How the Liturgical Calendar Rearranged My Life
by Chene Heady (Ignatius Press)
A college English professor, discouraged by the endless loop of daily tasks, began seeking order and meaning through living the liturgical calendar. Chene Heady (and his wife) committed to reading and reflecting on each day’s Mass readings. Eighty short essays — part memoir, part reflection, and seasoned with ironic wit — show how God’s Word and the holy seasons gave them a needed attitude adjustment. With career, family, and society’s expectations, readers will readily identify with the author’s struggles and be challenged by his conclusions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Living Like a Saint
by Father Ed Broom, OMV (Sophia Institute Press)
The title says it all. Father Broom simplifies traditional methods (mostly Ignatian) for knowing yourself, discovering hidden weaknesses, and creating a life plan that will transform your faith from a matter of routine obligations to a joyous friendship with God.
The Power of Entrusting Your Child to God
by Judy Landrieu Klein (Ave Maria Press)
Do you worry about your spouse, children, and grandchildren? Are you stressed about loved ones who rebel, abandon their faith, are sick, or struggle with mental illness or addiction? You’ll find a sister in Judy Landrieu Klein. Judy has experienced more family catastrophe and more miracles of healing than most. She also has learned that suffering is inextricably linked with joy — and death with resurrection. Here Judy shares her story and what she has learned about the prayer of surrender.
by Kevin Lowry (Our Sunday Visitor)
Kevin Lowry is a Presbyterian preacher’s kid who got kicked out of a Catholic college for poor grades and disciplinary issues. He eventually ended up a member of the Church he’d once derided as a relic of the Dark Ages. His memoir is both hilarious and humble. Bonus chapters discuss particular doctrines the author struggled with along the way — or as he describes them, “weird things about Catholicism [that] turn out to make sense and actually bring you closer to God.” This will strengthen the faith of cradle Catholics and intrigue Protestant searchers.
Featured Books
Savoring the Sacred Moments of Everyday Life
by Damaris Zehner (Twenty-Third Publications)
Writing on everything from the blessings of boredom to missionary work in Kyrgyzstan and a baby goat named Hope, Damaris Zehner shares stories that will resonate with anyone who has stood at a crossroads of faith and wondered what God has in mind. Honest and insightful, these beautiful essays and life-changing prayers invite us to embrace our everyday blessings.
Prayer-Chats with God about Aging Joy-fully
by Bernadette McCarver Snyder (Twenty-Third Publications)
This beloved author helps us to remember to thank God for treasures, from old coffeepots to dear friends. “Often,” she says, “the best medicine for us is hearing a little joke or a funny story and then sharing it with a friend so we can laugh together.”