book review Archives - Amazing Catechists

Always Discerning, An Ignatian Spirituality for the New Millennium by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J.

I have had this book by Joseph A. Tetlow, S.J. for 2 years sitting in my to read stack, always near the top but somehow getting overlooked. Maybe it wasn’t time before now.

This book was excellent; of course, since it was written by someone “hailed as a world authority on Ignatian spirituality” it would be. But it’s not a heavy, textbook read. It made so much sense. I was taking pictures of the text and sending them to my friends and posting them on social media as I read. It is a very accessible book. I often feel like I am “always discerning” and it can get overwhelming and tiresome, not only for my brain but possibly others, if you know what I mean. Which you do if you are also “always discerning.”

The topics covered range from discerning in a Christian way, the great discernments in our life, why discernment is good, desolation and consolation in relation to discernment, gratitude and putting it all together. Each part has 4 to 6 short chapters, a section called “Touchstones” at the end of each part and a beef excerpt of a talk, homily or letter (usually, but not always) from Pope Francis. Fr. Tetlow also begins each chapter with a quote from Pope Francis. A feature of the book format I loved are the callouts, highlighting a key point on various pages.

One idea that has really stuck with me is about engaging our heads, hearts and hands in discernment. It is not about one of those aspects, it’s about using all of them to live out our baptismal call. The chapters on consolation were a help to understanding the concept better and seeing it in my life. He says, “but in fact, just accepting, on a dull workday morning, that God has made me holy is, in itself, a spiritual consolation.” Another often recurring theme in life is detachment, that line between wanting what is good and becoming consumed with it, letting the desire control you. Think about this instead: “Spiritual detachment requires accepting my true feelings and ideas but wanting to follow them insofar as they lead me toward God.”

There is much wisdom in this book. And it was written for us, in our time, using contemporary examples and writings to respond to them. Whether you are a student of Ignatian spirituality or not, you can gain much by reading this book. I know I will go back and read different sections again, as the need arises in my spiritual life.

Always Discerning is available on Loyola Press and Amazon.

Sharing your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips and Testimonies, by Nancy H.C. Ward

By Deanna Bartalini

I believe we all have a story. And it’s not done until we have left this world for heaven. I love other people’s stories, reminding me of how God pursues us all differently; the still, small whisper is heard in different ways for different reasons and each of us responds differently. The power of stories is not only the differentness of them all but the sameness of them all. I think if we share our faith story it draws people to us and to God. The problem is, how do you do that? We talk about knowing Jesus personally and the new evangelization, but how does one explain that to those who don’t have those words or ideas in their consciousness as I do?

Nancy Ward has laid it all out for us. No joking here or over exaggeration. I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a glimpse of who Nancy is as an individual. Her faith journey as a convert is laid out as an example of how to tell your own story. But she goes further than an example. She gives us the steps, one by one, with instructions, on writing your testimony and using it.

We don’t tell our whole story each time or the same one; it varies based on who we are speaking to, where, why. We share what is necessary for the person to hear, in evangelization starting where you are is not helpful, you must begin where the other person is, otherwise it’s as if you are talking about yourself for your own edification! And I don’t think that will help evangelize anyone.

If you have ever thought you’d like to talk more about how God moves and works in your life but wondered how this is the book for you. I have, like Nancy, been a part of many groups in the Church; Cursillo, Charismatic, Magnificat; both as a participant and a leader. This is the first time I’ve read a book that lays out how to tell your story. I think it would be very helpful for all those who serve in parish ministry. Your story can be an authentic witness to your faith journey. We need authentic witnesses to speak in love to others.

But it is also for those who want an answer at family dinners and work lunches and neighborhood conversations. You know, all those times you want to say something but hold back, if you prepare yourself, you’ll have a response that you can be confident about speaking aloud, not just in your head hours later.

That’s what this book can help you with, gaining confidence in telling your story. If you want that, get yourself a copy!

PS: The second section of the book is a collection of other people’s testimonies. Read them to remind yourself that God is at work.

Book Review – Why I am Catholic

By Deanna Bartalini

One of the greatest commonalities I find among families is that all of us have at least one person who has left the Catholic faith. For those of us with teen or adult children who have left, it is often very painful and confusing. Especially when it is one child that has left, while the others in the family have stayed. Sometimes it is a brother or parent who has left. Other times we have friends who we love dearly but have no faith in God or are of the “spiritual but not religious category” so many claim today. We want to reach these people, but we don’t know what to say.

Enter Brandon Vogt’s new book, “Why I am Catholic (and You Should Be Too),” from Ave Maria Press. You may be familiar with Brandon Vogt, from various videos he’s made, past books, or know that he works for Bishop Robert Barron. This is the first book of his I’ve read, and I enjoyed it very much. First, he is honest and open about his own conversion to Catholicism. Secondly, its tone is conversational, not heavy-handed, as he lays out our faith. He doesn’t skirt around the tough topics people are at odds with the Church about. And he lets readers know where to find more information about those topics, since he can’t cover them all fully himself. Lastly, he doesn’t rely solely on his feelings and opinions but quotes the great thinkers of our faith in a way that is accessible.

I highlighted many passages, but I think this is my favorite:

Maybe in a strange and confused world, the Catholic Church looks so backward because everyone else is facing the wrong direction.

Because really, deep in my soul, there are many times when I want to say to many people, “It’s not us; it’s you that is wrong about marriage, birth control, the death penalty, abortion, women priests, and on and on.” I don’t go around saying that because it’s not the right way, but Brandon’s book, politely and firmly, using truth, beauty, goodness, and facts points out why you should be Catholic, too.

Remember, this book is not meant for a Catholic firmly planted in the Church, so don’t read it that way. You will learn from this book, though, and you can use what you learn to draw others to the faith. I will be buying a few copies to give to people who are questioning, who wonder if the Church is for them, who have wandered off. I can also use some of Brandon’s examples when I talk to people. I encourage you to read this book and help yourself in your evangelization efforts!

©Deanna Bartalini, 2017

Proclaiming the Message of Life – Book Review

By Deanna Bartalini

How often have you been to Mass, listened to the readings and homily and heard a clear message about the sanctity of life and why abortion is wrong? Or how the Church can help those who have suffered with the pain of abortion? Has the vast network of organizations that can support women in a crisis pregnancy been mentioned?
I can tell you that in all of my years attending Mass, I have only heard a handful of pro-life homilies at a Sunday Mass. Even on the Sunday in October dedicated as Respect Life Sunday, it is not discussed. It always seems to me that teaching about the inherent dignity of life and how abortion is in direct opposition to that is important and necessary.
I can understand that there may be concerns, hesitation and maybe just a bit of fear that people will respond in a negative way. However, if we, the people of God are not challenged how will we grow? As Fr. Pavone says, “Preaching should foster the ongoing conversion and growth in holiness of the people entrusted to our pastoral care. A pastor is a shepherd. To shepherd people, preachers must be clear and courageous in confronting evil and likewise calm and compassionate. Our desire is to instruct people, inspire them, and equip them to take action.” What a beautiful vision for preaching and one I hope all who preach aspire to.
The book for Fr. Pavone wrote is a wonderful aid in preaching the message of life. The book has two main divisions, part one of the book gives a general overview of why and how to preach this message while part two gives specific reflection for every Sunday of the Year for all three cycles of readings! It is very extensive.
The first part of the book talks about why and how to preach about abortion, including scripture and doctrinal points that can be used as a springboard for talks or homilies. My favorite chapter though is seven, “Common Obstacles to Preaching on Abortion.” The thirty-two questions raised and answered ran the gamut from “Am I afraid I won’t be loved?” to “Will I endanger our tax exemption by speaking on abortion?”.
Of course, it is easy for me to read these reflections, which I have, and say “yes, preach it!” So I checked in with my deacon husband. He preaches about one Sunday a month. He has read the reflections and found ways to include some of the thoughts presented in his homilies. And that is the point of this book, to include some thoughts about how and why we are a pro-life people.
I think this book would be a welcome addition to the libraries of those who preach and also those who are active in pro-life ministry. It is practical, useful and accessible tool. The book is full of reassurances to preach the truth, based on Fr. Pavone experiences of preaching all around the country as the national director for Priests for Life. Published by Servant, it is available in both hardcover and digital editions.

Book Review: “The Four Keys to Everlasting Love: How Your Catholic Marriage Can Bring You Joy for a Lifetime”

By Elizabeth Tichvon

Manuel and Karee Santos have written an honest, sensible and faithful guidebook that I’m confident will become a go-to comfort for Catholic couples seeking help in their marriage. An ideal gift of learning and support for the newly-engaged or married; a beautiful witness of how to help one another attain holiness within God’s gift of the marriage covenant. [Release Date: April 8, 2016]

Catechist Daily

Book Review: The Case for Jesus

By Maureen Smith

Tomorrow marks the release of Dr. Brant Pitre’s newest book, The Case for Jesus. I am happy to review this book and hope that you are able to get your hands on a copy!

In his other works, Dr. Pitre has unlocked the meaning of Scripture and Tradition in light of Christianity’s Jewish roots and now he reveals for us the historical context and purpose of the Gospels and their authors.

Dr. Pitre brings an ancient freshness to the Gospel texts, allowing readers to see each of them from the perspective of their author and those to whom the Gospels were first proclaimed.

The Case for Jesus is a helpful resource to anyone studying Scripture or Christology, or to anyone wishing to deepen their relationship with Christ.

In the opening chapters, The Case for Jesus tackles the myth that the Gospel’s were anonymously written. Dr. Pitre displays the overwhelming evidence of their authorship and deepens our understanding of each of the Gospels.

After guiding us through the historical evidence for the authorship of the four Gospels, Pitre doesn’t just leave us at the doorstep of the New Testament. He then helps us to understand some of the basic Christological questions that may have gone unanswered in our Sunday school classes or even in our religious studies courses, such as those concerning Jesus’ own self-perception. He confirms for us what the Church has taught for almost two thousand years in a manner that is both engaging and is also accessible to today’s laity, making it a great guide for Bible studies and small group discussions.

This literary pilgrimage enables readers to encounter Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as friends. They become close companions in our quest to come to know the Person of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and Divine Son of God. As he discusses the Gospels, Pitre also weaves in passages from the Old and New Testaments as well as other sources, helping us to access the deeper meaning behind many of the of Scriptural texts.

As I journeyed through The Case for Jesus, the life of Christ was fleshed out for me. I can approach Sacred Scripture with new eyes and greater confidence in my comprehension of the Gospels. Many of the Scripture passages that have always been a mystery to me are now fonts of wisdom for my spiritual life.

I highly recommend this work for anyone wishing to gain greater access to Scripture and to the Person of Jesus. To all who read The Case for Jesus, this book will not only enable you to answer tough questions. It will also be a navigation guide as you read the Gospels and at the same time enrich your life of prayer.

Enjoy!

12 Nuggets from Rediscover Jesus

By Deanna Bartalini

I finished reading Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly and I enjoyed it very much!

I gleaned a few things I’d like to tell you about and I will in a minute. First though, the book is a nice, easy read but it asks tough questions and offers ways to learn more about Jesus and grow into a, dare I say, better Christian. Each chapter ends with action items: Point to Ponder, Verse to Live, Question to Consider, and Prayer. If you thought, learned and prayed those four items each day for forty days (which is the number of chapters in the book) I think you would be a different person, hopefully better, at the end of that time. I suppose I could have done that, but I am a book glutton so I can’t just read one chapter a day. Ideally, I’ll go back to those chapters which challenged me the most and read those again.

Onto my list of nuggets from the book!

“Jesus is the ultimate new beginning.”
“He (Jesus) wants to perform miracles in you and through you.”
“Who do you say that Jesus is?”
“When is the last time you were awestruck by Jesus?”
“Who does Jesus say that you are?”
- “Jesus says you are a child of God.”
- “Jesus says you are infinitely valuable.”
- “Jesus says you are free.”
“If we could just learn to recognize people’s needs and pain, there are so many prayers that God want to use us to answer. Too many go unanswered because ordinary people like you and me don’t allow the Holy Spirit to guide us.”
“God is not in the business of tweaking. He is in the business of transformation.”
“We don’t see ourselves as we really are, and God’s ways are not man’s.”
“Few things will have more impact on your life than what you allow to occupy your mind…ponder the ways of God and you will find yourself living them.”
“If you want to be a better Christian, start by denying yourself.”
“What do I want? What does God want?”
God is more interested in your future than he is in your past – but he is most interested in your now!”

Chapters 24, The Gap and 28, Spontaneous Prayer , were probably my favorite. The Gap was full of practical tips which Kelly explains fully in successive chapters. Spontaneous Prayer made me think about and ponder Gospel verses in a new way.

If you’d like a copy of the book, go to Dynamic Catholic. They’d make great stocking stuffers

99 Ways to Teach Like the Master – Book Review

By Deanna Bartalini

No matter what my job title or career choice, I have always considered myself an educator. In all things I strive to reach out and teach by word or deed. The material or topic is almost irrelevant as is the age of the person.

This book of meditations, 99 Way to Teach like the Master by T.J. Burdick lends itself to all of us who teach. And by all of us who teach, I literally mean all of us! Whether you are a preschool teacher or a college professor, just starting out or an old hand, one child at your kitchen table or enough to fill a bus, there is something to be gleaned from reading the scripture and reflections T.J. has put together.

Used with permission, from T.J.Burdick

There are five chapters with reflections in them, each beginning with a brief introduction. I don’t think it is necessary to read the book from front to back, you could pick and choose which reflection to read based on the title which you find intriguing, such as “Humility”, “Mercy” “Knowing it All” or “Keeping Healthy”. My favorite reflection is “Understanding God’s Report Card”.

Each reflection begins with a scripture quote, then an explanation as to how the passage relates to a facet of education, and closes with how to apply the teaching in a practical way, either with an action or prayer. The reflection takes just a few minutes to read and then you can think about it as you go through your day, helping to form the minds you are teaching

The book is available as an E-book and paperback. Both are available from En Route Books and Media. The E-book is on sale for $3.99 until February 9, 2015.

Review: To the Heights, by Brian Kennelly

By Guest Post

REVIEW by JT Therrian

I’ve often wondered what my life would’ve been like by now had I followed the call of God’s voice as a young boy. Erroneously believing that a life of pain and hardship lay in that direction, I hardened my heart and adopted a more “realistic” attitude toward my future.

To the Heights, Mr. Brian Kennelly’s novelization of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasseti’s life (1901-1925), showed me what such a life devoted to caring and loving, begun at a very early age, might have looked like. Pier Giorgio simply and humbly believed that no one is ever too young to love and to care for others, especially for the marginalized, the poor, and the disenfranchised.

I found the life of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasseti incredibly inspiring. I admit that before reading To the Heights I had not heard of this popular third order Franciscan. Mr. Kennelly does a great job fleshing out Pier Giorgio Frasseti’s love for his family along with his passion for the Catholic Church; his pious devotions to praying the Rosary; attending daily Mass; and spending time in adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

It is important to show young Catholics the rewards of a strongly-lived faith. This book does just that. To the question: given the current state of the world, how can I believe in a God? Mr. Kennelly replies, through Pier Giorgio Frasseti’s humble actions and words: take account of all the graces in your life. How can you not believe in God?

As a Vincentian, I was heartened to read of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasseti’s work in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The spirit of caring and charity rings true on every page. In a moving passage, Pier Giorgio explains to someone seemingly indifferent to serving the poor, “There is a special light behind the poor and unfortunate, one we do not have, one that has nothing to do with riches and health. I urge you to see that light tonight, not with your eyes, but with your heart.”

There are many echoes of past saints and sanctifying grace in the young man’s life: his fondness for hiking reminded me of Pope St. John Paul II’s passion for the outdoors; Pier Giorgio’s love of the poor and the sick, and the selfless acts of kindness with which he filled his days, brought to mind St. Vincent de Paul and St. Thérèse of Lisieux (especially in his love of flowers); and his limitless charity towards the poor is exemplary of St. Francis’ concerns.

But Mr. Kennelly also shows us that the tenderhearted and pious young man was no stranger to physical confrontations. Pier Giorgio lived through WWI and the chaotic political aftermath in Italy which gave rise to Mussolini’s infamous fascist (and anti-Catholic) Black Shirts. Pier Giorgio did not back down from unjust confrontations, although he would only fight when all peaceful avenues had been exhausted. In reaction to the Black Shirts, he remarked, “It’s a sad day when Catholics cower to evil and treat the teachings of their Church as if they are merely suggestions, abandoning them without the slightest sign of a troubled conscience.” How prophetic and timely this warning, as our Church continues to face relentless assaults from the secular world.

I truly enjoyed To the Heights and I will be recommending it to everyone for years to come. Mr. Kennelly not only understood what was in Bl. Pier Giorgio Frasseti’s mind, he showed us the care, love and charity alive in the blessed’s heart. We are grateful to such a talented author for revealing these graces. I also enjoyed the book’s short chapters, and I liked that Mr. Kennelly includes some actual prayers in the text, introducing some of the Church’s treasures, such as the Tedeum, to readers.

If you know someone, especially a young person concerned about the plight of the poor or injustice in the world, you must inspire them to action with a copy of To the Heights.

JT Therrien is a Catholic Canadian fiction writer working in a variety of genres: literary; commercial; children’s and young adult; inspirational (mostly based on the Theology of the Body and traditional Catholic doctrine); art-themed; paranormal; romance and love stories. He plies his craft in short story, novella and novel-length works. Readers who enjoy Brian Kennelly’s To the Heights might also like JT’s art-themed, Theology of the Body, young adult, dystopian novella Sprainter, available at all online e-book retailers. Readers can also follow JT online: https://twitter.com/jttherrien – Twitter, http://jttherrien.blogspot.ca – blog, https://sites.google.com/site/jttherrienauthor – website, https://www.amazon.com/author/jttherrien – Amazon author’s page, and at many other social networking sites.