2011 Reading List

"Books change our lives."-Matthew Kelly

In order for the Church to thrive in a new way in the 21st Century we believe it is critical that Catholics become hungry for best practices and continuous learners. Reading is a crucial component of our spiritual development and for this reason each year we intend to post a list of suggested reading beyond the two Parish Book Program selections. 

Living a Spirituality of Action, Cincinnati, OH, St. Anthony Messenger, 2008.

By Joan Mueller

What are the first steps Christians can take after they have recognized the call from Jesus to become more involved with those in need? In Living A Spirituality of Action, Sr. Joan Mueller provides a provocative and practical guide for women and any Christian taking their first steps in ministry to the poor. This is a book filled with hope and wise counsel that helps the reader to navigate this new direction in their lives.

Following Mary to Jesus: Our Lady as Mother, Teacher, and Advocate, Ijamsville, MD, The Word Among Us Press, 2009.

By Andrew Apostoli, CFR

Meditating on the Scriptures and Catholic tradition, Fr. Apostoli draws us into a closer relationship with Mary. In the perilous times we live, Mary has a crucial role in helping us to live and cooperate fully with God’s plan for our lives. Mary helps us to learn to trust in God’s providential working in our lives. She helps us to prepare our hearts to receive the mercy God wants to give us.

The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism, Cincinnati, OH, St. Anthony Messenger, 2004.

By Michael J. Himes

Michael Himes introduces the central themes of Catholic teaching: Trinity, Grace, Incarnation, Salvation, Church, Baptism, Eucharist, Sacraments of Vocation, Reconciliation and Tradition. Each theme is revealed as a celebration of the presence of God in our lives. Himes shows us in 21st century language what Irenaeus (2nd century) teaches, the glory of God is seen in people fully alive.

The Spirituality of Fasting: Rediscovering a Christian Practice, Notre Dame, Ave Maria Press, 2010.

By Charles M. Murphy

Msgr. Charles Murphy defines fasting as “an act of humility before God and a penitential expression of our need for conversion from sin and selfishness to the love of God above all and our neighbor as ourselves.” Msgr. Murphy reviews the practice of fasting in Scripture and the Catholic tradition. He shows how fasting makes possible a positive transformation of our total being, mind, body, and spirit. Vocation, Reconciliation and Tradition. Each theme is revealed as a celebration of the presence of God in our lives. Himes shows us in 21st century language what Irenaeus (2nd century) teaches, the glory of God is seen in people fully alive.

Praying Our Experiences: An Invitation to Open Our Lives to God, Ijamsville, MD, The Word Among Us Press, 2008.

By Joseph F. Schmidt, FSC

For Brother Joseph praying our experiences means being open to seeing ourselves as we are and seeing our personal story as it is known to the Lord. Among the topics covered are being available to God as we are, distinguishing between our true self and our false self, and reflecting on our life so we may know ourselves as God knows us. Brother Joseph helps us to realize that our own prayer is our best prayer.

Being Holy: A Catholic’s Guide to the Spiritual Life, Cincinnati, OH, Servant Books, 2009.

By Father Thomas G. Morrow

After we have heard and inspiring speaker, or have left a retreat committed to a deeper spiritual life, where do we go next. Fr. Morrow gives to us a reliable guide to more fully living our Catholic faith. In clearly written and accessible chapters he explains the motivation for holiness, the life of grace, loving our neighbor and living a life of virtue.

The Stories of the Old Testament: A Catholics Guide, Chicago, IL, Loyola Press, 2007.

By Jim Campbell

In Stories of the Old Testament Campbell introduces many of the people of faith who are regarded as saints in the liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church (CCC #61). These are the people whose stories Jesus’ learned about as he grew up in Galilee. In these stories we discover the joy of living in faithfulness to God, and the consequences for the people of ignoring God’s commandments.

A Friendship Like No Other: Experiencing God's Amazing Embrace, Chicago, Loyola Press, 2008.

By William Barry, SJ

The habit that Christians in the West have when thinking about God is that he is distant and unapproachable. William Barry shows us that this notion keeps us from relating to God whose only desire is to enter into a deep personal relationship with us. The author looks closely at objections to the idea, presents us with prayerful and discerning exercises leading us into deeper friendship with God.

The Story of a Soul, Washington, DC, ICS Publications, 1996.

Therese of Lisieux

Therese of Lisieux dreamt of being a missionary in the Far East, but spent her adult life in a Carmelite monastery dying at the age of 24. She wanted to do great things for God, but instead discovered graced moments in a seemingly mundane life. Named a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997, Therese models for all what it means to act for God and others in everyday life.

The Apostles and Their Co-Workers, Huntington, IN, Our Sunday Visitor, 2007.

By Pope Benedict

Pope Benedict approaches the apostles and their co-workers not as historical figures to be remembered from the distant past, but as those who pass on to us the living tradition of Jesus Christ. In this way the experience of the apostolic faith as it was lived in the original community of the disciples is the actual experience of Christ in his Church today.