answers. Like the 1992 Catechism, the Compendium has a four-part structure and includes a section on common prayers and Catholic doctrinal formulas. Because of the question-and-answer format, catechetical leaders-parents, pastors, teachers, principals, and catechists-have a unique opportunity to dialogue with the faithful and to reinvigorate the Church's ongoing mission of evangelization and catechesis. Individuals can come "to know the unfathomable riches of the salvific mystery of Jesus Christ" by reading, using, and memorizing parts of the Compendium of the Catechism. An essential tool for youth and young adults, the Compendium is the perfect companion to a youth's or young adult's Bible, spiritual reading, or textbook. Catechetical leaders in high schools, colleges, and parishes will appreciate its versatility-as a reference book, discussion starter, or core resource for OCIA programs.

ISBN: 978-1-68192-955-2

Copyright: 2023

Pages: 224

Size: 6" X 9" X 1/4"

The Paulist Biblical Commentary (PBC) is a one-volume commentary on the books of the Bible designed for a wide variety of Bible readers, especially those engaged in pastoral ministry. The volume consists of a commentary on each of the seventy-three books of the Catholic canon of the Bible along with twelve general articles. While based on classical approaches to Scripture, the commentaries and articles are not limited to historical-literary issues, but draw upon relevant theological and pastoral ideas found in the text. 

The Paulist Biblical Commentary presents: 
· Solid exegesis of the biblical text. 
· A useful tool for preaching and spiritual nourishment.
· An essential aid to deepen the understanding of Scripture. 
· Current biblical research that is relevant to pastoral or spiritual ministry. 

The Commentary brings together the collaboration of more than seventy international biblical scholars, each with expertise in their area of study drawn from their experience and interest in pastoral or spiritual ministry.

Hard cover - 1500 pages

Size  3.2" H x 10.6" L x 8.6" W

Published: September 15, 2018

ISBN: 978-08091-0613-4

This third volume of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, like each in the series, relates Scripture to life, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.

Author: Peter S. Williamson

 Publication Date: December 2009

 Size: 6" x 9"  

Pages: 222

n this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, respected New Testament scholar Mary Healy unpacks the Letter to the Hebrews, making its difficult and puzzling passages accessible to pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students. Her commentary shows how Hebrews reveals the meaning of Christ's death in light of the Old Testament figures, rites, and sacrifices that foreshadowed it. Healy explains that Hebrews, when fully understood, transforms our understanding of who God is, what he has done for us, and how we are to live as Christians today.

Author: Mary Healy

Publication Date: August 2016

 Size: 6" x 9"  

Pages: 320

This fourth volume of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, like each in the series, relates Scripture to life, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.

Authors: Thomas D. Stegman. SJ

Publication Date: December 2009

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 320

A seasoned scholar interprets First Corinthians in this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS). The projected seventeen-volume series, which will cover the entire New Testament, responds to the desire of Catholics to study the Bible in depth and in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life.

Authors: George T. Montague, SM

Publication Date: November 2011

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 310

In this addition to the successful Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two respected scholars and Bible teachers interpret James and First, Second, and Third John from within the living tradition of the Church. The commentary provides crisp explanations of the text with helpful sidebars and ideas for application to enrich preaching, group Bible study, and personal reflection. This volume presents excellent biblical scholarship in a format accessible to laypeople with no special training in biblical studies.

Authors: Kelly Anderson & Daniel Keating

Publication Date: April 2017

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 304

In this addition to the successful Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS) series, Scott Hahn, a bestselling author and a leading Catholic interpreter of Scripture, examines Romans from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students alike. The CCSS relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Supported by leading Catholic scholars as well as popular Bible teachers, the series offers a unique level of commentary for Catholic students of the Bible. Its attractive packaging and accessible writing style make it a series to own--and to read! Drawn from the best of contemporary scholarship, series volumes are keyed to the liturgical year and include an index of pastoral subjects.

Authors: Scott Hahn

Publication Date: November 2017

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 336

In this addition to the well-received Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), seasoned New Testament scholar and popular speaker Peter Williamson interprets Revelation from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students alike. The series, which will cover the entire New Testament, relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Drawn from the best of contemporary scholarship, series volumes are keyed to the liturgical year and include an index of pastoral subjects.

Authors: Peter S. Williamson & Mary Healy

Publication Date: March 2015

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 384

YOUCAT Study Guide

Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe in common.   This book is the catechism (the word means "instruction") that will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-reference for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments) and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer ), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Here is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Concise and accessible, this one-volume edition of the New Collegeville Bible Commentary: Old Testament draws together the individual contributions to the Old Testament series and offers them to readers in a convenient and attractive format.

Written by an array of respected scholars, the individual commentaries collected here bring expert insight into the Old Testament to Bible study participants, teachers, students, preachers, and all readers of Scripture. Contributors include some of today's most highly regarded Scripture scholars, as well as some of the freshest young voices in the field. A first-rate, reliable resource for Bible study and reflection, the New Collegeville Bible Commentary: Old Testament answers the Second Vatican Council's call to make access to Scripture "open wide to the Christian faithful."

Author: Daniel Durken, OSB, Series Editor

1696 pgs , 6 x 9 Paperback

Publication Date: 12/17/2015

You said yes to coordinating the 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 OCIA 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 OCIA Process, Leisa walks you through the eight most effective ways to move your parish OCIA process from maintenance-mode into a true conversion journey that inspires seekers to lifelong discipleship. Whether you're an OCIA 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

Q & A on the OCIA: A Guide to Understanding Christian Initiation by Paul Turner

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is an essential element in the life of every parish; when implemented well, the process transforms a parish community while forming new disciples.

Q&A on the OCIA: A Guide to Understanding Christian Initiation is an easy-to-use resource that will assist OCIA teams, catechists, liturgists, priests, and deacons as they navigate the initiation process. Pastorally and succinctly, this resource answers many frequently asked questions about the process of Christian initiation and its rites.

This book:

• provides a quick reference for any member of the OCIA team and parish staff
• is divided by the four periods of the catechumenate process for easy reference
• contains over 100 of the most frequently asked questions
• gives practical guidance and wisdom to help direct initiation ministers

978-1-61671-447-5 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 128 pages | Language: English

Una Introduccion al RICA: La vision de la iniciacion cristiana by Ronald J. Lewinski

Una introduccion al RICA: La vision de la iniciacion cristiana serves as a basic primer for those involved with Christian Initiation ministry. Written by Fr. Ron Lewinski, this resource provides an overview of the four stages of initiation and their accompanying rituals as well as questions for discussion and reflection.

978-1-61671-445-1 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 112 pages | Language: Spanish

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

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals Year C by Leisa Anslinger, Mary A. Ehle, Biagio Mazza, Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year C includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year C
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

978-1-61671-431-4 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages | Language: English

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year A by Lesia Anslinger Mary A. Ehle Biagio Mazza Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year A includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year A
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

Available September 2019!

978-1-61671-414-7 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages | Language: English

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year B by Leisa Anslinger, Mary A. Ehle, Biagio Mazza, Victoria M. Tufano

This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen's relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience.

The Living Word: Leading OCIA Dismissals, Year B includes:

• Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year B
• Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists
• Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant
• Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day
• Centering ideas and closing prayers
• Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day
• An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies

978-1-61671-366-9 | Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 352 pages

The visual guide to the Catechism used in the #1 podcast—The Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz.

The Catechism at a Glance Chart lays out the entire structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church using Ascension’s exclusive Foundations of Faith approach. At a glance, you’ll see the big picture—bringing clarity to the four main parts, nine types of sources, and key teachings—all connected in one handy, fold-out chart.

• Instant Visual Clarity. Vibrant color coding makes it easy to understand the four pillars, nine sources, and core teachings in a clear, structured format.
• Integrated History & Theology. Shows how doctrinal development aligns with Church councils, key documents, and Catechism references.
• Compact and Convenient. Sized like a Bible or Catechism, it folds neatly for quick reference at home, in class, or on the go.
• Perfect for Study & Teaching. Whether you’re preparing lessons or exploring the faith for yourself, this chart keeps everything at your fingertips.

Whether you’re new to the Catechism, a catechist, a theology student, or a lifelong learner, this chart makes the heart of Church teaching both accessible and memorable.

It’s the essential reference tool you didn’t know you needed—until now. Unlock a clearer, deeper understanding of the Catechism today with this beautifully designed, fan-favorite chart.