What is a deacon?" "What does a deacon do?" These are two questions pastors, parishioners, and even deacons themselves often ask.In A New Friendship Monsignor Edward Buelt a
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints. His commitment to God's will, his yearning to embrace poverty, and his attentiveness to the Spirit's presence in his life continue to inspire
Is confession obsolete? Far from it, Annemarie Kidder has learned. At unexpected times and in unexpected places, we hear the confession" of a friend or a perfect stranger; at crucial times in
Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907 '72) is widely regarded as one of the most creative religious thinkers of the twentieth century, and John Merkle is well known as a leading guide to Heschel's thought. In
In the spirit of nineteenth-century philosopher John Stuart Mill's admonition to fully, frequently, and fearlessly" discuss what we profess to be true in order that it remain a "livi
"A series of reflections for each day of the year based on thoughts from St. Augustine and the author's consideration of them; reflections include: the ever-moving life of the individual, the search f
These eighty-six sermons are among the most famous and most beautiful examples of medieval scriptural exegesis. In them the modern reader can catch a glimpse of the genius an entire generation found i
Praying the Scriptures sets a number of biblical prayers in the context of biblical revelation so that they are seen as celebrations of God's great saving deeds of the Exodus and the Resurrection. Thu
Written in the eighth century C.E., Targum Canticles offers one of the classic interpretations of the Song of Songs. In the relationship between the bridegroom and the bride in the Song, with its rhyt
The Classic Edition is a popular choice among Lectionary users. Its convenient size and full list of features fit a variety of needs.Mandatory use of the Lectionary for Mass for weekdays began May 19,
This abridged edition of the Book of Blessings has been prepared for use when blessings are celebrated outside Mass or outside of the church. (Rites of blessing during Mass and those celebrated in th
A Different Touch speaks of the challenges of religious life today where the essentials of Christian living and union with God are still sought via a different touch."Reflecting on the history of
The monastery has often been likened to a powerhouse of prayer, providing light and energy for the countless numbers who make up the Body of Christ. This image has inadvertently furthered the view of
Using vignettes set in or near his monastery in downtown Newark, New Jersey, Benedictine monk Albert Holtz helps us to see that the Easter mystery, which can often seem abstract and distant, is in fac
In The Word on the Street, John Martens brings the Bible to where people live, in the church, at home, at work, and in the broader world. This collection of articles, which includes Scripture readings
These three colorful books offer gripping stories of how God shows his mercy and accomplishes his will through human actions. Jonah is a reluctant prophet who must be swallowed by a whale before he de
In Saint Paul, Elliott C. Maloney explores what the great saint says about the spiritual life, the “how to” in the day-to-day activities and concerns of Christians. How should people live in covenant
Since Charles Puskas first published The Letters of Paul, it has proven to be a reliable text and reference tool. It is an exemplary guide to the basic issues surrounding the Pauline letters-who reall
How does the Bible's teaching on the devil square with psychology and other modern scientific disciplines that seem to have driven Satan into the realm of myth? Why does 666 signify the devil? Is Sata
Cassian taught that real intimacy with God in prayer demands renouncing one's former way of life, the thoughts belonging to that former way of life, and one's very idea of God. In Thoughts Matter, Mar
This collection of Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a witness to the many ways and reasons Christians have honored the Mother of Jesus. The forty six formularies that are distributed over
A new mode of Christian living is springing to life as groups of individuals and families living in the same geographic area or connected virtually share a simple rule of life. Cave, Refectory, Road e
Yves Congar, OP, was one of the most important and influential theologians of the twentieth century. Much of this influence came as a result of his role as theological advisor to the bishops who parti
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah relate the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon during the rule of the early Persian kings. For a long time, interpretations of these two books by Christian exegetes
Blessings of St. Benedict is a devotional that brings the Rule of St. Benedict to al people of every state of life. In these brief and accessible reflections on this ancient monastic rule, John Michae
The abbot of the English Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx from 1147-1167 explores the spiritual nature of human friendship, defining it as sacramental and as a vehicle for God to transmit his love to all
The Ignatian tradition sprang up in the sixteenth century, the fruit of graces bestowed on a Basque nobleman, Ignatius of Loyola. Guided by a passion to find God in all things, Ignatius and his first
In this collection of weekly reflections on the Sunday Lectionary for Year B, Verna Holyhead draws us into the inspired texts of both the Old and New Testaments. Through a rich tapestry of literary fo
A century has passed since Karl Rahner's birth, and two decades have passed since his death. Yet this remarkable theologian has left a legacy of wisdom as relevant today as it was during Rahner's time
Do the Old Testament prophets have a stake in modern ethics? They had a great impact in shaping Israel’s ethics, and they should also have an impact on ours, writes biblical scholar Joseph Jensen.In E
Effective, significant preaching requires a Vision and a pondering of the question, How can I do what the Church expects of me?" The homily offers preachers a chance to live this question. Dr
The psalms offer a harmony to life and a rhythm that keeps us peacefully in tune with the intense fervor of life. InThe Spirituality of the Psalms, Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, looks at the structure of
The Season of Light is a guide for families, households, communities, and parishes who wish to make the lighting of the Advent candles a daily prayer. From the first Sunday of Advent until Christmas D
The Book of Exodus speaks of central events in Jewish self-understanding: the Exodus from Egypt, the covenant with Moses, and the giving of the Law. It is part narrative, part religious law. This tran
Christian life, like life generally, is marked by trials. For this reason, the author has chosen the Book of Job as a primary text for reflection, although other passages of the Old and New Testaments
The very idea of praying personal petitions aloud in front of others makes many people uncomfortable. Yet those who have overcome their fears and tried this form of prayer are quick to express how re
This guide to monastic prayer, written in 1968 and thus turning out to be Thomas Merton’s final testament to us, is now available in a new edition commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his d
Spirituality: An Art of Living was born out of a generous impulse: to pass on lessons from the monastic tradition to lay people so as to help them achieve a more ardent and fulfilling spiritual life.
In The Word on the Street, John Martens brings the Bible to where people live: in the church, at home, at work, and in the broader world. This Lectionary commentary for every Sunday of the liturgical
The time has come to tell the entire story of the creation of The Saint Johns Bible. This completely revised and updated edition of Illuminating the Word devotes a separate chapter to each of the Bibl