Parish Resources

The beloved Archbishop Sheen, whose cause for canonization is open in Rome, presents a profound and deeply spiritual look at the meaning of the priesthood and relationship of the priest with Christ as an "alter Christus".

Sheen delves deeply into what he considers the main character of the priesthood, and one not often discussed, that of being, like Christ, a "holy victim". To be like Christ, Sheen emphasizes that the priest must imitate Christ in His example of sacrifice, offering himself as a victim to make His Incarnation continually present in the world.

"Unlike anyone else, Our Lord came on earth, not to live, but to die. Death for our redemption was the goal of His sojourn here, the gold that he was seeking. He was, therefore, not primarily a teacher, but a Savior. Was not Christ the Priest a Victim? He never offered anything except Himself. So we have a mutilated concept of our priesthood, if we envisage it apart from making ourselves victims in the prolongation of His Incarnation."
—Bishop Fulton Sheen

Format: Paperback

Size: 8 H x 5.25 W x 0.75L (in)

Pages: 285

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

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

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.

The revised translation of the Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of their Pastoral Care is an opportunity for the church to recommit to pastoral care of the sick. It is also an opportunity to catechize the faithful anew on the heightened importance of Viaticum and the church’s sacramental life when a person is in danger of death. In To Free, Save, and Raise Up, Paul Turner offers a commentary on this ritual book, with pastoral insights for priests and deacons who use it in their ministry, as well as important background on the Second Vatican Council’s changes to the sacraments for the sick, the deliberations that produced the revised rite, and the translation process. This practical guide serves as a helpful resource for priests, deacons, and all who participate in this important ministry.

Paul Turner is pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Kansas City––St. Joseph. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. The 2025 Catholic Media Association’s Author of the Year, Turner is also a past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy, and a member of Societas Liturgica and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. He is the author of numerous books published by Liturgical Press and a contributor to Give Us This Day. 

Publication Date:4/15/2026

A practical guide for initiation ministers on the appropriate ways to accompany Christians who are already baptized, and who now seek to enter into the Catholic Church.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults offers pathways for preparing both unbaptized catechumens entering into the Christian life and validly baptized Christians of other denominations who seek to enter into the Catholic Church. However, there is often confusion about the proper ways of accompanying those who are already baptized and celebrating the sacraments of initiation with them. In Full Communion with Us, Paul Turner provides an in-depth analysis of the pages of the OCIA that concern baptized candidates, with guidance that takes seriously both the liturgical rites and the Catholic Church’s ecumenical commitments. Those who are preparing the formation as well as the liturgical celebrations pertaining to baptized candidates will find this an invaluable resource.

Paul Turner is pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Kansas City––St. Joseph. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. He is a former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and a member of Societas Liturgica and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. He is the author of numerous books published by Liturgical Press and a contributor to Give Us This Day. Most recently, he is the recipient of four awards from the 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, including First Place for Author of the Year.

Receiving baptized Christians into the full communion of the Catholic Church calls for ecumenical sensitivity and pastoral wisdom on the part of those who will accompany these candidates as they prepare for reception.

Deuteronomy, the final book of the Torah, is ostensibly addressed to males but it does not mean it lacks a concern for women. In this commentary on Deuteronomy, Johanna W. H. van Wijk-Bos provides serious feminist engagement with the complete text, paying specific attention to the effect it may have on women’s perspectives, and considers ways the text highlights female presence or absence.

In this commentary, van Wijk-Bos encourages readers to question not only the patriarchal practices reflected in Deuteronomy, but also modern misogynist and androcentric assumptions that they may bring to the world of the text. Divided into eleven sections, Deuteronomy offers insight for our present time, as well as an opportunity to hear new voices, examine cultural and gender-biased interpretations, and draw other conclusions to open up new avenues of understanding God and ourselves.

Fifty years after the death of Bernard of Clairvaux, Alan of Lille died in 1202 or 1203 among the CisteOCIAns at Cîteaux. Celebrated in his own time as doctor universalis, Alan made pioneering contributions in a variety of genres. Best known today for his influential epic poems, the Anticlaudianus and the Complaint of Nature, Alan also composed a theological dictionary, a handbook for preachers, a defense of the catholic faith against the Cathars, and one of the first Marian commentaries on the Song of Songs. Translated here in its entirety for the first time, Alan’s Elucidatio in Cantica Canticorum illumines his other writings and provides a measure for the originality of his Mariology.

Ann W. Astell is the John Cardinal O’Hara Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. The author of seven books and the editor or co-editor of seven volumes, she has recently published essays on Honorius Augustodunensis, Bernard of Clairvaux, Eadmer of Canterbury, and Aelred of Rievaulx.

Each year, on the Third Sunday of Advent, children gather with their families in Saint Peter's Square for "Bambinelli Sunday." The children bring with them figures of the Christ Child—the Bambinelli—from their family's Nativity scene. During the Angelus prayer, the pope blesses the children, their families, and the figurines they have brought.

Bambinelli Sunday tells the story of one little boy, Alessandro, and what he learns from Baby Jesus about the love that can overcome anything.

A Walk through the Mass will take you on an awe-inspiring journey through the Mass. Each chapter is focused on a particular part of the Mass. Within each chapter, Timothy P. O’Malley provides accessible context for why Catholics pray at Mass in a specific way and provides the meaning behind our postures, movements, and prayers. It will lead you to a greater understanding of the Mass and deepen your relationship with God and all who pray with you. This is the perfect resource for those interested in the Catholic faith, for new Catholics, or for those who need a refresher on our most important prayer.

Join Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR—founder of Corazón Puro—on a multimedia Advent journey led by the saints and the Holy Family to prepare yourself to enter into the story of Christ’s birth through prayer, charity, and joyful acts of service to the needy.

Prepare Your Heart features stunning original art by Valerie Delgado of Pax.Valerie, along with daily meditations on a passage from scripture, reflection questions, prayer, and space for journaling and notetaking.

Embark on a transformative journey this Advent with Heather Khym, cohost of the Abiding Together podcast, as she extends a heartfelt invitation to embrace stillness and silence amid life’s chaos, allowing God to dwell in the depths of your being. While the world moves at an ever-faster pace, Heather encourages you to pull back from the hustle and create space for our Savior to come into every area of your life—to transform and heal it through his love.

In Encountering Emmanuel, using poignant reflections and accompanying videos, Heather will gently guide you into the areas of your heart where Christ has not yet come—the areas where you’ve shut him out, the places you’ve long forgotten and ignored, or the spaces you’re ashamed to acknowledge. You’ll learn how to invite him in so that he can bring his light, love, peace, hope, and healing into your heart. From the forgotten corners to the shadowed recesses, Heather encourages you to open these spaces to the transformative power of Christ’s love.

“If we do not embrace the darkness,” writes Fr. John Nepil, “we cannot welcome the light. This is the heart of Advent: a season of trustful surrender, renewed receptivity, and silent vigil. It is the time when we wait for the coming of the light—not just in the Christ child at Christmas, but in the inner illumination of God’s presence in the soul. God, who is conceived in silence and born in poverty, comes again to fill the soul with light.”

St. Pio of Pietrelcina had a deep devotion to the Christ Child. The man more commonly known as Padre Pio also possessed extraordinary and unique mystical gifts: Jesus often came to him in the form of a little child.

In Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio, stories about the saint known for his stigmata and ability to bilocate are woven with scripture and prayer to help you experience Advent—Padre Pio’s favorite season—with greater hope and joy.

Behold the Wonder invites you to experience Advent in a fresh and immersive way—by stepping into the world of scripture and witnessing the story unfold around you. Imagine breathing in the scent of lilies at the annunciation. Envision Mary embracing Elizabeth in joyful wonder. Pause to contemplate the hushed awe of the shepherds on that first Christmas night. Picture yourself traveling with the Magi beneath a guiding star, drawn to the radiant light of Christ.

Theology professor Catherine Cavadini and artist Anastassia Cassady blend the ancient monastic practices of lectio divina (divine reading) and visio divina (divine seeing) to lead you on a contemplative journey, inviting you to encounter Jesus as Mary did—with wonder, love, and trust.

Do you want to learn more about Catholicism? Are you returning to the faith after a long absence? Do you want to know what role the Catholic faith plays in your life? The Seeker’s Catechism answers your questions in an easy-to-read Q&A format to help you feel more at home with what the Church believes and practices.

This updated edition of The Seeker’s Catechism by veteran teacher Michael Pennock offers concise answers to questions about the riches of Catholic faith based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You will learn about what the Church teaches about the sacraments, annulment, the purpose of prayer, the Virgin Mary, salvation, the Paschal Mystery, and much more.

In an era marked by Eucharistic revival, synodal renewal, and Jubilee celebrations, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—the bestselling authors of Rebuilt—offer a practical guide to revitalizing your parish through small groups. In The Transformative Power of Small Groups: A 7-Step Guide for Building Vibrant Catholic Communities, they show you how to foster faith-based friendships, which result in vibrant communities that not only sustain Christian love and service but also change the world.

This concise guide shows how small groups can become the backbone of your parish’s pastoral care, discipleship, and evangelization efforts. Through their signature blend of engaging storytelling—highlighting real-life successes and struggles—White and Corcoran share examples of how small group members rally around each other during times of crisis, challenge one another toward spiritual growth, and provide meaningful support in everyday life.

Many pastoral leaders feel ill-equipped to respond to the turmoil of those who face the death by suicide of a loved one. Responding to Suicide is the first book written for Catholic leaders that takes a holistic approach to understanding suicide and ministering effectively in its aftermath.

More than a dozen leading mental health practitioners, Catholic theologians, and pastoral care experts share how best to respond to suicide as leaders in parishes, schools, healthcare systems, and other Church settings. The book offers a cross-disciplinary approach that provides basic information about the central role of mental health in suicide and clarifies Church teaching about suicide, funerals and burials for those who have died by suicide, and their afterlife.

Death by suicide is usually sudden, often violent, and frequently comes at the end of a long and difficult struggle with a mental illness. Heaped on top of that is a social stigma that leaves loved ones in shock and often burdened with shame. Responding to Suicide addresses common concerns of the bereaved following a suicide: skepticism that Catholic leaders will understand; fear that the Church teaches that their loved one is in hell; and belief that they will find little if any support in the Church.

Ann Garrido’s 2009 article in America magazine on the spirituality of administration in Catholic settings created a wave of demand in this successful academic administrator’s already full speaking schedule. Garrido admits that she sometimes finds administration draining, even boring, as it fractures her days into “tiny shards of time” that make it impossible to focus on “the big ideas.” And yet she has found spiritual gifts in her many years as a theologian, parish minister, and administrator in higher education. In Redeeming Administration, she reveals those gifts by examining twelve spiritual habits for Catholic leaders in parishes, schools, religious communities, and other institutions—presenting a saint who embodies each habit—and showing readers how to experience their administrative work as a crucial ministry of the Church.

A brief prayer and questions for personal reflection, group conversation, or spiritual direction complete each chapter. Free downloads to accompany Redeeming Administration include a small-group guide and prayer resources.

Catholic theologian Ann M. Garrido—author of the bestselling and award-winning book Redeeming Administration—continues her work on Christian leadership by examining power not as a manipulative force in short supply but as Jesus understood it: an abundant good meant to be shared and put to use for the sake of harmony and holiness.

In Redeeming Power, Garrido helps you develop a spirituality of power by considering the skills and personal qualities that will enable a healthy and holy use of power in your role as one who leads. Garrido explores key passages from the creation stories of Genesis where we find the roots of how Jesus understood power. She shows how God shares divine power with all humans and calls leaders to specific ways of exercising power that will benefit the people and institutions they serve.

9780893905408 | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | 48 Pages

Para comprender los sacramentos de iniciación explains the rites of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Using the mystagogical method presented by Pope Benedict XVI in Sacramentum caritatis, the author explores each of the rites’ Old Testament foundations, liturgical history, and sacramental theology as well as the connection between the sacraments of initiation and daily Christian life.

9781616717247 | 6 x 9 | 256 Pages

Available March 2025.

There are many ways of ordering our time. The liturgical year is the Church’s way for centering and ordering our lives around Christ. Through the cycle of liturgical seasons and special feast days, we are reminded of God’s love revealed to us through Jesus Christ and invited to enter into God’s time and his salvation.

This pastoral resource provides an insightful and spiritually engaging overview of the meaning of the liturgical year, the liturgical seasons, the importance of Sunday, and the role of the saints in leading us to Christ. It will help you embrace the sacredness of the liturgical year and allow it to order your prayer and personal life so that, in all you do, Christ is at its center.

9781616718374 | 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 | 64 Pages