One of the chief challenges of the Second Vatican Council was to reclaim the meaning of baptism, especially as the foundation of service and mission in the world. Fifty years after the close of that watershed gathering, nineteen distinguished religious leaders and scholars reexamine that challenge and its implications for preaching and ministry today. This book reinvigorates an important conversation.

For years, ideas popularized by The Secret and the Law of Attraction have suggested that if you “act as if” what you want has already arrived, it will eventually appear in your life. While that idea points in the right direction, it is incomplete. You cannot create a life you love from the same identity that created the life you are trying to change. Modern science shows that lasting change is more complex than holding a positive thought or wishing for a different outcome. Real transformat...

If your heart is on fire with God’s love, your preaching will help listeners encounter Christ and deepen their spiritual lives. And that should be the ultimate goal of a homily.Remembering Why We Preach is a retreat that will help you revive your creative energy and spiritual focus. Karla Bellinger—executive director of the Institute for Homiletics at the University of Dallas—and Fr. Michael Connors, CSC—director of the John S. Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics at...

Archbishop Romero and Spiritual Leadership in the Modern World presents a contemporary and integrated understanding of one of the most remarkable pastoral leaders of our time. This bishop, Oscar Romero of El Salvador, experienced deeply the overwhelming sufferings of the Salvadoran people, as well as those within himself. He cried out in vain to Presidents Carter and Reagan, “no more arms to El Salvador,” but his pleas were not heard at that time. Knowing that he would soon be murdered, Ro...

This book offers a broader, more positive picture of African American fathers. Featuring case studies of African-descended fathers, this edited volume brings to life the achievements and challenges of being a black father in America. Leading scholars and practitioners provide unique insight into this understudied population. Short-sighted social policies which do not encourage father involvement are critically examined and the value of father engagement is promoted. The problems associated...

Well organized and readily accessible, The Complete Book of Discipleship pulls together into one convenient, comprehensive volume relevant topics to discipleship such as:Spiritual growthTransformationSpiritual disciplinesDiscipleship in the local church and beyondIndexed for easy reference.

Second Place, Liturgy categoryCatholic Press Association book awards, 2012“This little book is a gem!”From Sunday Mass to Monday mayhem: Can the central act of Catholic worship transform our daily lives?In the United States, only 25% of self-proclaimed Catholics attend Mass on a weekly basis. Many Catholics believe that far more people would attend if only the homilies were better, or the music were more inspiring, or . . . the list goes on. B...

Here is a practical, pastoral book for all Catholic Christians--laity as well as clergy--to foster renewed understanding and practive of the sacrement of reconciliation. The most thorough and informative handbook of its kind, Reconciliation is at once informative, intstructive, and pastorally sound.The author presents a detailed and fascinating historical overview of sin and confession from biblical times to the present; a theological analysis of the evolution and meaning o...

We are not alone.God is present with us. And God gives us companions on the journey. A spiritual director is one such companion, offering spiritual guidance to helpmake sense of the faith journeyinterpret the significant markers on the roadencourage us, particularly through the more difficult transitions and valleys of our pilgrimageand, most of all, to notice the ministry of the Spirit in our livesGordon Smith writes:Even if we ha...

In the last forty years, many Catholics have experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives that resulted in a new passion for God and a zeal for spreading the gospel. In addition to a newfound love of prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist, many have been blessed with the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues and healing. Yet as the years go by, many often experience a waning of the gifts of the Spirit as well as a lukewarmness creeping into their lives. What c...

Sister Charlene outlines the who, where, what, when, and why of the Mass. She explains the role played by those present and the symbolic gestures used throughout the Mass. She outlines the liturgical seasons and details each section of the Mass. She tells you everything you need to know to celebrate the liturgy with greater spirit, enthusiasm, and significance for daily living.

The Reformation restored the Scriptures to the people, but the job was only halfway finished. Today the church is awakening to the truth that ministry is not just the domain of clergy, but belongs to the entire body of Christ. God is moving her to complete her unfinished business of placing the ministry back in the hands of the people.Unfinished Business has played a pivotal part in helping the church reclaim ministry at the grassroots level. First published in 1990 as The New Reformation,...