Terrific, Edifying Catholic Fiction: Classic and Contemporary

by Kathleen Blease

Visit Kathleen's Catholic Book Shop for almost 50 Catholic titles that are wonderful reads! Many of them are available on Kindle as well.

Is there a way to teach the Catholic way of life through fiction, without making it soft and shallow?

These last several weeks, eastern Pennsylvania has been suffering from an unusual amount of rain. Although the tomatoes in the garden aren't liking it one bit, and they have yet to ripen, I've found an easy and enjoyable way to get through the dreary days.

Catholic fiction has found its way onto my Kindle, but it's been a journey to begin the download.

Last year, when I attended the Catholic Writers' Conference, I met Catholic novelist Michelle Buckman. After a brief chat, she offered me a copy of her latest book. I didn't know what to say, so I just nodded and blurted out a quick, "Thanks!"

You see, up until then I had been sorely disappointed by contemporary fiction. After earning my degree in English Literature (not American) and well-steeped in classical fiction, I went off to work for a major publisher in New York City, where we published literature-quality non-fiction. I spent many years engulfed in how-to's, history, business and success stories...not romance and who-dunnits. And each time I picked a contemporary novel, it was either a harsh view of the world or just plain smut. I was turned off. And when I tried to read Christian novels, I found stories that had little depth and weren't very fulfilling. They didn't seem to present a real-life scenario to me.

And time? Who had time? I had two little rambunctious boys running about, hardly providing the setting for quiet reading. I will still engulfed in Bionicles and Rescue Heroes. I knew in the back of my mind that my time would come. And it did.

But I didn't know what to think of Catholic fiction. I heard Michelle speak and then decided to give her book a read, although I admit the paperback sat on my reading pile for a few months while I embarked on yet another and typical deep-read about a saint, this time St. Bernadette of Lourdes in Bernadette Speaks by Rene Laurentin.

But once I picked up Michelle's novel and began reading it, I couldn't put it down. Not only did I find a compelling story that drew me back to its pages time and time again, but I was also amazed by the edifying quality of the work.

Is there a way to teach the Catholic way of life through fiction, without making it soft and shallow? Obviously, the answer is Yes. These authors have found the way.

So, without further ado, I'm presenting here a very short list of the books I would consider must-reads. Some of them are modern and gritty, some are Victorian and almost like poetry, while others are easy-reads like romance novels. Some take more effort to read, while others are a breeze and perfect for the busy mom. All of them are worthwhile, in my opinion, and wonderful entertainment that help fill the reader's heart and soul. All of them are available in both book form and on Kindle, and I've noted which  ones are free on Kindle.

I'll top the list with Michelle Buckman's award-winning title. Happy reading!

Rachel's Contrition by Michelle Buckman, winner of the Catholic Arts and Letters Award (CALA): Michelle weaves a modern story of loss, renewal, and compassion. By the end of the book, I was crying like a baby. The story is well-woven and leads you through Rachel's agony from her unique and often tumbled (but very real) perspective. In the end, the cloud is lifted, and the reader is taken through Rachel's healing process. Throughout the story, she is guided through her days by a new friend, St. Therese of Lisieux. She is also guided by her husband, who Rachel viewed as "the enemy". The story is gripping, a little gritty, and feels very real. It does not suffer from soft, gentle Christian writing but instead illuminates how true healing can take place with God's grace.

Death Panels: A Novel  of Life, Liberty and Faith by Michelle Buckman: Here is a futuristic story that is timely and thought-provoking, set in 2042. This one is truly gritty and will make you think about where our nation is going in our beliefs and attitude about the value of human life. In Death Panels, David saves a newborn from certain death when it is not born perfect. The story quickly unfolds as faithful believers, who had been forced to go underground, are pulled into a holy scheme of saving this child and changing the world forever, if but only a bit.

The White Ladies of Worcester by Florence Barclay: (Free on Kindle) Written in 1917, this novel is as pertinent today as it was then. Both its language and story line feel remarkable contemporary; despite its age, it is still an easy and delightful read that has a great deal to offer. However, when I first read a description of the book, I wondered if it was worth reading. The main character, Mora, is a prioress of a cloister. When her love from long ago shows up, it's her bishop who helps her leave the convent and marry the knight. Doesn't sound very obedient, does it? I began reading it wanting to find it filled with flaws. To my surprise, I found that Mrs. Barclay had written a beautiful and holy story.

The main character, Mora, had been tricked into believing that her love had returned from the Crusades and married another, and so she felt that her only other option was to give her heart (and all her agony over her loss) to Christ in service to the Church. When the truth is revealed by her prior, the bishop, she is faced with a difficult decision, and she again takes her heart to Christ to find the answer. Her decision, alas, was not based on her feelings but on what was right in the eyes of the Church. And it was there in the laws of the Church that she found her heart. It's a moving story I couldn't put down. I was amazed by the depth of the characters--all the characters, even the little old nun who watched the convent's entrance and talked a the robin to pass the time. Mrs. Barclay had carefully written into the story a fabric of Catholic doctrine and way of life.

The Rosary by Florence Barclay: (Free on Kindle) Another story written by Mrs. Barclay, here is a Victorian love story that stands the test of time. Just like The White Ladies of Worcester, it is easy to read and compelling. Barclay relates falling in love with the Rosary, how each moment can be like praying the beads, holding the beads of joy in your hands and giving away your heart. The story also invokes patience and deep abiding love. It depicts two characters of opposite demeanor learning to carefully consider the needs of the other--something we rarely read in romance novels. Garth declares to Jane, "You have lifted the veil, and I am entering in!" However, Jane is overwhelmed by this surprise declaration from her lifelong friend, and she makes a decision she later struggles to undo, praying that she will not have to live with the regret for the rest of her life. Garth's condition, both physical and spiritual, will chip away at your heart, as Jane secretively brings him back to life with her selfless and thoughtful actions. This story reduced me to tears, and I couldn't stop thinking about it for days.

Daughter of Joy (Brides of Culdee Creek, Book 1) by Kathleen Morgan: (Free on Kindle) I'm not sure what possessed me to download this onto my Kindle, but I'm glad I did. Here is a contemporary novel that's a light read but very compelling and thought-provoking. It is the first of four titles in the Brides of Culdee Creek Series. I especially like how the main character brings to life the beauty of what John Paul II called "the feminine genius." The story also depicts clearly the Catholic belief that sorrow and pain is useful and edifying by how it brings us closer to Christ, at the foot of His cross, bringing us deeper into our faith.

The author is a well-published romance novelist, but her life changed suddenly in 1996 when her youngest son died unexpectedly of cancer. In A Word from the Author, she explains to her readers that her Christian faith had turned lukewarm over the years, and her son's death brought her back to God. There was something she wrote that led me to believe she is Catholic (although she writes nothing to confirm it). It was about her suffering; her words ring of Catholic beliefs. She wrote: "My son's death brought me back to God. There are still times, even now, when all I can do is hang on to Him with all my might and be grateful for that. At other times, I cannot help but marvel at how far I've come and how blessed I am. Grieving, I think, is a lot like that--a wild, agonizing, bewildering, yet sometimes glorious ride into the deeper, more essential aspects of self and humanity."

Her novel, Daughter of Joy, is set on the Culdee Creek ranch on the plains east of Colorado Springs in 1895. It's a story of how Abby, who lost both her husband and son, brought life back to Conor MacKay, who had lost himself to quiet anger. Throughout the story, the author depicts circumstances we can all relate to. But what I enjoyed most was Abby's determination to show the teachings of her faith through her everyday actions. And it wasn't easy! Conor made sure of that. Throughout the story, you will meet characters of all stripes, and you just might recognize more than one (that is, people in your life, too). Edifying, compelling, and satisfying, this easy-read is perfect entertainment for busy moms.

Woman of Grace (Brides of Culdee Creek, Book 2) by Kathleen Morgan: The Culdee Creek story continues with Hannah, whom Abby rescued from forced labor at the local brothel. She is brought home to the ranch, much to everyone's dismay. Hannah comes face-to-face with an old client, the husband of Abby's best friend, who is also Conor MacKay's cousin and ranch foreman. In this twist, hearts that are hurt turn to forgiveness with Abby's help, and Hannah begins a new life, grasping her second chance with thanksgiving. Her old client, the foreman, must face painful realizations of how he failed his wife, but not before losing her to influenza. His grief is deep and his sins he feels are unforgivable. He creates a private hell for himself, believing that he is not worthy of God's love. Abby and Hannah help him to find forgiveness, peace, and God's grace. Like Book 1, Woman of Grace shows the feminine genius at work. It's not an easy task, but Abby and Hannah cling to God's grace and find strength to do His will.

I hope you enjoyed this short list and consider how you can add a little Catholic fiction to your reading list, too.

Click on the links in each book description, or click here to visit Kathleen's Catholic Book Shop for almost 50 Catholic titles that are excellent reading.

Happy Catholic reading!

Exactly What Is Heaven Like?

Ever wonder if there are details of Heaven in the Holy Scriptures that describe exactly what it is like? When we were children, we were taught that Heaven is above and Hell is below. Is this true? Will we all be united in eternity? Does Heaven have an open-door policy so everyone gets in? Is there a hierarchy?

There are plenty of answers! Here's a video I think you will thoroughly enjoy. Susan Conroy, translator of The End of the Present World, joins Johnnette Benkovic and Fr. Edmund Sylvia to discuss our magnificent and eternal home.

Susan Conroy's translation
of a work St. Therese loved.

What I enjoyed so much about this episode is how joyfully Susan speaks about Christ and His Father's Heaven of many mansions. Click here to watch the episode now and learn more about Susan's work, The End of the Present World.

At Women of Grace, you will find a large collection of TV episodes of the same name. A cup of tea, a few moments to yourself, and you are set for some wonderful edifying television--a breath of fresh air!

Streetwalking With Jesus: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

Streetwalking With Jesus: Reaching Out In Justice and Mercy

by John Green

with Dawn Herzog Jewell

Foreword by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.

Our Sunday Visitor

paperback, 208 pgs, list price $14.95

(available at The Catholic Company)

Have you ever had someone in your life who was down and out, on a downward spiral and making it worse with lies, drug abuse, alcohol, loss of family through their addiction? Or perhaps they are victims of their families as well?

He breezed in one day. "Just $25, man, that's all I need. I have a job waiting for me in Boston, and if I can just get there... Bless you, man, bless you. I really appreciate this."

We barely recognized him. Was this the same man who came to our wedding reception with his beautiful wife and children? Clean, happy, cheerful, a warm and loving dad? We knew he wasn't going to Boston. We knew he was living in his car and on the road. Something drew him away from his family, and we had a strong feeling it was an addiction.

I wish we had known better. We gave him the money. And we have no idea where he is today. Author John Green begins Chapter 9 with this advice:

I'm a firm believer that the last thing you should do is give someone money. A handout rarely helps. It might be the easiest thing, but it is seldom the most helpful or most loving. What people on the street really need is your time, touch, or talk. Street people hardly every get paid any serious attention by the rest of society.... Yet a few minutes can go a long way.

John Green has a mission, and he calls it Emmaus Ministries. Streetwalking With Jesus is his story. On the streets of Chicago, he lives his calling serving those trying to exist and survive as male prostitutes. It's a gritty life. A gritty calling. Driven by Micah 6:8, he works for and among the discarded, those who are deeply scarred and truly, truly destitute. But John's calling didn't begin here. He grew up in a clean, upper-middle class neighborhood and went off to college as any other respectable young man would do. His calling drew him way out of his comfort zone--and he answered.

What can we learn from him? Plenty!

We don't need to be on the streets like John Green. The lowly are among us. Sometimes they breeze into our lives and right back out again. If you ever wonder what you can do, Streetwalking With Jesus can give a little insight.

Ever hand money to a beggar and feel the sting of knowing it's the wrong thing to do...but you don't know what to do? My years working everyday in Manhattan brought this angst to me regularly. Back then, before Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Port Authority was home to many vagrants, and we commuters stepped over them every morning, literally stepped over them. Then as we headed out onto 8th Avenue and began our treks across town, a beggar here and there held out a cup and shook it, sometimes extra hard. "I just want a cup of coffee. Just a cup of coffee." I remember one young man in particular who stood in the same stairwell everyday, dressed in army fatigues, looking like a vet, staring out into space, holding out his cup. Every morning, same spot, it was his. Every morning, it was as a sting for me. The truth is, I felt I had nothing to offer and I didn't know where to begin.

I wish I could go back and use those encounters to help praise Christ.

How does one do that? John Green, the man in the trenches, tells us how. He's not expecting you to give up your job and make this your ministry, too. No. He gives us very real and tangible advice about what the homeless and destitute truly need and how we can provide (in the true sense) for them.

Streetwalking With Jesus is a compelling read. It can also be used for reading groups. Each chapter concludes with scripture readings, discussion questions, and links to his wife's original music. John also provides appendices that explain how you can help his ministries. 

Please note:  I would not recommend this book for younger teenagers (younger than 18) because of the topics John addresses.



This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Streetwalking with Jesus . They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Trying to Grasp the Seven Sacraments? This Little Guide Can Help. The Power of the Sacraments: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

 Sr. Briege clearly explains the sacraments; why they are the path to holiness and a gift instituted by Christ. Her short essays have a powerful message that's steeped in love as deep as the ocean. Clear, moving, and succinct.

Servant Books, paperback, 64 pages, 5" x  6", $9.99

Sr. Briege McKenna writes:

The sacraments, as one of the old writers put it, are "the veins of the Church." Veins of the physical body pump blood to the heart and revitalize it. Veins run through the Church that Christ instituted when he said, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). 


The sacraments are veins that flow with life. At every stage of our spiritual journey, they bring us life. What kind of life? Supernatural life, the life of grace, which makes us holy....

...We are on a pilgrimage here. This helps us realize why the Lord in his mercy and great love gave us the sacraments that are guaranteed. He promises, "I will be there to help you." That's what a sacrament is.  In the sacraments, Christ guarantees his presence. This doesn't depend on feelings; it depends on faith. On each step of the journey, he meets us with the needs we have.

First, let me say that appearances can be deceiving--yet still revealing. When I opened the envelope that came in the mail, I was first disappointed that this book was so small. It's only 5" x 6" and 64 pages. It looks more like a little gift book than an instructional text that promises to share all the nuances of the Seven Sacraments.

I didn't expect what I eventually found inside. After a careful read, I found Sr. Briege's explanation of the sacraments to be both complete and moving, and well described in just a few pages.

This little book's slim trim size and page count fit its mission perfectly. Sister Briege defines the seven sacraments in simple measure, and her words are steeped in truth. In her short essays is an ocean of Faith that is deep and wondrous. We could live out our lives exploring and loving it. A few simple lines delivered to us, and we are on our way contemplating with awe the life-giving and sustaining power of the mysterious sacraments. Simple yet complex, they are a gorgeous paradox. Thus, this little book fulfills its mission beautifully.

Sister Briege's voice and style are warm, welcoming, and instructive. You will find a willing friend who explains why we are Catholic.

There are seven chapters, one for each sacrament, of course. In each essay, Sr. Briege explains the scriptural root of the sacrament and its value in our lives, and also her personal experience of seeing it dramatically alter ordinary folk. Sister has traveled the world in her ministry and has met people in a variety of situations, such as life is, so she has had the unique opportunity to learn about the personal and private struggles of believers who turn to the sacraments for help and hope.
 
My reaction to call this work a "little gift book" was exactly right. The Seven Sacraments are themselves a gift we receive directly from our Lord, each one clearly explained by Christ in scripture. Thankfully, Sr. Briege shows us just where in the New Testament we will find them.

Bravo to Servant Books for packaging it in such a way. The Power of the Sacraments would make a wonderful gift for birthdays, St. Valentine's Day, your loved one's saint's feast day, or Mother's Day.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company.  Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Power of the Sacraments by Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C.  They are also a great source for serenity prayer and baptism gifts. 

About the author:  Born in Newry, Ireland, Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C., is known worldwide for her ministry to priests and her healing  ministry. A member of the Sisters of St. Clare, she has traveled extensively, giving conferences in all parts of the world. Her healing from crippling arthritis is recounted in her book, Miracles Do Happen (Servant Books).

God bless!

The Handbook for Catholic Moms: A Book Review

The Handbook for Catholic Moms:
Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul
by Lisa M. Hendey
Ave Maria Press, 2010
paperback; 243 pages;
ISBN-13: 978-159471-228-9


I just had to laugh! After absorbing and enjoying Lisa Hendey's book, I pulled the old game of reading any page to which the book happened to fall open, and I came to this, her description of her violin lessons. I, too, embarked on a similar adventure, but with a cello. How my family--and neighbors--must have suffered! But I loved every minute of my musical (and I use the term loosely) journey.

“Let me just say that a forty-year-old woman has no business trying to learn to play the violin. As my lessons began and I embraced my daily practice schedule, I noted that my playing had the ability to quickly clear the house... A badly played violin can emit horrific sounds, but I was oblivious...”

Lisa writes that her music--like mine--could have had “composers rolling over in their graves,” but it's clear to me, an old editor, that her true creative gift is relating to moms everywhere and sharing with them her unique and loving insight.

I first heard from Lisa when she invited me to contribute to her blog, CatholicMom.com, as a regular columnist. Soon after, I had the privilege of meeting her in person at the Catholic Writers Guild Conference Live! that was held outside Philadelphia. I found her to be warm, welcoming, and very encouraging to all the writers seeking her wisdom and friendship. At the conference, Lisa kindly offered me a copy of her book, and I devoured every page.

Since then, I have been meaning to write a book review!

The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul features twenty-two chapters organized under four sections, as the book's subtitle illustrates. Heart covers relationships, Mind covers running a home, education, time management, and so on. Body covers health, diet, stress, and doctors. And Soul discusses prayer, Mass, help from the saints, the bible, and the culture of faith. It would be easy to read the book cover-to-cover, but it's also terrific reading when you have time for just a chapter.

Lisa's special focus is the needs of moms in all walks and stages of life (married, divorced, stay-at-home, and working, for example), and she offers plenty of sound suggestions for nurturing marriage, domestic church, parents, and children in the loving light of the Catholic faith. She provides plenty of resources, both in your community and on the Internet.

What I admire most about Lisa's writing is her ability to carefully and tactfully instruct her readers. Her voice is loving, soft, and carefully direct. It is easy to relate to her stories and take her suggestions and sound advice.

I intended on reading The Handbook for Catholic Moms in piece meal, but once I started I just didn't want to put it down. I thought, “She really does understand,” and I stormed through the book, dog-earing it, and marking it and writing notes with post-its. I highly recommend it for all Catholic moms!

To read more about The Handbook for Catholic Moms, click on the book above, or visit my little book store in the right column of this blog. Enjoy and happy (Catholic mom) reading!

Catholic Doctrines Look Complicated? Don't Sweat It!

I would like to extend to you a little advice. Don't ever be afraid of documents, scriptures, encyclicals or other materials of the Catholic Church.

If they look complicated (and they often do to me), then simply read over the materials and enjoy what you can glean from them. Even if you take away only one short sentence that helps you grow in your Faith, your reading time has been well spent. Well done.

There is no need to have fears about what you don't understand. Little by little, the Lord will open these doors for you and in the right time.

No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy--A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy

by Donald H. Calloway, MIC

ISBN: 978-1-59614-210-7

paperback, Marian Press, 270 pages

Back of the book--Includes information about

The Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception

and the Thirteenth of the Month Club

He was a parent's worse nightmare. Addicted. Arrested. A run-away. Criminal. Thief.  He was only fifteen, and things were about to get worse. But his parents never gave up.  Fr. Calloway tells his story with candor and humility. How does one go from drug addicted hippie high school drop out to a Marian priest with more than a few degrees?

It all started with the love of his parents, and...

One day, in a moment of boredom, he came across a book that would change his life forever. It was called The Queen of Peace Visits Medjugorje. He was sure it was some sort of cult guide to his parents' newly-embraced faith. But, he figured that his night was shot anyway, so he sat down to read it. At first, it was all Greek. But then, little by little, he was drawn into its beauty.

And the mercy of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, reached deep into his heart and hit him with what the author called "a divine 2 x 4." After that, there was no turning back. You'll need to read this for yourself--see chapters 10, 11, and 12. You will cry and laugh over his crass innocence (or ignorance?) and the joyful conversion of his soul, while he discovered the Mass and the Eucharist for the very first time.

Fr. Calloway depicts his entire life (and heart--hard as it may have been) with great candor and honesty. His book takes the reader on a journey that spans across time, lands, and spirit--all experienced by one young man. You won't soon forget his story! (Neither will the priest who heard his first Confession!)

I recall many years ago, I attended a retreat where a man who was terribly afflicted with an illness that took away his basic motor skills and speech stood in front of retreat attendees and told his story. In the end, he said, "If the Lord can bless a miserable thing like me, imagine what he can do for you!" The greatest glory of Jesus is indeed His mercy.

My boys, ages 12 and 14, both saw Fr. Calloway's book sitting on the kitchen table. The front cover caught their attention.

"What's a priest doing with a surf board?" my eldest asked.
"He's a priest and a surfer."
"Really?" He flipped the book over to the read the back cover. "Hey, I wanna read this."

As much as I would have loved to jump at my son's request, the mom in me had a second thought: better to read it myself first.

And I'm glad I did. This is truly a story I'd like my sons to read, without a doubt...just not right now. Father will probably agree that this book is not appropriate for two home schooled Catholic boys. He goes into a bit too much detail about his addictions to crime, sex, and drugs. It will raise questions that I know my husband and I are just not ready to address at this point in our young boys' lives. This is no way depletes the value of Father's remarkable story! In a few more years, I'll be happy to share it with my oldest son, if I think he's ready for it.

As a final note...

Scott Hahn says: "It's a page-turner, moving from a deliquent youth to an adult faith--and then on to the priesthood. It's a dramatic life, and Father Calloway tells it all with a compelling and manly literary voice. So if it's not a movie (yet), you may remember it as one. It's that vivid."

No Turning Back can be found at Kathleen's Catholic Book Shop in the right column of this blog. Just look for the little red outlined box.

Enjoy, and God bless!

Why God Matters: A Book Review

by Kathleen Blease

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life

by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steve Lumbert

Why God Matters shows us how a typical life is a doorway to Our Christ and Savior.

I promise you, it won't take much of your time to read Why God Matters, but your reward will be special. As you read Karina's and Deacon's stories, you will nod your head as you recount your own, then realize, "Ah, yes, there was Christ."

hardcover $12.76

114 pages, 8 1/2" x 6"

Tribute Books

If you are feeling a  little distant from God, if you think your days are filled with too many mundane tasks, or if you wonder if God is watching over you, here is a helping hand.

With a title like Why God Matters, one would expect a tome of theology and doctrine. But fear not. Karina Lumbert Fabian (a revert) and her father, Deacon Steven Lumbert (a convert) are average, every day people who discover the simple beauty of the Catholic Church and the Faith and how they are drawn to live in its midst. There are no miracles depicted here--well, perhaps I should say here are the type of miracles that come upon us gradually, most times without being noticed. This is what I would call "how grace drizzles in." No thunder and blinding lights, just ordinarly people with typical experiences our Lord hands us daily.

Small and written in quick passages, this handbook of faith can go anywhere and read at anytime you have a spare moment. Or, if you'd like, it's just as useful for deep contemplation, with the inclusion of scripture and quotes from saints and famous catechists, as well as various selections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Perhaps take Why God Matters with you to visit our Lord at the tabernacle or at Adoration.

There is an image I like to keep in mind: When a little bird is thirsty, he dips his beak into water, then lifts his face toward Heaven to let the nourishment seep in. So, we too can do the same--take tiny bits of our Lord's wisdom, then turn our face to Heaven to let His nourishment fill us.

I promise you, it won't take much of your time to read Why God Matters, but your reward will be special. As you read, Karina's and Deacon's stories, you will nod your head as you recount your own, then realize, "Ah, yes, there was Christ."

The back of the book includes useful materials, such as: a list of further reading (including websites as well as books), the Anima Christi prayer, the Prayer of St. Fancis, and Deacon Steve's Prayer for Enlightenment.

Why God Matters has received the seal of approval from The Catholic Writers Guild and is available at Kathleen's Catholic Book Shop in the right column of this blog. Click on the little red box, and you can order the book without leaving Kathleen's Catholic.

To visit the book's website, click here.

Happy reading and God bless!

The Catholic Writers Conference: A Day of Inspiration

by Kathleen Blease

My a.m. editorial meeting yesterday was a tough one. But eventually I prevailed!

Phew! A tough day at work!

Yesterday, I spent the day absorbing, reading, writing, and generally following up on the Catholic Writers Conference (outside Philadelphia) I attended on Thursday. There was no better way to start the day with a good cup of coffee and a couple of good friends who share my joy for good Catholic literature.

I promise you, Deacon Gaitley, this is not staged or posed. You might want to see our story about Honey Bun at Honey Bun and Friends. She is just drawn to good books.

The Catholic Writers Conference brought--just as its name implies--Catholic writers, editors, and publishers from all over the country. It was a deluge of hospitality, moral support, and Catholic Christian encouragement for all. A chapel set up for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession brought an extra-special dimension to the place. Imagine talking with editors and writers (some of them, as my writer-friend called them, "Catholic calebs"), then talking with Christ one-on-one. Wow, what a way to do business!

I thought I'd share with you some of the goodies I brought home. All of them are gems, and I've been luxuriating in each one. Yet, I know that somehow I must put them down and set a priority list, deciding which one comes first, then which is second, and so on--to give each and every one a fare shake at a complete and careful read. Another tough job, but one I will be happy to undertake!

Here's my list of what I managed to lug home (in no particular order):

No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy by Donald H. Calloway, MIC. Father shares how he turned from drugs and the tough teenage years, converted to the faith, and became a priest. I heard Father Calloway speak. If you are looking for a speaker, here is one who will surely draw a crowd and fill the room with laughter and hope!

Rachel's Contrition by Michelle Buckman This is a novel that I'm already digging into--and I'm not usually into contemporary novels. I had a nice long talk with Michelle about homeschooling and motherhood. She is a southern doll and a breath of honest, fresh air. A great defender of the faith. Her novel is direct, honest, and a page-turner.

Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat (Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius) by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC A do-it-yourself retreat? You betcha. And I'm digging in. Deacon's writing is smooth sailing, making the spiritual journey very accessible. Afraid of heady, theological materials that would take you days just to analyze a sentence? Forget about it. You won't find that here. Deacon breaks down key concepts to holiness and makes them do-able. You might have already seen this at two blogs, Faith&Family Live and God and Chocolate. By the way, the Notes at the back of the book are thoroughly enjoyable!

 Deacon Gaitley, author of Consoling the Heart of Jesus, speaks with Catholic writer Celeste Behe, contributor to National Catholic Register and the Catholic News Agency.

The Da Vinci Code: The Church Responds... by Janson Media  (DVD) I can't wait to watch this! What else can I say?

The Mass: Four Encounters with Jesus That Will Change Your Life by Dr. Tom Curran Here's a study guide packaged as a simple paperback. You can use this as a group or on your own. A title on Confession is also part of the program. I brough home The Mass, while my friend brought home Confession. We are going to read, then trade.

Bless Me, Father, For I have Kids by Susie Lloyd. Susie gave me a signed mug, too. This is her follow-up to Please Don't Drink the Holy Water. Funny, funny, funny!! Homeschooling mom of seven, she has fifteen years of home-tested lessons under her belt, with another fifteen years to go--giving her plenty of fodder for the giggle mill. Oh, you think you're busy, huh?

Faith and Family: The Magazine of Catholic Living Years ago, I was searching for how to make my home more Catholic. At the time, I had no idea there was such a thing as the Domestic Church, but somehow the Holy Spirit kept me "in search of." Here's where I found my answers. Glossy, beautiful, well-written, and inspiring, Faith and Family will help you build your Domestic Church, too, from the ground up.

Liguorian: Proclaiming the Good News as Good News I haven't read this magazine yet, but it's certainly at the top of my reading list. This edition is a special issue all about Mary--one of my favorite topics.

The National Catholic Register Here's our very own national newspaper!

Well, there's my list. You can see I have my work cut out for me. If you would like to look into any of these titles, you can search Amazon without leaving this blog. Just find the Search Amazon Here box in the right column and type in the title you're interested in. To learn more about The Catholic Writers Guild, which hosted this conference, click here to visit there website.