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Discover how unlikely friends can provide us with gifts beyond measure. Unwelcome guests are not generally greeted with gratitude but occasionally they become unexpected friends bearing gifts we never would have asked for. In Gifts from Friends We Never Wanted, Virginia Herbers introduces a sampling of these types of surprising guests in our lives--failure, disappointment, worry--and the gifts they offer us when they come visiting. Following the same pattern as her first book, Gifts from Friends We've Yet to Meet, Herbers chooses a gospel character to accompany us as we engage these uninvited "friends." Weaving together the stories of Jesus's contemporaries, his response to their foibles, and stories from her own experiences, Herbers invites us to join her on a journey of discovery, vulnerability, honesty--and hospitality. She asks if we dare to befriend the least appealing truths of ourselves to surrender them to a God who can enlighten even the greatest darkness? If we dare, then we will have truly understood the value of these Gifts from Friends We Never Wanted.

Award-winning French author shares the biography and spiritual journey of Cistercian abbot Dom André Louf. Based on a wide variety of interviews, printed sources, and Dom André Louf's spiritual journal, The Way of the Heart narrates Louf's spiritual journey from his childhood in Flanders through his becoming a monk in a Cistercian monastery, his ten years of retirement as a hermit in a Benedictine monastery in the south of France, and his death. During his career he struggled with conflicting vocational desires--sometimes wishing to serve as a pastor, academic, abbot, or to immerse himself in eremitic contemplation. That struggle is the leading thread through this biography, which portrays a man whose immense gifts pulled him in many directions, while always endeavoring to submit himself to God's will.

By taking a closer look at the "stones" that impeded Jesus's last week, we are challenged to identify the obstructions to our spiritual lives. When Jesus descends the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem to the acclamation of the crowd, he announces "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out." In TheStones of the Last Week, Bonnie B. Thurston reflects on the Passion narratives in Luke 19-24, and explores the many references to stones, both literal and spiritual, that impeded Jesus's last week with a view to their significance for our own journey to the fullness of life that resurrection offers. The Stones of the Last Week reflects on the impediments to Easter, challenging us to consider our own "stones,"--the difficulties, hindrances, and obstructions in our spiritual lives--from the perspective of talking stones, stones of destruction, impermanent stones, stones that measure distances, and the stone marking life and death. Turn to this enriching resource as Lent unfolds into Easter, or for personal reading and reflection throughout the year.

"Gerhard Lohfink, renowned Scripture scholar and Catholic Media Association's 2023 Author of the Year, invites us to be renewed through the image of the springs of true life bursting forth in our own lives. The image of springs breaking forth from the earth moves us-not only because pure, fresh water is precious on our exploited planet, but also because springs are among the loveliest and most mysterious natural phenomena. By reflecting on the statement "All my springs are in you," renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink invites us to be renewed through the image of the springs of true life bursting forth in our own lives. In All My Springs Are in You-citing Psalm 87:7-Lohfink focuses on fundamental beliefs, feasts and liturgical seasons, as well as distinctions and contrasts to break down any narrow interpretations of biblical texts readers may experience. The final verse in the Old Testament offers readers a means to uncover how much hope and revolutionary power may be found in numerous Bible texts that we may or may not be familiar with. By applying the psalm statement "All My Springs Are in You" directly to God, readers will come to read the text in a way that is biblical and transformative. "--

Award-winning writer Paula Huston offers a rich spiritual reflection on the origin and meaning of the Catholic Mass. For Catholics, the Mass is the "source and summit of the Christian life," as the documents of the Church put it. Yet many Catholics might confess to not understand in any depth what goes on in a typical celebration of the Eucharist. In One Ordinary Sunday Paula Huston guides us through a Mass at her home parish in a rural California town. Huston's personal and spiritual reflections offer fresh and often unexpected insights into the profound mystery at the heart of the Catholic faith. A natural storyteller, Huston deftly illuminates what might seem either mysterious to those unfamiliar with the Mass or overly familiar to those who have lost an appreciation of its mystery. In the Mass "we are healed and restored and spiritually fed," she writes. "We are unified and made whole as a people and as a Church. We get a little taste of heaven."

"In the tradition of the liturgy of the hours, Living Prayer offers a four-week cycle of morning and evening prayer to support a more sustainable lifestyle. Created with ecological and social justice-oriented individuals and organizations in mind, Living Prayer supports hands-on work in local communities. The book also includes a variety of green rituals to extend ecological prayer"--

"In The Lost Dialogue of Gregory the Great, Carmel Posa, SGS, applies a "disciplined imagination" and the ancient hagiographical method to recover the missing life and voice of St. Scholastica of Nursia. Drawing on a wide range of scholarship, including Gregory the Great's four famous dialogues, biblical models, and the Rule of Benedict, Posa follows a technique similarly used by Saint Gregory himself to create an account of Scholastica's life"--

The full collection of conference talks from Pope Francis's appointed retreat master, Timothy Radcliffe, heard first during the historic October 2023 General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality. The Synod on Synodality held in Rome in October 2023, gathered Catholics from all over the world to listen, pray, and reflect on a new way of being church. Dominican priest Timothy Radcliffe, the official retreat master and spiritual advisor for this assembly, was appointed by Pope Francis to deliver a series of retreat talks and meditations to the delegates during the assembly of the Synod on Synodality. Those talks are offered here, as well as Radcliffe's further reflections on our current challenges and where we could be headed as a church. He then provides a specific Dominican experience as an example of synodality-in-action. In¿Listening Together,¿Radcliffe's words not only set the spirit for the historic synod gathering, but now, in written form, they open the possibility for individuals or groups to read and continue to reflect on this synodal journey we all share. Listening Together¿serves as a powerful reminder of the themes of enduring relevance included in Radcliffe's retreat talks and synod meditations. In entertaining and engaging prose, Radcliffe's reflections encourage readers to think about conflicting hopes; different visions of the church as home; the need for unity; friendship; and above all, the importance of listening, discernment, and mission as a means for this synodal journey to continue to succeed. In these pages, Radcliffe offers a "spirituality of listening" that can take us forward together on a journey of discovery and communion.

Deeply spiritual and personal reflections from distinguished theologian Richard R. Gaillardetz. Diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, theologian Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz started sharing his thoughts and reflections on CaringBridge and signed off each entry with the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope"). In his chronologically compiled essays, Rick moves through his final season of life seeking insight from his Christian faith, while discovering new meaning in the signs and symbols that mark familiar liturgical seasons and celebrations. He explores fears and doubts, joys and sufferings, and the graces and blessings he encounters along his final journey. With shots of humor, a few sports analogies, and a sprinkling of quotes from Karl Rahner, Rick offers wisdom for all in his poignant exploration of what it means to be a person of faith, entering the paschal mystery, ever hopeful for the life to come.

While we may know the Bible stories of Israel's military leaders, kings, and prophets, we are often less familiar with the stories of the women who helped to establish a monarchy, defend Israel's interests, and reflect God's image in unique ways. In Women in the Old Testament, Part Two, a continuation of the classic commentary by Irene Nowell, OSB, in conversation with the contemporary voice of Jaime Waters, you will explore stories of women of the Bible such as Judith and Esther, whose complexities and gifts broke stereotypes and continue to reveal God to us. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 4 lessons.

In Scripture we encounter God and come to know God's people. Women in the Old Testament, Part One, takes you on a journey through Israel's beginnings, Israel's captivity and freedom, and Israel's tribal period from the perspective of the earliest women of salvation history, such as Sarah, Deborah, and Ruth. Guided by the classic commentary of Irene Nowell, OSB, and the contemporary scholarship of Jaime Waters, enter into these ancient stories of women of the Bible that remain rich and relevant for believers today. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

La Caja de Herramientas para Líderes Pastorales es una respuesta al llamado de los líderes hispanos/latinos durante el proceso del V Encuentro (2017-2019) de la Iglesia Católica para más oportunidades de formación y apoyo para el clero, religiosos y líderes laicos hispanohablantes en las mejores prácticas para el liderazgo parroquial. Leadership Roundtable creó este libro para ser un recurso para los líderes pastorales hispanos/latinos y así apoyar su formación continua mientras sirven en sus roles ministeriales. Este libro presenta el contenido de A Pastor's Toolbox, Volumes 1 & 2 y también introduce más recursos para apoyar los desafíos y oportunidades específicos de liderazgo para los líderes pastorales hispanos/latinos. Los temas incluyen: recursos humanos, visión, gestión de voluntarios, ministerio juvenil, gestión de riesgos, administración y recaudación de fondos, ¡y mucho más! La Caja de Herramientas para Líderes Pastorales fue producida en español gracias al apoyo del padre Juan Molina y el equipo del Mexican American Catholic College.¿¿Obtenga más información sobre el trabajo de Leadership Roundtable en la capacitación de líderes de la Iglesia en las mejores prácticas de liderazgo y gestión en www.leadershiproundtable.org.

A rich resource for all who desire a deeper understanding of this most important celebration of the Christian year. In the church's liturgical calendar, the Easter Vigil is far and away the richest in rites and symbols; the most moving in its beauty; the most abundant in biblical readings, prayer texts, and music; and the most demanding and even most tiring for those who take part. In Fire of Love, Water of Life, renowned liturgical theologian Goffredo Boselli focuses his remarkable knowledge and insight upon this central moment of the church's year, helping readers understand how those who celebrate the Easter Vigil experience the very essence of Christianity. This unforgettable book is a rich resource for presiders, homilists, liturgists, liturgical scholars, and all laity who want a more profound grasp of this most important celebration of the Christian year.

"This commentary on Zechariah provides a feminist interpretation of Scripture in serious, scholarly engagement with the whole text, not only those texts that explicitly mention women. It addresses not only issues of gender but also those of power, authority, ethnicity, racism, and classism"--

How do we hear our prayers? In the words of philosopher Gemma Corradi Fiumara, there can "be no saying without hearing, no speaking which is not an integral part of listening, no speech which is not somehow received." Therefore, hearing should be considered an essential aspect of participation in Christian worship. However, although almost all studies of Christian worship attend to the words spoken and sung, almost none consider how worshippers hear in the liturgical event. In Hearing Our Prayers, Juliette Day draws upon insights from liturgical studies, philosophy, psychology, acoustical science, and architectural studies to investigate how acts of audition occur in Christian worship. The book discusses the different listening strategies worshippers use for speech, chant, and music, as well as for silence and noise: why paying attention in church can be so difficult and how what we hear is affected by the buildings in which worship takes place. Day concludes by identifying "liturgical listening" as a particular type of ritual participation and emphasizes that liturgical listening is foundational for the way in which we pray, and think about God, the church, and the world.

With the ever-increasing demands placed on our parish leaders, what can seminaries do to prepare priests to deal with the difficult issues they will face? In addition to formation in priestly spirituality and pastoral care, future pastors require lasting support as they discern the call to priesthood and prepare to enter parish leadership after ordination. Filled with valuable information for supporting seminarians in their ongoing formation, A Seminarian's Toolbox provides practical tools and guidance for achieving best practices in parish leadership. This book is a project of The Leadership Roundtable, a nonprofit organization of Catholic lay leaders, religious, and clergy working together to promote best practices in the formation of clergy and lay leaders in the United States. Learn more at www.LeadershipRoundtable.org.

Discipleship is not a program to be implemented or a goal to be achieved but a lifelong walk with Christ, who is the way. Our calling by Christ to be his disciples is so fundamental to our faith that we sometimes fail to realize its meaning. What does it mean to be called? What is a disciple? In Called on the Way: The Daily Practice of Discipleship, authors Kathleen Cahalan and Laura Kelly Fanucci explore through personal stories, Scripture readings, and prayer experiences, what it means to be called a disciple "on the way." Through our roles and relationships, each person is blessed with many callings to heed God's invitation to follow the way of Christ. Calling is something we do, someone we are, and someone we become and the image of "the way" is the central biblical theme of our journey together. Called on the Way includes seven practical ways you can understand and live out your own call to discipleship as a follower, worshiper, witness, neighbor, forgiver, prophet, and steward. Each chapter includes a personal story, biblical foundation, and connections to saintly and sacramental practice. Reflection questions help identify how you and your parish community can live the life of discipleship in the time and place where God is leading you and calling you now.

In eucharistic adoration, the faithful spend time in the presence of Christ, who in turn is present to them. In communion services, the faithful unable to participate in the sacrifice of the Mass can still receive its fruit. The Catholic Church wraps both ceremonies inside a larger book called Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass. A revised English translation invites a renewed acquaintance with these forms of prayer. Where did they come from? What is their purpose? How are they best celebrated? In Eucharistic Reservation, Paul Turner explains the new translation of these guidelines and refreshes all those who find delight in the eucharistic presence of Christ even when Mass is over.

Women were essential to the ministry of Jesus and the flourishing of the early church. In Women in the New Testament, trusted guide Catherine Cory delves into the lives of the fascinating women who befriended Jesus, were healed and transformed by him, followed him as disciples, and proclaimed the good news of his resurrection. Journey through the New Testament, exploring the social and religious world of first-century Palestine and the remarkable lives of these women of faith. Six lessons survey New Testament texts about Mary the mother of Jesus, women healed by Jesus, the Samaritan woman, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and various women of the early church, such as Priscilla and Phoebe. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

"This commentary on Revelation provides a feminist interpretation of Scripture in serious, scholarly engagement with the whole text, not only those texts that explicitly mention women. It addresses not only issues of gender but also those of power, authority, ethnicity, racism, and classism"--

Religious life is vitally necessary to the Catholic church today. But it will exist in new and varied forms which speak to the spiritual hungers of different societies, ethnic cultures, and generations. God's Call Is Everywhere is the first comparative analysis of research in six countries investigating women who have entered vowed religious life in Catholicism in the twenty-first century. The data include survey responses from institute leaders, formation directors, and the women themselves, conducted in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, along with focus groups and interviews in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France. Through a careful summary of these studies and comparing differences, readers of this book will have a better understanding of the hopes and concerns of those discerning a vocation to religious life and learn how to move forward in the future. God's Call Is Everywhere includes six major points of comparison: Demographic characteristics of the women entering religious life and their personal and familial backgrounds What attracted them to religious life and to their specific religious institute What they find most satisfying and most challenging about religious life Their hopes and concerns for the future Experiences and programs that were helpful in their vocational discernment Aspects of the larger society, of the Church, and of the religious institutes which make vocational discernment difficult for women today The analysis is followed by six reflective essays, two of which discuss the implications of the findings for future vocational discernment programs and four of which compare the findings to religious life in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

"Inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical, Laudato Sâi, and Benedictine communities around the world whose shared monastic values inform ecological practice, Monastic Ecological Wisdom explores how early medieval monasteries serve as a model of sustainable development and environmental conservation in today's world"--

In this commentary on the revised English translation of The Order of Penance, Paul Turner explains in detail how the sacrament of renewal has itself undergone renewal since the first edition approved shortly after the Second Vatican Council. Turner highlights important elements within the revised translation including: the history behind the revised order of service and the words of absolution; an explanation of how and why the ceremony was revised after the Council; changes for communal reconciliation services; and the first translation of proposed examinations of conscience to prepare a community for reconciliation. This commentary invites all Catholics to consider the sacrament anew by preparing a spiritual path upon which the faithful may walk in search of forgiveness and experience a profound encounter with the mercy of God.

As the longest Psalm in the Bible, Psalm 119 comprises 176 verses. Its message sings the praise of Israel's Law and describes how the faithful should respond to the gift of God's self-revelation. In The Longest Psalm, Michael Casey offers a meditative reading of each verse of the psalm, intended to be read one at a time, to facilitate a personal prayer and reflection. Psalm 119 brings together elements found throughout the Psalter and the reflections focus on universal themes as well as specific questions of daily life, such as our experience of yearning, service, affliction, and stumbling. Each verse stands alone, intended to be read slowly, like the litanies familiar to Catholic devotion. Perfect for a brief meditation before beginning the day, Casey invites us to spend time wandering with the psalmist to allow God's Word to play a significant role in our lives. Through this careful reflection on the longest psalm, readers will discover the text is not merely a psalm to be sung but also a path to be followed.

The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers offers a new translation of the Greek alphabetical Apophthegmata Patrum, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. For the first time in an English translation, this volume provides: extensive background and contextual notes significant variant readings in the alphabetical manuscripts and textual differences vis-à-vis the systematic and anonymous Apophthegmata reference notes to both quotations from Scriptures and the many allusions to Scripture in the sayings and stories. In addition, there is an extensive glossary that offers information and further resources on people, places, and significant monastic vocabulary. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of the desert tradition.

In this commentary on Pope Francis's letter on liturgical formation, Desiderio desideravi, Rita Ferrone takes readers on a journey of discovery to the very heart of the mystery we celebrate in the liturgy. Along the way, it draws attention to particular elements readers might otherwise miss, and illuminates the many rich expressions and affirmations contained within the pope's letter. Questions for reflection and discussion are provided at the end of each section, making this commentary a useful tool for both personal reflection and group discussion.

In Groaning in Labor, Growing in Hope, Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a mom of three, offers a collection of Scripture readings and reflections that speak to the challenges of transitioning to motherhood. Kimmet shares her experience of postpartum depression and raising young children, and how Scripture and prayer helped her to reframe painful experiences and offer companionship in struggle. By taking whatever scraps of time that can be spared, Kimmet hopes readers will find a healing God present in the upheavals of this season of life, and will return to prayer even though that practice will look and feel different. This resource includes lectio divina for moms, Scripture references for overwhelming times, a litany of saints for postpartum struggles, and more.

"The long-term ecclesiological trajectory of Pope Francis is toward a reformed church along synodal lines. This volume traces not only the historical roots of synodality but also examines the shape of synodal processes currently underway in different contexts and continents"--

"Originally published as Die wichtigsten Worte Jesu by Gerhard Lohfink, 2022 Verlag Herder GmbH, Freiburg im Breisgau."

New Ways and Next Steps is designed to help pastoral ministers develop LGBTQ+ ministry in their local parishes. Whether a parish is just initiating a ministry or already has one that needs fresh ideas, Francis DeBernardo brings pastoral ministers on a journey of discernment to help them discover the best path LGBTQ+ ministry should take in their local communities.Contemporary Topics in Parish Leadership is a series from Liturgical Press that addresses timely realities in parish leadership. Written primarily for parish staff, leadership teams, and parish councils, each topic affirms the pastoral realities facing today's church leaders in a way that is engaging, relevant, and accessible. Short chapters grounded in real-world experiences invite readers to consider the depth of pastoral realities from a scriptural, theological, and ministerial perspective. "Questions for Reflection" and "Continuing the Conversation" at the end of each chapter encourage personal reflection, group discussion, and suggestions for practical implementation in today's diverse parishes.