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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.
A Concise
Guide to the Documents of Vatican II. Edward P.
Hahnenberg. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2007.
178pp. 9780867165524.
Provides a clear and
concise overview of the Council's sixteen documents, their
background, language, context and significance in the life of
the church.
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.’
Help My
Unbelief. William J. O'Malley. Orbis Books. 160pp.
9781570758034. Addresses the issues raised by the "new
atheists," and shows readers that there is a way of knowing that
transcends uncertainty and provides assurance.
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?”
Twelve Theological Dilemmas. Gregory C. Higgins.
Paulist Press, 1991. 144pp. 080913232X. This is an excellent
description of the issues involved in some major theological
questions, such as the existence of God, the need for salvation,
the nature of truth, the relationship between faith and science,
the meaning of Christ, and the relationship between Christianity
and other religions.
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.
127pp. 1601370204. This small book contains a
selection of traditional Catholic prayers, a summary of Catholic
beliefs, and space for personal reflection.
The Faith
We Profess--A Catholic Guide to the Apostles Creed.
Peter J. Vaghi. Ave Maria Press, 2008. 142pp. 1594711771.
This book has been described as a "substantive, interesting,
comprehensible yet readable" summary of Catholic faith which
touches both the head and the heart.
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.
Vatican II
Today--Calling Catholics to Holiness and Service. Judy
Ball ed. St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005. 122pp.
9780867166705. This is an excellent introduction to what
it means to be Catholic today. The chapters address
Catholic
identity, the Mass, sacraments, interfaith relations, Scripture,
the nature of the Church, handing on the faith, marriage and
family life, ministry and discipleship.
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.
The Works
of Mercy—The Heart of Catholicism (Second Edition). James
Keenan. Rowman & Littlefield, 2007. 074256021X. Explores the
seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy; Keenan
believes being Catholic means being willing to enter into the
chaos of others.
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 and Loving It--Traditions for a New Generation.
Sabitha Narendran and Andres Salzmann. Servant Books,
2007. 178pp. 9780867168075. This book was
written especially for younger Catholics who want to reclaim
many practices, prayers and devotions which have traditionally
enriched Catholic life.
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.
Blessed Are the
Bored in Spirit--A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning. Mark
Hart. Servant Books, 2006. 9780867166774. This book
was written especially for younger Catholics who want to "enter
into the transforming light of your Creator, who invites you to
live from the still center of his undying love."{
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corporal
and Spiritual Works of Mercy—Living Christian Love and
Compassion. Mitch Finley. Liguori Publications, 2003.
144pp. 0764808400. Presents the Spiritual and Corporal Works
of Mercy and interprets them for modern times.
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.
Making Sense of
God--A Woman's Perspective. Elizabeth Dreyer.
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2008. 128pp. 9780867168446.
Written particularly for women, this book examines how women
think about God, justice, love, prayer, family life and the
destiny of humanity.
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.
Vatican II
Today
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.
Catholics and
Divorce. Sean Wales. Liguori Publications. 47pp.
9780764815089.
Catholics
Experiencing Divorce--Grieving, Healing and Learning to Live
Again. Vicki Wells Bedard and William E. Rabior.
Liguori Publications. 69pp. 9780764811579. Offers practical
advice on starting over, including resources for education,
career guidance, housing, counseling, and helpful online
information.
Catholics,
Marriage and Divorce--Real People, Real Questions. Victoria
Vondenberger. St. Anthony Messenger Press. 136pp. 9780867165142.
Design for
Wholeness: Dealing with Anger, Learning to
Forgive, Building Self-Esteem.
Loughlan Sofield, Carroll Juliano, and Rosine Hammett. Ave Maria
Press.
152pp. 9780877934301.
The authors present a
model for understanding and dealing with anger, a discussion of
forgiveness, and a model for increasing self-esteem.
The
Dilemma of Divorced Catholics--Where
Do You Stand with the Church?
John T.
Catoir, JCD.
Alba House. 82pp.
9780818907760
Spells out
clearly, concisely and faithfully what the Church really has to
say about divorce and remarriage.
Easy Does
It Dating Guide (For People In Recovery).
Mary Faulkner. Hazeldon. 150pp.
9781592851003.
This is a helpful guide for any adult who wonders what "normal"
dating looks like or has questions about when to date, what
commitment and intimacy mean, the impact of children, divorce or
abuse on dating.
Facing
Forgiveness: A Catholic's Guide to Letting Go of
Anger and Welcoming Reconciliation.
Loughlan Sofield, Carroll Juliano and Gregory Aymond. Ave
Maria Press.
9781594711220.
Combines personal narrative, spiritual guidance, and practical
suggestions which help readers take the first steps in the
process of forgiving.
Fifty Ways to Love Your
Leaver--Getting On with Your Life. Dwight Webb. Impact
Publishers. 176pp.
9781886230224.
Offers hope and encouragement to those in deep despair; Webb
combines professional expertise with personal expereince to
provide practical exercises, "how-to" procedures and expert
guidance
From Anger to Forgiveness--A Practical Guide
to Breaking the Negative Power of Anger and Achieving
Reconciliation.
Earnie Larsen. Ballantine Books. 208pp.
9780345379825.
Destination
Joy : Moving Beyond Fear, Loss, and Trauma in Recovery.
Earnie Larsen. Hazeldon. 150pp.
9781592850372
In one sense we are all living in "recovery;" Larsen
explores ways we can achieve greater love, acceptance and
belonging by sharing stories of recovering people and the
various paths they have taken.
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.
Growing in Faith When a
Catholic Marriage Fails. Antoinette Bosco.
Resurrection Press. 125pp. 9781933066042. Ms. Bosco uses
her own experience and the experience of other divorced
Catholics to offer encouragement, hope and factual information
for divorced Catholics.
The Healers Way--Bringing Hands-On Compassion to a Love-Starved
World. Earnie Larsen and Carol Larsen Hegarty.
Conari Press. 1573243094.
Healing the Wounds of Divorce--A Spiritual Guide to Recovery.
Barbara Leahy Shlemon. Ave Maria Press. 136pp.
9780877934837.
Addresses practical issues such as children, finances, and
relatives and spiritual concerns such as fear, guilt, and
forgiveness; includes prayers which invite readers to surrender
their sorrow to God.
How to Love
Again--Moving from Grief to Growth. John Monbourquette.
Twenty-Third Publications. 176pp.
9781585951659.
Guides readers through the stages of a healing
process which leads to a renewed ability to live and love again.
Life After the
Divorce--Practical Advice for Starting Over. Medard
Laz. Liguori Publications. 69 pp.
9780764801914
Marriage, Divorce and Nullity--A Guide to the Annulment Process
in the Catholic Church.
Geoffrey Robinson. Liturgical Press, 1987. 96pp. 0814615708.
Overcoming
Depressive Living Syndrome: How to Enjoy
Life, Not Just Endure It.
Earnie Larsen. Liguori Publications. 189pp.
9780892438686.
Helps readers understand depressive living
syndrome and gives them practical, repeatable and clear tools to
change.
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