Parish Resources

De la misa a la misión
La misa y su significado para nuestra vida cristiana. Guía del coordinador

Trish Sullivan Vanni

Participating at Sunday Mass is the most important action of the week for Catholic Christians. From Mass to Mission deepens our understanding of the Mass and how it shapes us to live as Christ's disciples in the world. Developed for three different age groups (adults, teens, and children), the From Mass to Mission series includes booklets and Leader's Guides that offer the entire parish the opportunity to grow deeper in their understanding of and participation in the liturgy.

From Mass to Mission: Understanding the Mass and Its Significance for Our Christian Life, Leader's Guide provides adult faith formation leaders with the tools for leading effective formation sessions about the Mass. A companion DVD-ROM provides a variety of downloadable materials that will enhance your sessions and assist with advertising and connecting with adults in your parish

This Leader's Guide will help you:

• Catechize about the Mass
• Lead sessions, retreats, and online discussions on the liturgy
• Use creative methods to engage adults
• Encourage deeper reflection on the Mass and Christian life

Inside you will find:

• Five videos on the parts of the Mass
• Session outlines
• Social media resources
• Promotional ideas and supplemental materials

978-1-61671-358-4 | Book with disk | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages | Language: Spanish

De la misa a la mision: La misa y su significado para nuestra vida cristiana by Trish Sullivan Vanni and Paul Turner

Every Sunday, Catholics gather together to attend Mass in memory of Jesus. At Mass we give God our thanksgiving, praise, and worship. We hear his Word and receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Participating at Mass is the most important thing Catholics do each week, for it is at Mass that we are changed, becoming what we have received in the Eucharist. The Mass charges us with an important mission to be Christ in a world that is broken and in need of healing.

This resource explores the parts of the Mass in a deeper way, helping you to better appreciate the meaning of the prayers, responses, acclamations, gestures, signs, and symbols. From Mass to Mission will inspire you to be more actively and consciously involved in the Mass and in the world as Christ's disciples. This booklet can be used by individuals, members of worship commissions, liturgical ministers, or in adult faith formation sessions. An accompanying leaders guide is available.

978-1-61671-357-7 | Saddlestitched | 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 | 48 pages | Language: Spanish

Que no se turben sus corazones Concepto catolico sobre muerte y vida eterna by Victoria M. Tufano

The death of a loved one is a difficult experience for those who grieve. However, we are comforted by our Christian faith in Christ, who conquered death and leads the way to eternal life. This booklet explores the Catholic understanding of eternal life, provides an overview of the primary funeral rites (the Vigil, Funeral Liturgy, and Committal), and offers practical ways we can remember those who have died. The questions at the end of each short chapter will help readers find hope in the promise of resurrection.

978-1-61671-429-1 | Saddlestitched | 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 | Language: Spanish

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: The Catholic Understanding of Death and Eternal Life by Victoria M. Tufano

The death of a loved one is a difficult experience for those who grieve. However, we are comforted by our Christian faith in Christ, who conquered death and leads the way to eternal life. This short booklet explores the Catholic understanding of eternal life, provides an overview of the primary funeral rites (the Vigil, Funeral Liturgy, and Committal), and offers practical ways we can remember those who have died. The questions at the end of each short chapter will help readers find hope in the promise of resurrection.

978-1-61671-426-0 | Saddlestitched | 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 | Language: English

El bautismo de su hijo by Paul Turner

Fr. Paul Turner, known for his friendly style and authoritative content, helps parents understand what they need to know about their child's Baptism. He invites them into the mystery of this first sacrament in the life of a Christian, explaining its theology, symbolism, and the ritual itself. He provides pastoral answers to many technical questions parents might have about such matters as when and where Baptism should take place, arrangements when a parent is not Catholic, and the requirements for godparents. He especially encourages parents to take the long view and understand their unique role in raising a disciple of Christ.

978-1-61671-494-9 | Saddlestitched | 6 x 9 | Language: Spanish

Discernment in Christian Initiation by Donna Steffen

As each step of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is approached, time is needed for listening for God's presence. This period of discernment allows the inquirer, the catechumen, or elect, a chance to consider how God is acting in his or her life and where God is calling the individual. Discernment in Christian Initiation assists initiation ministers with guiding people to listen to what God is doing in their lives and where God is leading them.

The resource also aids initation ministers as they help catechized and uncatechized baptized Christians seeking to be received into the Church to discern God's movement in their lives. A chapter focused on children provide initiation ministers with an understanding of how to discern the reasons for initiation with the parents and child as well as the needs of the child.

This volume is an invaluable reference for sponsors and other guides who journey with OCIA candidates. It describes the decision-making process and how people have experienced it. The book serves to improve the listening skills of guides and helps them ask the right questions at the right time. The appendix contains specific suggestions for interviews during the four stages of the Christian initiation process and offers a format for a discernment day before the Rite of Election.

978-1-61671-433-8 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 144 pages

The Living Word: Leading RCIA 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 RCIA 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 Living Word: Leading RCIA 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 RCIA 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 RCIA 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 RCIA 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

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

The Rite 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 RCIA: A Guide to Understanding Christian Initiation is an easy-to-use resource that will assist RCIA 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 RCIA 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

The preparation of new priests for ministry currently faces closer scrutiny than at any time since the Reformation, and the importance of effective priestly formation has perhaps never been clearer in the entire history of the church. In Models of Priestly Formation, some of the world's leading experts on the topic consider priestly formation since Vatican II, explore current best practices internationally, and imagine what the future of such formation might look like. The book promises to become an essential reference for every person involved in priestly formation and for anyone interested in understanding better how it is carried out and how those who do it think about their task. The eBook edition includes four additional essays.

Edited by Salvador Ryan, Declan Marmion, and Michael Mullaney

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814664124
Details: 216 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 paperback
Publication Date: 08/15/2019

This is the first book in English on priesthood in religious life to be published in twenty years. Its fourteen contributors search for new ways forward in the understanding of the distinct identity and ministry of religious mencommitted to community, the prophetic lifestyle of vows or promises, and the particular charisms of their congregationswho have also answered the call to priesthood. Essays in this collection include reflections from a bishop, from the perspective of a lay theologian, from an expert in the social sciences, and on Pope Francis's teachings on priesthood. Included as well are essays that are rooted in particular cultural traditions, in spirituality, and in canon law.

Subtitle: Searching for New Ways Forward
Author: Edited by Stephen Bevans and Robin Ryan

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814684542
Details: 232 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 11/15/2018

The charismatic renewal is a sign of the continuing relevance of the Holy Spirit for the baptized and gives life and direction to the Church in its mission in the world. Appearing soon after the close of Vatican II, the charismatic renewal has been one of a number of movements of the Spirit in the Church marked by a call to holiness and evangelization.

Call to Holiness gathers the wisdom within the renewal, thirty years after its beginnings, to help guide its continued life. This document evolved out of several years of consultation with leaders, theologians, and bishops associated with the charismatic renewal from various national backgrounds. Theologians not associated with the charismatic renewal have also been consulted.

The document covers the vocation to holiness, the experience of the Spirit, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the charisms, forms of community life, and the call to evangelize. Chapters are "The Spiritual Renewal Coming from the Council," "The Experience of the Holy Spirit and its Fruits," and "Gifted for Mission."

Subtitle: Reflections on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Author: Paul Josef Cordes; Preface by Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814658871
Details: 80 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/1997

Since the ending of Vatican II, the church has officially published no fewer than eight major documents calling for adults to be the center of the church's educational mission. And the Catholic faithful are calling on the church to quench their thirst for a deepening of their lived faith. They realize that the catechesis they received as children simply isn't enough to continue in the faith as adults in the church and world; they desire a deepened faith.

In Deepening Faith, Janet Schaeffler, OP, offers a practical guide and source of encouragement to parish and diocesan committees, catechists, and adult faith formation teams. She outlines the essential foundations, methods and strategies that can support this journey for today's adults of all ages and generations.

Subtitle: Adult Faith Formation in the Parish
Author: Janet Schaeffler, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814646526
Details: 104 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 12/09/2016

In this challenging but hopeful new book, Church, Faith, Future: What We Face, What We Can Do, Fr. Louis J. Cameli renders a carefully composed portrait of the church in North America today. Drawing on philosophy, history, cultural analysis, and sociology, he offers a sobering picture of where church and faith stand in our society and where they seem to be headed. Identifying several possible ways forward, Fr. Cameli points out the way he sees as the most promising and most faithful to Catholic tradition.

In a fascinating afterword to the book, Cardinal Blase Cupich enters into dialogue with Fr. Cameli's thinking, describing how the Archdiocese of Chicago has begun to address the issues and the directions indicated.

Subtitle: What We Face, What We Can Do
Author: Louis J. Cameli; Afterword by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814645659
Details: 116 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 05/22/2017

Far-reaching changes continue to take place in the American priesthood. Building on insights gained from four previous surveys, Same Call, Different Men uses fresh data from a 2009 survey-jointly implemented by the National Federation of Priest's Councils and the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate-in which 900 priests shared attitudes and stories about their lives and ministry. Among topics covered are the challenges of ministry with fewer ordinations and larger parishes, ministering to an increasingly multicultural laity, collaboration with lay leaders, and personal reflections on the sexual abuse issue. It also relates the many satisfactions of being a priest, one who brings Christ to others and who is invited into many profound moments of individual lives.

Subtitle: The Evolution of the Priesthood since Vatican II
Author: Mary L. Gautier, Paul M. Perl, and Rev. Stephen J. Fichter

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814634295
Details: 256 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 05/01/2012

Recovering the Riches of Anointing is a collection of the papers presented at an international symposium sponsored by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) as part of a long-term exploration of topics of theological and pastoral concern in pastoral care of the sick. This book looks at the anointing of the sick from the vantage point of theology, history, and canon law. Since Vatican II the training and commissioning of lay Eucharistic ministers has enabled the sick and dying to receive the nourishment of Christ's body and blood regularly in their confinement at home or an institution. The sacraments of penance and the anointing of the sick, however, have become less and less available as the number of ordained priests in chaplaincy is decreasing. In response to this pastoral problem Bishop Richard J. Sklba, auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee, suggested that the NACC gather theologians together to explore the history and practice of this sacrament and other rituals in the rich tradition of the Church. Thus the papers concerning this particular sacramental ministry were written and delivered at this conference. Recovering the Riches of Anointing will be helpful for professional ministers of pastoral care; professional pastoral, liturgical, and sacramental theologians; and those engaged in pastoral ministry formation.

Subtitle: A Study of the Sacrament of the Sick
Author: Genevieve Glen, OSB, Editor; Kevin Tripp, Susan Wood, SCL, Peter Fink, SJ, Michael Drumm, Kevin Irwin, John M. Huels, OSM, and Genevieve Glen, OSB; Foreword by Joseph J. Driscoll

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814627754
Details: 152 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/01/2002

Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Postconciliar Documents is now available in the widely used study edition translated by Irish Dominican Austin Flannery (+October 21, 2008). This is the translation chosen for inclusion in The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the text that both students of the Council and students of the Catechism will want. It contains all sixteen documents of the Second Vatican Council plus the forty-nine later documents from popes and Vatican congregations that implement the details of the Council's decisions.

Subtitle: New Revised Edition
Author: General Editor: Austin Flannery, OP

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814624678
Details: 1060 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/1996

This revised and updated edition of Preparing Older Children for Baptism prepares non-baptized children of catechetical age, with the help of a parent, to become full members of the Church. The first section explores the meaning of baptism in the context of salvation history. The second explains the symbols and the ritual of baptism following the three steps on the way to full sacramental initiation as described in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. The third section looks at the Eucharist as the sacrament which nourishes the new life received in baptism. While the content is primarily intended for non-baptized children, it could also be used to help boys and girls already baptized to complete their own Christian initiation through their first Communion.

Author: Sandra Figgess, RSCJ

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814621035
Details: 96 pgs , 5 3/8 x 8 1/4 
Publication Date: 09/01/1992

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is too often presented as an abstract ideal, detached from the actual parish settings in which it is implemented. This study takes the opposite approach. Based on data from participant observation and interviews, the authors tell real stories of the initiation process in five U.S. parishes. In doing so, they offer a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the OCIA process in each of the parishes. From these stories collectively they draw lessons for the OCIA as well as lessons from the OCIA for the church as a whole. Pastors, lay ministers, catechists, and directors of religious education, as well as those in seminaries and dioceses responsible for training them, will find this book helpful in realizing the full potential of the OCIA in general and in particular parish settings.

Subtitle: Lessons for and from the OCIA
Author: David Yamane, Sarah MacMillen, Kelly Culver

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814618264
Details: 160 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 02/01/2006

Can Catholic parishes become communities of missionary disciples that bear lasting fruit? If so, what does it take to move them in that direction?

Through his years as pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in Halifax, Canada, Fr. James Mallon discovered that the answer to the first question was a resounding yes! Tailored for Catholics, Alpha played a key role in the transformation of the parish he pastored.

Unlocking Your Parish: Making Disciples, Raising Up Leaders with Alphaaims to provide insight into what Alpha can do to help any Catholic parish become a vibrant, mission-focused community. 

Authors: Ron Huntley and Fr. James Mallon

ISBN 978-1-59325-365-3

Binding Softcover

Size 8 x 5.25 Inches 

Geoff Wood combines examples from Western literature and his own personal life to help readers connect the Sunday readings to their own experiences.

Paperback 6x9 168 pages

Homilies for the Sundays and various feasts of the A Cycle. Helpful for those who lead the liturgy as well as those who want to participate more fully in it.

paperback

ISBN: 978-08091-4288-0

ISBN: 978-08091-4410-5

Seasons in the Word, by Fr. John Sandell, is the first of a three-volume collection of homilies covering the Lectionary, including feast days. The book results from decades of prayerful preaching on the Sunday Scriptures by Fr. Sandell to congregations in the Diocese of Fargo.

Useful for priests in their own homiletic preparation, Seasons in the Word, will also be important for lay people who wish to prepare for the upcoming Sunday readings and individual devotion.

ISBN: 9780814625866 

Details: 120 pgs, 6 x 9
Publication Date: 08/01/2002

Author:  Ernest Ferlita, SJ
Copyright:  1994

Homilies for Sundays and Holy Days

• Paths of Life, The: Cycle A
• Paths of Life, The: Cycle B
• Paths of Life, The: Cycle C

About the Author:  Father Ernest Ferlita, SJ, received his licentiate in Sacred Theology from St. Louis University in 1964 and a Doctorate in Fine Arts from Yale in 1969. That same year he joined the drama faculty of Loyola University in New Orleans. He has often preached in university and parish settings but mainly in the chapel of the Poor Clares, for whom he has served as chaplain for many years. Father Ferlita is the author of several books, including five of scriptural reflections,  The Way of the River,  Gospel Journey, and  The Paths of Life - Cycle A,  B, and  C. One of his plays,  The Mask of Hiroshima, was published in  The Best Short Plays 1989. It was produced Off-Off-Broadway in 1996 with another short play,  The Bells of Nagasaki, under the title  Two Cities.

3 volumes 660 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8189-0707-4

Author:  Joseph A. Slattery
Copyright:  2006

• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle A
• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle B
• The Challenge of the Gospel - Cycle C

In these three volumes of thoughtful reflections on the Sunday Gospels, Fr. Slattery shows the ways in which the Gospel message can and must be lived if it is to bear fruit in our lives and in the world in which we live.

3 books: 480 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8189-0969-6