BOOKS

Amazing Grace for Fathers celebrates the power of fatherhood?and that power is love. The love of our fathers on earth reflects the infinite love of God, our heavenly Father, from which all fatherly guidance, discipline, and protection flows. The powerful stories in this book show just how deep a father's love is for his children, particularly when he lives in and is strengthened by God's grace. Here, you will find support and inspiration for your own fatherhood. In this book, you will meet: ? A young boy suffering intense pain who finds peace and comfort in the hands of his father. ? A loving father who literally comes back from the dead after suffering fatal injuries. ? A surrogate father who makes a big difference in the life of an angry and troubled boy. ? A father who provides a birthday present for his little girl after his death through a series of divine coincidences. ? A young man who heroically saves the life of another because of the wisdom handed down to him by his own father. ? Two fathers who, unable to provide for their families, turn to God and see His fatherly protection take care of them.

Robert P. Lockwood (you can call him Bob) has asked the same question you've asked dozens of times:

"What the hell am I doing with my life?"

Like you, he has wondered why he does what he does, and why it can be so hard to be the person he wants to be. In the end, it's about wanting happiness. Not three-beer happiness, I-got-a-raise happiness, or the-Steelers-made-the-playoffs happiness, but that quiet contentment that comes from living a good life.

A provocative new biography probes deeply into the storied life of Father Ted Hesburgh, the well-loved but often controversial president of Notre Dame University.

Considered for many decades to be the most influential priest in America, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, played what many consider pivotal roles in higher education, the Catholic Church, and national and international affairs. American Priest examines his life and his many and varied engagements--from the university he led for thirty-five years to his associations with the Vatican and the White House--and evaluates the extent and importance of his legacy.

Author and Notre Dame priest-professor Wilson D. Miscamble tracks how Hesburgh transformed Catholic higher education in the postwar era and explores how he became a much-celebrated voice in America at large. Yet, beyond the hagiography that often surrounds Hesburgh's legacy lies another more complex and challenging story. What exactly were his contributions to higher learning; what was his involvement in the civil rights movement; and what was the nature of his role as advisor to popes and presidents?

Understanding Hesburgh's life and work illuminates the journey that the Catholic Church traversed over the second half of the twentieth century. Exploring and evaluating Hesburgh's importance, then, contributes not only to the colorful history of Notre Dame but also to comprehending the American Catholic experience.

Praise for American Priest

"An excellent, engaging biography . . . [Miscamble] deftly captures the 'whole Hesburgh' in a fair and thorough portrait." --Catholic Philly

"Excellent . . . the story that Father Miscamble tells is an all-American story--the rise of a Catholic of relatively modest background, close to his immigrant roots, to a place of prominence among the nation's elite." --Public Discourse

Do you attend Mass out of love rather than obligation?
Are you closer to God now than you were a year ago?
Are you able to keep a consistent prayer life?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your spiritual life needs a jump-start. In Humdrum to Holy, popular priest and radio host, Fr. Ed Broom, will stir in you a holy reverence and spiritual joy that'll point your soul to heaven.

By following the wise counsel of this experienced spiritual advisor and confessor, you'll first learn how to identify your "kryptonite" those hidden sins in your life that keep God from working in your soul.

Fr. Ed will walk you through the simple steps to creating a plan of life your roadmap to the heights of holiness. In a clear, methodical, and practical way, you'll learn how to cultivate virtues like patience and purity virtues that are difficult to attain but essential for happiness in this life and getting into heaven in the next!

What if we taught young people that they can measure success by how they follow Christ rather than by how much money they make or where they go to college?

In What Matters Most, University of Notre Dame theology professor Leonard J. DeLorenzo urges youth ministers, teachers, and parents to help young people redefine success in light of their call to discipleship--completely saying yes to God.

In Luke's account of the Annunciation, Mary offers a true model of discipleship for young people to follow. Her example will empower them to make choices about how to live their lives as a courageous yes to God in everything they choose--just as she did.

DeLorenzo, who served as the long-time director of Notre Dame Vision--a program designed to help young Catholics find their true calling as disciples of Jesus--shows how Mary exhibited four habits that will guide young people to make important life decisions:

Listen carefully and practice patience.

Remember who we are and what we value most.

Respond with compassion to choices we face.

Embrace sacrifice for the sake of love.

DeLorenzo includes personal stories from his experience as a father and working with youth and young adults with spiritual wisdom to equip teachers, mentors, pastoral ministers, and parents to reexamine the way they encourage and help form young Catholics approaching significant life choices such as college and jobs. He presents ways to remedy spiritual deficits in these young people created by cultural realities such as the fast pace of tech-driven lives and the looming pressure to succeed with worldly accomplishments.

10 Fun, Innovative Relationship-Building Dates for Seriously Dating and Engaged Couples!

10 Great Dates Before You Say I Do combines the best of marriage preparation research with a fun, easy-to-follow format. Couples will love growing together while going out together:

Share your hopes and dreams

Appreciate your differences

Communicate and connect

Develop spiritual intimacy

Evaluate your relationship

Celebrate romance

And more!

God designed us to be in relationship with others. When handled well, friendship among girls can be one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of their lives, laying the foundation for healthy friendships as adults. These early interactions shape the way girls view themselves and others and will continue to influence them throughout their lives, positively or negatively. The devotions in 100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls will allow girls to explore the rewards and challenges of building quality friendships both now and in the future.

Also included are 50 sidebars with activities that provide practical ideas for creating and sustaining strong friendships.

Think you really know Church History? Think Again
The Catholic Church is the longest-standing and the most universal of all institutions. The contributions made by Catholic men and women over the past 2000 years are most impressive, from a properly functioning calendar to the inventions of many things that we all take for granted today.
In 101 Surprising Facts About Church History, Fr. Meconi, SJ walks readers through the most amazing achievements of Christ's Body on earth. From economic and mercantile developments to scientific and astronomical advances, from the cataloging of zoological and botanical species to the cherishing of beautiful music and fine arts, Fr. Meconi shows you why the Catholic Church stands as the greatest promoter of human culture and knowledge.

What do you really know about Vatican City?

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.

101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: Simple Ways for Couples to Grow Closer to God and to Each Other offers Catholic couples concise, practical, and at times humorous suggestions for creating and sustaining a more joyful, peace-filled marriage that is steeped in the beauty and mystery of Catholic faith.

Insights from marriage and family scholar Jennifer Roback Morse combine with the stories of young mother and wife Betsy Kerekes to make this a book for any Catholic couple--young or old--wanting to nurture their marriage. 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage is designed to help Catholic couples improve their relationships by making small changes in their habits, attitudes, and spirituality. Suggestions for everything from the most mundane aspects of marital life (housework, budgeting, weekend football) to the make-or-break components (forgiveness, kindness, prayer) help readers to love and appreciate their spouses anew.

This inspirational reflection on St. Thomas Aquinas's philosophical and theological masterpieces will fill you with spiritual wisdom and motivate you on your journey to the heights of holiness.