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Quik-Click Guide
Basic Catholic References
Living with Faith
Introduction to the Catholic Faith
What It Means to Be Catholic
Catholic Practice, Sacraments and Tradition
Catholic Spirituality, Moral and Social Teaching
Catholic Prayer
Historical Development
Catholic Seekers, Inactive and Recovering Catholics
Divorce and
Annulments
Current Issues in the Church
Catholic Magazines and Newspapers
Bibliography of
Adult Faith Resources in Print
The following
list is list of resources for adults who want to learn more
about the Catholic faith. No effort has been made to
insure that this is an exhaustive list. The resources listed
here are
repre-sentative of resources which are accessible and useful to
the average Catholic adult. In some cases, resources of
special value are included even if they are not currently in
print. The ten-digit number following the date of
publication is the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
Disclaimer
We believe the resources listed below faithfully represent
official Catholic teaching and the call of the Second Vatican
Council to renewal, reform and reappropriation of the Catholic
tradition. However, inclusion of unofficial publications on this list does not constitute agreement
or
endorsement of the content or author by the pastors or staff of the Waterloo
parishes.
Basic
Catholic References
Catechism of the Catholic Church
(2nd Edition).
Doubleday, 2003. 0385508190. A basic and authoritative
presentation of Catholic belief and teaching; the first general
catechism published by the Catholic Church in 400 years.
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. United
States Catholic Conference of Bishops, 2006. 1574554506. This
adaptation of the general Catechism combines inspiring
stories with doctrinal explanations.
The Catholic Study Bible. Oxford University Press, 1990. 0195282779. Includes
text and notes of the New American Bible, plus a wealth of
additional background information, maps, glossary and
concordance.
The Collegville Bible Commentary. Robert
J. Karris. Liturgical Press, 1992. 0814622119. Book
by book, line by line -- this is an excellent handbook for
beginners who want to understand Scripture more clearly.
The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism.
Richard McBrien, ed. HarperSanFrancisco, 1995. 0060653388. A
comprehensive, one-volume guide to Catholic doctrine, history,
worship, art, spirituality, literature and theology.
Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia and Catholic
Dictionary
(Revised). Russell Shaw and Peter M.J. Stravinskas, eds.
Our Sunday Visitor, 1998. 0879736690. A comprehensive and
authoritative guide to Catholic history, doctrine, and practice.
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2006. 1574554506. An
authoritative presentation of Catholic teaching written
especially for American Catholics.
Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents
/Volume I
(Revised). Austin Flannery, ed. Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing
Co., 1991. 0918344158. Official texts of the documents
issues by Vatican Council II.
Living With Faith
The following are recommended especially for those with little or no religious
background, experience or tradition and for Catholic "Seekers"
struggling with the role of faith in their lives.
Against An Infinite Horizon--The Finger of God in Our Everyday
Lives.
Ronald Rolheiser. Crossroad, 2002. 0824519655.
According to Rolhesier, “To have faith is to see everything
against an infinite horizon.” This book examines what
difference faith makes in people’s everyday lives.
Beyond
Naive Belief--The Bible and Adult Catholic Faith. Paul E.
Dinter. Crossroad, 1994. 0824514211. Dinter explores
how the church as a whole and individual believers grow from
"naive" to mature faith by passing through a stage of critical
thinking.
Broken Rainbows--Growing Faith in a Changing World.
G. Michael McCrossin. Sheed & Ward, 1997. 1556129130.
Expresses fundamental faith ideas in a way which resonates with
contemporary experience; a good resource for those who never had
much faith or those who have abandoned faith.
Christ Is
Alive! Michael Quoist. Doubleday/Image, 1972. B000Gs8FHG.
Quoist believes that faith in Jesus Christ has as much to do
with this life as it does with the next -- an almost
revolutionary idea when this book was first published.
The Christian Vision--The Truth That Sets Us Free.
John
Powell. Thomas More Assn., 1995. 0883473291. A
convincing explanation of how faith in Jesus provides us with a
master vision, meaning and purpose in life--the truth that sets
us free from personal tyrants.
Does Life Make Sense?--A Pastor’s Ten Best Guesses About God,
Life and Love.
Joseph Breighner. Twenty-Third Publications, 2002. 1585951927. This parish priest offers his “best guess” answers
for readers who are trying to reconcile faith with everyday
life.
Eyes That See, Ears That Hear--Perceiving Jesus in a Postmodern
Context.
James P. Danaher. Liguori, 2006. 0764814095. This book
bridges the gap between blind faith and objective truth; it
proposes faith based on “a more personal truth.”
Faith in
Exile--Seeking Hope in Times of Doubt. Joseph T. Kelley.
Paulist Press, 2003. 0809140888. Kelley addresses the
yearning of spiritual seekers who feel exiled or displaced from
institutional religion.
A Faith That Makes Sense. Robert J. Cormier.
Crossroad, 1999. 0824518179. A series of short
reflections which helps readers appreciate the difference faith
makes in people’s lives.
God and
the New Atheism--A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris and
Hitchens. John F. Haught. Westminster/John Knox. 2007.
156pp. 066423304X. Haught, an expert on science and
theology, identifies the inconsistencies, misconceptions and
generalizations of the "new atheism."
God--The Oldest Question. William J. O’Malley. Loyola Press, 2000. 0829415157. An
honest, inspiring examination of why God and faith make a
difference in the way we live.
God for Grownups. Virginia Smith. Thomas More/Ave Maria, 2002. 0883474832.
A somewhat challenging introduction to the God revealed in Scripture
written for
‘people who know how to think.’
How to Explain Your Faith.
John Pritchard. The
Liturgical Press, 2007. 0814631789. A good primer for people
who have lots of questions, like why bother? why believe?
or why get involved?
An Introduction to Christian Belief--A Contempoary Look at the
Basics of Faith.
Robert Sheard. Twenty-Third Publications, 1996. 0896227073. Sheard seeks to explain the role of faith and
fundamental Christian doctrines in a world which has radically
changed.
Jesus Today--A Spirituality of Radical Freedom.
Albert Nolan. Orbis Books, 2006. 1570756724. At the
heart of Nolan’s book is the conviction that faith in Jesus
Christ is the answer to the complex personal and social problems
of the 21st century.
Losing
Your Religion, Finding Your Faith. Fr. Brett Hoover.
Paulist Press, 1998. 160pp. 0809137828.
Written for young adults, but applicable for any spiritual
seeker who feels alienated from the church or confused about how
one comes to an "adult" stage of belief.
The Pursuit of Happiness--Evolving a Soul. William
J. O’Malley. Thomas More Assn., 1995. 088347333X. O’Malley
invites readers to discover their personal uniqueness and
integrate it into the wider story of the Christian community.
Seek And You Will Find--Questions on the Christian Faith.
Taize Community. GIA Publications, 2006. 1579995926.
Examines the kind of questions we all have about life, faith,
God, Jesus, the Bible and prayer.
The Seven Storey Mountain. Thomas Merton.
Harcourt, 1999. 0156010860. Merton outlines his journey
of faith from early doubts through his conversion to Catholicism
and the decision to become a Trappist monk. This a the classic
guide for every seeker.
The Sky Is
Not Falling--An Astronomer's Faith. Aileen O'Donoghue. Orbis
Books.
Stories of God--An Unauthorized Biography. John
Shea. Thomas More Press, 1978. 0883470853. This book is out of
print, but it’s worth finding a used copy if you’re
looking for a book that explains faith in a way that is
meaningful in today’s world.
Theology for Beginners (Revised). Francis Sheed. St. Anthony Messenger/Servant Books,
1982. Considered a classic modern introduction to the
central doctrines of the Christian faith, and a good place
to start if you don't know much about the Christian faith.
Tomorrow’s Catholic--Understanding God and Jesus in a New
Millennium
(Revised). Michael Morwood. Twenty-Third Publications, 1997.
0896227243. Connects faith to the postmodern cosmology;
a good read for those who aren’t used to religion or church.
Tracing the Footsteps of God--Discovering What You Really
Believe.
C.S. Song. Fortress Press, 2007. 0800638921. Provides a
process to help readers use their daily experience to answer the
question, “What do I believe?”
What Faith Is Not. Mitch Finley. Sheed & Ward, 2001. 1580511031. According to
Finley, faith is more than an excuse for suffering, an antidote
to doubt, a hedge against death, or a source of secret
knowledge; it is the foundation of meaning and joy.
What Is the Point of Being a Christian? Timothy
Radcliffe. Burns & Oates/Continuum, 2006. 0860123693.
This apology for living with faith is based on the conviction
that the lives of Christians should be marked by hope, freedom,
happiness, courage and openness to the world.
Who Are You Really?--A Seeker’s Guide to Faith.
Peter Cullinane. Twenty-Third Publications, 2005.
1585953792. Explores the role of faith and our relationship to
God in terms of what it means to be fully human.
You Know More Than You Think--Your Intuitive Knowledge of God in
the Catholic Tradition. James Penrice. St. Pauls, 2003. 081890948X. Penrice’s
premise is that we can all intuitively access the essentials of
faith through our everyday experience.
Introduction to the
Catholic Faith
The following are shorter, one-volume resources which provide an
overview of what Catholics believe, what Catholics do and how Catholics
pray.
Catholic Answers to Fundamentalists' Questions (revised).
Philip St. Romain. Liguori Publications, 2005.
0764813412.
Catholic Beliefs from A to Z--An Inspirational Dictionary.
Alfred McBride. St. Anthony Messenger/Servant Books, 2001.
189pp. 156955174X.
The
Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. Brian Singer-Towns.
St. Mary's Press, 2004. 0884897672.
Catholic
Quick View--Beliefs, Definitions, Prayers, Practices.
Brian Singer-Towns. St. Mary's Press, 2005.
0884899020
The
Catholic Sourcebook (fourth edition). Peter Klein.
Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2006.
0159018838
Compendium
of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2006.
1574557203.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Catholicism.
Bob
O’Gorman and Mary Faulkner. Alpha, 2003. 448pp. 1592570852.
The Essential Catholic Handbook--A Summary of Beliefs, Practices
and Prayers
(Revised). Liguori Publications, 2004. 0764812890.
Essentials
for Christian Living. United Stated Conference of
Catholic Bishops, 2008.
Handbook for
Today's Catholic (revised). Cardinal Francis George. Liguori
Publications, 2004. 0764812203.
Theology for Today's
Catholic--A Handbook. Stephen Rehrauer. Liguori
Publications. 2005. 0764813080
What You Should Know About...(series).
Charlene Altemose. Liguori Publications. These short,
informative and interesting books provide a summary of basic
information.
--
What You Should Know About Church History. 0764808184.
-- What You Should Know About Mary. 0764801627
-- What You Should Know About the Mass. 0892434627.
-- What You Should Know About the Sacraments. 0892436298.
-- What You Should Know About the Saints. 0764800477.
-- What You Should Know About the Word of God. 076480532.
What It
Means to Be Catholic
The following provide a more detailed examination of what
Catholics, how Catholics behave, and what makes Catholics
different.
The American Catholic Experience
(series). Acta Publications. Writers in this series are lay
people who explore the unique ways in which faith comes alive in
everyday life.
--
Finding My Way in a Grace-Filled World. William L. Droel.
087946285X.
-- Living in Ordinary Time. Maryellen O’Brien.
0879462868.
--
The Spiritual Apprenticeship of a Curious Catholic. Jerry
Hurtubise. 0879462833.
Being Catholic--How We Believe, Practice and Think.
Daniel Pilarczyk. St. Anthony Messenger, 2006. 246pp.
0867167084. Examines what is unique about Catholic belief,
practice and thought.
Being Catholic Today--Your Personal Guide.
Bert Ghezzi. Servant Books, 1998. 166pp. 1569550107. Explains
what it means to be Catholic and 15 key ways of practicing the
faith.
Catholic Beliefs and Traditions--Ancient and Ever New.
John F. O’Grady. Paulist Press, 2002. 368pp. 0809140470. A good
review of the nature of Catholic faith and practice, appropriate
for anyone who is looking for a unified vision of Catholicism.
The Catholic Experience. By Lawrence Cunningham. Crossroad, 1986. 270pp. 0824507053.
Examines the Catholic experience of human reality--time, space,
life, community; convey what it “feels like” to be a
Catholic/Christian.
The Catholic Faith--An Introduction. By
Lawrence Cunningham. Paulist Press, 1986. 192pp. 0809128594. A
good overview of what it means to be a Catholic which focuses
more on religious experience than theological doctrines.
The Catholic Imagination.
Andrew Greeley.
University of California Press, 2001. 213pp. 0520232046.
Examines Catholicism’s unique worldview and culture, shaped by
the conviction that objects, events and persons of daily life
are revelations of grace.
Catholicism
(Revised/3rd Edition). Richard McBrien. HarperCollins, 1994.
0060654058. Comprehensive explanation of Catholic teaching
which examines its historical development, the current official
teaching, and contemporary interpretations.
Catholicism--Now I Get It! Claire Furia Smith. Our Sunday Visitor, 2007. 1592761526. Written
especially for Catholics from the ‘lost generation’ who want to
rediscover the richness of their faith.
Choosing to Be Catholic--For the First Time, or Once Again.
William O’Malley. Thomas More Ave Maria, 2001. 240pp.
0883474735. An excellent book for readers who want to learn
more about the Catholic faith and feel “at home” in the Catholic
Church.
Distinctively Catholic--An Exploration of Catholic Identity.
Daniel Donovan. Paulist Press, 1997. 210pp. 080913750X. Although
somewhat academic, this is an excellent resource for readers who
want to know what makes Catholic Christianity “different.”
A Faith
That Frees--Catholic Matters for the 21st Century. Richard
G. Malloy SJ. Orbis Books, 2007. 1570757341. For
Catholics disappointed in the Church, Malloy offers a vision of
a church engaged in transforming the world.
Full Christianity--A Catholic Response to Fundamental Questions.
Richard Chilson. Paulist Press, 1985. 136pp. 0809126699. Uses
questions-and-answer format to show the differences between the
Catholic and fundamentalist visions of Christian faith.
The Good Enough Catholic--A Guide for the Perplexed.
Paul Wilkes. Ballantine Books, 1997. 354pp. 0345409620. Wilkes
sorts through the debate over who’s a good Catholic and who
isn’t in order to find out who’s good enough.
The Great Mysteries--Experiencing Catholic Faith from the Inside
Out.
By Andrew M. Greeley. Sheed & Ward. 2003. 180pp. 1580511317. No
one summarizes the basic ideas of Catholic faith better than
Greeley, who writes passionately about the faith questions which
arise out of everyday experience.
The Mystery of Faith--An Introduction to Catholicism.
Michael Himes. St. Anthony Messenger, 2004. 120pp. 0867165790.
A short, well-written explanation of ten basic truths about the
Catholic faith.
The Privilege of Being Catholic. By Fr.
Oscar Lukefahr. Liguori Publications, 1993. 208pp. 0892435631.
Explains the distinguishing features of Catholicism in a way
that helps readers appreciate what Catholics are as well as what
they believe.
Seeker’s Guide to Being Catholic. Mitch Finley. Loyola
Press. 1997. 184pp. 0829409343. A good introduction which
examines basic beliefs and how they apply to relationships,
work, spirituality and church life.
The Seven Secrets of Successful Catholics. Paul
Wilkes. Paulist Press, 1998. 080913795X. Wilkes has identified
seven common factors which provide a framework for Catholic
beliefs and actions.
What Makes Us Catholic--Eight Gifts for Life. Thomas
Groome. HarperSanFrancisco, 2003. 314pp. 0060633999. Groome
uses alot of (mostly Irish) stories and anecdotes to explain
eight spiritual qualities which are characteristic of Catholic
faith and Catholic life.
Why Be Catholic?
William J. O’Malley. Crossroad, 1993. 184pp. 0824513622.
O’Malley’s goal is to introduce Catholicism to Catholics and
non-Catholics who aren’t used to a lot of religious talk.
Would You Like to Be Catholic?
Eugene Kennedy. St.
Anthony Messenger, 2003. 96pp. 0867165308. Examines the human
and spiritual qualities of what it means to become and remain a
Catholic.
Catholic Practice, Sacraments and Traditions
Catholic Customs and Traditions--A Popular Guide
(Revised). By Greg Dues. Twenty-Third Publications, 1993.
210pp. 0896225151. Explains the origin and meaning of popular
and traditional practices associated with the liturgical year,
the saints, sacraments and sacramentals.
Doors to the Sacred--An Introduction to Sacraments in the
Catholic Church
(Revised). Joseph Martos. Liguori Publications, 2001. 477pp.
0764807188. One of the first, best and most comprehensive
reviews of the historical and cultural evolution of the seven
Catholic sacraments.
The Essential Catholic Handbook of the Sacraments.
Thomas M. Santa. Liguori, 2001. 284pp. 0764807811.
This is an inclusive and reliable introduction to the
Sacraments; recommended for readers who want one dependable
resource.
A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals. By Ann
Ball. Our Sunday Visitor, 1991. 222pp. 0879734485. Explores the
history and meaning of many traditional Catholic sacramentals
and religious customs.
A New Look at the Sacraments.
William
J. Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, 1983. 300pp. 0896221741.
Looks at how Catholic sacramental rituals have changed, and
explores sacraments as grace-filled actions rather than things.
How to Read a Church--A Guide to Symbols and Images.
Richard Taylor. Hidden Spring/Paulist Press, 2005. 256pp.
1587680300. Explains the religious meaning of the images,
symbols and features found in traditional churches and
cathedrals.
Now That You Are a Catholic--An Informal Guide to Catholic
Customs, Traditions and Practices (Revised). John J. Kenny. Paulist Press, 2003. 128pp.
0809141949. Includes a ‘how-to’ guide for new Catholics, an
explanation of Catholic terms, and the text of common prayers.
Rethinking Sacraments--Holy Moments in Daily Living.
Bill Huebsch. Twenty-Third Publications, 1989. 204pp.
0896223930. Huebsch uses “church basement” language to interpret
what the sacraments mean, and how we experience them as “holy
moments” in everyday life.
The Sacraments--How Catholics Pray. By
Thomas Richstatter. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1995. 135pp.
0867161760. A good introduction to Catholic sacraments which
explains the rites, their history, and the reasons why Catholics
do what they do.
Sacraments--Rites of Passage. William J. O’Malley. Thomas More Assn., 1995. 280pp.
0883472937. Explains the sacraments in simple, meaningful
language based on readers’ lived experience.
Why Do Catholics Do That?
Kevin Orlin Johnson.
Ballantine Books, 1995. 304pp. 0345397266. An eclectic but
interesting presentation of various Catholic teachings, practice
and customs.
Catholic
Spirituality, Moral and Social Teaching
Be Blessed in What You Do--The Unity of Christian Ethics and
Spirituality.
By Michael K. Duffy. Paulist Press, 1988. 140pp. 0809129604.
Helps bridge the gap between morality and spirituality, action
and solitude, holiness and worldliness.
Belonging to God--A Personal Training Guide for the Deeper
Catholic Spiritual Life.
By
Charles M. Murphy. Crossroads, 2004. 022452148X. Offers
practical advice for beginners in how to shape a spirituality
which begins with who and where we are as lay people in the real
world.
A Catholic Perspective on the Purpose-Driven Life.
Joseph Champlin. Catholic Book Publishing, 2006. 0899421326.
This book clarifies and enhances Rick Warren’s popular insights
from a Catholic perspective.
A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching.
Kevin McKenna. Ave Maria Press, 2002. 159pp. 0877939799. A good
introduction which explains the seven significant themes
contained in Catholic Social Teaching.
Christian Spirituality--Themes from the Tradition.
Lawrence Cunningham and Keith Egan. Paulist Press, 1996. 224pp.
0809136600. A concise and accessible thematic overview of the
various ways Christians have approached God in prayer and
practice.
Conscience--An Owner’s Manual. James Penrice. St. Pauls, 2007. 83pp. 0818912251. Examines the
role of personal conscience in moral decision-making and how to
form a reliable conscience.
Conscience in Conflict--How to Make Moral Choices
(Third
Edition). By Kenneth R. Overberg, SJ. St. Anthony Messenger
Press, 1997. 152pp. 9780867167238. Provides principles of
Catholic moral teaching in a way which helps readers make good
moral choices about personal and social issues.
Don’t Tell Me What to Do!--A Catholic Understanding of Modern
Moral Issues.
Dave Heney. Paulist Press, 2002. 176pp. 0809140748. Explains
what the Church teaches and why in the areas of sexuality,
family life, medical ethics and social justice.
The Essential Moral Handbook--A Guide to Catholic Living.
Kevin O’Neil et.al. Liguori, 2004. 313pp. 0764809229. This
is a reliable and inclusive introduction to Catholic moral
teaching; recommended for readers who want one dependable
resource.
Finding God Again--Spirituality for Adults. John
Shea. Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. 224pp. 0742542157. Shea
writes for adults who have lost touch with spirituality because
their image of God is too narrow or unreal to make sense out of
everyday experience.
The Good Life--Where Morality and Spirituality Converge.
Richard M. Gula. Paulist Press, 1999. 080913859X. Explores the
complementary nature of character and duty, virtue and
principles, spirituality and ethics.
The Holy Longing--The Search for a Christian Spirituality.
Ronald Rolheiser. Doubleday, 1999. 272pp. 0385494181.
Considered by many critics and readers to be the absolutely best
book written about Catholic spirituality in recent years.
Jesus Today--A Spirituality of Radical Freedom.
Albert Nolan. Orbis Books, 2006. 220pp. 1570756724. At the
heart of Nolan’s book is the conviction that faith in Jesus
Christ is the answer to the complex personal and social problems
of the 21st century.
A New Look at Grace. Bill Huebsch. Twenty-Third Publications, 1988. 160pp. 0896223558.
In his unique sense-line style, Huebsch explores God's presence
(grace) in our everyday lives and provides a graphic account of
what it means to live in an incarnational world.
The Seven Storey Mountain. Thomas Merton.
Harcourt, 1999. 0156010860. Merton outlines his journey of
faith in this modern spiritual classic which is helpful to
newcomers and veterans alike.
Whatever Happened to Sin?--The Truth About Catholic Morality.
Charles E. Bouchard. Liguori Publications, 1996. 0892438495. A
short but very practical and faithful introduction to Catholic
moral teaching and practice designed for the average reader.
Catholic Prayer
A Catholic Book of Hours and Other Devotions. William
G. Storey. Loyola Press, 2007. 392pp. 0829425845.
Here is a modern and flexible adaptation of the official
"Liturgy of the Hours" which includes options for praying once a
day or several times a day.
Catholic Prayer. By Lawrence S. Cunningham. Crossroad, 1989. 208pp. 0824509307. A
basic introduction to Catholic spirituality and prayer in their
historical context.
The Catholic Prayer Book.
Michael J. Buckley et.al. St. Anthony Messenger Press/Servant
Books, 1986. 273pp. 0892832835. Provides a wide range of
personal, family and official prayers from the Church’s rich
tradition.
An Everyday Book of Hours.
William
Storey. Liturgy Training Publications, 2001. 156854278X. A
simple approach to morning and evening prayer adapted from the
traditional “Liturgy of the Hours.”
189 Ways
to Contact God--Find the Prayer Starters That Work for You!
Marlene Halpin. Loyola Press. 304pp. 0829413656. A
collection of prayer suggestions for anyone -- beginners or
veterans -- who wants to jump-start their prayer life.
Opening to God--A Guide to Prayer (Updated). Thomas H.
Green SJ. Ave Maria, 2006. 128pp. 1594710716. This “must have”
guide explains what prayer is and describes techniques that
prepare the soul to encounter God.
Our Catholic Prayer--A Popular Guidebook. Therese
Johnson Borchard. Crossroad, 1999. 144pp. 0824516060. An
excellent introduction to the history, theology and spirituality
of Catholic prayer and devotion.
A Prayerbook for Catechumens. Alison Berger.
Twenty-Third Publications, 2001. 1585951471. Helpful
introduction to the Catholic prayer tradition, church seasons,
devotions and blessings.
Prayers for the Domestic Church.
Edward Hays. Forest of Peace/Ave Maria, 1989. 093951611X. A
wonderful collection of creative, unusual and moving prayers for
a wide variety of common and uncommon occasions.
Simple Ways to Pray--Spiritual Life in the Catholic Tradition.
Emilie Griffin. Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. 206pp. 0742550842.
Explores the different types, styles and techniques of Catholic
prayer and provides practical strategies for starting and
sustaining a prayer life.
With Open Hands
(New edition). Henri J.M. Nouwen. Ave Maria, 2006. 128pp.
1594710643. A classic introduction to prayer by one of the most
respected contemporary spiritual guides.
The Words
We Pray--Discovering the Richness of Traditional Catholic
Prayers. Amy Welborn. Loyola Press. 232pp. 0829419566.
Explains the meaning of nineteen traditional Catholic prayers
and explores their role in spiritual life.
Catholics and Scripture
A Catholic Guide to the Bible.
By Fr. Oscar Lukefahr. Liguori Publications, 1998. 224pp.
0764802011. A concise guide to the historical background,
author, style and meaning for each of the 73 books of the Bible.
The Essential Bible Handbook--A Guide for Catholics.
Liguori, 2002. 304pp. 0764808362.
This is a reliable and inclusive introduction to the Catholic
understanding of Scripture; recommended for readers who want one
dependable resource.
God’s Library--A Catholic Introduction to the World’s Greatest
Book.
Joe Paprocki. Loyola Press, 2005. 122pp. 082942069X. Provides a
basic overview and an approach to reading the Bible for
Catholics who don’t know where to begin.
How Do Catholics Read the Bible?
Daniel
Harrington. Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. 144pp. 0742548716. Uses
insights from biblical scholarship and personal anecdotes to
help readers engage Scripture from a “Catholic” perspective.
If I'm Christian, Why Be A Catholic?--The Biblical Roots of
Catholic Faith.
By James E. Hanson, C.S.C. Paulist Press, 1984. 232pp.
0809126338. Shows how both the Bible provides a foundation for
Catholic beliefs and shapes a Catholic’s everyday life.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and You--Unraveling the Gospels.
William J. O’Malley. Thomas More/Ave Maria, 1996. 263pp.
0883472864. Demonstrates how to let these Gospels say what they
want to say, not what others think they say.
People of the Covenant--An Invitation to the Old Testament.
Dianne Bergant. Sheed & Ward, 2001. 216pp. 1580510906. An
introduction to the First Testament which explores the text
through the eyes of the people who populate it.
The Seeker’s Guide to Reading the Bible.
Steve Mueller. Loyola Press, 1999. 237pp. 0829413456. An
excellent introduction to how Catholics understand and use the
bible.
Things
Hidden--Scripture as Spirituality. Richard Rohr. St.
Anthony Messenger Press, 2008. 238pp. 0867166592.
Rohr examines the central themes of the Bible and how these
themes challenge believers to change their lives.
Who Is Jesus? Why Is He Important?--An Invitation to the New
Testament.
Daniel Harrington. Sheed & Ward, 2000. 212pp. 1580510531. A
step-by-step guide through the entire Second Testament, focusing
on the basic message: Who Is Jesus?
Historical Development
American and Catholic--A Popular History of Catholicism in the
United States.
By Clyde F. Crews. St. Anthony Messenger, 1995. 181pp.
0867165537. Presents its strengths, diversity and weaknesses of
the Church in America.
The Catholic Church--A Brief History. By
Alfred Lapple. Paulist Press, 1985. 109 pp. 0809195674. A
short, simple but very useful and reliable overview of Catholic Church
history.
The Catholic Heritage. By Lawrence Cunningham. Wipf & Stock Publishers. 2002. 236pp.
1579108970. Examines how the Catholic tradition has been
embodied and experienced through the years; shows how the
Catholic tradition is a history of continuity and change.
The Church
Emerging from Vatican II. By Dennis M. Doyle.
Twenty-Third Publications, 1992. 0896225077. This is an
excellent overview of how and why the Catholic church has
changed since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.
A Concise History of the Catholic Church
(Revised). Thomas Bokenkotter. Image Books, 2005. 624pp.
0385516134. A bestselling and definitive resource for scholars,
students and general readers.
Key Moments in Church History--A Concise Guide to the Catholic
Church.
Mitch Finley. Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. 208pp. 0742550737.
Examines the origin, development and future of the Catholic
Church through eleven significant historical periods.
People of God--the History of Catholic Christianity.
Anthony E. Gilles. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2000. 251pp.
0867163631. Helps readers put Church history into perspective
with the times and cultures in which it developed.
Renewing
Christianity--A History of Church Reform from Day One to Vatican
II. By Christopher M. Bellitto. Paulist Press, 2001.
0809140284. Bellitto explains how the Church has adapted
to changing times without betraying its fundamental principles.
Retrospect--The Origins of Catholic Belief and Practices.
By John Deedy. Thomas More Press, 1991. 346pp. 0883472600.
Explains the origin and historical development of many aspects
of the Catholic tradition.
Story of the Church--Peak Moments from Pentecost to the Year
2000.
Alfred
McBride. St. Anthony Messenger, 1996. 196pp. Uses mini-dramas,
interviews, diaries and dialogues to present church history from
a personal perspective.
Turning Points--Unlocking the Treasures of the Church.
James Philipps. Twenty-Third Publications, 2007. 128pp.
158595577-9. This overview of church history explains how
the Catholic Church has grown and changed over the years.
Catholic Seekers, Inactive and Recovering Catholics
An
Unlikely Catechism--Some Challenges for the Creedless Catholic.
William Reiser SJ. Paulist Press, 1985. 0809127067. This
book was written for those who are not sure if they believe,
what they believe or what beliefs are really central to their
daily lives.
Could You Ever
Come Back to the Catholic Church?
Lorene Hanley
Duquin. St. Pauls, 1994. 0818907894. This is a balanced
presentation of where the Church is at these days, and what
you’re getting into if you decide to reconnect.
The Dysfunctional Church--Addiction and
Codependency in the Family of Catholicism. Michael H.
Crosby. Ave Maria Press, 1991. 087793455X
A Faith
Interrupted--An Honest Conversation with Alienated Catholics.
Alice Camille and Joel Schorn. Loyola Press, 2004.
082941682X. This is an invitation to healing and hope for
those who are struggling with their faith, whether they intend
to remain Catholic or not.
Faith Rediscovered--Coming Home to Catholicism.
Lawrence
Cunningham. Paulist Press, 1988. 080912923X. Written
especially for inactive Catholics, but helpful for anyone who
wonders how or why faith can make a difference in people’s
lives.
I Like Being Catholic--Treasured Traditions, Rituals and
Stories.
Michael Leach and Therese Borchard, eds. Image, 2005. 176pp.
0385508069. A collection of personal essays, prayers,
quotations and stories by a wide variety of Catholics who like
being Catholic and wouldn’t think of being anything else.
It’s My Church
and I’ll Stay if I Want To.
Lonni Collins Pratt. Liguori/Triumph, 2003. 0764810960.
Examines how the author’s decided to take personal
responsibility for her faith and resume active participation in
the Church.
Recovering
Catholics--What to Do When Religion Comes Between You and God.
Earnie
Larsen. Harpercollins. 1992. 0060649550.
Returning Home
to Your Catholic Faith--An Invitation.
Sally L. Mews. Liguori, 2003. 0764810995. Addresses the fears,
hurts and guilt many inactive Catholics feel and provides
practical tips on how to reconnect if you’re ready.
Welcome
Home!--Stories of Fallen-Away Catholics Who Came Back.
Terry Barber. Ignatius Press, 2000. 0898707927. Eleven
personal, unique and moving accounts of Catholics who left and
later returned to the Catholic faith.
While You Were
Gone--A Handbook for Returning Catholics and Those Thinking
About It.
William
Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, 1994. 0896225755. Examines
questions and concerns of special interest to returning
Catholics.
Why I Am
Still a Catholic. Kevin Ryan, ed. Riverhead, 1998.
1573226777. The essays in this book were written
especially for young adults by individual Catholics -- some
famous, some not.
Divorce
and
Annulments
Annulment--Do You Have a Case?
(Revised). Terence E. Tierney. Alba House, 1993. 142pp.
0818906677.
Annulment--How the Church Can Declare a Marriage Null. Michael
Smith Foster. Paulist Press, 1999. 205pp. 0809138441.
Explains the concepts and procedures
surrounding annulment and the mechanics of canon law. Using
clear, simple language and dozens of concrete examples.
Annulment--Your Chance to Remarry Within the Catholic Church.
Joseph P. Zwack. HarperSanFrancisco, 1983. 144pp. 006250990X.
Annulment--A Step-by-Step Guide for Divorced Catholics.
Ronald T. Smith. ACTA Publications, 1997. 128pp. 0879461276.
Explains what a person needs to do and say in
order to obtain an annulment and remarry in the Catholic Church;
offers suggestions about healing the hurts of divorce and moving
forward.
Catholic
Annulment: Spiritual Healing.
Dennis and Kay Flowers.
Addresses a variety of basic mental, emotional, and spiritual
factors in the process of healing the pain of divorce and broken
relationships.
The
Dilemma of Divorced Catholics--Where
Do You Stand with the Church?
John T.
Catoir, JCD. Spells out
clearly, concisely and faithfully what the Church really has to
say about divorce and remarriage.
Getting Up, Getting Over, Getting On--A Twelve Step Guide to
Divorce Recovery.
Micki McWade, MSW. Adapts the best techniques,
information, and life lessons of long established recovery
programs to provide a concise and comprehensive pathway to a
fulfilling life after divorce.
Marriage, Divorce and Nullity--A Guide to the Annulment Process
in the Catholic Church.
Geoffrey Robinson. Liturgical Press, 1987. 96pp. 0814615708.
Returned to Peace--The
Spiritual Benefits of Annulment.
Desirée and
Tom Marciani. The authors explain their journey
through the annulment process and the significant things they
learned that helped them be better Catholics, better people, and
better spouses.
Current Issues In the Catholic Church
Brave New Church--From Turmoil to Trust. William
J. Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, 2001. 299pp. 1585951358.
Examines twelve challenges facing the Catholic Church in the
wake of the sex abuse scandal.
Breaking Trust--A Priest Looks at the Scandal of Sexual Abuse.
William J. Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, 2002. 112pp.
1585952346. Bausch is a pastor and writer with a reputation for
being honest and insightful in his analysis of issues
confronting the church.
Catholicism at the Crossroads--How the Laity Can Save the
Church. Paul Lakeland. Continuum, 2007. 164pp.
082642810X. Explores the emerging role of lay persons in
the Catholic Church and suggests ten steps toward "a more adult
church."
Catholicism in Motion--The Church in American Society.
James D. Davidson. Liguori, 2006. 224pp. 0764813455. Examines
current beliefs and practices and a variety of challenges facing
American Catholics.
Catholics in Crisis?--The Church Confronts Contemporary
Challenges.
William J. Bausch. Twenty-Third Publications, 1999. 229pp.
0896229653. An older book which pre-dates the sexual abuse
scandal but looks at a variety of issues which confront the
church in today’s world.
The Coming Catholic Church--How the Faithful Are Shaping a New
American Catholicism.
David Gibson. HarperSanFrancisco, 2004. 384pp. 0060587202.
Controversial “state of the union” for the Church which
documents a breakdown in trust in the Church’s leadership.
Excellent Catholic Parishes--Guide to the Best Places and
Practices.
Paul Wilkes. Paulist Press, 2001. 255pp. 0809139928. Wilkes
visited hundreds of Catholic parishes across the country to find
out what makes a good parish and reveals the results in this book.
How to
Save the Catholic Church. Andrew M. Greeley and Mary
Greeley Durkin. Viking, 1984. 258pp. 0670384755. In
Greeley's typical acerbic style, he and his sister argue that
the future of Catholicism depends upon re-capturing a sense of
the "Catholic Imagination."
The Liberation of the Laity--In Search of An Accountable Church.
Paul Lakeland. Continuum, 2004. 311pp. 0826416365. A timely but
somewhat academic book about the emerging role of lay people and
how they will shape the future Church.
A People Adrift--The Crisis of the Roman Catholic Church in
America.
Peter Steinfels. Simon and Schuster, 2004. 448pp. 0743261445.
Claims the Church in America, “on the verge of either a
irreversible decline or thorough transformation.”
The Rule of Benedict--Pope Benedict XVI and His Battle with the
Modern World.
David Gibson. HarperSanFrancisco, 2006. 384pp. 0060858419.
Gibson, who worked for Vatican Radio, presents a portrait of
the current pope who the author believes has a deep-seated distrust of the
modern world.
Sacred Silence--Denial and the Crisis in the Church.
Donald Cozzens. Liturgical Press, 2002. 208pp. 081462779X.
Examines dynamics within the Church which create a climate of
denial and silence in the face of major problems like the sex
abuse crisis.
Tomorrow's Catholics, Yesterday's Church--The Two Cultures of
American Catholicism.
By Eugene Kennedy. HarperCollins, 1988. 208pp. 0060159804.
Although dated, Kennedy’s book explains the fundamental
historical and theological factors which still divide the church
today.
View from the Altar: Reflections on the Rapidly Changing
Catholic Priesthood.
Howard Bleichner. Crossroad, 2004. 224pp. 0824521412. Views
the changes in the Catholic priesthood over the past 30 years
and provides a fascinating glimpse into the real world of the
ordained priest.
Catholic Magazines and Newsletters
America.
(monthly)
$17.00/year. 106 W. 56th St., New York NY 10019.
Catholic Heritage. (bimonthly) $ 12/year. 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington IN 46750.
Catholic Trends. (biweekly) $32.00/year. 3211 4th St. NE, Washington DC 20017.
Catholic Update. (monthly) $8.00/year. 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati OH 45210.
The Catholic World.
(bimonthly) $12.00/year. 997 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah NJ 07430
Commonweal.
(biweekly) $36.00/year. 15 Dutch St., New York NY 10038
Liguorian.
(monthly) $15.00/year. 1 Liguori Drive, Liguori MO 63057-9999.
National Catholic Reporter. (weekly) $29.75/year. P.O. Box 419281, Kansas City MO 64141.
Our Sunday Visitor. (weekly) $17.97/year. 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington IN 46750.
St. Anthony Messenger. (monthly) $14.00/year. 1615 Republic St., Cincinnati OH 45210.
U.S. Catholic.
(monthly) $14.00/year. 205 W. Monroe St., Chicago IL 60606.
The Witness (weekly) $18.00/year. P.O. Box 917, Dubuque IA 52004.
_______________________________________
Bibliography Compiled by Dave Cushing
Created
03.07
Last Updated 05.02.08 |