Letters To A Young Catholic

“An engaging, lucid, and informative introduction to the teachings and traditions of Catholicism” (Wall Street Journal), from one of America’s most prominent Catholic intellectuals. In this remarkable exploration of the Catholic world, prominent Catholic author and papal biographer George Weigel offers a luminous collection of letters to young Catholics, not-so-young Catholics, and any curious souls who wonder what it means to be Catholic today. Weigel takes readers on an epistolary tour of Catholic landmarks—from Chartres Cathedral to St. Mary's Church in Greenville, South Carolina; from the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to G.K. Chesterton's favorite pub in Oxford; and from the grave of a modern martyr in Warsaw to the Sistine Chapel. This revised and expanded edition includes five new chapters that examine topics at the heart of the modern faith—ranging from the mystery of evil to the puzzle of secularization—and feature sacred sites from Lithuania to Mexico. Weaving together insights from history, literature, theology, and music, Weigel illuminates the beliefs that give Catholicism its distinctive texture and explores the theological importance of grace, prayer, vocation, sin and forgiveness, suffering, and—most importantly—love. To a world that sometimes seems closed and claustrophobic, he suggests, Christian humanism offers a world with windows and doors—and a skylight.

Young people in the Church today are faced with a daunting task. We're asked to be light to a world that often seems disinterested in-if not downright hostile towards- the Gospel. If we are going to carry out this important task, we have to be unafraid to live our faith out loud. Letters From A Young Catholic provides practical advice on how to do just that. Written from the perspective of a college student, this book compiles over 50 short articles intended to help young people grow in their Catholic faith and share it with the world.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS BOOK INCLUDE:How to Live Out Your Faith in 7 StepsHow to Hear God's VoiceWhat To Do When You Don't Understand Church TeachingIs It OK to Date While Discerning A Religious Vocation?How To Tell If You've Got A Good FriendEvangelizing Friends...And More!

At a time when definitions of Calvinism are hotly contested, this book provides a vision of the Reformed faith that is generous, winsome, and imaginative.

A Place to Belong: Letters from Catholic Women explores what it means to be a woman of faith today. Edited by Corynne Staresinic, the founder of the nonprofit The Catholic Woman, this stunning anthology of twenty-five deeply personal letters, wisdom from women saints, reflection questions, art, photography, and prayers will inspire you to live your femininity along your own unique life path as you find--and provide for others--a place to belong.

Have you ever felt in over your head? When Eric Peterson became the pastor of a brand-new church, he quickly and wisely turned to his dad for guidance. Eugene Peterson, author of more than thirty books including his bestselling memoir The Pastor and his groundbreaking Bible The Message, here reflects on pastoral ministry in all its complexity--from relationships to administration to the sheer audacity of leading God's people in a particular place. This is Eugene Peterson at his best--lifelong wisdom written with deep love. As the reader, you will glimpse into the tender, witty, personal side of Eugene mentoring his own son. These intimate letters will be treasured by all who read, and applicable to church leaders around the globe. Purchase individually or together with Letters to a Young Congregation as a memorable gift for a church leader or seminary graduate.

What to do when the honeymoon is over! Because of human imperfections, difficulties crop up in marriage, even between people who love each other deeply. You’ll soon find that for this reason, although love is a gift, it must also be learned.” So begins this remarkable book of letters to Julie, a young bride — letters that reveal the beauty and importance of high ideals in marriage while teaching you practical tips to help you live up to those ideals daily. You’ll learn how to grow in wisdom and in love as you encounter the unglamorous, everyday problems that threaten all marriages. As the author says: “If someone were to give me many short bits of wool, most likely I would throw them away. A carpet weaver thinks differently. He knows the marvels we can achieve by using small things artfully and lovingly. Like the carpet weaver, the good wife must be an artist of love. She must remember her mission and never waste the little deeds that fill her day — the precious bits of wool she’s been given to weave the majestic tapestry of married love.” This remarkable book will show you how to start weaving love into the tapestry of your marriage today, as it leads you more deeply into the joys of love. "May the Lord grant this book the success it deserves!" Pope John Paul II "Readable and encouraging, with a deeper vision and greater wisdom than is usual." Liguorian "A garden of wisdom." BC Observer

From bestselling author and provocateur Christopher Hitchens, the classic guide to the art of principled dissent and disagreement In Letters to a Young Contrarian, bestselling author and world-class provocateur Christopher Hitchens inspires the radicals, gadflies, mavericks, rebels, and angry young (wo)men of tomorrow. Exploring the entire range of "contrary positions"—from noble dissident to gratuitous nag—Hitchens introduces the next generation to the minds and the misfits who influenced him, invoking such mentors as Emile Zola, Rosa Parks, and George Orwell. As is his trademark, Hitchens pointedly pitches himself in contrast to stagnant attitudes across the ideological spectrum. No other writer has matched Hitchens's understanding of the importance of disagreement—to personal integrity, to informed discussion, to true progress, to democracy itself.

Letters to Joey provides a critical exploration of developmental spirituality within the context of today's Catholic Church. The book is framed in the form of a fictional exchange of letters between a worldly and wise retired priest (Fr. Matthew) and his great nephew (Joey), a conflicted yet committed seminarian. The dialectic, expressed in casual vernacular, explores how the call of the Spirit--the urge for transformation of self--is too often constrained today by a hierarchical theology based on fear and control. A positive alternative, facilitating growth and maturation, is provided through the model of first and second half of life spirituality. An extended discussion of our "images of God"--how they are formed, how they impact us, and how they may change--is interwoven with responses to Joey's urgent questions as he discerns his path forward. Critical issues are raised about celibacy, ordination of women, marriage equality, and social justice in its many forms. A critical yet constructive view of the institutional church is provided, examining its practices of controlling and directing its members in ways that often seem at variance with scripture and the life and message of Jesus himself. The fictional Fr. Matthew's insights and advice to Joey draw upon his experiences of fifty years in the priesthood--both pre- and post-Vatican II--as a diocesan vocations' director, high school principal, teacher, pastor, monk in a Benedictine monastery, and spiritual director, as well as through numerous spiritual writers, contemporary and historical. The letters conclude, shortly before the death of Fr. Matthew, with a challenge to Joey to help lead the church in to a dynamic, inclusive, and life-giving future.

A New York Times Best Seller 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Gold (tie): Children’s Picture Book 2017 Independent Press Awards, Distinguished Favorite: Book Cover Design, Children’s 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Children’s Books 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Pope Francis 2017 Association of Catholic Publishers’ “Excellence in Publishing Book Awards,” Book of the Year If you could ask Pope Francis one question, what would it be? Children have questions and struggles just like adults, but rarely are they given the chance to voice their concerns and ask the big questions resting deep in their hearts. In Dear Pope Francis, Pope Francis gives them that chance and celebrates their spiritual depth by directly answering questions from children around the world. Some are fun. Some are serious. And some will quietly break your heart. But all of them are from children who deserve to know and feel God’s unconditional love. Also available in Spanish as Querido Papa Francisco. "Feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations." -Publishers Weekly "The People's Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children." -Kirkus Reviews