These new releases address the good, the messy and the beautiful of living as a Catholic in our world today

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Sometimes we need resources that give us a pat on the back or a gentle hug. Other times we need the raw reality of what’s going on in the world and how to navigate it.

This year for Our Sunday Visitor’s annual fall book review, we offer some titles dealing with many sensitive issues — for example: gender, race, the Holocaust, living with autism, and struggles in relationships (both in friendship and marriage). However, these, along with many other books in this list, provide stories of hope and encouragement to those facing the hills and valleys of life. For a lighter read, explore books about watching movies through a Catholic lens, how to appreciate “The Chronicles of Narnia” as an adult, or the Catholic connection to 150 places, people and things. And, as always, browse our selection of titles about spirituality and the Catholic faith, with themes such as humility, discipleship and the Beatitudes. Let’s get reading!

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“The Message Behind the Movie — Reboot: Engaging Film without Disengaging Faith”

Message Behind MovieAuthor: Douglas M. Beaumont
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Price: $17.95
Summary: Author and Catholic convert Douglas M. Beaumont says in the foreword of this revised edition that “Any movie worth watching will include some features of truth.” While many decry what they see as the “trash” that Hollywood produces, the author — a movie lover, of course! — has written to help fellow cinephiles, casual movie-goers and concerned parents evaluate and find the messages of value that many films contain. He addresses how to watch a movie objectively and how to look for topics related to Christianity, and offers practical guidelines in deciding what movies to watch (and which not!). Readers may be surprised to discover the spirituality that is imbued in some of their favorite films.


“On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision of Race and Discipleship”

On earthAuthor: Father Josh Johnson
Publisher: Ascension Press
Price: $16.95
Summary: Author, podcaster and Catholic priest Josh Johnson tackles the difficult subject of race in his new book, drawing on his experience of serving as the only Black priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A very personal book, full of stories from Father Johnson’s life as a Catholic of color, the author also writes about his journey to the priesthood. In the chapter “Black witnesses in the Body of Christ,” the author addresses the difficulties Black Catholics have faced throughout the history of the United States, including the stories of Venerable Henriette Delille and Father Augustus Tolton. Reminding readers that all are a part of the “Body of Christ,” Father Johnson offers insight and action about how to “make disciples of all nations.”


“Saint Charles de Foucauld: His Life and Spirituality”

St. CharlesAuthor: Cathy Wright, LSJ
Publisher: Pauline Books & Media
Price: $15.95
Summary: Author Sister Cathy Wright, a Little Sister of Jesus, writes a well-rounded biography of this 20th-century saint, which is enhanced by including numerous photos. Born in 1858 to an aristocratic French family, Charles de Foucauld endured the loss of his parents as a young boy, failed at school, sought adventure in the military, and discovered his own vocation by relying on the wise counsel and mercy of spiritual director Father Henri Huveli. Charles then devoted his life to seeking “Nazareth” among the Muslim people of Algeria and to discovering “the face of Christ.” In the second part of the book, the author examines the saint’s spiritual journey, including his own writings and favorite prayers.


“A Work In Progress: Embracing the Life God Gave You”

work in progressAuthor: Julia Marie Hogan Werner, LCPC
Publisher: OSV
Price: $15.95
Summary: Using psychological research, engaging real-life examples, and the truths of the Catholic Faith, author and therapist Julia Marie Hogan shows in “A Work in Progress: Embracing the Life God Gave You” how to reclaim a sense of direction and purpose in life. By identifying priorities, making empowering decisions, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, knowing one’s limits and embracing commitment (rather than being afraid of it) a path to fulfillment becomes clear. The author describes seven habits that can make a person lose sight of their identity and purpose, then explores seven ways that can help the reader regain a sense of authentic purpose that “will help free you to weather any season of life.” Each chapter has reflection questions for journaling, and there are group discussion questions provided as well.


“Mychal Judge: Take Me Where You Want Me to Go”

Mychal JudgeAuthor: Francis DeBernardo
Publisher: Liturgical Press
Price: $19.95
Summary: Few of us who lived that day can forget the images of 9/11. One of the most famous photographs is of Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan priest who was also a New York City fire department chaplain who was designated “Victim 0001” after he died in performance of his ministry. This new biography by Francis DeBernardo shares the personal history and background of Father Judge, including his Irish-American upbringing, his struggles with alcoholism, his care for the marginalized, and his ministry to firefighters. But what comes through most clearly is “Father Mike’s” warmth and caring, his joy in living, and his devotion to the Faith and his Franciscan brothers. The author also touches on the conversation about his sexuality and what he has meant to the LGBTQ community.


“Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship”

SisterhoodAuthor: Chloe Langr
Publisher: OSV
Price: $15.95
Summary: Let’s face it: Real-life friendship is hard! Women especially find themselves challenged by superficial #girltribe social media posts, so how can we really achieve authentic friendship? And is friendship even worth it? Whether you’re in a steady place with the women in your life or you’re not confident at all when it comes to friendship with other women, each and every one of us always has room to grow in the art of friendship. In “Sisterhood: Giving and Receiving the Gift of Friendship,” Catholic wife, mom, author and friend Chloe Langr offers a practical guide to discerning, developing and keeping authentic friendships. The chapters cover anything from healing from past relationships, to conquering competition and comparison, to navigating friendship in the digital world.


“150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic”

150 peopleAuthor: Jay Copp
Publisher: OSV
Price: $24.95
Summary: Good luck getting through an entire day without experiencing the impact of Catholicism on the world. Woken up by an alarm or checked the time? The mechanical clock was invented in the 10th century by a monk who became pope. Having a bowl of cereal for breakfast? Your milk is safe thanks to Louis Pasteur, a devout Catholic whose research was driven by a love of God and humanity. Knock on wood? It’s actually an ancient Catholic practice invoking the power of the cross when facing trouble or danger. Each entry in “150 People, Places, and Things You Never Knew Were Catholic” is rich with detail and nuance. Here are Catholic stories full of drama, decisions and inspiration.


“The Chronicles of Transformation: A Spiritual Journey with C.S. Lewis”

ChroniclesEditor: Leonard J. DeLorenzo
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Price: $17.95
Summary: In the dedication for “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” C.S. Lewis wrote to his goddaughter: “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” While many people enjoyed “The Chronicles of Narnia” as a kid, there is more depth for adults to enjoy than many realize. In “The Chronicles of Transformation,” seven authors — including Leonard J. DeLorenzo, a frequent contributor for Our Sunday Visitor — unveil the riches of Lewis’ seven-book series and the world of Narnia. As author Joseph Pearce wrote in a review of the book, “It allows us to enter Narnia through new pathways, coming at Lewis’ imaginary world from surprising angles, so that we can see it once again with eyes wide open with wonder.”


“The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory”

Genesis of GenderAuthor: Abigail Favale
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Price: $17.95
Summary: The topic of gender is everywhere, and as the culture is trying to push one narrative, Catholics need to educate themselves quickly as to what the Church teaches about human sexuality as God designed it. Introducing “The Genesis of Gender” by Abigail Favale, who is the Dean of Humanities and Professor of English at George Fox University. As Christopher West, president of the Theology of the Body Institute, wrote about this book: “Every culture in history has taken for granted the God-given truth that human beings are created male or female — until now. If you want to understand how and why we got here so quickly and what to do about it, this is the book to read.” In another review, author Leah Libresco wrote that Favale’s analysis “is sharp, clear, and spoken in love” and that the book “is one I will share with my daughters.”


“The Good, the Messy, and the Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life”

Good Messy bookAuthor: Edward and Beth Sri
Publisher: Ascension Press
Price: $15.95
Summary: Edward and Beth Sri have been married for more than 20 years and have been blessed with eight children. So, if anyone is going to talk about the good, the messy and the beautiful about marriage, they have a good foundation to do so. In the introduction to the book, they share a few testimonies from people, one of which read: “Before we were married, we thought to ourselves, ‘Our faith is important to us. We pray, we love Jesus, we go to adoration … Our marriage will be great …’ But we were shocked that we could have all that and still have many struggles in our marriage.” Edward and Beth want to encourage all couples — whether you’re soon to be married or have been married for many years — that a beautiful marriage is possible despite the struggles.


“Discovering Christ the Servant”

Discovering Christ ServantAuthor: Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D.
Publisher: OSV
Price: $16.95
Summary: In his most recent book, Deacon Dominic Cerrato plunges into an examination of the spirituality of service. When the ancient diaconate was instituted and restored in our time, it was meant to empower priests, religious and lay ministry with a renewed sense of service. Basically, service is essential to all. It is an act of love rooted in a divine love already poured out for us. Service is not something we do but someone we give — our very selves. Deacon Cerrato provides a radical but thoroughly consistent rethinking of the Christian life that takes up the tradition and builds on it in a way that is both old and new, and he offers a concise yet detailed spiritual roadmap leading to a deeper understanding of lay service.


“The Bible and Baptism: The Foundation of Salvation”

Bible BaptismAuthor: By Father Isaac Augustine Morales, OP
Publisher: Baker Academic
Price: $22.99
Summary: New Testament scholar Dominican Father Isaac Morales offers a biblical theology of the initiatory rite of baptism that is interesting and informative. Father Morales provides a synthetic biblical account of the sacrament of baptism, rooted in the rich water symbolism of the Old Testament and finding its full flourishing in baptismal participation in the saving events of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection as described in the New Testament. The book also illuminates the way in which early Christian interpreters understood the unity of the biblical story. “The Bible and Baptism” is one piece of a Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments series, which is designed to provide lay teachers and those in parish ministry with the background of the seven sacraments. It would be a good resource to church study groups and theology students.


“Invitation and Encounter: Evangelizing Through the Sacraments”

Invitation and encounterAuthor: Timothy P. O’Malley
Publisher: OSV
Price: $15.95
Summary: The phrase “sacramentalized, but not evangelized” is often used to describe the many Catholics who have received the sacraments but are still in desperate need of evangelization. The problem is not that people have “only” received their sacraments, but that we do not fully understand the evangelizing work of the sacraments themselves. Timothy P. O’Malley, in “Invitation and Encounter,” shows how the sacraments, as efficacious signs, are Christ working in the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. He asks: How do sacraments evangelize? How do sacraments both heal and divinize those who receive them? By evangelizing through the sacraments, we are fulfilling a goal of the New Evangelization, which has the purposed to sacramentalize and evangelize. O’Malley advances this understanding.


“What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith”

What we believeAuthor: Marcellino D’Ambrosio and Andrew Swafford
Publisher: Ascension
Price: $15.95
Summary: Macellino D’Ambrosio and Andrew Swafford have embarked on a mission to help readers discover the amazing riches of the Catholic faith. They explain the essential teachings of the Faith in a readable, approachable way. Whether you have been a lifelong Catholic or just exploring the Faith, you will be moved by the beauty and richness of Catholicism. “What We Believe” will help readers discover: what Catholics truly believe; who Catholics are and how they are called to live; the blessings of creation, redemption and the newness of life in the Holy Spirit; the profound gift of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Faith; and how to imitate Christ through prayer, personal conversion and love for others. The book accompanies a 10-session faith study video course by Ascension Press set in the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome.


“Sabine’s Odyssey”

SabineAuthor: Agnes Schipper
Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers
Price: $18.95
Summary: Author Agnes Schipper, a Catholic, was 20 when she learned of her Jewish history. “Sabine’s Odyssey” recounts the story of Schipper’s mother, Sabine Fröhlich, and the harrowing experiences of her family during the Nazi regime — details she did not disclose to her children for decades. Sabine was raised Catholic and unaware of her Jewish heritage until her brother was denied admittance to the Hitler Youth Movement. After Kristallnacht, her family fled Germany hoping for U.S. visas, only to become trapped in north Holland when the Germans invaded. In June 1941, Nazis rounded up Sabine’s brother, Andreas, as a hostage in retaliation for a Dutch act of sabotage and deported him to the Mauthausen camp where he perished within months. With the help of friends, Sabine and her family were hidden in north Holland. As the overview states, “This memoir gives voice to those who stayed silent for years.”


“Humble Strength: The Eye-Opening Benefits of Humility”

Humble StrengthAuthor: Kevin Vost
Publisher: Ascension Press
Price: $18.95
Summary: Author Kevin Vost has written more than 20 books since his conversion to the Faith, though, given his most recent title, it’s unlikely he’d brag about that accomplishment. In “Humble Strength,” Vost explores the importance of humility in living as disciples of Christ and holds up the example of saints who personified this important virtue. With holy Scripture and the lived experience of the saints as the book’s foundation, Vost offers practical tips and inspiration to help readers become more holy, humble servants of God by giving us a better understanding of what humility is (and isn’t), explaining how humility can help us to conquer our fears, build up our virtues and give us the strength to fight temptation and avoid our sins.


“The Way of Beatitude: Living Radical Hope in a World of Division and Despair”

Way of the BeatitudeAuthor: Father Casey Cole, OFM
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
Price: $15.95
Summary: The back cover of Franciscan Father Casey Cole’s paperback sums up well what he’s trying to accomplish in this short (115 pages) and imminently readable new book. It states: “What if we looked at the things we see wrong in the world with empathy, dug below the surface of people’s disappointing actions to experience their pain, and understood hurtful words as a cry for consolation? What if we responded with sorrow instead of courage, and love instead of hate?” Father Casey, host of the popular YouTube show “Breaking in the Habit” (which has more than a quarter of a million subscribers), looks at how, by focusing on the eight Beatitudes in the Gospel, we can bring hope and love — in a word, God — to our families, friends and communities.


“One Disciple at a Time: How to Lead Others to Dynamic, Engaged, Life-Changing Faith”

One discipleAuthor: Everett Fritz
Publisher: Ave Maria Press
Price: $14.95
Summary: In the Gospel, Jesus is quite clear what he wants his followers to do. There is no hesitancy in the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). While the ways in which we — the Church — act out this mission of evangelization have taken countless forms over the past 2,000-plus years, author Everett Fritz, in his new book, “One Disciple at a Time,” makes a solid case that the best way to share the Good News is through one-on-one mentorship. In his introduction, Fritz writes: “Disciple-making ministry isn’t started with big programs and large conferences. Disciple-making focuses on the needs of the individual and walking with an individual on their journey as a saint on this side of heaven.”


“God Loves the Autistic Mind: Prayer Guide for Those on the Spectrum and Those Who Love Us”

Autistic mindAuthor: Father Matthew P. Schneider, LC
Publisher: Pauline Books & Media
Price: $16.95
Summary: According to recent statistics, autism now affects 1 in 44 children. While the ways in which the disability presents itself vary widely from person to person, those affected typically have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. Given the prevalence of autism, Father Matthew Schneider, who was diagnosed with autism as an adult, has done the Church a great service with his new book, “God Loves the Autistic Mind.” It is essentially two books in one: the first, a look a what autism is, what it isn’t, and what the Church can do to minister to those who live with it; and the second, 52 meditations to help readers be grounded in daily or weekly prayer. The Church has much to learn about ministering to children of God who live with autism, and Father Schneider’s book is an excellent place to start.


“Bioethics for Nurses: A Christian Moral Vision”

Bioethics for nursesAuthors: Alisha N. Mack and Charles C. Camosy
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing
Price: $21.99
Summary: Today, health care professionals who wish to practice medicine and their faith congruently too often are forced to choose between one or the other. Equally tragic is the fact that, too often, Catholic nurses are simply unaware of what the Church teaches when it comes to bioethics and the specifics of their profession. Enter Alisha Mack and Charlie Camosy and their new book, “Bioethics for Nurses.” Mack, a nursing professor with years of clinical experience, and Camosy, an award-winning bioethicist and theologian, offer a comprehensive guide for nurses in the field as they cover treatment of the whole person, relational care, using health care resources justly to meet the needs of underserved people, and conscience protection. As religious freedom — particularly in the medical field — continues to be tested, Mack and Camosy have written a vital manual for those fighting the battle on the front lines.

Our Sunday Visitor Staff

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