Book Description
G. K. Chesterton has been described by both his admirers and even his opponents as the"apostle of common sense" and "one of the happiest, kindest, most brilliant and witty" defenders of Christianity that ever lived. From his youthful days as a free-thinking Victorian to his entry into the Catholic Church, G. K. Chesterton always seemed to be a man who loved truth, beauty and goodness, and who had a vast appreciation and gratitude for the gift of life itself, with all of its many joys as well as sorrows. Indeed, for Chesterton, the joys far outweighed the sorrows. In this book, Chesterton's brilliance as a writer and thinker again shines through as he explains his understanding of Catholicism and the Catholic Church, and how her appeal to reason and truth eventually won him over. For Chesterton, a man misses the point of it all unless he acts on two essentials at the heart of conversion. He describes these in his own words: "One is that he believes it to be solid objective truth, which is true whether he likes it or not; and the other is that he seeks liberation from his sins." These two reasons are why Chesterton became a Catholic, and are what he describes in his unique and colorful way in this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exciting Book with a Dull Title
Like Orthodoxy, which is arguably Chesterton's best non-fiction book, this is an exciting book with a dull title. Orthodoxy, however, had a somewhat better subtitle: "The Romance of Faith". In his 1936 autobiography, Chesterton admitted that he thought Orthodoxy was a bad title and had always meant to change it but never got around to it. He makes no such comments on this book.

Until now, the only way to get this book was in Collected Works Volume III which collects the so-called and little-known "Catholic" books written after his conversion in 1922. Most have better titles like The Thing, The Well and The Shadows and Where All Roads Lead, but this is the book that knocked me out.

I found out about these books through The Apostle of Common Sense, a book and video series that ran on EWTN by Dale Ahlquist, president of the American Chesterton Society. He briefly describes thirteen of G.K.'s non-fiction works (and the Father Brown detective series), and quotes from them. That last was the clencher, as this book seemed overflowing with bon mots and Chestertonian whimsey. Who but GK would list these as the three stages of conversion: 1. Patronizing the Church; 2. Discovering the Church; 3. Running Away from the Church?

GK said of his brother Cecil that "we often argued but never quarreled". Like much of GK, this book may provoke some lively arguments. But it's not simply for those interested in Rome and conversion, title to the contrary. What Ignatius has done is given us a quick read (under 150 pages) at a great price (under ten bucks) of some nearly unknown Chesterton. And when GK enters the ring, it's certain to enliven any philosophical discussion. ... Read more

Book Description
The present is the right time for a popular history of the inquisition, one of the favorite instruments of the Romish church for the preservation of the faith by the destruction of heretics. Such a history is contained in the manuscript now before the reader. It will be found admirably adapted to the capacity of the youthful readers of this country. ... Read more

Book Description
Professions of Faith examines the important connection between Catholic faith and everyday life. Contributors include such writers as Ron Hansen (Writer), John A. Eterno (Police Officer), Amelia J. Uelmen (Lawyer), Tom McGrath (Parent), Sidney Callahan (Spouse), Bro. Michael O'Neill McGrath (Artist), Mimi Kennedy (Actor), Paul Mariani (Teacher), David Armitage (Architect), Terry Golway (Journalist), Lucie Fjelstad (Businessperson), Monica Andrews (Social Worker), and David Loxterkamp (Doctor). The editors enhance the offering with a thoughtful introduction and afterword on the importance of everyday spirituality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What a great book!
As a Catholic, I have been waiting for a book like this for a long time.The two editors have gathered together a great group of active Catholics who speak about the way that they live out their faith in the "working world"--whether it be as a lawyer, businessperson, doctor, writer, spouse, parent, and so on.It really gave me a new way of looking at my faith and at my work.I've recommended it to so many people already. ... Read more

Book Description
How do Catholics deal with the darkest chapters in their history, such as the Holocaust, the Inquisition, and the Crusades?Keith Lewis shows ways for Catholics to use their own tradition for forgiveness and reconciliation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A timely historical review of current state of affairs
Lewis presents in his book, "The Catholic Church in History - Legend and Reality" a carefully crafted understanding of historical situations which reflect modern state of affairs.Evangelization of the New World, Islamic and Christian relations, Science and Faith, among other topics are what Lewis presents in this historical work.Through Lewis' research the reader is able to come to fuller understand of history and thereby better deal with present dilemmas facing our world.

According to Lewis, "The work of the church historian in this regard must above all else be bound by a solemn commitment to `patient, honest, scholarly reconstruction, free from confessional or ideological prejudices, regarding both the accusations brought against her and the wrong she has suffered.'" (Introduction, 3)Lewis completes this monumental task while maintaining the interest of the reader.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in bringing hope to our modern state of affairs.In knowing the past we are in a better position in dealing with the present and at the same time we can work for a brighter future.

Not a Catholic interpretation!
This book is researched from primarily (if not entirely) Protestant sources.It is not an orthodox Catholic view nor is it researched with authentically Catholic sources such as the church fathers, saints etc.I cannot recommend it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Marian Apologetics Compendium
This book is a compendium of sorts, drawing from the combined knowledge of over 25 well-known Catholic authors/apologists (Sugensis, Stravinskas and Armstrong for instance). The book is 29 chapters of Catholic doctrine, devotionals, evangelization guides and stories. It is extremely well-written, easy to read and since each chapter is authored by a different contributor the book does not get monotonous. The apologetics work is easy to understand and is spread out so the reader does not get bombarded all at once. If one wants to buy a book to help them in their apologetics work that revolves around explaining Marian doctrine, this is the book I would point them to first. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An Excellent Resource That Does Not Bore You To Tears
When I ordered the Encyclopedia, I resigned myself to slugging through mountains of information and end up "What did that say again?"

Well, I am pleased to say that there was the mountain of information and more often than not I knew what it was saying. The definitions in were to the point, crisp and relevant to the times. Rev. P. Stravinskas had the insight to include information an ordinary Catholic needed at 7PM Sunday in a mad rush to complete an assignment.

Where the encyclopedia lost me were in some definitions that were necessarily lengthy.Obviously, some white space could have saved me time in re-reading the whole passage.But, with the value of the information included, I believe the Encyclopedia is an excellent resource for those of us who are not scholars in the catechism of the Catholic Church.

A resource for those of us who are not theologians!
Those who know Fr. Stravinskas know that he likes to keep things short and to the point, so that the average person can understand what he's teaching without getting lost in detail.On another note, Our Sunday Visitor has a reputation for printing only the best quality of Catholic books.This collaboration brings out the best traits of both.

It is faithful to the Church's basic teaching since the Second Vatican Council, it fits into one large volume using a print size that will not strain your eyes, it is wonderfully organized to cover a wide variety of topics relevant to the Catholic faith, and its entries are informative while being written at a level the average Catholic can understand.

For these reasons, this is simply one of the best modern Catholic Encyclopedias on the market.Every Catholic family and college student who is interested in their faith should own one.

Wonderful, Orthodox, Trustworthy
If you want to know what the Catholic Church teaches this is a great reference book.Father Stravinskas teaches what the Church teaches, and not just his own personal opinion.I'd recommend anything he wrote.It's wonderful to know you won't be misled.Nice book for dipping into, too!

Everything you wanted to know about the Catholic church!
Easy to read. Comprehensive, concise, orthodox. Great reference to have in order to look up any subject about the Catholic Church in one Book. ... Read more

Book Description
Expanded and updated for the new millennium.

Covering the life of Christ, the election of Pope Benedict XVI, and everything in between, A Concise History of the Catholic Church has been one of the bestselling religious histories of the past two decades and a mainstay for scholars, students, and others looking for a definitive, accessible history of Catholicism. With a clarity that will appeal to any reader, Thomas Bokenkotter divides his study into five parts that correspond to the major historical and epochal developments in Catholicism. His authoritative, thorough approach takes readers from the Church’s triumph over paganism, through "the sound and fury of renewal," to a new section devoted to such topics as dissent and current developments in the ecumenical movement. Informative illustrations throughout the book, new to this edition, enrich the reader's experience, and the addition of a wide-ranging bibliography increases its value as a sourcebook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Poisonous for those seeking the real Catholic Church
This book is, in many ways, very good and an incredible feat of historical scholarship within the Church, today.

However, the sections surrounding the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II are poisoned with a heterodox agenda that is certainly causing a great deal of scandal to the faithful today.Especially distressing are his calls to "reform" the priesthood and the teachings on sexual morality.

Gratefully, his opinions are falling more and more into the minority of Catholics today.Regardless, TRUTH IS NEVER DETERMINED BY A MAJORITY VOTE.Truth is what it is.What I consider to be his major issue undermining a great deal of his disagreement is the structure of the teaching authority of the Church.We believe, as Catholics, that the Holy Spirit (GOD HIMSELF) continues to teach us through the college of bishops, the true successors of the first apostles chosen by Jesus Christ.Our Lord Himself promised us this in the Gospels.Since Bokenkotter seems to have lost his faith in this, it can be of no surprise to read these sections of his book.

I cannot, in good (and true) conscience, recommend this book due to the fact that it leads the faithful away from our Lord's Church as it really is.


May Jesus Christ be praised, now and forever!Amen.

An open, non-defensive account
Bokenkotter reviews the issues and decisions of Catholic church history in a fair, non-defensive way. He gives balanced time to the losers in contests over orthodoxy, and doesn't assume the temporary victors are always right. In explaining the choice to ban families for priests in 1074, he honestly shows the arguments in play. The difficulties of controlling priest's wives showed no sign of going away, and the hierarchy's patience ran out. The great Gregorian reform for priestly chastity gathered force because the mainly monastic higher leadership realized how greatly marriage assimilated its clerics to Western women's values. (p. 141) The other defining moments in church history, from the codifying of orthodoxy under Constantine, the turn to holy war and persecution against infidels, the great "counter-reformation" revival of service vocations, or the conflicts over modernity, all receive an honest, open treatment.

--BG, author of "Different Visions of Love" and "The Gardens of Their Dreams"

Great until you get the liberal overtones
I thought this book was very well written and easy to understand. I had been looking for a short history of the Catholic Church for quite a long time. The book takes you from chapter to chapter into the history of the church chronicling it's many triumphs and disappointments. I found it very sobering at times being a devout Roman Catholic but also very enlightening. I appreciated learning about the Protestant Reformation and its roots as well as it's major leaders.

Yet the final chapters of the book seemed to me to be more of a liberal objection of the church rather than sticking to the historical standpoint. I actually came away at times quite disgusted at how the author continued to pound at the conservative view of Catholocism and wondered when he would stop putting his own views on the church's history. It became quite evident during these final chapters that the author was very liberal in his views on the church's papal and magesterial authority. The author's downright liberalism would lead me to believe that there might be other book's out there more in line with what the church truely is. For me it was a good starter's book but I'd like to find something even better. A book and author that stays more faithful in the belief in the role of the papacy is what I'll be looking for next.

A fine introduction to the long, rich history of the Catholic Church
As a Protestant who has long been perplexed by Catholicism, I finally picked up this history, and am giving it a read. This excellent book has clarified so many areas where I was confused about the origin of a tradition or doctrine in the Church.Particularly helpful is the way Bokenkotter traces the threads of the development of Catholic dogma.
While it is extremely brief (2000+ years of history...430 pages), and undoubtedly omits or skims many important issues, it is a fine introduction.Bokenkotter does not espouse to be complete or lengthy in his history, andprovides many references for further reading, should the reader desire a deeper understanding of an event or time period.
I appreciate Bokenkotter's respectful treatment of Protestantism, and his recognition of both beautiful and inglorious moments in the Catholic Church's history (for surely no church is perfect!). This history has brought me to greater respect of and appreciation for the Catholic Church, and I highly recommend it.

A Cincise History of the Catholic Church
The book is very good and was used for an accompanying study reference for an adult education activity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Funeral Planning Made Easy
This is the first non-threatening to-do list for funeral planning I have seen and I'm not talking about the threat of death or even of filling out forms. Curley's book is all about forms and decisions, but they include options for turning over some responsibilities to others. The immediate decisions on funeral home and type of services are pretty straightforward, and having them made in advance is helpful. The problem is in the details, like who will be pall bearers, lectors, servers; do we want to use Christian symbols and if so, what will they be and who will get them together. In addition to explaining each of these traditions, Curley provides a format for expressing your wishes that often includes the choice of having parish staff decide. Of course he also covers the standards like choosing readings and music, presenting an appendix for each. But again, there is the option of leaving that in the hands of others. It's all here, laid out in narrative form with fill-ins and a nine-page tear-out summary section at the end. This is an invaluable resource for individuals and families, and a tremendously useful tool for parish staff involved in bereavement ministry.

Very Useful and much needed book for Funeral Planning
This book is a much needed and useful book for planning the Catholic funeral.It is an essential item to minister witht the bereaved.The book provides options, descriptions of minsitry, outlines of the funeral journey, homily and reflection information and many other liturgical aspects all in one book.It is readable and helpful for all those participate in the funeral of a Christian.This work finnally assists in many ways for dioceses, parishes, funeral directors, music ministry,parish bereavement committees, and especially families. ... Read more

Book Description
Practical advice for putting evangelizing programs into effect by individuals. Discusses one-on-one encounters, specific parish programs, and public relations and mail campaigns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Good Catholic Tool
Evangelization is probably the most important challenge to the Church in any age, but is even more important in the current time.Today, there are many who do not know the good news of Jesus Christ and His Church.They might never have heard the message or they think they know it already.Often this previous knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church is a caricature.In addition to those who are unchurched, the Catholic Church in America is presented with the daunting problem of many Catholic who do not practice the faith.

The Evangelizing Catholic is a good tool in facing the challenge of the Church.Many books in this field deal with the theory of evangelization.They look at the documents of the Church and do a good job of setting out the mission.While this is good, often they do not go to the next step of implementing the vision.This work lays out a sufficient justification for evangelization while also attempting to place it in the modern context of the individual Catholic and the Catholic parish.As a potential future pastor in the Catholic Church, I find this to be especially helpful.While one needs to apply it to each real life context, DeSiano is very careful to state that this is not to be a cookie cutter approach.I would recommend this book for all pastors in the Catholic Church as well as those in the parish who have a zeal for spreading the Good News.
... Read more

Product Description
"As beautiful a Sunday missal for the old Latin Mass as has ever been published."- Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro, Rome 20 full-color, full-page illustrations by great masters Includes the ordinary of the Mass for Sunday and the full Nuptial and Requiem Massesdoes not contain the full set of Sunday readings Sumptuously printed on quality stock with laminated full-color soft cover 180+ pagesA large investment was made by Roman Catholic Books to publish this new and enhanced Latin Mass Booklet Missal. Were asking for your full support and for donations to offset the costs of this and future printings. Our expectation is to print one million copies by 2015 so that this Tridentine Mass Booklet Missal is widely available throughout the English-speaking world. Thank you for all your support of our work! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Challenges and Blessings of Mixed Marriages
Fr. Hater, a parish priest and professor of pastoral theology, offers much to couples contemplating mixed marriage and those who minister to them. In addition, partners in existing mixed marriages could benefit from reviewing the challenges he discusses, his list of ground rules, and the end-of-chapter reflection questions.

While the book contains references to Church history and documents, it retains a personal flavor with stories of mixed faith couples who have established and maintained relationships marked by mutual respect, commitment, and shared spirituality. Fr. Hater begins with terminology and technical issues such as when a Nuptial Mass is and is not appropriate. Successive chapters cover marriage as a sacrament, pre-Cana programs, wedding ceremonies, creating a faith-centered home, and practical suggestions for parish ministers. The book also includes an extensive bibliography, notes, and an index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The gift that keeps on giving . . .
This is a great book for anyone high school age or older.I have used it with my own teenagers as a "religion" text, letting them choose a selection each week to read aloud and discuss.We have given it as a gift to high school graduates and people received into the Church at Easter.My teenagers and I often note in the inscription our favorite selections as places for recipients to start, since the size of the book may seem overwhelming at first.We've received the most enthusiastic thank you notes ever!I've often called this book "the gift that keeps on giving," because when one finds a selection that speaks to him/her strongly, he or she is motivated to buy the book from which it comes, and thus continue the process of deepening one's faith.It's great!

Indispensible
This is an indispensible resource which should be in the home of every Catholic, particularly Catholic parents seeking to orient young adults to the scope of Catholic culture.Father Hardon, a lucid writer and shrewd editor, has compiled in one volume an essential compendium and introduction to 2,000 years of Catholic writers.Some selections are doctrinal, some historical; selections of poetry are also included.The excerpts are in chronological order with short introductions by Father Hardon to each.The excerpts are also the core of the core of each writer chosen, excellently chiselled out without losing anything, complete in themselves.

The book easily lends itself as a teaching resource; it could constitute an entire course for lecture followed by discussion.This book is likely the most value for the dollar of anything in Ignatius Press' quality catalog.

This book is WONDERFUL!
This book is a treasure!Fr. Hardon introduces the work of more than 100 great spiritual writers from as early as the first centuries A.D.The works of the writers included in the book are currently in print so this is an excellent resource for those who have read the classics and are looking for more good spiritual reading ideas.He gives a brief synopsis of each writer's life, spirituality etc. and discusses their works.Each profile ends with a reading recommendation from the writer's collection.

I came across this book by 'accident' after searching for something of it's kind to guide me on my spiritual reading selections.It is worth it's weight in gold.I have been wishing for something like this for a long time. ... Read more

Amazon.com
I Like Being Catholic is sure to rank among the top-10 firstCommunion gifts in coming years. It's a collection of personal essays, prayers,quotations, and other short writings by everyone from Cokie Roberts to MartinScorsese to William F. Buckley about the pleasures of practicing Catholicism. Aseditors Michael Leach and Therese J. Borchard write in their introduction to thevolume, the anthology's contributors "may not always agree with the Church'srules but they wouldn't think of being anything else. Catholicism is in theirbones." I Like Being Catholic is not concerned with theology; it's out toshow the ways that Catholicism enables faithful folk to see the true andbeautiful. This approach occasionally lapses into kitsch ("Fifty ThingsCatholics Like Best About Being Catholic," compiled by Fr. William A. Burke fromparishioners in Homewood, Illinois: e.g., "22. Ashes smudged on yourforehead."). It also creates some occasions for readers to enjoy the divinepresence in unexpected places (as suggested by Doris Kearns Goodwin's "TheBrooklyn Dodgers and The Catholic Church").Book Description
A celebration of the treasured traditions, rituals, and stories that run through the bloodstream of American Catholics

For Andrew Greeley, it is the reverence of Christmas night and the exultation of Easter morn. Martin Scorsese, like many others, remains grateful for the nuns who rapped his knuckles but built his self-esteem.Mary Gordon recalls the sense of lightness that follows confession; Vince Lombardi, the strength he derived from Mass; and Christopher Buckley, the role St. Thomas More plays in his writing.

I Like Being Catholic brings together the memories, thought, and hopes of famous Catholics and ordinary parishioners, lapsed and "good-enough" Catholics, and those who have devoted their lives to the faith.It captures their abiding ties to and deep affection for the Church and offers the wide-ranging, sometimes surprising views on the good things that come with being Catholic.

This is not a book of theology. It is about the beauty at the heart of Catholicism. It is about what Teilhard de Chardin called "the chosen part of things." It is about family and community, the value of Catholic education, the significance of sacraments and milestones, and the cultural impact of Catholicism—there are lists of the ten best Catholic novels, the ten best Catholic movies, ten Catholic heroes of the twentieth century, ten good reasons to raise your kids Catholic, fifty things Catholics like best about being Catholic, and much more ...

I Like Being Catholic is a book for all those who have ever called themselves Catholic. It is a book of warmth, affection, humor, and love.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

I like being Catholic
Wonderful book.It brought back many memories and made me think I am very fortunate to be Catholic.The stories were very inspirational and provided an uplift for me.Also I enjoyed the 10 best books and movies.Will definitely read this book again.

A Wonderful Book About Day-to-Day Catholicism!
This collection of delightful recollections and insights from Catholics anchored by their faith in a world increasing without moorings or reference points at all.Everyday Catholics discuss the favorite rituals (private and public), prayers & Saints who nurture their faith.While this book might not please people who see Catholicism primarily as Papal edicts and endless rules & regulations, I believe that most readers will find the journey refreshing, their faith nenewed.It would also be a good read for non-Catholics who don't understand why their friends and neighbors LIKE being Catholic.

Lost in the Translation
The book should be seen as a last gasp of cultural but non-practicing Catholics.If you like your religion as bland a WASP, this form of catholocism is for you.JFK brought Roman Catholocism into the mainstream and most people now see it as just another place to go on Sunday.Sadly neither of the authors knows any better.It is doubtful theyactually know the faith or what it teaches.Catholicism will always be the "other" religion.Liking being a Catholic and actually being one can be summaries by the North Carolina motto "Esse Quam Videri."translation "To be, rather than to seem."

One of those books I reach for...
whenever I have doubts about my Roman Catholic upbringing and my ongoing commitment to the Faith.These testimonials, lists, vignettes and stories evoke everything that's vital, life-affirming and just plain fun about being Roman Catholic. Yes, folks, Catholicism can be fun!This book reminds me of the ongoing presence of God's love in the vital and warm community, commitment to service and justice, and constant presence of the Divine in daily life that makes up the true Catholic experience. Don't believe the "anti-modernism" hype from some radical traditional reviewers of books like these..."I Like Being Catholic" reaffirms why the Catholic church, despite ongoing trials and tribulations common to all faiths, is still a vital and important presence in today's world.God's love and yes, his sense of humour, shine through in this work. Keep it close to you for those days when your faith might be challenged, when you need a smile, or just when you want to reaffirm, that yes, You like being Catholic! I would also recommend this to anyone who has a spouse, relative or friend who is considering becoming a Catholic or wants to know about the faith. It's also potentially a great book for anyone who has been hurt or alienated by the church and needs some help in coming back to the fold.

Sometimes I Want to Be Catholic -- Sometimes I Don't !
I wasn't raised Catholic, thank God, and I am very much Catholic in some ways, thank God.That organized religion is so intense for a world of men, women, hermit crabs, condoms, psychological disorders, etc., that I honestly thank God, whom I believe to be the same the Catholic's thank, (the true ones -- but who is? Not for me to judge, but I can't resist, it's part of my nature, and others' as well.)But this BOOK IS DIFFERENT.Whether we like it or not, practicing or supposedly practicing Catholics are around us.That's life.Life is God -- and Good, if you are fortunate to see it that way.I have been, and hope I will always be.Pray for me? :)God would want anyone of this organized religion or of any other to read this book -- I think.I've never met him/her/it/them ... but have felt them.Open your heart to other opinions and you just might scare yourself into bliss. Bring a cigarette or something just in case :) God Bless the editors of this book. It does not take knowing them to know, they are the people I want to share the planet with.Thanks for taking the time to let us all know you really care.That's rare!Peace!Namaste!And here's to LOVE and LIFE on the Peripheral with anyone who's anyone, despite whether or not their parents drove them to drink (holy water that is :) ... Read more

Book Description
Hailed by leading South Korean academics as the most significant research on the history of Korean Catholicism to date, Professor Jai-Keun Choi of Yonsei University in Korea explores the origin of the Roman Catholic Church in the Korean peninsula.Professor Choi raises important historical questions as:What were the historical forces that allowed Roman Catholicism to take root in the 19th century Choson Korea despite official governmental efforts to stamp out Catholicism through systematic persecution?What was the Korean populist reaction to Roman Catholic missions?What was the role that native Korean converts played in the spread of Catholicism throughout Korea?With a keen eye to the delicacies of conflicting historical forces, Professor Choi adroitly explains the complexities of the clash of civilizations in the experience of Choson Korea, where Korean Confucianism responded with greatest hostility to Roman Catholicism from the West.This book makes a significant scholarly contribution not only in the study of Korean history but also in such academic disciplines as sociology of religion, anthropology, political science, and international relations. ... Read more

Book Description
Catholic Education Leadership is designed to assist in the preparation of new leaders for Caatholic schools and in the ongoing development of current leaders. Important issues, such as leadership by lay principals, are given full consideration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

INTENDED FOR PARISH USE BY ORDAINED CLERGY; don't try this at home
This excellent source for various blessings finds its best and most canonically appropriate usage in the hands of ordained clergy rather than the layperson. In this way it resembles such liturgical works as the Lectionary and the full Roman Missal, books which would find little valid and appropriate application within the family. A far more useful book for the home is of course the excellent new edition of the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers.

The Scriptural passages quoted in this 800 page source of various Catholic Blessings published by the Benedictines of the Liturgical Press in Collegeville MN in 1989 come from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament published by the CCD in 1986. Other sources are the various rituals and books of prayer from the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), as well as the 1973 edition of the Roman Missal.

The Blessings are divided into six parts, plus appendices for the installation of a pastor and of solemn blessings and prayers over the people. I often wonder whether some reviewers have seen completely a text, as we read reviews here which both lament the absence of blessings for objects, and those who find too many. Kindly permit me therefore to as briefly as possible sum up the enormous wealth of blessing herein contained.

Part One contains blessings for persons including various blessings for families, from engagement through elderly confined at home, including childbirth and miscarriage and adoption, as well as for children, sons and daughters. Also herein are found blessings for substance abusers and the addicted, for missionaries and for catechesis of various forms, for students and for Teachers, for interfaith and ecumenical gatherings, for organizations serving public needs, for departing and returning Pilgrims and for other travellers.

Part Two handles Building and other human activities, including new building sites, new homes, schools, seminaries, religious houses, libraries, parish halls, hospitals, offices, shops, factories, gyms and fields, transportation, boats and fishing (one thinks of New Bedford's fleets), tech equipment, tools, animals, fields and flocks, seeds, harvest thanksgiving, athletic events (one thinks of Texas) and meals.

The third Part covers Objects in the Church, including the Font, Lectern, Tabernacle, Chair, Doors, Bells, Organ, the Public Cross, the publicly displayed Images of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary and other saints, the chalice and paten, other articles of liturgical use, Holy Water outside of Mass, the Stations of the Cross and of the cemetery.

The fourth part includes other articles of devotion not directly connected to the Church and eucharistic liturgy, including the Rosary mentioned in another review, religious articles and scapulars, including their conferral. The fifth Part covers Feasts and Seasons, including the Advent Wreath (for this see also the Catholic Household Blessings book mentioned above), the Creche, the Christmas tree, homes at Easter and Christmas, throats on the Feast of Saint Blase (Feb. 3), Ashes for Ash Wednesday, Saint Joseph's table for March 19, the first Easter Meal, mothers at Mother's Day and fathers on Fathers Day, the cemetery at All Soul's Day (Nov. 2), Thanksgiving Day (once a semi-secular national holiday), and other prayers of devotion of food, drink and other "elements."

Part Six includes other and various needs and occassions, including pastoral service, Lectors, altar servers, etc., extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, Parish Council, Parish Societies, New Parishioners, Departing parishioners, inauguration of public officials, Thanksgiving and other various circumstances.

As you can see this 800 page ritual is very comprehensive, and nearly exclusively at the valid use of the ordained. There are adaptations for lay ministers, nevertheless, inclding the consistent alteration of the prayer "The Lord Be With You" which many in the laity are not aware are the exclusive prayers of the ordained priests and deacons. Even religious sisters do not invoke validly this blessing. Thus we read here in place of, for example, "The grace and peace of God, Our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" with the response "And also with you", we read the lay minister must read not this but as follows:

"The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with US all now and forever." with the simple response "Amen." as it is not allowed to the unordained layperson to invoke validly any form of "Dominus vobiscum/et cum spiritu tuo." and then claim to follow the teachings of the Magisterium.

It is a joy to find the old devotions we once did but now are so hard to find, such as the blessing of Saint Blase, etc.

A Blessing itself
This book contains rites for blessing all manner of church articles, holy reminders, religous goods and peoples. I am thankfull that this resource is available and is being used. Too many priests, when asked to bless something ignore these approved rites and opt to simply make the sign of the cross over whatever it is they are blessing. Personally I will not go to a priest that does not use the full rite of blessing. I hope you will all like this book as much as I do.

Great resource for Catholic parishes
The Book of Blessings (BB) contains a great many blessings for various ocassions, including: birthday blessings, blessing of mothers before/after childbirth, blessing of animals, blessing of mothers/fathers/families, blessing of liturgical/pastoral ministers etc. This great resource recalls the Catholic tradition that God has touched every moment of our lives by his incarnation, and that we are called to be people of blessing.

BB actually highlights the Church's teachings that objects are blessed for the benefit of the people by the way the blessings are structured. The focus is not so much on the object, but on the people who will benefit from the use of the objects, thus emphasizing the faith of the Church that all things are created for the good of human beings. The overt focus on the liturgy of the word might hamper its use at certain ocassions though, and guidelines for the adaptation of rites to particular circumstances could be provided in the coming revision.

Overall, this book produced by the Liturgical Press is beautifully crafted. It uses the NAB with revised NT for its scriptural texts.

De Benedictionibus...
This is the official English translation of the Latin "De Benedictionibus" and is the authorized text for Roman Catholic blessings.Some things deserve mention beyond these basic facts, however. In practice I do not see this book receiving widespread use.It willsurely be used for those occasions when a bishop blesses a new organ or setof bells for a parish, or when ministers are installed for service...butwhen an elderly woman wants her rosary beads blessed, I doubt whether anypriest will celebrate a Liturgy of the Word with optional singing andgeneral intercessions.Also, scanning these prayers of blessing one oftenwonders exactly when the objects are blessed...there is a lot of talkingabout blessing but not much actual explicit blessing...many of the prayersof the former Roman Ritual for blessing were far better from the literarysense and actually conveyed to lay people without a theological training inblessings the idea that their cars-bibles-crosses were actually beingblessed.

Official but Unfortunate
The new "Book of Blessings" is practically necessary for Catholic ministries, but one might (without the least disrespect for its authors or the Holy See) observe that, unfortunately, it does not representthe fullness of the Catholic tradition.

Page after page the new ritualshies away from actually blessing THINGS, opting instead for prayers thatthe people who use or see the things will be blessed. One might wonderwhether someone's quasi-Manichaean tendencies are not at work here -- theChurch, after all, gladly blesses a variety of material creatures (candles,oil, fire, water, palms, etc) in her liturgy without thinking that shethereby makes them into good-luck charms or magical objects. Moreover, theblessing of houses, animals, fields, devotional articles, etc., outside theliturgy is deeply engrained in Catholic tradition. (And speaking of suchblessings: it is really necessary to have a liturgy of the Word for everylittle blessing? This seems like a good idea gotten out of hand!)

Although the B of B is our current official ritual book, one may hopefor improvements. Since the whole creation is renewed in Christ, perhaps itis not so wrong to consecrate THINGS to the purposes of the Kingdom. ... Read more

Book Description
A Goldmine of information with over 5,000 entries. Clear, brief authoritative, easy to use. Facts, definitions, clear distinctions and the Church's traditional teaching - without speculation, trendy opinins, compromise or dissent. Belongs in every Catholic home, school and parish! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

INTERESTING FOR A NON-CATHOLIC TOO
While engaged in some research on a project which included some comparisons of and contrasts between certain religious practices, I came across this dictionary, formerly called an encyclopaedic dictionary (evidently the name was changed due to a conflict in titles with another publication).It proved to be useful for my purposes as well as of interest in general.

I found, for example, that Catholicism, along with many tribal and/or primitive religions (indigenous American peoples, native African cultures are two examples) had very specific rites of exorcism, which is defined in __A CATHOLIC DICTIONARY__ as "the driving out of evil spirits in cases of demonical possession."There is a detailed description of the rite of exorcism, including specific prayers and sections of the Bible to be read in the presence of the possessed, the order in which they should be read, and the training and qualifications of an exorcist.

In other cultures, what we, for want of a more precise term, often call witch doctors, or more accurately shamans, perform their own prescribed rites to drive off, or to ward off, evil spirits.While the details of the rituals are different, they too are prescribed and their intent is similar.

The 5,000+ entries cover a great amount of ground, ranging from categories with which most of us are familiar, to some very obscure, but often interesting ones.An example of the latter follows.

KING'S EVIL:The Kings of France and England have been granted the power to cure scrofula (the main symptom of which is a swelling of the neck glands), by touching the afflicted.The last kings to perform this act of touching are said to be Henry IX of England and Charles X of France.(For more details, see the subject dictionary.)

For me, this dictionary has proved useful both for finding very specific information and for randomly picking a page or two and learning something old that is new to me.

Review from the Publisher
Finally back in print! (1961 edition). A goldmine of information with over 5,000 entries! Clear, brief, authoritative, easy to use.Facts, definitions, clear distinctions and the Church's traditional teaching - without speculation, trendy opinions, compromise or dissent.This book belongs in every Catholic home, school and parish!The best we have ever seen

Finally, a Catholic Dictionary worthy of the name!
There are numerous Catholic dictionaries out there, but this one, in my opinion, is the best you can get. Clear and succinct language, many entries, lots of information -- all in a handsome paperback edition and fora reasonable price. ... Read more

Book Description
Written by one of the foremost historians of American Catholicism, this book presents a comprehensive history of the Roman Catholic Church in America from colonial times to the present.Hennesey examines, in particular, minority Catholics and developments in the western part of the United States, a region often overlooked in religious histories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

many names, dates, places, events not enough analysis
This book is a great resource for names, dates, places & fairly brief descriptions of events in American Catholic history.At times it is like browsing a phone book because the descriptions, analysis, summaries etc are so brief.Some pages have literally a dozen or more references.So my guess is this book is best suited for academics who want a good source for this kind of info.

For a more accessible history (for interested readers vs. academics) of Catholics in USA I'd also recommend the "American Catholic Experience" by J.Dolan

A good overview of Catholic in the U.S
I am taking a course in church history and this is the book we are currently using.I find that the text gives a good view of what catholic have had to face here in the US.It begins in Colonial times and goes into the 20th century (the book was written in 1981).

However, alot of topics are given a brief look with some names and dates mentioned, but no real detail.This makes the book boring at times and it would really be bad if my instructer didn't explain things more in class.This is a real good glance at the Church and I would recommend it along with a book that gives much more detail.The American Catholic Experience by jay Nolan would be a good bet. ... Read more