Parish Resources

Text by Inos Biffi. A beautifully illustrated overview of the Church's liturgical year, starting with Advent and ending with the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. The text features explanations of all the celebrations with their scriptural underpinnings and the richly-hued art, by Franco Vignazio, manages to combine a medieval style with a modern sensibility. Paperback cover.

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

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 The heart of this journal comprises a collection of previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia's personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter, covering various reflections on life and on the nature of the Good Shepherd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

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

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  Catechism teachings

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

This remarkable book, formed by Holy Scripture and 2,000 years of Church Doctors, scholars, and theologians,  helps Catholics achieve the ultimate goal of their faithful life on earth to know, love, and serve God to be in union with him in heaven.

Edited by James Keating

The first-ever systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons. This collection of essays on history, pastoral theology, and sociology covers the entire scope of diaconal life.

In Our Life of Service, international speaker and bestselling author Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will inspire and uplift you as he and his brother deacons including Greg Kandra, Larry Oney, Dominic Cerrato, and Thomas J. Fox share their testimonies and insights about how to serve God with determination, faith, and vision. Burke-Sivers explains the gift of the diaconate as a living image of Christ the Servant in the world, a source of comfort and hope at a time when both are in short supply.

Burke-Sivers explores the daily realities of life to answer important questions about the diaconate such as:

• What does the Church teach about the purpose of this ministry both within the parish and the world?
• How are the three key responsibilities of teaching, sanctifying, and leading entrusted to a deacon at ordination practiced in daily life?
• How does his commitment to his wife help a married deacon balance his duties to his family and ministry?
• What are practical strategies and solutions for the challenges deacons face, especially when conflicts arise within ministry?

Burke-Sivers also calls for younger, more diverse groups of men who reflect on the face of the Church to become permanent deacons in order to bridge the gap between the Church and the world and to reach the unchurched.

Each chapter contains questions for reflection, action steps, and prayers to help deacons strengthen their own commitment to their calling. Drawing from the writings of St. John Paul II and other ecclesial writings about the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate, Burke-Sivers educates and inspires us to more fully appreciate this gift and enriches and encourages those who have themselves answered this call.

Written for deacons in active ministry, Our Life of Serviceis also inspiring reading for Catholics in the pew who are considering a call or who simply want to understand the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate.

The four volumes in the Saint Joseph Catechism for Young Catholics series endeavor to assist catechists and educators in the spiritual formation of the youths in their care as well as parents who are raising their children in the Faith.

This series has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The fourth volume was developed for those in High School, with a focus on teaching teens an understanding of the fundamental beliefs, practices, and prayers of the Faith as elucidated in the Bible and the documents of Vatican II.

• Uses an effective Question-and-Answer format to convey the essential elements of Catholic doctrine
• Presents God; Jesus Christ; the Sacraments; Freedom; Sin; Moral Life; the Church; and Final Reunion with God in a straightforward manner so that teens can easily retain information with greater understanding
• Provides more in-depth and nuanced explanations of the questions included
• Sections marked The Bible, Vatican Council II, and Explanation clearly delineate text sources
• Provides discussion questions to help teens think more deeply about the information they have read, to listen to how others understood the texts, and to talk about topics
• Includes three Appendices: the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, Duties of Catholics, and Essential Prayers
• Concludes with a Topical Index to allow for easy reference of topics of interest
• Illustrated throughout
• Provides parents with the opportunity to share God s truths within the closeness, caring, and love of family

• Product Code:233/05
• ISBN:9781953152954
• Pages:240
• Author:CATHOLIC BOOK PUBLISHING CORP.
• Size:5-1/2 X 8-1/4
• Color:ILLUSTRATED
• Binding:PAPERBACK

The four volumes in the Saint Joseph Catechism for Young Catholics series endeavor to assist catechists and educators in the spiritual formation of the youths in their care as well as parents who are raising their children in the Faith.

This series has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The third volume was developed for those in Grades 6, 7, and 8, with a focus on providing youths with a more expanded understanding of the fundamental beliefs, practices, and prayers of the Faith.

• Uses an effective Question-and-Answer format to convey the essential elements of Catholic doctrine
• Presents God; Creation; Jesus Christ; the Holy Spirit; the Church; the Sacraments; Sin; the Life of Grace; the Moral Life; Mary and the Saints; and Death, Judgment, Eternity in an orderly way so that youths can easily retain information with greater understanding
• Provides fuller explanations of the questions included
• Offers Fill in the Blanks section throughout to encourage the retention of information
• Includes Bible Reading section throughout that demonstrates the connection between topics covered and Scripture
• Provides discussion questions to help youths think more deeply about the information they have read, to listen to how others understood the texts, and to talk about topics
• Features Practice section throughout that offers opportunities for youths to relate what they have learned to their own lives
• Includes three Appendices: the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, Duties of Catholics, and Essential Prayers
• Illustrated in full color throughout, including the Holy Rosary

• Product Code:232/05
• ISBN:9781953152947
• Pages:176
• Author:CATHOLIC BOOK PUBLISHING CORP.
• Size:5-1/2 X 8-1/4
• Color:FULL COLOR
• Binding:PAPERBACK

Available 9/15/2021

The dedication of a new church or altar is a rare event that too few Catholic faithful and clergy are privileged to experience. When it happens, people have questions about the history, spirituality, and practical aspects of this amazing liturgy. This book by pastor and liturgical scholar, Fr. Paul Turner, will especially aid parish leadership in celebrating this rite with greater understanding.

In addition to the dedication of a new parish church, this book covers all of the other instances from this part of the Roman Pontifical: Laying the foundation stone, dedicating a church already in use, dedicating a new altar inside an older church, blessing a church to be used as a chapel or oratory, blessing an altar for a similar purpose, and the blessing of a chalice and paten. Essential for any serious student of the liturgy and helpful to those planning any of these celebrations, New Church, New Altar will expand the reader appreciation of these unusual liturgies so beautifully reformed after the Second Vatican Council.

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. His publications include Glory in the Cross, Let Us Pray, Inseparable Love, One Love, Whose Mass Is It? Light in the Darkness, When Other Christians Become Catholic, and The Stations of the Cross in Atonement for Abuse and for the Healing of All, published by Liturgical Press. He is a contributor to Give Us This Day.

192 pgs, 5 3/8 x 8 1/4

Publication Date: 09/15/2021

The Catholic Church uses three different sacred oils in some of its most solemn ceremonies: the baptism of children, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, the ordination of a priest, the ordination of a bishop, and the dedication of a church and altar. Many churches place the three oils on display for the view of the faithful and for the convenience of the clergy. Sacred Oils explores the blessing and consecration of the oils at the annual Chrism Mass, as well as the guidelines for their usage. Inspirational and educational, this book will delight everyone interested in the ceremonies of the Catholic Church.

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. His publications include Glory in the Cross, Let Us Pray, Inseparable Love, One Love, Whose Mass Is It? Light in the Darkness, When Other Christians Become Catholic, and The Stations of the Cross in Atonement for Abuse and for the Healing of All, published by Liturgical Press. He is a contributor to Give Us This Day.

160 pgs, 5 3/8 x 8 1/4

Publication Date: 08/15/2021

Presiding over the liturgy takes more than following instructions. Good presiding is artful presiding. It is knowledgeable and inspirational. It faithfully grasps the church heritage and gives it personal expression.

In Ars Celebrandi, Father Paul Turner offers a guide for priests in preparing for and celebrating the Mass. Building on a liturgy which adheres to the liturgical books, Turner examines styles of presiding and reflects on principles that will help the presider to foster active participation of the faithful.

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. His publications include Glory in the Cross, Let Us Pray, Inseparable Love, One Love, Whose Mass Is It? Light in the Darkness, When Other Christians Become Catholic, and The Stations of the Cross in Atonement for Abuse and for the Healing of All, published by Liturgical Press. He is a contributor to Give Us This Day.

168 pgs, 6 x 9 x 3/8

Publication Date: 02/15/2021

Greg Kandra's A Deacon Prays--the essential prayer book for Catholic deacons--is a practical, daily companion that speaks to deacons as no other book has because it comes from Kandra, creator of The Deacon's Bench blog and one of the most popular voices and enthusiastic advocates of the deaconate in the Church today.

Kandra left a successful career as a television news writer and producer to become a Catholic deacon after the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Covering the devastating story set Kandra on a spiritual quest that led to his ordination in 2007. He serves a parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In A Deacon Prays, Kandra has written prayers to greatly strengthen a deacon's spiritual life and richly enhance his ministry. There are prayers

• for daily life and seasons;
• for service in particular ministries;
• to patron saints;
• of devotion tailored for deacons;
• of petition and intercession; and
• marking special times in the life of a deacon.

This is an indispensable addition to any deacon's prayer corner, briefcase, or glove compartment, and will be a popular gift for ordinations, birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions in the life of a Catholic deacon.

• un indice analítico traducido del texto latino
• un glosario de términos y
• el decreto de promulgación del texto oficial latino.

The full, complete exposition of Catholic doctrine, this second edition of the international bestseller has been significantly expanded, enhancing both its content and usability. Revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the second edition now includes more than a hundred additional pages, offering such new features as a glossary of terms, an index of citations from sources and in-brief texts on core teachings. The essential elements of faith are presented in the most understandable manner, enabling everyone to read and know what the Church professes, celebrates, lives, and prays in her daily life. The first new compendium in more than 400 years, the second edition of the Catechism stands, in the words of Pope John Paul II, as "a sure norm for teaching the faith" and an "authentic reference text."

• Pages: 824
• Size: 6 x 9
• ISBN: 978-1-60137-919-1

Author: Tim O'Donnell

ISBN: 9780809154258

192 pages, 6" x 9"

In this book, the author develops a vision of the distinctive ministerial identity of deacons that is theologically rigorous and practically useful, combining two complementary images: "icon of Christ the servant" and "minister of the threshold."

Tim O'Donnell, a deacon in the Archdiocese of Boston, teaches in the diaconate formation program there and is assigned to St. Peter Parish in Cambridge, MA. He received an STL from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.

Qoheleth, also called Ecclesiastes, has been bad news for women throughout history. In this commentary Lisa Wolfe offers intriguing new possibilities for feminist interpretation of the book's parts, including Qoheleth's most offensive passages, and as a whole. Throughout her interpretation, Wolfe explores multiple connections between this book and women of all times, from investigating how the verbs in the time poem in 3:1-8 may relate to biblical and contemporary women alike, to noting that if 11:1 indicates ancient beer making it thus reveals the women who made the beer itself. In the end, Wolfe argues that, by struggling with the perplexing text of Qoheleth, we may discover fruitful, against-the-grain reading strategies for our own time.

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Author: Lisa M. Wolfe
ISBN: 9780814681237
Details: 280 pgs , 6 X 9
Publication Date: 03/06/2020

This reading of Mark's Gospel engages this ancient text from the perspective of contemporary feminist concerns to expose and resist all forms of domination that prevent the full flourishing of all humans and all creation. Accordingly, it foregrounds the Gospel's constructions of gender in intersectionality with the visions, structures, practices, and personnel of Roman imperial power. This reading embraces a rich tradition of feminist scholarship on the Gospel, as well as masculinity studies, particularly pervasive hegemonic masculinity. Its politically engaged discussion of Mark's Gospel provides a resource for clergy, students, and laity concerned with contemporary constructions of gender, power, and a world in which all might experience fullness of life.

Author: Warren Carter

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814681664
Details: 584 pgs , 6 X 9
Publication Date: 10/15/2019

When 2 Corinthians is read as a whole in the early manuscripts, we hear a distraught and defensive Paul, struggling to recover the respect of the Corinthians that he assumed in 1 Corinthians. Scholars have supplied a recent visit gone awry to explain this, but Wire argues that the Corinthians have not kept the restrictions Paul laid down in his earlier letter. It is Paul who has changed. No longer able to demand that they imitate his weakness as he embodies Jesus' death, he concedes and even celebrates that they embody Jesus' power and life and thereby demonstrate the effectiveness of his work among them.

With special attention to the women in Corinth who pray and prophesy, Wire looks at each part of 2 Corinthians through three feminist lenses: a broad focus on all bodies within the tensions of the ecosystem as Paul sees it; a mid-range focus on the social, political, and economic setting; and a precise focus on his argument as evidence of an interaction between Paul and the Corinthians. When Paul ends with "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the partnership of the Holy Spirit," the Corinthians have pressed him to reshape his message from "yes but" and "no" to "yes," from a tenacity of qualifiers and subordinations to an overflow of encouragements.

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814681725
Details: 400 pgs , 6 X 9 
Publication Date: 07/19/2019

First and Second Timothy and Titus are designated Pastoral Letters because they deal with leadership and organizational issues of the early Christian community. Probably written after the death of Paul, they nevertheless express what Paul himself would have and could have written to community leaders. Second Timothy gives the greatest amount of biographical material we have about Paul. The Letter to Philemon, a miniature but authentic Pauline jewel, is a masterpiece of persuasion regarding a slave freedom.

Terence J. Keegan perceptive commentaries on these precious remnants of first century Christianity provide information and insight regarding the gradual growth of the church. There are pertinent lessons here for today shepherds and their flocks.

Author: Terence J. Keegan, OP

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ISBN: 9780814628683
Details: 80 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 04/01/2006

Vincent M. Smiles provides a fresh look at the early Church and the faith with which they approached their dynamic, diverse community. With a brief introduction to each letter, Smiles brings to light issues such as authorship, dating, and historical situation. Smiles focuses on similarities and contrasts-such as eschatology, ecclesiology and the status of women--within these diverse, yet unified letters.

A reading of these letters as "partners in a conversation" provides both an understanding and inspiration for today's Christian society: inspiration to meet our challenges in faith with the same creativity as did the early Church.

With an understandable, yet comprehensive manner, this commentary will appeal to those interested in the changing early Church and its ancient wisdom.

Author: Vincent M. Smiles

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ISBN: 9780814628676
Details: 128 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 10/01/2005

The book of Sirach praises the study of the law, the wisdom of the men of old and their prophecies. Its author is well-read and rearticulates traditional Jewish wisdom for his generation, centering it on fear of the Lord, and clearly asserting that wisdom is a gift from God. He encourages his audience to remain steadfast in following the law of Moses rather than following the ways of the dominant pagan Greek culture.

Author: Jeremy Corley

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ISBN: 9780814628553
Details: 152 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 09/01/2013

Every culture finds ways to pass along its wisdom from one generation to the next. Old Testament Wisdom literaturecomprised of the books of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and Wisdomraises the "big" questions for the people of Israel: Why do the righteous suffer? "Why do we die? What is the meaning of life?

The book of Proverbs organizes memorable sayings that lead to insight and understanding about the world that can inform the way we live. Speaking universally of the human condition, it paints a poetic portrait of wisdom as it guides members of the community, especially the young, in how to get along in life.

Author: Katherine M. Hayes

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814628522
Details: 120 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 06/01/2013