 |
Isaiah and the Kingdom of Peaceillustrations by Sarah Evelyn Showalter (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2012) DESCRIPTION: We popularly think of prophecy as a prediction of future events. Ancient Hebrew prophets spoke in the present tense, and with good reason. They envisioned a God who was vitally interested in their own generation. To honor the ever-freshness of the divine Word, we tried to present all prophecy in this book in the present tense, with an eye to our generation. Isaiah was, to use his own phrase, a “prince of peace.” His worldview remains the most radically universal in the Hebrew Scriptures and is still rebuffed by many of us not yet willing to imagine that God loves our enemies as much as God loves us. We pray for the day when the peaceable kingdom will be more than a prophet’s lovely daydream. That kingdom must live first in us, heart by heart by heart. (92 pages) |
 |
God's Word Is Aliveillustrations by Mary Southard, CSJ (Chicago: ACTA Publications, rev. ed. 2007; originally published by Twenty-Third Publications, 1998) DESCRIPTION: Looking for Sunday Scripture reflections that encompass all three weekly readings, the full liturgical cycle A through C, including holy days? Look no further. This collection of highly readable meditations was originally printed in the series, "Exploring the Sunday Readings." RCIA gatherings, preachers and lectors, Bible study groups, and individuals alike will appreciate the personal, practical approach. With questions and action responses for each day's readings. Includes new Liturgical Calendar for Sundays, feasts, and seasons through the year 2016. (398 pages) |
|
|
Listening to God's Word(Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2009) DESCRIPTION: How would you tell a story as big as the Bible? This book charts a course through five big ideas in Scripture: God, World, Story, Crisis, and Time. As it says in the Introduction: "Short books about big ideas run the risk of being simplistic. But large books risk being confusing, if not incomprehensible--or worse, unread. So best to write short books with big dreams, then. The only book worth writing is the one that will be read." Those coming to the Bible for the first time, as well as those looking for a new method of listening to the ancient story, will find this an accessible and engaging overview of some of Scriptures' great themes. (126 pages) |
|
|
The Forgiveness Bookco-authored with Paul Boudreau (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2008) DESCRIPTION: This is a little book with one big idea: that a single word lies at the heart of Christianity, and that's forgiveness. If we get forgiveness right, we get everything right according to the gospels. This is a how-to book for those wrestling with the challenge of forgiving or being forgiven. With a handsome leatherette embossed cover suitable for gift-giving. (110 pages) |
|
Animals of the Bible from A to Zillustrations by Sarah Evelyn Showalter (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2007) DESCRIPTION: The problem with children's books on religious themes is that they often feel like homework! Not this one. Children will love the book for the fabulous illustrations. Parents will be delighted by the chance to get in some "sneaky catechesis" on matters of faith. Parents and children have an opportunity to learn together by exploring familiar Bible stories as well as some lesser-known and surprising ones. Includes "Pages for Grownups" for easy identification of the Bible stories and suggestions for teaching valuable lessons. A delightful gift for children and a wonderful meditation for anyone who loves Bible stories, animals, and learning. (30 pages) |
|
Invitation to Catholicism: Beliefs + Teachings + Practices(Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2001) DESCRIPTION: A lively presentation of the faith designed for use in RCIA, RENEW, faith-sharing and other parish study groups. Also makes a helpful individual refresher course on what it means to be Catholic in a life-giving way. Includes an overview of church teachings on God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary and the saints, the Bible, Mass, sacraments, prayer and the moral life. With Questions to Consider at the end of each chapter, and an appendix of basic prayers. (234 pages) |
|
Invitation to the Old TestamentandInvitation to the New Testament(Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2004) DESCRIPTION: These two slim volumes are sold separately. But together they provide a brisk fly-over of the great themes of the Bible, as well as a readily accessible understanding of how Catholics read and interpret Scripture. It's presented plainly enough for your aging mother who's never read the Bible, but intriguingly enough for your teenage youth group that's asking a lot of questions. Invitation to the OT includes a chapter on "Getting to Know the Bible." It proceeds to the stories of the patriarchs; the journey of Exodus; the leadership of judges, priests, and kings; the challenge of the prophets; the roles of women in salvation history; and the tradition of wisdom literature. Invitation to the NT continues with how the gospels were written; the first generation of the church; the impact of Paul; the generation of "the Catholic letters"; and the "fifth gospel" of Revelation. (103 pages each) |
|
A Faith Interrupted: An Honest Conversation with Alienated Catholicsco-authored with Joel Schorn (Chicago: Loyola Press, 2004) Also available in Spanish as Recuperar La Fe (Translated by Ignacio Echaniz, S.J. - SPAIN: Ediciones Mensajero, 2006 - www.mensajero.com) DESCRIPTION: Left the church, or thinking about it? Coming back to church and sorting out why? Entering into this "conversation" with Alice Camille and Joel Schorn might help. The book's working title was "Catholics in Outer Space," but the publisher showed no guts. If you're in orbit around the church you used to call home, or just feel that way sometimes, join the conversation. (175 pages) |
 |
2010: A Book of Grace-Filled Days(Chicago: Loyola Press, 2009) DESCRIPTION: A great gift for college students, church groups, or anyone on your list who could use a daily nudge in the direction of grace. |
|
2009: A Book of Grace-Filled Days(Chicago: Loyola Press, 2008) DESCRIPTION: This page-a-day pocket book is cutely square and conveniently brief in its reflections on Scripture, saints, feasts, and how to live a spiritually-centered life every day. The Grace-Filled Days series has featured contemporary writers Vinita Hampton Wright and LaVonne Neff in recent years. This latest title beginning in Advent 2008 is written by Alice Camille. (401 pages) |
|
Seven Last Words(Chicago: ACTA Publications, 1998) DESCRIPTION: The last words of a dying person hold special meaning to those left behind. The "last will and testament" of Jesus is contained in the seven sayings he uttered from the cross. Includes meditations on humility, the Kingdom, discipleship, suffering, thirst, the cross, and surrender. A small book that offers the punch of a personal retreat. (93 pages) |
|
The Rosary: Mysteries of Joy, Light, Sorrow, and Gloryillustrations by Mary Southard, CSJ (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2003) DESCRIPTION: When the late Pope John Paul II introduced five new mysteries of the rosary in 2002, it was an invitation to reconsider the old prayer tool in a new light. These twenty thoughtful meditations are for those who have never picked up a rosary, as well as folks who wouldn't leave home without one. Including a history of the evolution of the rosary and its potential in a new revolution of peace. (110 pages) |
|
I Like Being a Lector (I Like Being in Parish Ministry series)(Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2001) DESCRIPTION: So you're thinking about being a lector! Or you've been one for a while and would like to reflect on the meaning of your ministry to the community of faith. Includes essays on the power of words, the tradition of Scripture, and performance hints, as well as questions, ways to respond, and a prayer service for lectors. (46 pages) |
|
Unexpected Presence: Twelve Surprising Encounters With the Divine Spiritedited by David Fortier (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2012) DESCRIPTION: Where is God? Twelve writers tell true stories of encountering God and grace in the most unlikely places and events. Includes stories by Alice Camille, Fred Hang, Patrick Hannon, Charlotte Bruney, and others. Paperback. (142 pages) |
|
Christmas Presence: Twelve Gifts That Were More Than They Seemededited by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2002) DESCRIPTION: This beautifully presented, hardbound gift book makes a great Christmas present, even for yourself. Twelve writers reflect on the gifts of the season, some of which don't come in wrapping paper. Contributors include Alice Camille, John Shea, Vinita Hampton Wright, Tom McGrath and others. Catholic Press Association award-winning collection. (157 pages) |
|
Hidden Presence: Twelve Blessings That Transformed Grief or Lossedited by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (Chicago: ACTA Publications, 2003) DESCRIPTION: A hardbound gift-book quality collection of twelve true stories of grief and loss by authors Alice Camille, Vinita Hampton Wright, Joyce Rupp, Patrick Hannon, Michael Leach and others. (175 pages) |
