Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church
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Catholic Book Share List: The following is an on-going list of book recommendations by fellow Catholics from another book club and our parish book club. If you come across a book you feel has inspired, motivated, or enlightened you and is worth sharing, please let us know we can add it to the list. If any of you have comments on the books listed, please share those as well by sending email to webmaster.
A Travel Guide To Heaven
by Anthony Destefano
Most Americans believe that there is a heaven, but many have difficulty conjuring up images beyond angels in flowing robes with harps and halos. Anthony DeStefano knew there had to be a more complete, meaningful vision of what heaven is like. Using the Bible as his guide, along with an extraordinary sense of logic, fun, and adventure, DeStefano set out to look for clues about the place called heaven. He learned that this highly spiritual place is actually very physical, a place more exquisite than a Hawaiian beach at sunset, more thrilling that Alpine skiing, and more fun than an exhilarating game of tennis. www.travelguidetoheaven.com
Decoding Da Vinci Code: The Facts Behind the Fiction
of The Da Vinci Code by Amy Welborn Here is a book that addresses the many issues raised by the best selling novel The Da Vinci Code. The only book that uses a clean and easy to read style as it honestly and objectively lays out the facts about ancient Christian teaching and history. Plus points out the many surprising errors about religion, history, and art contained in The Da Vinci Code.
Joshua by Joseph Girzone Joshua is the story of a quiet, simple man, whose benevolence and selfless work in the community prompts amazement as well as suspicion. Joshua is a profoundly moving, deeply inspiring book that no reader will ever forget.
The Tale of Two Cities by Fr. William Taylor This is a book explaining what the Mormons believe. Written by a priest who was raised as a Mormon and then he and his family converted.
Surprised By Truth by Patrick Madrid Eleven converts give the biblical and historical reasons for becoming Catholic. This is the first in the series of three Surprised by Truth books. It will not only help answer any questions you might have about the Catholic faith, but you will be inspired by the personal and theological struggles of each conversion account.
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich This is the book that inspired Mel Gibson to make the film The Passion of the Christ. It has been inspiring thousands since it first appeared in 1833 being based on the detailed visions of Or Lord’s Passion and Death as seen by Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German Augustinian nun. Her account of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, while faithful to the Bible, is heart-rending, edifying and surprising and filled with intimate detail.
The Life of Faustina Kowalska, the Authorized Biography by Sister Sophia Michalenko As an apostle, prophet, and mystic, St. Faustina Kowalska is one of the most remarkable people of our time. The extraordinary visions of this humble Polish nun gave rise to The Divine Mercy devotion which has become increasingly popular among Catholics today. Her life, mission, and writings have inspired millions to trust in Jesus as the Divine Mercy.
The Courage to Be Catholic by George Weigel This is a good book to read especially after Goodbye, Good Men. He covers in depth the Church crisis of 2002 using unflinching honesty by analyzing the Church’s failure to embrace the great spiritual promise of Vatican II. He gives a solid agenda for true reform and holiness.
Goodbye, Good Men by Michael Rose This shocking book charges that liberal religious have “black balled” generations of devout Catholic men in favor of seminarians that reject Church teachings. Michael Rose, an investigative journalist, conducted more than 150 interviews that included 125 seminarians in some fifty dioceses and 22 major seminaries over two years.
What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating Have you heard these common misconceptions?... Whatever the Pope says is the Gospel truth. At every mass Jesus is sacrificed again. Karl Keating addresses these and fifty other confusions about the Catholic Faith that are held by many Catholics and other Christians as well. Drawing upon Scripture and the Catholic tradition, he not only shows the logical errors in these positions but clearly spells out Catholic teaching and explains the rationale behind frequently misunderstood doctrines and practices. An excellent guide to what Catholics really believe and why.
The Rhythm of Life: An Antidote for Our Busy Age by Matthew Kelly Internationally renowned speaker and author, Matthew Kelly, outlines simple steps and everyday actions that create a way of life – a lifestyle – which is more conducive to the wellbeing of the whole person: physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. It’s a good motivational self-improvement type book by a fellow Catholic.
Good News About Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West (Nihil obstat and Imprimatur) “A kind of catechism of Catholic teaching on sex and marriage…perfect for marriage prep courses, RCIA, adult education and marriage enrichment… Do the Church and yourself a favor: Read and reread this book. Encourage everyone you know to do the same.” Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Creator and Creation by Mary O. Daly (Nihil Obstat) After asking numerous people regarding what the Catholic Church’s beliefs are about Creation I finally found the answers I was looking for in this book. It’s an essay about some basic arguments regarding what the Catholic Church’s beliefs are about Creation against secular science and critiques the most common arguments of young-earth creationists. She covers the story of creation in Genesis, the flood, and evolution to name a few. But the best part is that it is written so you can actually understand it. The information regarding science and our faith in this essay is something every Catholic should know, because it is not taught in public schools, few parochial schools, and seldom in our CCD programs. If you want to find out more go to her website at www.hedgeschool.com
Brother Astronomer: Adventurers of a Vatican Scientist by Brother Guy Consolmagno On my quest to find answers regarding the Catholic faith and science, I came across this book and I really liked it. The book not only answers questions regarding astronomy, and the union of science and religion, but it also gives you a look into the religious life of a Jesuit brother and the Vatican’s Observatory which is the Pope’s summer home. You also experience what it was like during his time spent in the Peace Corps in Africa and his 6 week expedition to Antarctica. The first 3 chapters are a bit technical, but definitely good resource material. If you can get through those first 3 chapters, you won’t regret reading the book. Part IV had me laughing out loud.
Why not be a Missioner? By Michael Leach and Susan Perry Young Maryknollers tell their stories about their missionary experience. Inspiring first-person accounts of 21 young men and women in their 20s and 30s who are serving God and neighbor in every corner of the earth.
A Gift of Hope: The Tony Melendez Story It is a biography of Tony Melendez who was born without arms and with a club foot. It describes his struggles and those of his family. It finishes with his kiss from Pope John Paul II made on national television during a youth conference, and how that changed his life. It is very inspiring.
An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Gabriele
Amorth, translator Nicoletta V. Mackenzie Rome’s chief exorcist tells of his experiences doing battle with Satan, allowing the reader to witness what an exorcist sees and does. He shows how real the devil is, and the great power of evil that Satan has, and how that evil is conquered only by Christ. This is the most thorough work available on exorcism.
Can You Drink The Cup? By Henri J. M. Nouwen Using the cup as a metaphor, Nouwen reflects on three images—Holding, Lifting and Drinking—to articulate basics of the spiritual life. Nouwen draws stories from his own life and ministry to illustrate his main themes. His goal is to make the question Jesus posed pierce our hearts so that a personal answer can emerge from it. A question whose answer can radically change our lives.
Passion for Peace—The Social Essays by Thomas Merton (Edited and with an Introduction by William H. Shannon) This is a comprehensive volume of powerful social writings of a great 20th century mystic, poet, and prophet, Thomas Merton. Many of these principal writings on non-violence, war, and racism are in book form for the first time. Merton’s writings on social issues flowed from a deep contemplative vision. Passion for Peace is a book of testament, vision, and hope.
The Tattered Tapestry – A Family’s Search for
Peace with Bipolar Disorder by Tom Smith with Kevin and Karla Smith The Tattered Tapestry tells the tragic but true story of one family’s journey with bipolar disorder. Along with the pain, confusion, and tragedy, The Tattered Tapestry also records Karla’s struggle for acceptance and peace. Told from a number of perspectives by different family members, this compelling story bravely exposes the love shared within the family even in trying times.
Rome Sweet Rome by Scott and Kimberly Hahn The well-known couple tells in their own words about the spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism. Their conversion story and love for the Church have renewed the faith of thousands of lukewarm Catholics, and have also influenced countless conversions to Catholicism.
The Lamb’s Supper: the Mass as Heaven on Earth by Scott Hahn Of all things Catholic, there is nothing as familiar as the Mass. With its unchanging prayers, the mass fits Catholics like their favorite clothes. Yet most Catholics sitting in the pews on Sunday fail to see the powerful supernatural drama that enfolds them. Pope John Paul II described the mass as “Heaven on Earth”. This book will help readers see the mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully, enthusiastically, intelligently, and powerfully than ever before.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom Corrie and her older sister Betsie, had been sent to a concentration camp for helping the Jews. Christ’s spirit and words were their guide; it was His persecuted people they tried to save—at the risk of their own lives; it was His strength that sustained them through times of profound horror. Here is a book aglow with the glory of God and the courage of a quiet Christian spinster whose life was transformed by it. A story of Christ’s message, and the courageous woman who listened and lived to pass it along—with joy and triumph.
Night by Elie Wiesel A terrifying account of the Nazi death camp horror that turns a young Jewish boy into an agonized witness to the death of his family…the death of his innocence…and the death of his God. Penetrating and powerful, as personal as the The Diary of Anne Frank, Night awakens the shocking memory of evil at its absolute and carries with it the unforgettable message that this horror must never be allowed to happen again.
Kaffir Boy--The True Story of Black Youths Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa by Mark Mathebane An autobiography of a rare look inside festering adobe shanties of Alexandra, one of South America’s notorious black townships. Rare because it comes from the heart of a passionate young African who grew up there.
What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey We speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More important do we truly believe in it? And do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? In this Gold Medallion book of the year, Philip Yancey gives us a probing look at grace: what it looks like…what it doesn’t look like…and why only Christians can and must reveal the grace the world is searching for.
In His Image by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey Yancey and Brand show how accurately and intricately the human body portrays the Body of Christ. In five sections—Image, Blood, Head, Spirit, and Pain. The acclaimed surgeon and award-winning writer unlock the remarkable, living lessons contained within our physical make-up. This Gold Medallion Award-winning book will open your eyes to the complex miracle of the human body and the even more compelling spiritual truths that it reflects.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant The Red Tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. This fictional story offers an insight of the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives while told in the voice of Jacob and Leah’s daughter, Dinah. The novel re-creates the life of Dinah, from happy childhood in Mesopotamia through her years in Canaan and in Egypt. A thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating portrait of a fascinating woman and the life she might have lived.
A Philadelphia Catholic in King James Court by Martin Deporres Kennedy ***Book Club Book - February 2008 ***
After the tragic death of his father, Michael O’Shea travels from his native Philadelphia to rural Kentucky for the summer. In this land of tobacco farming, bluegrass and devout fundamentalist Christianity, he is compelled to explain and justify the Catholic faith. His only defense…the Bible. Join Michael on an Amish-style farm as he learns to milk a cow, harness a horse, disk a field, and harvest hay with a team instead of a tractor. Will he find the truth about papacy, the Eucharist, and Marian devotion through Sacred Scripture? The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux – The
Story of a Soul edited by Mother
Agnes of Jesus translated by Michael Day St. Therese of Lisieux is also known as the Little Flower of Jesus. At the request of her superior in her convent she puts her life and mission on paper. It conveys her secrets of great holiness in ordinary life. Pope Pius X stated “She is the greatest saint of modern times.” No Catholic should be ignorant of the “Mighty Little Therese”, who is one of the 33 Doctors of the Church, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary soul.
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