BOOKS

Nowhere is this more true than in our Christian faith. The ultimate goal of reaching Heaven should be the driving force in our lives. But yet, how many times do we get stuck in the minutia of daily life? How many times do we give into self-pity or a feeling of unworthiness? How many times do we simply feel like we are spinning our wheels, perhaps not going backwards, but definitely not moving forward?

Momentum makes all the difference.

By building momentum, it doesn't matter if you stumble. It doesn't matter if you fall. By building momentum, it you see the process instead of the promises. You make the important connections instead of being sidetracked by life's random events.

Here is the practical guide for developing a momentum mindset that connects your faith with real life in a way that supports, motivates, encourages and enhances your efforts along the way. It's a process that focuses squarely not just on who you are, but who you want to become.

"Ah, would that I could proclaim throughout the whole world the mercy that you have shown to me! Would that everyone might know I should be already damned, were it not for Mary!" - Saint Louis de Montfort

We post, tweet, share, like, heart, double-tap, save, pin, and tag. Like it or "unlike" it, social media is an important way for Catholics today to share the Catholic Faith, including our devotion to the #BlessedMother. But as is often the case in social media, comments can be short, cutting, or downright hateful when friends or followers don't understand our Marian devotion. And even the most confident Catholics can be at a loss as to how to respond.

In #BlessedMother: How to Follow, Share, and Defend Mary in the World of Social Media, author, podcaster, and TV show host Tommy Tighe helps Catholics defend and explain our relationship with Our Lady with wisdom and grace - in 280 characters or less.

#BlessedMother will:

Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing Christ, and Mary wants to be a part of that, through you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tommy Tighe is a Catholic husband and father of four boys living in the San Francisco Bay area, where he works as a marriage and family therapist.

"There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us."

Pope Saint John Paul II embodied these words throughout his life. Born May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Karol Józef Wojtyla lived in times of political turmoil. As a young man during the Nazi occupation of Poland, he studied in an underground seminary. As pope, he was instrumental in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering hope in the ultimate triumph of love, truth, and beauty. He remains a hero to millions of people for his unflinching defense of the Church and her teachings.

John Paul II changed the world in many ways; this book describes 100 of the most important. Each of the 100 accomplishments, teachings, or stories about John Paul II is fascinating, providing a glimpse into the astounding life and impact of this great and beloved saint.

"No one can deny that Pope Saint John Paul II had a staggering impact on the world. Among other things, he was a political visionary, a cultural influencer, an artist, a formidable thinker and theologian, and above all, a courageous shepherd of the people of God. Patrick Novecosky has done the Church and the world an invaluable service by highlighting 100 of the most important ways in which this beloved saint transformed the world by urging souls to 'Be not afraid, ' and to allow themselves to fall deeply in love with Christ." -- Raymond Arroyo, EWTN News Director and New York Times bestselling author

"Pope Saint John Paul II was a leader in every sense -- spiritual, moral, intellectual, and political. With vision, charisma, and most of all love, he exerted a profound and lasting influence on the Church and the world, and that influence continues today -- 100 years after his birth. Of course, he changed the world in millions of ways that no book will ever be able to capture. But in 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a sweeping picture of the astonishing impact of this great man. Read this book and share it with everyone you know." -- Senator Rick Santorum

"I cannot think of anyone who has had a bigger impact on the world in recent years than Saint John Paul II. Patrick has masterfully described 100 ways in which this saint has brought about global change. This list is important as it reminds us of the changes that must be upheld and provides inspiration to those who want to bring about 100 more changes!" -- Jeff Cavins, founder of The Great Adventure Bible Study

"To many, Saint John Paul II was the only pope they knew while growing up. However, many younger Catholics have yet to discover the greatness of his life and legacy. In his book 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World, Patrick Novecosky offers a wealth of stories and examples that will rekindle devotion in all for this tremendous saint!" -- Jason Evert, author of Saint John Paul the Great and Theology of the Body in One Hour

"Patrick entered the winner's circle when he wrote this book, unpacking the historical papacy of Saint John Paul into 100 topics that reveal the breadth, depth, and beauty of his long pontificate. Thorough, well-researched and documented, yet easily readable, 100 Ways unveils the brightness of John Paul's soul, the brilliance of his mind, and the boldness of his travels and initiatives such as World Youth Days. Behind every gesture, every prayer, every innovation, every apostolic trip, every bold move was John Paul's simple, childlike, trusting faith in both God and mankind. Patrick's personal stories and memories of Saint John Paul enhance this riveting journey through a unique papacy, and leave you awed, inspired and thankful for this saintly pontiff." -- Joan Lewis, EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief

"A fascinating and enjoyable commentary, rich with insights into the many facets and feats of the inimitable Pope John Paul II." -- Patrick Madrid, host of the Patrick Madrid Show on Relevant Radio

"Novecosky has done a superb job pulling together many of the threads in Saint John Paul II's life. At the heart of this story, you will see the fruit of a life lived from a place of encounter with Jesus Christ. There is something in 100 Ways for everyone -- I highly recommend it!" -- Curtis Martin, founder, Fellowship of Catholic University Students

"In 1997, Patrick Novecosky and I were both in Rome for the first time. Over pizza and gelato, we spoke of what it would be like to meet the saintly Polish pope. Days later Patrick was blessed to meet him while I missed the opportunity because I ate too much gelato and got sick! Now in this delightful book, my longtime friend has reminded me of why John Paul II was so great and why he remains one of my greatest heroes. I highly recommend this book to everyone. John Paul II, we still love you!" -- Very Rev. Donald Calloway MIC, Vicar Provincial, Marian Fathers

"A brilliant glimpse into an extraordinary life! Flipping through the pages of 100 Ways was like looking at a photo album of Saint John Paul II's life. Each short story paints a picture of an amazing accomplishment in the life of this modern-day saint and shows how everything he did was rooted in relationship -- his relationship with countries and world leaders, religious and laity, saints and sinners, children and elderly, fathers and mothers, authors, artists, women, teenagers, and ultimately his relationship with Jesus Christ and his Blessed Mother. This book opened my eyes to the incredible depth of influence Saint John Paul II had on the world and made me realize that treating everyone we meet with openness, respect, and tenderness is how we can evangelize each and every day!" -- Kelly Wahlquist, founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization, author of Created to Relate: God's Design for Peace and Joy

"A beautiful tribute to an exceptional human being. Whether you are a longtime fan of Saint John Paul II, or just beginning to learn about his world-changing legacy, this book is a must-read!" -- Danielle Bean, brand manager of CatholicMom.com

"A unique collection of short, historic snapshots of Pope John Paul II's life and thought, 100 Ways is a delightful blend of history, commentary, and quotes from the pope himself. Extremely readable, engaging, and inspiring, it's a perfect gift, and a book of gems you will return to again and again." -- Vinny Flynn, speaker and author of Seven Secrets of the Eucharist

"The pontificate of Pope John Paul II will be remembered for many things, ranging from his voluminous writings to his impact on world history. It is because his legacy is so daunting that we need a book that compresses his life into an easily readable format. This is what Patrick Novecosky has done. He has made John Paul II's pontificate accessible to everyone, and for that we can all be grateful." -- Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

"I thank my friend Patrick Novecosky for a fantastic book -- eminently readable, overflowing with the pope's own words, recounting so many aspects of his astounding life, both internal and external, and reminding us that we must not miss out on the lessons of a pope and saint whom God placed right in our midst." -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life

The Vatican, comprising the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter's Basilica, and various other buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Catholic Church. It has done so for nearly two millennium ever since the first Pope, St. Peter, made it his home.

Thousands of Catholics flock to the Vatican and its iconic basilica each year. But what do you really know about this great basilica and the city that houses it?

Here, Father Jeffrey Kirby takes you on a whirlwind tour of this little country (yes, Vatican City is its own country, Fact # 2) and uncovers the secrets and surprising facts about the city, and its famous church.

Discover what language degree you need to work a Vatican ATM, what archi tectural feature of St. Peter's is a map of the universe, and even what the pope's license plate number is. Along the way, you'll find the deep theological meaning woven into the design and architectural features of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican.

Whether you've already been to Rome or are still planning your first trip, 101 Surprising Facts About the Vatican will transport you to Basilica and City at the heart of the Catholic Church and enable you to appreciate them like never before.

Are you confused about how to find your true love? Do you want to work on a current dating relationship, preparing it for engagement and marriage?

Packed into 101 bite-sized suggestions, 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person is the help you need to approach dating with confidence and joy, while at the same time helping you become the best, most marriage-ready version of yourself. Jennifer Roback Morse and Betsy Kerekes offer inspiration and advice for all stages of your relationship.

With research conducted by the Ruth Institute and almost fifty years of marriage experience between them, authors Jennifer Roback Morse and Betsy Kerekes have compiled their best tips to inspire and support Catholic singles during all stages of dating and engagement. The life-changing ideas in 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person offer short, practical suggestions that will help you find a mate and build a strong relationship.

You'll find advice for meeting other Catholic singles, questions to ask yourself before getting too serious, and topics to talk about before engagement. Tips include:

Morse and Kerekes clearly articulate the challenges that face single Catholics today. The hook-up and cohabitation culture is prevalent in our society and in the media, making the temptation to succumb strong. The authors want you to know that you aren't weak for being interested in these options, but you are strong enough to resist them. You can combat these challenges by recognizing single life and dating as ideal times to discern your own call to the vocation of marriage as well as your dating relationship's readiness for the sacrament.

Here, Dr. Kevin Vost provides you with 12 essential life lessons, culled from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Together these lessons will elevate your mind, enrich your spirit, and teach you how to participate fully in the universal vocation to holiness and happiness.

Distilling Thomas's timeless and unparalleled spiritual wisdom, Vost shows you:

These 12 Life Lessons from St. Thomas Aquinas will help you cultivate a rich, robust faith life that will bring you into closer communion with God and beckon others to follow. With the help of Vost and Thomas, you'll soon find yourself confidently and happily living in imitation of Our Lord, the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all men.

The 12 virtues we must all acquire to be happy in this world and to save our souls. Many of our readers rate this the most beautiful and inspiring book they have ever read. For absolutely all! One of TAN's top 5 best-selling books. Impr. 210 pgs, PB