Ministry

"Rekindle the gift of God that is within you", Saint Paul urges Timothy years after his ordination (2 Tim 1:6). Drawing on sixty years of experience as a Catholic priest, Cistercian Fr. Roch Kereszty provides realistic spiritual, psychological, and pastoral guidance to priests and seminarians—from preaching and sacramental ministry, to parish life and spiritual direction, to chastity and poverty. Countless priests struggle to understand their role and identity in the post-conciliar Church,...

Remain in Me: Holy Orders, Prayer, and Ministry by James Keating, Paperback The collaboration of priests and deacons in the ministry of the gospel has not always been without some tension. The fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of the Permanent Diaconate in the Catholic Church welcomes a cooperative, creative, and prayer-imbued communion between priests and deacons who labor as one to serve the spiritual needs of parishioners. Remain in Me promotes such a communion, addressing the...

Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders Many pastoral leaders feel ill-equipped to respond to the turmoil of those who face the death by suicide of a loved one. Responding to Suicide is the first book written for Catholic leaders that takes a holistic approach to understanding suicide and ministering effectively in its aftermath. More than a dozen leading mental health practitioners, Catholic theologians, and pastoral care experts share how best to respond to suicide as...

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has assembled here his most noteworthy lectures, interviews, and dialogues to offer a clear and compelling exploration of Catholic teachings. He explores hundreds of topics that are critical to the health of the Church and the salvation of souls. Cardinal Müller’s vast knowledge and profound faith will deepen your understanding of our Faith and of the Church. In Roman Encounters, he tackles...

“We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman.” - Pope Benedict XVI Should Catholics evangelize?How would I start?What would I say? Evangelization isn’t just for evangelical preachers, popes, and foreign missionaries. It’s something all of us as baptized Christians can do. Through personal stories and examples, authors Dave Nodar, Dianne Davis, and Fr. Erik Arnold show that every one...

Beyond the dramatic drop in seminarians and the declining numbers of priests, beyond the sexual misconduct scandals shaking the confidence and trust once readily given to priests, a spiritual deepening and maturing is renewing the spirit and confidence of the diocesan priest. In this collection of essays, twelve priests (including four bishops) reflect on the spirituality of the diocesan priest from their personal and pastoral experience. Have diocesan priests finally transcended the monastic...

Discover what Jesus said through St. Maria Faustina to priests and about priests as recorded in her Diary!Through Tell My Priests, discover what Jesus said through St. Maria Faustina to priests and about priests as recorded in her Diary. In this revised edition, the text has been updated and four new appendices added, including a Divine Mercy timeline for priests. An ideal resource not only for priests but for deacons and laity who assist the clergy.PAPERBACK ...

The Beating of Great Wings: A Worldly Spirituality for Active, Apostolic Communities"Bernard Lee's insights touch the core of what it means to be a Christian Catholic community centered on Word and Eucharist. This is a timely, thoughtful, and accessible work about the experience of apostolic religious community life today".--Marygrace Peters, O.P., Associate Professor of Church History, Aquinas Institute, St. Louis University

The Case for Jesus THE BIBLICAL AND HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR CHRIST By BRANT PITRE Afterword by Robert Barron “This book will prove to be a most effective weapon… against the debunking and skeptical attitudes toward the Gospels that are so prevalent, not only in academe, but also on the street, among young people who, sadly, are leaving the Churches in droves.” – Robert Barron, author of Catholicism For well over a hundred years now, many scholars have questioned the historical truth of the...

An increasingly post-Christian world is forcing parishes to re-envision how they “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). Pastors and lay leadership must pivot to building mission-first parishes, equipped to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not heard it — while the number of practicing Catholics falls with increasing speed. Parish leaders are hungry for programs and resources to help address these challenges. Yet no single model or program can suit every parish, and leaders are bogged...

As Christians, and especially as people who work for the Church, we are part of an incredible mission: to bring people to Jesus. Jesus himself gave us this mission when he said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). Yet it is far too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of our work — so much so that we can lose sight of our true mission. In The Heart of the Mission: Simple Ways to Bring People to Jesus, Cande de Leon shows what it takes to get back on track....

The How-to Book of Evangelization Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You We are all called — yes, all of us — to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. But when it comes down to it, many Catholics don’t know when, why, or how. Believe it or not, you can learn the skills you need for evangelization, starting today. The How-to Book of Evangelization is an easy-to-read guide to evangelization for Catholics. Inside, you’ll learn: What exactly evangelization meansThe role of prayer...

The Pastor's Handbook KJV : Instructions, Forms and Helps for Conducting the Many Ceremonies a Minister is Called Upon to Direct The Pastor's Handbook (KJV) is intended to meet the continuing need of the Christian minister for guidance and forms as he does the work of the ministry. It seeks to offer options to suit the tastes of the pastor and congregation within the parameters of quality, beauty and dignity. To this end, numerous changes, both large and small, have been made--more selected...

The Religious Potential of the Child Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children Sofia Cavalletti This book describes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based style of catechesis that focuses on the child’s independent journey to God by working with materials in a specially prepared place called an atrium. Written by Sofia Cavaletti, the Italian scripture scholar who developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this classic work demonstrates the profound spiritual...

The Saint Monica Club How to Hope, Wait, and Pray for Your Fallen-Away Loved Ones by Maggie Green In the fourth century, a young man named Augustine turned his back on the Church, plunging into a frenzied life of lust and dissipation. His renunciation left Monica, his pious Catholic mother, weeping and praying for his salvation . . . for more than a decade! Like so many Catholics today – even perhaps like you – Monica wrestled daily with the pain of having a loved one fall away from the Faith....

Not a few figures—writers, poets, activists, teachers—have focused on the presence of the Holy One in the ordinary, on the many possibilities of worldly spirituality. In this book, pastor, teacher, and theologian Michael Plekon introduces us to several persons of faith from both the Western and Eastern Church traditions to illumine God's presence in everyday living: the world as sacrament. In this discovery of liturgy and life entwined, Plekon shows how these lives, and our own lives, are...

Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 288 pages | Language: English Nature both adorns and strips the fields and the garden, the woods and the city park, according to the seasons: adding or taking away color and texture, growth and decay, images of birth, death and rebirth. So, too, the Christian community adorns and strips its house according to the seasons of the liturgy’s calendar. We crown the year of grace with images and signs of the paschal mystery, to proclaim the coming fulfillment of the reign of...

To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach The Essential Guide to Ministry in Today's Catholic Church Author: Jared Dees Popular author, catechist, and creator of The Religion Teacher website Jared Dees learned a valuable lesson from his students: teaching is not the same as evangelization. He found instead—as in Jesus’ own ministry—if you focus first on healing the wounded, then proclaiming the Word of God, and finally teaching, you can bring people of all ages to Christ. Using examples from his own...

Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran know that the fundamental work of the Church is to evangelize—to introduce people to Christ and make them disciples. Still, they’re the first to admit: “the difficulty comes when we reach down into the details and get to work.” In their barn-burning first book, Rebuilt, White and Corcoran shared their story and vision of building better Catholic parishes. Now, in their eagerly anticipated second book, Tools for Rebuilding, they lay out seventy-five proven...

One of the most painful experiences of a Catholic parent is to watch your children grow lukewarm in the Faith or walk away from it entirely. It can lead to feelings of abandonment and despair and turn conversations that were once easygoing into painful occasions of testiness and discord. In this riveting book, EWTN Radio personalities Jerry Usher and Debbie Georgianni present deeply moving stories from listeners whose loved ones have left the Catholic Church. They are stories of heartache and...

Are you hesitant to discuss issues such as faith and science, homosexuality, or the Resurrection with your family, friends, and coworkers because you’re afraid you’ll say the wrong thing or forget what to say altogether? Bestselling and award-winning author Brandon Vogt, senior content director of Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, is back with more straightforward, practical guidance for any Catholic who wants to engage confidently with today’s culture. In this second...

Women Deacons? Essays with Answers Edited by Phyllis Zagano The question of restoring women to the ordained diaconate surfaced during the Second Vatican Council and continued to resound in academic and pastoral circles well after the diaconate was restored as a permanent order in the church in the West. This volume contains twelve essays-five translated from Italian, three translated from French, and four in their original English-that answer the questions about the history and possible future...

Many Catholics are baffled about how to share the faith, but the good news is—it’s not complicated. Jesus didn’t have a twitter account, followers on Facebook, or a livestream app, though he would have made good use of those. He started with one person, then another, then a handful—and his mission grew. Karen Edmisten’s own journey from atheism to Catholicism followed a similar low-key, one-on-one model and frames her lively advice. As she moves from an initial impression—“Catholics are...

German Cardinal Gerhard Müller is a voice contemporary Catholic priests need to hear. You Shall Be a Blessing is an affirmation of priestly life and ministry presented in twelve letters. Müller offers personal encouragement through finely honed theological and spiritual insight on the meaning, history, and importance of the priesthood to today’s Catholic Church. Vocational identity is an enduring concern among Catholic priests, bishops, teachers, and many lay Catholics around the world,...

The Church encourages youth and young people to boldly follow Jesus, wherever he may send them! Read Pope Francis’s Letter to Young People, and dive into the preparatory document on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.The preparatory document looks at the current global situation, the lives of young people in the modern world, and the process of walking with young people as they discern their personal “vocation of love.” It ends with a questionnaire about young people and...

For more than twenty years, A Concise Guide to Canon Law has provided priests, deacons, and lay pastoral ministers with essential information about Church laws that regularly impact the lives of everyday Catholics. This compact reference guide addresses topics such as who can receive the sacraments and when, the responsibilities of pastors and bishops; administration of parishes; and the role of finance and pastoral councils. The book also now includes the teachings of Popes Benedict XVI and...

All In Why Belonging to the Catholic Church Matters Author: Pat Gohn In this passionate and unapologetic account of why her faith in Christ and the Catholic Church are the source of meaning and joy in her life, Pat Gohn—popular speaker, retreat leader, catechist, and author of Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious—invites you to become more confident in the power of the Catholic faith to transform your life as well. What’s the one thing that defines your life and brings you the most good, the most...

by James C. PauleyFilled with powerful testimonies from catechists; the fundamentals of evangelization, catechesis, and discipleship; and even helpful connections for parents, An Evangelizing Catechesis will change your approach to teaching the Catholic Faith. It is perfect for parish catechists, Catholic school religion teachers, parish and diocesan catechetical leaders, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators, pastors, and parents.

“Between Heaven and Mirth will make any reader smile. . . . Father Martin reminds us that happiness is the good God’s own goal for us.” —Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York From The Colbert Report’s “official chaplain” James Martin, SJ, author of the New York Times bestselling The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, comes a revolutionary look at how joy, humor, and laughter can change our lives and save our spirits. A Jesuit priest with a busy media ministry, Martin understands the...

Called to Be the Children of God: The Catholic Theology of Human Deification by Carl E. Olson, David MeconiThis book gathers fourteen Catholic scholars to present, examine, and explain the often misunderstood process of "deification". The fifteen chapters show what "becoming God" meant for the early Church, for St. Thomas Aquinas and the greatest Dominicans, and for St. Francis and the early Franciscans. This book explains how this understanding of salvation played out during the Protestant...

Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach. These are the words a newly ordained deacon hears from his bishop as the Book of the Gospels is placed in his hands. It is a solemn but joyous moment in which the deacon is called to a lifelong pursuit of the spiritual life. The foundation of the diaconate is intimate communion with Christ the Servant. This communion originates and deepens in the interior life,...

Father Smith Instructs Jackson: Centennial Edition! Over 3 million copies of this timeless classic have been sold, and it has influenced thousands of conversions. Witness the engaging and accessible interplay between a priest and a non-Catholic inquiring about the Faith. Their conversation is a masterpiece in catechesis -- as Chris Jackson asks the questions generation after generation wants to ask, and Father Smith responds with wisdom, wit, Scripture references, and solid Catholic teaching....

There’s a lot of talk about Missionary Discipleship. But how do you practically live it? Foundations for Discipleship is not simply a book you read. It’s a tool you use to form and accompany others on their journey as Christian disciples. For use with small groups or individuals, these captivating articles provide the roadmap for training in the basic skills of Christian living and evangelization, including: How to live “The Little Way of Evangelization”How to accompany others on the journey...

Go and Make Disciples Vayan y Hagan Discípulos 10th Anniversary Edition English and SpanishPlan y estrategia nacional para la evangelización católica en los Estados Unidos.Los obispos de EE.UU. presentan una inspiradora visión de la evangelización, que se concentra en la conversion del corazón y en la proclamación del Evangelio en un mundo en continuo cambio. Formato de fácil lectura con el texto en inglés y español en p·ginas opuestas. Ideal para grupos parroquiales bilingues. Incluye un...

Is there anything in the New Testament about the need for priests in the Church? Many Protestants would argue no. And if you point out that there is a priesthood in the Old Testament, they are likely to say it was a feature of the Old Covenant that was undone by Christ. How should a Catholic respond? In Jesus and the Old Testament Roots of the Priesthood, biblical scholar John Bergsma convinces readers that Jesus did, in fact, intend for a ministerial priesthood to be a key feature of the New...

by P. J. King (Author) Finally a book specifically for Catholic retreats highlighting: the Sacramental life, prayer books, spiritual reading, conferences, pilgrimages, Bible studies, devotions, websites, plus more. This is a quick up to date read and a useful guide for someone coming off a retreat wanting to continue their faith formation. After your retreat, what's next? points to the myriad of resources in the Church that inspire and teach the Word of God. Continued faith formation is...

Prayers for the Domestic Church A Handbook for Worship in the Home Author: Edward M. HaysFirst published in 1979, this groundbreaking and bestselling book established Edward Hays as a pioneering spiritual writer and teacher. This new edition with a new preface by the author celebrates the “domestic church”—a family worshiping together at home—with a collection of prayers and blessings that remain as fresh and creative today as they were over twenty-five years ago. With blessings for birthdays,...

Archbishop Dolan clearly sets forth what it takes to be a Catholic priest in the Third Millennium. Whether he is stressing the necessity of regular Confession and the need to celebrate daily Mass and say the Liturgy of the Hours or discussing priestly celibacy in frank, realistic terms, he emphasizes true priest identity by presenting a life worth living, a life worth sharing, a life worth offering up to the Father through Christ and in the Holy Spirit. Pastoral, practical, and thoroughly...

All too often, the sacrament of Confirmation feels like a graduation from religious obligation, according to Christopher Wesley, author of Rebuilding Youth Ministry. In Rebuilding Confirmation, Wesley shares how to reimagine Confirmation preparation in new or existing programs so that teens will become active members of the Church. Wesley is a veteran youth minister who created a Confirmation program that uses parish-selected mentors and small faith-formation groups to provide teens with an...

One of God's greatest gifts to us, his creation, was the gift of song. In words and music, our ancestors in faith-Moses, David, Deborah, Paul, St. Gregory-have taught us how to revel in God's infinite love, proclaim His glory, give thanks for His abounding generosity, and plead for mercy and forgiveness. Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship recalls this vast, rich musical tradition as it provides basic guidelines for understanding the role and ministry of music in the liturgy.Standing on...

A revised manual for Mass Servers that’s sturdily bound, with full-color instructions, glossary, calendar, and a wealth of other information.

The Deacon Readerby James KeatingThe first-ever systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons. This collection of essays on history, pastoral theology, and sociology covers the entire scope of diaconal life.

The Evangelizing Parish By: Francis Cardinal Arinze Written by a highly respected cardinal and a former head of the Vatican office for worship and sacraments, this book shows how the local Catholic parish in any town has tremendous potential to evangelize its surrounding community. Francis Cardinal Arinze reveals the important roles of both priests and laity in spreading the Gospel within the parish and beyond. This work can help priests to realize the many great possibilities they have to be...

The Heart of the Diaconate: Communion with the Servant Mysteries of Christ by James Keating, PaperbackThrough the three areas of Calling, Formation and Ordination, and Ministry, The Heart of the Diaconate explores the creative tension of the diaconate vocation and what the diaconate for the future will look like. The book outlines what those who are considering the diaconate must possess if it is truly going to be an effective and vibrant ministry within the church. With a focus on...

You know your Catholic parish needs to change its focus, but you’re not sure where or how to begin. In The Rebuilt Field Guide, award-winning authors Rev. Michael White and Tom Corcoran walk you through ten essential steps for getting started with your church’s reawakening. After publishing their groundbreaking book Rebuilt in 2013 about the rebirth of the Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran were inundated with requests for help from other Catholic...

In this classic work praised by Pope Pius IX himself, Fr. Nicolas J. Laforet lays out the spiritual causes of unbelief, and shows the antidotes necessary to remedy each. Noting that unbelief is not a particularly modern phenomenon (after all, many people refused to believe in Jesus even after having witnessed his miracles), Fr. Laforet explains that unbelief is not merely a matter of the intellect; on the contrary, where unbelief prevails we almost always find its source in a person’s will....

HARDCOVER, 240 PAGES Can you name 10 reasons It's great to be Catholic? Patrick Madrid can! In this insightful tour of Catholicism's stunning history and traditions, Patrick Madrid explores why everyone should be Catholic and you should be too! Drawing upon his experiences as a Catholic kid in 1960s California to his life's work as an author and professor of apologetics, Madrid offers a deeply personal, scripturally based testament to Catholicism. ...

Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too)PAPERBACK “The true magic of this book is that it’s hardly one whose aim is solely pointed at non-Catholics. Why I Am Catholic can play an equally pivotal role in reinvigorating (or perhaps just “invigorating”) those already in the bosom of the Church. The book is fantastic. It's clear, concise, and persuasive all in the same breath.”—Matthew Sewell, National Catholic Register Now in paperback, Brandon Vogt’s bestselling and award-winning Why I Am...