eCatechist

Monastery Mornings by Michael Patrick O'Brien

A love letter to a community of Trappist monks who provided family when it was needed the most. 

This warmhearted memoir describes how a small, insecure boy with a vibrant imagination found an unlikely family in the company of monks at Holy Trinity Abbey, in the mountains of rural Latter-day Saint Utah. (From the Publisher)

“In July 1847, Mormon pioneers famously arrived in Utah. A century later in July 1947, some Catholic pioneers followed in their footsteps: Trappist monks bent on creating a contemplative monastery, Holy Trinity Abbey, in the unlikely soil of Mormon country. In this affectionate, winning memoir, Michael O’Brien captures the expansive spirit of late twentieth-century Catholicism in America and the loving warmth of the monks who befriended him.” —Jana Riess, author of Flunking Sainthood and The Next Mormons 

Paraclete Press

The Seeker and the Monk by Sophfronia Scott

In The Seeker and the Monk, Scott mines the extensive private journals of one of the most influential contemplative thinkers of the past for guidance on how to live in these fraught times.

As a Black woman who is not Catholic, Scott both learns from and pushes back against Merton, holding spirited, and intimate conversations on race, ambition, faith, activism, nature, prayer, friendship, and love. She asks: What is the connection between contemplation and action? Is there ever such a thing as a wrong answer to a spiritual question? How do we care about the brutality in the world while not becoming overwhelmed by it?

Amazon

 

Sophfronia Scott's Website

 

 

Dear Joan Chittister: Conversations with Women in the Church by Jessie Bazan, Editor

In this groundbreaking book, ten young women active in ministry share their thoughts, aspirations, questions and desires with Sister Joan Chittister, a spiritual master and prophetic visionary who has long encouraged the gifts and voices of those too easily dismissed. The conversations unfold in a series of letters. Each letter writer shares an experience from her life or ministry, and Joan then responds with affirmation and challenge, sharing her wisdom, inspiration and courage with those vitally committed to the church.

Amazon

Collegeville Institute

Jessie Bazan Website

Articles from US Catholic

 

Praise Be Peace: Psalms of Peace and Nonviolence... by John Dear

In a violent world, and amid the reality of catastrophic climate change, it s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where can we turn to find the courage and inspiration, we need to stay hopeful and to keep working for peace? International peace activist Fr. John Dear has always found support and comfort in the psalms. In this profound and deeply reflective book he helps us see that if we read the psalms from Jesus vision of nonviolence, we will find new strength to turn away from hate and anger toward greater trust and devotion to God and newfound wisdom, gratitude, and wonder.

Amazon

For more information about the life and ministry of John Dear visit his website: Beatitudes Center for the Nonviolent Jesus.

 

Fr. James Bacik: Catholic Priest, Theologian, Professor, Author, and Lecturer: A Conversation of a Lifetime

A renown theologian and lecturer, Fr. Jim Bacik has been a Catholic priest for nearly 60 years. In this far-ranging conversation, Fr. Bacik talks about his family life growing-up, influences and mentors, love of sports, seminary experience, parishioners who taught him how to be a good priest, leadership dynamics of being a pastor, handling criticism, his approach to public speaking, the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal, and what motivates him to keep serving, teaching, writing, and speaking. 

I have known of Fr. Jim Bacik for many years. I read his recently published books: Enduring Wisdom for Today's Spiritual Seekers (ACTA Publications) and Saints Celebrated and Unsung: The Universal Call to Holiness (Orbis)

After visiting with him by telephone he suggested that I listen to his recent podcast interview with Brad Rieger: In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime. This 90 minute program was an engaging and delightful gift. His reflection for life, ministry and writing was most inspiring. Dan Pierson

Podcast

Fr. Jim Bacik's Website

 

The Sandbox Revolution by Lydia Wylie - Kellermann

It is a complex time to be a parent. Our climate is in crisis, and economic inequality is deepening. Racialized violence is spreading, and school shootings are escalating. How do we, as parents, cultivate in our children a love of the earth, a cry for justice, and a commitment to nonviolence? Where do we place our bodies so we teach our kids that resistance is crucial and change is possible? What practices do we hold as a family to encourage them to work with their hands, honor their hearts, and nurture their spirits?

The Sandbox Revolution calls upon our collective wisdom to wrestle with the questions, navigate the challenges, offer concrete practices, and remind parents of the sacredness of the work. Written by parents who are also writers, pastors, teachers, organizers, artists, gardeners, and activists, this anthology offers a diversity of voices and experiences on topics that include education, money, anti-racism, resistance, spirituality, disability justice, and earth care.

Study Guide

Book Launch Interview with Lydia Wille - Kellermann

Amazon

 

The Rule of St. Benedict

For fifteen centuries Benedictine monasticism has been governed by a Rule that is at once strong enough to instill order and yet flexible enough to have relevance fifteen-hundred years later. This pocket-sized, English-only edition is perfect for individual or group study.

The Rule of St. Benedict in English

 

The Rule of St. Benedict forms the foundation for one of the oldest ongoing institutions in all of Western civilization. The Rule not only defines life for men and women in monasteries but has also become central to the spirituality of lay Christians across the globe.

This gender-neutral translation is true to the original text but provides an alternative for individuals and groups who prefer such a version over the masculine language of the original as it was written for St. Benedict’s monks. It also offers some background into the context in which it was written, as well as reflections on its meaning for contemporary life, making it a resource for those encountering the Rule for the first time or those who have cherished it for years.

St. Benedict's Rule: An Inclusive Translation and Daily Commentary

The Law of Love: Modern Language for Ancient Wisdom by Richard Leonard, SJ

Meditations on the sources of formation in Christian approach to law, its application to contemporary living, and how our approach to the law should set us free, not bind us up. This is a positive contribution to the present and lively debate about the tension between Christian liberty and obedience.

Chapters:

1.  What the ‘law’ of love means;
2.  The 10 Commandments;
3.  The Lord’s Prayer;
4.  Love God, Neighbor and Self;
5.  The Beatitudes;
6.  1 Cor 13;

Paulist Press

Amazon

Richard Leonard, SJ  

Richard Leonard, SJ is the author of many books, movie reviews, and a presenter at conferences, retreats, and special events in 
Australia, New Zealand, United States and throughout the world. You can find links on both Google and YouTube.

Don't miss his presentation, Singing Our Theology.

In this presentation we are reminded that what we sing in Liturgy is really, really important. Not only because it enhances our prayer but because it reveals what we believe about God. Richard uses his own talents as a singer to illustrate his points.

 

Enduring Wisdom for Today's Spiritual Seekers by James J. Bacik

Father James Basik has been at it a long time and has heard and seen it all. The popular pastor and university chaplain understands the issues that face all people—especially young adults—as they try to navigate today’s complex world of work, relationships, and civic involvement. And he knows—from years of preaching, counseling, and ministry—the enduring wisdom that the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John have to offer spiritual seekers today. Whether you are Catholic or not, practicing your religion or not, happy or unhappy or sometimes a little of both, this book can help you decide who you are and where you stand. Each of the reflections offers a specific daily-life topic, a Gospel passage or story that offers relevant insight, several examples of people trying to live out their faith in real time, and a final challenging question for the reader to mull (or pray) over.

ACTA Publications

Amazon

Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark

This summer and all through autumn, we hear stories from the Gospel of Mark at Sunday Eucharist. Sister Joan shows how the Sunday excerpts fit into the whole story of Jesus’ life and ministry. The 11 short chapters and the questions make this book ideal for bible study and faith-sharing groups.
 
Click here to read the Table of Contents and sample chapters. Order at goodgroundpress.com or call 800-232-5533. Only $10.00 per book.

 

Saints of Color by Brother Mickey McGrath

A PDF file with 27 coloring pages focused on racially diverse saints with brief biographical notes and blank pages for your own creative activity. Ideal for parents, teachers and catechists.

The PDF file will be sent immediately to your email. Download and print the pages as you need them.

Order

 

Let This Be the Time by Janet Schaeffler, OP

The second half of life offers many opportunities for growth, discovery, and new meanings. Janet Schaeffler helps you explore them with wisdom, prayer and a deep sense of appreciation for who you are and who you are still becoming. With insights from experts—those on the journey and those who study it—she describes twelve needs of people in their maturing years, always mindful of each individual’s unique needs and realities.

Twenty-Third Publications

Amazon

Visit: Faith Formation Matters - Janet Schaeffler, OP

A Journey from Shame to New Life by Catherine Jenkins, CSJ

Sister Catherine Jenkins, CSJ, completed her journey on Thursday, March 18th. She died at home in peace. Who would have guessed that this woman of intelligence and religious devotion had a secret that tore her very soul? In 2017 Sister Catherine published her memoir, which tells of her descent into alcoholism, the long journey to recovery, and her commitment to helping others with addiction.
 
Sister Catherine’s story is available from Good Ground Press for $10.00 (shipping included). Read a sample chapter at goodgroundpress.com. You can order online or call Lacy at 800-232-5533 to place your order.

2021 Book of Grace-Filled Days by Jane Knuth

A vibrant prayer life unfolds when we regularly open ourselves to inspiration and God’s grace. 2021: A Book of Grace-Filled Days provides a daily prayer experience to help us build and nurture our faith.

Special Price: $4.00

Loyola Press

Best Selling Book by Jane Knuth