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Bestselling author and biblical scholar Stephen J. Binz presents the first book to combine the ancient Western practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) with the lesser-known Eastern Orthodox tradition of visio divina (sacred seeing). Binz offers a life-changing way to pray through twenty gospel readings paired with beautiful, never-before-published contemporary icons. St. Benedict urged his followers to listen to God's Word ';with the ear of the heart.' Eastern Orthodox spiritual writers focused on gazing at icons, as St. Paul said, with ';the eyes of the heart.' Popular speaker and retreat leader Stephen J. Binz draws on the richness of both traditions by combining lectio and visio divina. Contemplation is more difficult than ever during this digital age and Binz offers a proven and profound way to cut through the noise and pray the gospels. He walks you through six steps: reading, seeing, meditating, praying, contemplating, and acting. Binz also provides simple suggestions for self-reflection that can lead to practical changes in your everyday life. The book's twenty Bible passagesstarting with the Annunciation and ending with Pentecostare paired with full-color icons of each story. The original, never-before-published icons, written by Ruta and Kaspars Poikans, are displayed in the Unity Chapel at the Mary of Nazareth International Center in Israel.

Winner of the Association of Catholic Publishers 2017 Excellence in Publishing Award: Inspirational Books (First Place). In the first book to explore how memories impact and are affected by faith, bestselling author Dawn Eden offers a guide to the process she used to heal the pain of her past. Through her own story, as well as the examples of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Peter Faber, and Pope Francis, she shows how the mercy of God, who holds all of events of our life in his own memory, can bring you healing and inner peace. Dawn Eden's My Peace I Give You helped thousands find peace after abuse and established her as the leading Catholic authority on recovering from traumatic stress. In Remembering God's Mercy, Edenwho suffered childhood sexual abuse that left her with PTSDdescribes how she was inspired by the example of Pope Francis, St. Ignatius, and St. Peter Faber, all of whom suffered from their own painful experiences and followed a similar path to healing. Pope Francis has spoken openly about how a life-threatening bout of pneumonia affected his relationship with God, saying that recognizing and accepting the power of memories to color perceptions is essential to seeing God in all things and experiencing inner peace. The pope was influenced by the examples of Ignatius and Faber. Ignatius suffered the loss of his mother at a young age and was sent by his father to live with another family. He also fought as a mercenary soldier as a young man and experienced the trauma of war and physical pain. Faber, a student of Ignatius and among the early members of the Society of Jesus, suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety for years. He wrote in his diary how he applied Ignatius's spiritual practices in a way that enabled him to rise above his mental suffering to grow closer with God. Through the wisdom of these three Jesuits, Eden developed an Ignatian model of healing:Acknowledge your memories.Accept that they change the way you see God, your fate, and other people.Allow God to transform your memories by coloring the past and present with his story of salvation. Eden examines how Jesus' wounds can bring healing to your own hurt through prayer, Mass, the Sacraments (particularly confession), and the life of the Church. In each chapter, she will engage you with specific steps to take using the most famous Ignatian prayer, the SuscipeLatin for ';receive'to transform your past traumas into an offering to God that is united with Jesus' own self-offering.

I advise you to read it.--Pope Francis on Lord of the World In an airplane news conference on his return from the Philippines in January 2015, Pope Francis mentioned Robert Hugh Bensons Lord of the World. It wasnt the first time the Holy Father praised the book. This 1907 futuristic narrative has been hailed as the finest work of this unsung, but influential author and son of the Archbishop of Canterbury whose conversion to Catholicism rocked the Church of England in 1903. The compelling book includes a new introduction, a biography of Benson, and a theological reflection. Popular young adult books such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, as well as literary classics such as Walker Percys Love in the Ruins and Cormac McCarthys The Road, have created a growing interest in dystopian novels. In one of the first such novels of the twentieth century, Robert Hugh Benson imagines a world where belief in God has been replaced by secular humanism. Lord of the World describes a world where Catholics are falling away and priests and bishops are defecting. Only a small remnant of the faithful remains. Julian Felsenburgh, a mysterious and compelling figure arises, promising peace in exchange for blind obedience. Those who resist are subjected to torture and execution. Soon the masses are in Felsenburghs thrall and he becomes leader of the world. Into this melee steps the novels protagonist, Fr. Percy Franklin. Dauntless and clear-sighted, Franklin is a bastion of stability as the Catholic Church in England disintegrates around him. Bensons harrowing plot soon brings these two charismatic men into a final apocalyptic conflict. With an imagination to rival H. G. Wells and theological insight akin to G. K. Chesterton, Bensons astute novel has captured the attention of many today, including Popes Benedict and Francis. This new edition makes it easily available and features an insightful introduction by Rev. Mark Bosco, S.J., a brief biography of Benson by Martyn Sampson, and a theological reflection by Rev. Michael Murphy, S.J.

For almost thirty years, Availability has been a trusted guide for cultivating openness and being present to God, self, and others. In this new edition, Robert Wicks describes availability as a challenging but spiritually rewarding way to live a more balanced life. Drawing insights from his spiritual mentors Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton, Wicks shows how freely entering into the turmoil and joy of other people's lives can lead to deeper self-knowledge and a powerful encounter with Christ.In this simple, accessible book written in his characteristic warm and direct style, Wicks shows how self-awareness, compassion for others, and prayer are but different turns on the same road of finding and living the Truth. Wicks looks at the three dimensions of spirituality through the lens of availability. Looking first at self-awareness, he offers brief chapters on forgiveness, clarity, and the uniqueness of each person. In part two, he examines availability to others as a twofold challenge: negotiating the difficulties inherent in relationships and entering into others' pain. In part three, Wicks explores availability to God, focusing on letting go and experiencing him.

Winner of the 2016 Georgia Author of the Year: Inspirational-religious books.Respected speaker, author, and Patheos blogger Carl McColman introduces Cistercian spirituality as "e;the hidden jewel of the Church,"e; presenting a surprisingly contemporary path grounded in monastic tradition. This accessible and comprehensive guide highlights a unique focus on simplicity, living close to the earth, and contemplative prayer, all of which make Cistercian spirituality relevant today.Steeped in chant and silence, grounded in down-to-earth work and service, and immersed in the mystical wisdom of teachers ancient (Bernard of Clairvaux) and modern (Thomas Merton), Cistercian spirituality's beautifully humble path has for centuries made monasteries places of rest, retreat, and renewal. Now, Carl McColman offers the first practical introduction to this ancient, contemplative spirituality for all people.Hailed by reviewers of his many books as playful, and profound, McColman draws on his experience as a lay Cistercian to provide insight into the relevance of the tradition to contemporary issues and spiritual practice. He explains how silence, simplicity, stability, stewardship of the earth, contemplation, ongoing conversion, and devotion to Mary combine to offer a rich and unique path to discipleship and intimacy with God.

Award-winning author and theology professor John Bergsma follows up his popular Bible Basics for Catholicswhich has sold more than 60,000 copieswith a more in-depth look at the New Testament. Using simple illustrations and the same clear, conversational style that characterized his earlier book, Bergsma introduces four of the most important writers in the New Testament: Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John. With humor and simple illustrations, theology professor John Bergsma focuses on Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John, whose writings comprise about 90 percent of the New Testament. The gospel of Matthew, written for Jewish Christians, illuminates the life and teachings of Christ as the long-promised Messiah. In Lukes gospel, readers will delve into the infancy and Triduum narratives, as well as the Acts of the Apostles and the life of the early Church. This leads the reader to discover St. Paul and his first and arguably greatest theological treatise: Romans. Finally, ';the beloved apostle' St. John draws us in to the unsurpassed beauty of the fourth gospel, as well as the most mysterious book of the New Testament: the book of Revelation. A concluding chapter offers suggestions for further study. Intended as an introductory work for those who are new to scripture study, New Testament Basics for Catholics does not aspire to be a comprehensive guide to all twenty-seven books of the New Testament, but is intended to lay the foundation for a lifetime of scripture reading.

Michael White and Tom Corcoran sparked a firestorm in 2013 with their first book, Rebuilt, the story of how they brought their parish back to life. In Rebuilding Your Message, the award-winning authors now share their carefully honed communication practices to help priests, staff, volunteers, and parishioners better proclaim the irresistible and life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ at every level. A parish doesn't just communicate its mission from the pulpit. Teaching and preaching also happen in classes and small groups, in bulletins, on the church website and social media, and through volunteers who welcome visitors through its doors. In Rebuilding Your Message, Michael White and Tom Corcoranauthors of the bestselling books Rebuilt and Tools for Rebuildingshare dozens of strategies to help Catholic parishes establish and sustain excellent communications. White and Corcoran believe that every parishioner should be engaged in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ. The authors push Catholics beyond the status quo with practical help for creating a welcoming church, practicing homilies, and preparing lessons, as well as more complex strategies such as developing a message series that connects all forms of communication to both the liturgical year and the seasons of the local community.

In this timeless classic first written in 1963, celebrated Benedictine monk, author, and sculptor Hubert van Zeller (1905-1984) offers an eloquent response to the question of human suffering: Those who endure suffering with hope and trust in Divine Providence will embark on an ever-deeper path to holiness that leads to eternal glory. Van Zeller believed that those who surrender to the pain and embrace it as a way to identify with the Passion of Christ discover its deeper meaning, replacing fear with trust, resistance with peace, and defeat with the "e;triumph of grace."e;

The renowned author of eight books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, Christine Valters Paintner takes readers on a new kind of pilgrimage: an inner journey to discover the heart of God. Eight stages of the pilgrim's way--from hearing the call to coming home--are accompanied by scripture stories of great biblical journeys and the author's unique and creative practices of prayer, writing, and photography. As she did in The Artist's Rule and Eyes of the Heart, Christine Valters Paintner once again helps readers travel to the frontiers of their souls to discover the hidden presence of God. In The Soul of a Pilgrim, Paintner identifies eight stages of the pilgrim's way and shows how to follow these steps to make an intentional, transformative journey to the reader's inner "e;wild edges."e; Each phase of the exploration requires a distinct practice such as packing lightly, being uncomfortable, or embracing the unknown. Paintner shows how to cultivate attentiveness to the divine through deep listening, patience, and opening oneself to the gifts that arise in the midst of discomfort.Each of the eight chapters offers reflections on the themes, a scripture story, an invitation to the practice of lectio divina, and a creative exploration through photography and writing.

Winner of a Catholic Press Association Award: Soft cover-spirituality books. (Third Place).For thirty years, beginning with Fresh Bread in 1985, Joyce Rupp has comforted millions with books such as Praying Our Goodbyes and May I Walk You Home. For the first time, she shares the story of her own grief in the wake of her mother's death, offering readers both a profile of her mother's resilient spirit and a voice of compassion for their own experience of loss. In this heartfelt memoir about her mother Hilda's final years, Joyce Rupp shares the lessons her mother taught her, especially to "e;fly while you still have wings."e; As a poor farmer's wife and the mother of eight living on rented land in Maryhill, Iowa, Hilda lived a life of hard labor and constant responsibility--from milking cows and raising chickens to keeping the farm's financial ledger. Rupp shows how the difficulties of her mother's early years and family life, including the loss of a twenty-three-year-old son, forged a resilience that guided her through the illnesses and losses she faced in later years. This affectionate profile of their relationship is, at the same time, an honest self-examination, as Rupp shares the ways she sometimes failed to listen to, accept, and understand her mother in her final years.Rupp begins each chapter with a meditative poem that captures the essence of each stage in the journey. Her unfailing candor and profound faith illumine this story of a mother and daughter with a universal spirit of hope, reconciliation, and peace.

Sonja Corbitt was an evangelical Baptist before she converted to Catholicism. In Unleashed, she shares her passion for the scriptures by weaving the Word of God with her own experiences to show readers how the Holy Spirit flows through their lives in relationships, prayer, and even in times of suffering. Sonja Corbitt's passionate faith and natural storytelling ability combine to create a refreshing message of how God, in his continual pursuit of us, speaks to us through the positive and painful circumstances of life, relationships, and his Word. In Unleashed, Corbitt testifies that prayerful and regular study of the scriptures is the key to hear the voice of God, to see the Holy Spirit at work even in times of suffering, and to receive all the graces God wants to give. Corbitt has been captivating Catholic women across the country with her message about God and his desire to know them in a deep and personal way. Endorsed by her bishop as a ';credit to her faith,' Corbitt inspires Catholics everywhere to engage with the scriptures with renewed vigor and energy.

In 2012, media outlets from CNN to EWTN announced that Leah Libresco, a gifted young intellectual, columnist, and prolific blogger on the Atheist channel on Patheos, was converting to Catholicism. In Arriving at Amen, Libresco uses the rigorous rationality that defined her Atheism to tell the story behind that very personal journey andto describe the seven forms of Catholic prayer that guided her to embrace a joyful life of faith. As a Yale graduate, Libresco launched her writing career by blogging about science, literature, mathematics, and morality from a distinctively secular perspective. Over time, encounters with friends and associates caused her to concede the reasonableness of belief in God in theory, though not yet in practice. In Arriving at Amen, Libresco uniquely describes the second part of her spiritual journey, in which she encountered God through seven classic Catholic forms of prayerLiturgy of the Hours, lectio divina, examen, intercessory prayer, the Rosary, confession, and the Mass. Examining each practice through the intellectual lens of literature, math, and art, Libresco reveals unexpected glimpses of beauty and truth in the Catholic Church that will be appreciated by the curious and convinced alike.

The Mystical Body of Christ captures the theological precision and communicative genius of Fulton J. Sheen (18951979), whose radio and television broadcasts, including Life Is Worth Living, have reached millions of homes since the 1950s. With more than thirty of his works still in print, Sheen is one of the most beloved Catholic evangelists of all time. This full-length and fully developed work on the Church as an extension of the Incarnation reveals Sheen's accessible and theologically astute teaching style in the early years of his ministry. First published in 1935, the book's themes of the Eucharist as a source of unity for the Mystical Body of Christthe Churchand the link between the liturgy and works of social justice were echoed in the Second Vatican Council several decades later.

Holy Goals for Body and Soul links lessons from the world of sports and fitnessespecially the experiences of a Catholic bishop who plays ice hockeywith concrete ways to live a holy life. In Bishop Paprockis view, everyone is called to holiness and holiness can be encountered anywhere. These eight steps help the reader navigate a life of holiness: FearThe beginning of any new situation brings anxiety and fear. What can you learn from athletics?; FrustrationSucceeding in sport is challenging. Despite any frustrations, you can succeed if you dont give up!; FailureRoadblocks to success are inherent in athletics. How can you deal with failure?; FortitudeHere is a God-given virtue to give you the strength to face the challenges of sports (and life).; FaithSuccess requires confidence. Confidence grows with faith. Real success comes from gratefully accepting the gifts God has given to you.; FriendshipParticipating in sports is a great way to make friends and to learn how to work together.; FamilyFamily life is the first team sport. How you work and play together with those closest to you will teach you lessons to last a lifetime.; FunDo you live your life only to win or do you pause to enjoy Gods great gifts? Can you do both? Certainly you can!

In an age when women are bombarded with mothering advice, award-winning Catholic journalist Marge Fenelon delves into eight instances of Marys life that depict Mary as the ultimate model and companion for the modern mom. In this first and only book to offer Marys life as a template for living as a faithful Catholic mother today, readers will discover that its possible to imitate Mary with the help of eight simple virtues gleaned from eight instances in Marys life. A new book in the CatholicMom.com series, Imitating Mary unpacks Scripture and Catholic tradition to examine biblical climaxes like Marys betrothal to Joseph, the Annunciation, the scene at the foot of the Cross, and Pentecost. In doing so, Fenelon introduces readers to a Mary who faced challenges familiar to every motherimpatience, frustration, sacrifice, and griefand demonstrates how, in the face of these ordinary obstacles, her reponse was an extraordinary example through the virtues of patience, joy, trust, and faith. Imitating Mary offers substance and encouragement, giving practical tips and ideas for thriving in the trenches of motherhood.

Award-winning author and Benedictine oblate Paula Huston invites readers to de-clutter their minds, hearts, relationships, and souls in a book of daily Lenten practices woven from the gospels, the Desert Fathers, and the author's own wealth of spiritual experience. "e;What are you giving up for Lent this year?"e; It's the expected question amongst Christian friends each spring. In Simplifying the Soul, Paula Huston asks her readers a deeper, alternative sort of question: "e;How will you rid your life of excess this Lent?"e; Huston encourages readers to see Lent as a time to seek out silence and free themselves of "e;stuff"e;; to de-clutter minds, hearts, and lives; and to acknowledge the connections between what they pray about and what they do. With honesty, vulnerability, and grace, Huston challenges readers to move outward and act, showing them how everyday actions like cleaning out a junk drawer, giving away something no longer used, or spending fifteen minutes in silence can be surprisingly powerful ways of experiencing a more meaningful Lent and a simpler life. Whether cutting up a credit card, visiting someone at the hospital, or forgiving someone with whom they are angry, readers experience, under Huston's gentle and expert care, how such practices lead to a more authentic Christian faith.

Our Catholic Faith: Living What We Believe offers a general overview of the Catholic faith as outlined by the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and is designed for use in an introductory Catholic high school theology course.

The 25th anniversary edition of this favorite companion reconnects a new generation with timeless Catholic spirituality with refreshing changes that create a powerful contemporary resource.

Winner of the 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Award: Collections of Prayers (First Place). Are you a Catholic mom who prays for the wisdom and patience to get through each day? Do you pray for your children, husband, family and friends, and sometimes even yourself? The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion offers a new, daily resource to make the most of those few, precious minutes you have to pause and reflect. For more than fifteen years, the award-winning CatholicMom.com website has been a trusted source for sound, practical, and spiritual guidance. In their new book, authors Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard bring together more than eighty moms, dads, and trusted spiritual companions to provide fresh, uplifting meditations for every day of the year. You'll find encouragement when you're struggling, reassurance when you feel alone, and comfort when you're distracted by worry. Created by moms for moms, these hope-filled meditations touch on the issues and concerns you face as you try to get through the day with a sense of God's presence in your life. Whether you are a new or seasoned mom working in or outside of your home, this inspiring collection of reflections for every day of the year will help youstay in touch with the seasons of the Church year;remember Mary's loving presence on her feast days;keep company with both new and familiar saints;see the spiritual meaning of secular holidays; andmake you smile with occasions such as Houseplant Appreciation Day and National Popcorn Day. Each day begins with a brief quotation from scripture, saints, recent popes, or important spiritual writers. A personal reflection--written by contributors including Danielle Bean, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, Lisa Mladinich, Elizabeth Scalia, Carolyn Woo, Mark Hart, and Jeff Young--focuses on some dimension of your spiritual, emotional, intellectual, or physical life. Each day also includes a brief prayer and a question or thought to ponder throughout the day. In just a few minutes of quiet you'll find the boost you need from a friendly voice. Each month also has a special theme such as love, family fun, and slowing down. Start these reflections any time throughout the year and feel your days become more grace-filled and inspired.

In the tradition of such beloved spiritual teachers as Francis MacNutt and Michael Scanlan, Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life offers in book form Bob Schuchts's popular program for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing through the power of the Holy Spirit and the sacraments. This renowned program for spiritual restoration is steeped in scripture and the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Deeply intimate and vulnerable about his own journey of healing, Catholic therapist Bob Schuchts connects with his readers by sharing the series of betrayals he endured in high school-his father's infidelity, his parents' divorce, and his older brother's drug addiction-and his subsequent seasons of struggle with God and faith. Be Healed is based on the program first used in dioceses across the United States to form the hearts and minds of Catholic clergy. Schuchts's trusted process for finding inner peace and healing is now expanded to serve the entire body of Christ, helping people recognize their brokenness and find hope in the risen Christ.

Drawing on the wisdom gleaned from thriving megaA ]churches and innovative business leaders while anchoring their vision in the Eucharistic center of Catholic faith, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran present the compelling and inspiring story of how they brought their parish back to life.

101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: Simple Ways for Couples to Grow Closer to God and to Each Other offers Catholic couples concise, practical, and at times humorous suggestions for creating and sustaining a more joyful, peace-filled marriage that is steeped in the beauty and mystery of Catholic faith. Insights from marriage and family scholar Jennifer Roback Morse combine with the stories of young mother and wife Betsy Kerekes to make this a book for any Catholic couple-young or old-wanting to nurture their marriage. 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage is designed to help Catholic couples improve their relationships by making small changes in their habits, attitudes, and spirituality. Suggestions for everything from the most mundane aspects of marital life (housework, budgeting, weekend football) to the make-or-break components (forgiveness, kindness, prayer) help readers to love and appreciate their spouses anew.

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran know that the fundamental work of the Church is to evangelizeto introduce people to Christ and make them disciples. Still, they're the first to admit: ';the difficulty comes when we reach down into the details and get to work.' In their barn-burning first book, Rebuilt, White and Corcoran shared their story and vision of building better Catholic parishes. Now, in their eagerly anticipated second book, Tools for Rebuilding, they lay out seventy-five proven tactics for getting the job done. In Tools for Rebuilding: 75 Really, Really Practical Ways to Make Your Parish Better, White and Corcoran share seventy-five foundational tactics that helped to rejuvenate their parish. Their candid, hands-on advice gives a clear way forwardone that will make church matter to the people in the pews and that anyone working in parish ministry can implement.Principles/tactics include:Get the Right People on the BusChristmas Is Over, So Throw Out the Dead PoinsettiasStop Advertising (Other People's Stuff) in Your BulletinDon't Let the Insiders Take All the Good SeatsJust Because It's Slow Doesn't Mean It's HolyWhen It Comes to First Communion, Just SurrenderFunerals Are Scud MissilesPreach the AnnouncementsStart Getting Rid of FundraisersEverything Takes Longer (Than You Think)Pastor, It's Not All About YouStop Trying to Make People Go to Church and Make Church Matter

Danielle Bean, editor of Catholic Digest, and Elizabeth Foss, an award-winning blogger, team up to offer daily doses of inspiration, wisdom, and hope for Catholic moms. Now back in print in response to high demand, Small Steps for Catholic Moms gives busy mothers a year's worth of sustenance, in the form of brief daily challenges about which to think, pray, and act.