Parish Resources

This fourth volume of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, like each in the series, relates Scripture to life, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry.

Authors: Thomas D. Stegman. SJ

Publication Date: December 2009

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 320

A seasoned scholar interprets First Corinthians in this addition to the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS). The projected seventeen-volume series, which will cover the entire New Testament, responds to the desire of Catholics to study the Bible in depth and in a way that integrates Scripture with Catholic doctrine, worship, and daily life.

Authors: George T. Montague, SM

Publication Date: November 2011

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 310

In this addition to the successful Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, two respected scholars and Bible teachers interpret James and First, Second, and Third John from within the living tradition of the Church. The commentary provides crisp explanations of the text with helpful sidebars and ideas for application to enrich preaching, group Bible study, and personal reflection. This volume presents excellent biblical scholarship in a format accessible to laypeople with no special training in biblical studies.

Authors: Kelly Anderson & Daniel Keating

Publication Date: April 2017

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 304

In this addition to the successful Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS) series, Scott Hahn, a bestselling author and a leading Catholic interpreter of Scripture, examines Romans from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students alike. The CCSS relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Supported by leading Catholic scholars as well as popular Bible teachers, the series offers a unique level of commentary for Catholic students of the Bible. Its attractive packaging and accessible writing style make it a series to own--and to read! Drawn from the best of contemporary scholarship, series volumes are keyed to the liturgical year and include an index of pastoral subjects.

Authors: Scott Hahn

Publication Date: November 2017

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 336

In this addition to the well-received Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (CCSS), seasoned New Testament scholar and popular speaker Peter Williamson interprets Revelation from within the living tradition of the Church for pastoral ministers, lay readers, and students alike. The series, which will cover the entire New Testament, relates Scripture to Christian life today, is faithfully Catholic, and is supplemented by features designed to help readers understand the Bible more deeply and use it more effectively in teaching, preaching, evangelization, and other forms of ministry. Drawn from the best of contemporary scholarship, series volumes are keyed to the liturgical year and include an index of pastoral subjects.

Authors: Peter S. Williamson & Mary Healy

Publication Date: March 2015

Size: 6" x 9"

Pages: 384

Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe in common.   This book is the catechism (the word means "instruction") that will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.

The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-reference for a fuller understanding of every subject. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments) and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer ), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Here is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Concise and accessible, this one-volume edition of the New Collegeville Bible Commentary: Old Testament draws together the individual contributions to the Old Testament series and offers them to readers in a convenient and attractive format.

Written by an array of respected scholars, the individual commentaries collected here bring expert insight into the Old Testament to Bible study participants, teachers, students, preachers, and all readers of Scripture. Contributors include some of today's most highly regarded Scripture scholars, as well as some of the freshest young voices in the field. A first-rate, reliable resource for Bible study and reflection, the New Collegeville Bible Commentary: Old Testament answers the Second Vatican Council's call to make access to Scripture "open wide to the Christian faithful."

Author: Daniel Durken, OSB, Series Editor

1696 pgs , 6 x 9 Paperback

Publication Date: 12/17/2015

9780893905408 | 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 | 48 Pages

Available April 2025.

Para comprender los sacramentos de iniciación explains the rites of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Using the mystagogical method presented by Pope Benedict XVI in Sacramentum caritatis, the author explores each of the rites’ Old Testament foundations, liturgical history, and sacramental theology as well as the connection between the sacraments of initiation and daily Christian life.

9781616717247 | 6 x 9 | 256 Pages

Available March 2025.

There are many ways of ordering our time. The liturgical year is the Church’s way for centering and ordering our lives around Christ. Through the cycle of liturgical seasons and special feast days, we are reminded of God’s love revealed to us through Jesus Christ and invited to enter into God’s time and his salvation.

This pastoral resource provides an insightful and spiritually engaging overview of the meaning of the liturgical year, the liturgical seasons, the importance of Sunday, and the role of the saints in leading us to Christ. It will help you embrace the sacredness of the liturgical year and allow it to order your prayer and personal life so that, in all you do, Christ is at its center.

9781616718374 | 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 | 64 Pages

Available March 2025.

In November 2000, Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship (BLS) was published from the United States Catholic bishops. This document is designed to guide religious communities, parish teams, and other Catholic institutions in the renovation or building of new churches, chapels, and oratories. The document “reflects [the Church’s] understanding of the liturgy, of the role and importance of church art and architecture, and of the integral roles of the local parish and the diocese that enter into a building or renovation project” (BLS, 9).

This important document also “contains many of the provisions of universal law governing liturgical art and architecture and offers pastoral suggestions . . . [and] guidelines that can serve as the basis for diocesan bishops to issue further guidelines and directives for their dioceses” (BLS, 10). With its theological reflections on art and liturgy and its establishment of liturgical norms, it is an essential document for architects, liturgical consultants and artists, contractors, and other professionals who are responsible for the design and construction of worship spaces.

9781616718411 | 6 x 9 | 96 Pages

Use these forty color-coded, self-adhesive tabs to mark the major divisions and rites found in the newly translated English and Spanish Order of Christian Initiation of Adults approved for use in the diocesed of the United States. The tabs are bilingual in English and Spanish.

These self-adhesive, die-stamped tabs require no cutting or inserting and are easy to attach to pages of the OCIA. Just peel off, then press and stick. Detailed instructions are provided inside the package.

This best-selling book has been a practical and spiritually enriching formational resource for years. Not only does Manual para padrinos y madrinas de catecúmenos offer practical suggestions for accompanying another on a faith journey, but it explains the periods and stages of the Christian initiation process. Sponsors will become immersed in the rich theology of the sacrament of baptism and come to understand conversion as a lifelong process for all disciples. The book details the traits of an effective sponsor and provides a glossary of initiation terms and the text of traditional Catholic prayers. With this resource, sponsors in your faith community will be more confident as they walk with catechumens and candidates on the path to the sacraments.

This revised edition gives particular emphasis to the differences that exist between sponsoring a candidate and sponsoring a catechumen and includes references to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

9781616717421 | 6 x 9 | 80 Pages

Available March 2025.

The coordinator’s role in Christian initiation is essential for developing a rich and fruitful initiation ministry in the parish community. This book will renew veteran coordinators of Christian initiation in their role and introduce novices to the many aspects of their work. It will help coordinators manage their various responsibilities, come to a deeper understanding of the process of Christian initiation, and develop a profound appreciation for the way the liturgical and ritual elements of the baptismal catechumenate lead to an encounter with the living God. Features include:

• An introduction to the overall vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, which sets the tone for the whole ministry of initiation
• Stories of initiation that resonate with the experiences of coordinators
• Practical steps and advice to help coordinators implement the ritual
• Suggestions for how to form an initiation team and a vibrant parish ministry
• Guidance for addressing pastoral concerns that arise during the process of initiation
• Downloadable forms that help facilitate recordkeeping
• A glossary of commonly used terms related to initiation

9781616718336 | 7 X 10 | 112 Pages

This best-selling book has been a practical and spiritually enriching formational resource for years. Guide for Sponsors offers practical suggestions for accompanying another on a faith journey and explains the periods and stages of the Christian initiation process. Sponsors will become immersed in the rich theology of the sacrament of baptism and come to understand conversion as a lifelong process for all disciples. The book details the traits of an effective sponsor and provides a glossary of initiation terms and the text of traditional Catholic prayers. With this resource, sponsors in your faith community will be more confident as they walk with catechumens and candidates on the path to the sacraments.

This revised edition gives particular emphasis to the differences that exist between sponsoring a candidate and sponsoring a catechumen and includes references to the new translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

9781616717438 | 6 x 9 | 80 Pages

The period of the catechumenate is rich with opportunities for catechesis, and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults presents four ways that catechesis occurs during that time for the unbaptized. A Guide to the Period of the Catechumenate breaks open each of those ways of catechizing by first exploring the approach of catechesis accommodated to the liturgical year, then by providing suggestions on how to introduce catechumens to the Christian way of life. In addition to this foundational material, this book also includes:

• An overview of six foundational principles of initiation ministry and how they are applied to the period of the catechumenate
• Practical advice for leading formational and catechetical sessions with the unbaptized
• Thirty-five seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with liturgical suggestions for preparing Celebrations of the Word
• Thirty-four seasonal outlines and twenty-four monthly outlines with practical ways catechumens can serve their parish and local communities
• Twelve catechetical sessions on the lives of the saints

9781616718015 | 7 x 10 | 244 Pages | Paperback

Simple Catechism of the Catholic Faith, in words and pictures. Catecismo de la Fe Catolica con palabras e ilustraciones simples.

The publication of the second edition of The Order of Celebrating Matrimony provides new liturgical and pastoral opportunities for presiders and parishes. In One Love, Fr. Paul Turner--one of the most reliable experts in Catholic liturgy today--provides sound guidance and instruction on the rite. Among the many important and practical topics he covers are:

• uses for the expanded introduction
• the engagement ceremony
• the location for the wedding
• the revised words for the questions, consent, and reception of consent
• the customs of the arras, the lazo, and the veil
• other wedding customs
• and more

One Love promises to be the go-to liturgical resource on Catholic weddings for years to come.

Author: Paul Turner

Details: 88 pgs , 6 x 9 

Publication Date: 08/09/2016

Q & A for parents by Michaela I. Tudela

Parents play an essential role in the faith journey of their children who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. Parents nurture their children's faith, create a prayer-filled home environment, and guide the family's engagement in parish life. Along the way, however, parents often have questions about the process of initiation that is outlined in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the way it applies to their children. This booklet answers those questions and encourages parents to support their children in the life of faith. Initiation coordinators and catechists can also use this book to begin a conversation with parents and guardians about the sacramental journey for their children as it is outlined in the OCIA.

978-1-61671-682-0 | Saddlestitched | 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 | 16 pages | Language: English

Available in Spanish!

Fulfilling what he has called a "grave responsibility," Pope Francis has often addressed the issue of economic inequality and the use of personal, corporate, and national wealth. Francis's teaching is rooted in the teaching of Jesus, preserved in the pages of the New Testament. The Bible has more to say about the use of wealth than it does about other moral issues of our day, yet this teaching seldom enters into the conscience of believers. In Wealth, Wages, and the Wealthy: New Testament Insight for Preachers and Teachers Fr. Raymond F. Collins redresses this issue and provides the reader with a careful examination not only of what Jesus said about wealth but also of what each of the New Testament authors wrote about the topic.

Subtitle: New Testament Insights for Preachers and Teachers
Author: Raymond F. Collins

PRODUCT DETAILS
ISBN: 9780814687840
Details: 366 pgs , 6 x 9 
Publication Date: 06/12/2017

The baptized are called to serve God and the Church in a variety of ways, utilizing the gifts they have been given by the Holy Spirit. Some are called by God to serve in a special way. They have heard God's voice and have responded to his call by presenting themselves to the Church to be instituted as a lay catechist, a lector, or an acolyte or to be ordained as a bishop, a priest, or a deacon. The ceremonies of institution and ordination set apart these members of the Catholic faithful as servant leaders, and these liturgical rites affirm the special charisms that have been bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit.

In Present for God's Call, Fr. Paul Turner provides the historical evolution of the rites of institution and ordination as well as a pastoral overview of the current Latin texts and English translations of these rites. This book is a timely and important liturgical study on the vocational and ministerial roles in the Church, especially for women, who are now permitted to serve as instituted lectors, acolytes, and catechists.

Unique to Fr. Turner's study is the emphasis on the faithful's role in the rites of institution and ordination. The ordination ceremonies expect that the assembly be prepared and that they fully participate in these rites. The entire local Church is called to prepare to take part in these rites, and this book provides one way for this formation to take place.

Spend just five minutes a day praying around your Advent wreath with popular author Lisa M. Hendey's heart-felt reflections and you'll experience the promise, renewal, and hope of the Advent season.

Hendey founder of CatholicMom.com invites you to take up the centuries-old tradition of lighting candles and gathering around an Advent wreath in prayer with family and friends. These scripture-based devotions are perfect for any age and setting, and offer a few minutes of simplicity, focus, and sacred longing as you contemplate and prepare for the great gift of Christ's birth.

Each day includes an opening antiphon and a closing prayer, a scripture reading, a short reflection, and questions to ponder, journal about, or use in conversation.

The compact size and affordable price make this booklet perfect for homes, classrooms, RCIA, youth groups, adult faith formation, campus ministry, and parish settings.

Let the Holy Family be your light through Advent as you receive the healing power of Christ.

In this beautiful guided journal for prayer and meditation, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT author of the bestselling book Restore will walk with you as you explore familial wounds with the help of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Behold features stunning original art by Josiah Henley of Heart of IESVS. Free weekly companion videos, a downloadable discussion guide, and other resources make this book perfect for parish-wide, individual, and book club use leading up to Christmas.

Each week of Behold will focus on a different theme that you can connect to your life in a practical way:

• Week one: Motherhood Receive Maryas your mother and let her tender love soften your heart toward your earthly mother;
• Week two: Fatherhood AdoptJosephas your father and embrace his loving strength as you seek healing in your relationship with your own father;
• Week three: Childhood Become childlike with Jesus and remember the core of who you are as you release your inner joy and playfulness; and
• Week four: Stable Restore peace and unity in yourfamilyand regain hope.

Each day you will journey deeper into the meaning of Advent with a meditation, reflection questions, a prayer, and journaling space.

Following the success of their bestselling devotional Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, youth ministry experts Katie Prejean McGrady and Tommy McGrady offer devotions for Advent and Christmas that help teens make sense of the things that matter most in their lives such as relationships, their future, and coping with stress.

Realistic and easy to use, each daily devotion starts with a brief Bible quote that connects with a topic important to teens such as insecurity, pressure, trust, fitting in, finding hope, and choosing joy. A brief reflection helps teens consider the day's topic through their faith.

The McGrady's sometimes offer comfort, hope, or reasons for joy in these reflections, while on other days they issue a challenge or two. Unlike many other seasonal prayer books, each day offers exercises and activities such as naming areas of teen's lives where they want to be more hopeful or to trust God more. The result is a closer relationship with God.

Each single-page, weekday devotion can be as brief as five minutes or as long as thirty if a teen chooses to do a bit extra with a feature called Feel Ambitious This activity invites them to read, reflect, and respond to a longer scripture passage that connects to the day's theme. Saturdays and Sundays offer additional challenges to reflect on the previous week and to look ahead to the next.

You have a choice this Advent: Get caught up in the annual rush of shopping, decorating, and parties or slow down and take a few minutes each day to remember who this season is really about Jesus.

In Adore, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado of Pax. Valerie will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent, focusing on a new theme each week vigilance, preparation, nearness, and Emmanuel that you can relate to your own life.

Each day you'll journey  deeper into the meaning of Advent with:

• a scripture- and liturgy-based meditation,
• stunning art specially created for this book,
• reflection questions,
• a prayer, and
• journaling space.

Adore is perfect for both individual and group use.

An imprimatur for Adore was granted by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in 2021.

Advent Light from the Threshold Bible Study by Stephen Binz

Advent is a time for new understanding, for putting different pieces of God's revelation together to see the divine plan more clearly. We listen to the words of the ancient prophets, to the wisdom of Jesus, to the stories of his birth and infancy, and we make connections. Then we connect those truths to our own lives and our world and see how God is acting anew, how God continues to reveal the coming of Jesus today. Our best model for this Advent search for understanding is Mary of Nazareth. By making connections between the ancient and the new, between her people Israel and her own life, Mary grew in understanding of God's plan and responded to God's will with her acceptance: "Let it be with me according to your word" (Lk 1:38).

Item: 953164

ISBN: 9781585953165

Publisher: 23rd Publications

Pages: 113 paperback

Henri J. M. Nouwen is one of the most beloved and well-read spiritual author of our time.  His works are popular among Christians of all denomination.  This book of Advent and Christmas Wisdom will both challenge you and warm your heart during your annual preparation for the Lord's coming.  Through the quotes, Nouwen shares with the reader his own journey of waiting while seeking the Lord.

Advent is that period of great anticipatory joy to prepare for the celebration of Christ's arrival in Bethlehem as a helpless infant.  The date commemorating his birth begins the Christmas cycle of the liturgical year, a cycle that runs through the Sunday after the feast of the Epiphany.  This book is designed to be used during the entire period from the First Sunday of Advent to the end of the Christmas season.

Reflections for each day in this book begin with the words of Henri Nouwen taken from various sources of his writings.  Following that quotation is an excerpt from Scripture related to the quote.  Next is a small prayer based on the quote and the Scripture passage. Finally, an activity is suggested for applying the messages to one's daily life.

ISBN: 9780764812187

Publisher: Liguori

Pages: 88 paperback