General Interest

'The ugliest perversion of the Church' (Pope Francis) When the chief bishop of the Catholic Church condemns clericalism in words like these, it's time for Catholics - especially the people in the pews - to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and explore options to confront it. In Call No One Father, Berise Heasly brings unique insights to her consideration of clericalism, based on many years as a professional educator and an informed Catholic layperson. She well understands that confronting clericalism head on will be insufficient to address its root causes and historical development. Rather, with skill and experience, she moves beyond exclusive binary (either/or) ways of thinking to suggest other, gentler approaches, encouraging more transparency and accountability, with soundly based recommendations for seminary formation and the ongoing education and formation of priests and ministers. Her book is thoroughly based on the teaching, theology and insights of the Second Va..

This accessible volume is less about how to pray, and more about why we pray and what it does for us, for God, and for the world. The author explores the context within which we pray, what is distinctive about Christian prayer, praying to Jesus, what communal prayers do, how Mary and the Saints help us pray, and finally, what the point of prayer is sending us out with Christ to witness to the reign of God in our world...

In this absorbing interview, Bishop Athanasius Schneider offers a candid, incisive examination of controversies raging in the Church and the most pressing issues of our times. His insights into the challenges facing Christ's flock are essential reading for those who wish to be alert to the signs of the times...

..

With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?”   A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.   As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s b..