Jesus of Nazareth: Part 2

(cross-posted from Chez VH)

I am so thrilled to be in the process of reading the Holy Father's new book, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week from the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. The book is published by Ignatius Press and will be released on Thursday, March 10th.

I loved the first book, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration, which I reviewed on Love2learn.net. I led a discussion group on the book with some homeschooled teens that proceeded slowly through the book over the course of many months. I wrote a number of blog posts about the book and the discussion on my old blog. We also own the first book on audio, purchased especially for my teenage son, who plugs through complex material rather well when it's in audio format. I like to keep this audio on my iPod and re-listen to chapters here and there. It's that good. (Note: The second volume is also being released in an audio edition.)

I want to make very clear that the teens in my group and I as their leader all got a lot out of the book, but didn't pretend, or even really attempt, to understand everything in the book. We studied one chapter per week and tended to focus on the additional significance and meaning that Pope Benedict brought out of each of the Gospel stories. There were some tough vocabulary words here and there, but the process of understanding became easier as we encountered the words multiple times (words like eschatology) and were also aided by a very handy glossary in back (this second book also includes a glossary).

I just received my soft-review-copy of this new book yesterday, so I've just made it to the first segment that I'm permitted to talk about before the release of the book: Chapter 3, Section 4 on "the Mystery of the Betrayer" (in the midst of a chapter on the Last Supper). There are two things that caught my eye in this segment that I thought I'd share here. The first is that the pope interprets Jesus' words regarding his betrayer as something that also applies to some in the Church in the future.

So the psalm verse casts a prophetic shadow over the Church of the evangelist's own day, in which the Eucharist was celebrated, and indeed over the Church of  all times: Judas' betrayal was not the last breach of fidelity that Jesus would suffer. "Even my bosom friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me' (Ps 41:9). The breach of friendship extends into the sacramental community of the Church, where people continue to take 'his bread' and to betray him.

Jesus' agony, his struggle against death, continues until the end of the world, as Blaise Paschal said on the basis of similar considerations. We could also put it the other way around: at this hour, Jesus took upon himself the betrayal of all ages, the pain caused by betrayal in every era, and he endured the anguish of history to the bitter end.

I'm always amazed at how reading Pope Benedict's writings (both before and after he became pope) challenge me - not only in forcing me to put in the effort to understanding, but also, in a more philosophical way, to expand the way I look at my faith and at the world through the lens of my faith.
The second piece that struck me is the concept of Judas' second tragedy and the idea of a wrong kind of remorse:

His second tragedy - after the betrayal - is that he can no longer believe in forgiveness. His remorse turns into despair. Now he sees only himself and his darkness; he no longer sees the light of Jesus, which can illumine and overcome the darkness. He shows us the wrong type of remorse: the type that is unable to hope, that sees only its own darkness, the type that is destructive and in no way authentic. Genuine remorse is marked by the certainty of hope born of faith in the superior power of the light that was made flesh in Jesus.

Powerful stuff! I think both of these passages help illustrate how much we should look on the Gospels, and an illuminative study of the Gospels, as something comprehensively relevant to our lives today.

Online Classes: Catholic Spiritual Writers

Although Homeschool Connections is currently scheduling spring courses there is one fall class still open. It's Catholic Spiritual Writers and it starts November 5, 2009. Dr. Gotcher of Love2Learn is the instructor and his classes are terrific for high school students who Love 2 Learn. They are not only academically challenging but also spiritually uplifting. This course is a terrific opportunity for you to give your high school student credit for literature and theology as well help him or her grow in love with all things Catholic.

Course Title:
Catholic Spiritual Writers
(click on the hyperlink to register)

Course Description:
In this course we will look at the basic principles of Catholic spirituality as they are explained by some of the great spiritual writers, such as St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, Thomas a Kempis, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Therese of Lisieux. We will especially emphasize their application to the life of the young laity.

Homework
The assignment will be to pick one of the great spiritual classics, read the entire book over the six weeks of the course, and keep a journal of reflections as you read.

Fee:
Six-week course for $120.

Dates and Time:
Classes will begin Wednesday, November 4, 2009 and meet every Wednesday through December 16, 2009. The time will begin 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 Central). The class is one hour 15 minutes.

Enrollment Period:
Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)

Course Materials Needed by Students:
The text will be The Classics of Catholic Spirituality by Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P. (editor of the English language edition of Magnificat magazine). It is very inexpensive ($7). The rest of the texts from the great spiritual writers are available free online.

Equipment requirements:
Because this is a discussion course, students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with a microphone. If you do not own a headset, you can find them for a reasonable price at Amazon.

Course Access:
All Homeschool Connections courses are recorded and available to registered students for up to six months.

Professor's Biography:
Dr. Robert F. Gotcher most recently served as Associate Professor of Systematic Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the home schooling of his children, especially in the junior high and high school years. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts.

Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1991 and his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002. In his adult life he has done everything from volunteering with the poor in Appalachia, to religious education and youth ministry, to desktop publishing and computer related responsibilities at a law firm. At the seminary he taught introduction to theology, the doctrine of God, one and three, theological anthropology (creation, sin, redemption, grace, four last things), life principles, and human sexuality and has given public presentations on Vatican II, the encyclicals of the pope, social justice, life issues, human sexuality and the theology of the body. His publications focus on family issues, lay spirituality and issues related to the Second Vatican Council. He is involved in the secular Franciscan order, home schooling, and pro-life activities in the Milwaukee area and nationally.

Dr. Gotcher blogs at Heart, Mind & Strength, Classic Catholic and Love2Learn.

Click here to learn about other homeschool online classes.

If you have questions please email Maureen Wittmann.

Review: Advent Reflections, Come, Lord Jesus!

Advent Reflections, Come, Lord Jesus! by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, 2007, Our Sunday Visitor, 64 pages, softcover, Catholic.

In Advent Reflections, Come, Lord Jesus! Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan shares four meditations, one for each week of Advent: “The Threes Comings of Jesus,” “St. John the Baptist,” St. Joseph: A Man Forgotten,” and “Our Blessed Mother Mary.”

With his earthy, conversational tone, Archbishop Dolan’s speaks to our hearts. As he talks about St. John the Baptist, he says, “You see, John’s entire ministry was captured in that one moment when he eyeballs Jesus coming out of the desert and bellows out to the crowd, pointing to Christ, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1:29). That was his job description—to point out Christ. With that, his job was done. He could have retired to Sun City.”

Archbishop Dolan combines teaching, inspiration, personal experience, and scripture in this lively text. To illustrate a point he is making, he weaves in short personal stories or adds scriptural passages that add depth and meaning.

Too often we listen to a sermon or read a spiritual book and later can’t recall what we have heard or read. To help us better remember his essential points, Archbishop Dolan uses catchy phrases. In describing “The Three Comings of Christ,” he says, “Our Lord comes to us in history, mystery, and majesty.”

Advent is a time of waiting and longing for the coming of our Lord. With all the bustle of Christmas preparations, it is easy to lose our focus on what this season is all about. Archbishop Dolan seeks to keep this message of hope alive with words of inspiration, questions for us to reflect on, and a prayer to carry us into the coming week.

Although there is only one meditation per week, instead of daily, there is plenty for us to reflect on during the week.

Not just “pretty” words, Advent Reflections, Come, Lord Jesus! challenges us to put our faith in action. This is an ideal resource for the whole family.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Yank (11/25/2007).

Available from your favorite Catholic book store.

Review: The Sacrament of Confirmation For Confirmation Candidates

The Sacrament of Confirmation For Confirmation Candidates by ESD (Edizioni Studio Domenicano) in collaboration with the Institute of St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr, 2006, New Hope Publications, 107 pages, Softcover, Catholic.

If you are looking for a concise, thorough, and orthodox (faithful to the teachings of the Church) resource for the sacrament of Confirmation, The Sacrament of Confirmation For Confirmation Candidates fits the bill.

The book is divided into three parts. The 1st section covers what the sacrament of Confirmation is and the rite and its effects, providing a basic understanding of the sacrament in question and answer form. The 2nd section breaks down the creed as it explains the truths of the Catholic faith. This also is presented in question and answer form. The 3rd section discusses the witnesses or martyrs of the faith as well as highlights the lives of a few, selected saints.

A sample question and answer from Part I is “When did Jesus institute the sacrament? After having promised this sacrament, Jesus instituted Confirmation on the day of Pentecost when He sent the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Mary gathered in the Cenacle. The Apostles immediately began to preach and make known their faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.”

Other questions in Part I include, “How is the sacrament of Confirmation conferred? What is chrism? What are the names of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? and many more.”

I particularly like the way they break down the creed into question and answer form in Part II, giving depth and meaning to the creed as they explain many truths of our faith. Many of these questions are not your typical questions and others are often posed to Catholics, making this a helpful appolgetics tool. “Is faith the only way to know that God exists? How can our reason prove the existence of God? Why do we say that God is Father? What does the expression ‘Mother of God’ mean in reference to the Virgin Mary?” and many more.

The spotlight on a few selected saints in Part III also serves as a starting point for candidates to pick their confirmation names, inspired by the holiness of the saints’ lives.

My one and only quibble with the text is the use of the expression “adult, mature Christians” when describing Confirmation. “Confirmation makes us perfect Christians, that is adult, mature Christians.” I think this terminology can lead to misunderstanding about this sacrament. The text does go on to explain that “Confirmation, therefore, by its very nature, ought to be celebrated before the Eucharist, that is, before First Communion. However, for serious pastoral reasons, in many countries it is celebrated later in order to assure adolescents a longer religious formation.”

I think the expression “adult, mature Christians” creates confusion because people think the child needs to choose this sacrament as a sign of adulthood, instead of spiritual maturity. Also, in the Eastern Rites the child does not even need to be the age of reason to receive Confirmation and is usually an infant.

Question #5 does address this issue. “Why do we say that Confirmation is the sacrament of adulthood? We do not say this because the sacrament must necessarily be received by adults, but because it enables us to bear witness to and defend the faith to others. This is proper to adulthood, though spiritual adulthood does not necessarily coincide with bodily age.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church #1308 also clarifies this point. “Although Confirmation is sometimes called the ‘sacrament of Christian maturity,’ we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth. . .” Because of space I urge you to read the rest of the quote.

Almost every page includes a colorful illustration, which brings to life the points of the text. One of the best examples of this is when the text discusses the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. We see a galley ship with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit written on the sails and seven virtues of the Holy Spirit written on the oars. Underneath the picture we read, “The virtues are like oars which propel the boat forward with great effort; the gifts of the Spirit are like sails which push the boat forward without any effort on the part of the rowers.” While the illustrations are not outstanding, they are quaint and colorful.

The logical presentation of the facts written in easy to understand language makes this book accessible for any age Confirmation candidate. More than rote questions for the candidate to memorize, the questions in this book provoke the candidate to reflect on the truths of the faith.

This book could be used in either a classroom or homeschool setting. When the time comes, I plan to use this with my children who are preparing for Confirmation.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Yank (11/25/2007)

Available from Hillside Education.

Review: Saint Bakhita of Sudan, Forever Free

Saint Bakhita of Sudan, Forever Free by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP, 2006, Pauline Books & Media, 102 pages, Softcover, Catholic

Saint Bakhita is an outstanding example of gentleness, love, and faithfulness. In a world so easily consumed with bitterness, revenge, and self-centeredness, her virtues of forgiveness to others who deeply harmed her and gratitude for all of God’s goodness and grace in her life are inspiring. She often said, “’Be good, love the Lord, pray for the unhappy souls who do not know him yet. What a grace it is to know God!’”

At the young age of seven, Bakhita is traumatically torn from her village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan by slave traders. Although she and another young girl manage to escape, it is only temporary. Even though she receives “better” treatment as a house slave than other slaves, she is still subjected to cruel and inhumane punishments, nearly dying on more than one occasion because of being brutally whipped and viscously kicked and beaten.

That anyone should receive such harsh treatment by the hands of another human is beyond comprehension. These distressing scenes could be used as a point of discussion to explain the importance of spreading the Christian message of the incredible worth of a person’s soul, created in the image and likeness of God.

Remarkably, when Bakhita was asked later in life, “’What would you do if you met your kidnappers now?’ Without hesitating, she replied, ‘If I were to meet those slave traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would get down on my knees and kiss their hands because if all that had not happened, I would be neither a Christian nor a religious now.’ Bakhita was a living witness to the power of forgiveness.”

Through a series of incredible events, Bakhita was brought to Italy, where she came into contact with the Daughters of Charity of Canossa, also known as the “Canossians.” After some time, she would join their order and become a beautiful example of God’s love to others.

Susan Helen Wallace, FSP, does a wonderful job of introducing us to this little known saint, whose faith journey begins with terror, fear, and unbelievable cruelty, but ends in the joy of the risen Lord.

St. Bakhita, pray for us.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Yank (11/24/07).

Available from your favorite Catholic bookstore.

Review: Called to Be Holy

Called to Be Holy by Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Our Sunday Visitor, March 2005, 224pp

Called to Be Holy is a collection of talks Archbishop Timothy Dolan gave to seminarians when he was rector of the North American Seminary in Rome. An introduction presents the book to the layperson, calling to mind the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception's mural entitled The Universal Call to Holiness, also on the cover of the book. (The mural is beautiful and it's worth following my link and visiting it in more detail). As far as I understand, this is an edition of his book entitled Priests for the Third Millennium edited for laypeople.

From the publisher's website:

What Milwaukee's Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan recommends, urges, reminds, and teaches is radical in the truest sense of that word: It is basic. It is at the roots. It is fundamental. (...)

Here is a detailed examination and encouraging explanation of faith, hope, humility, love and chastity, human formation, patience, penance, joy, and obedience.

Although he directs himself to seminarians and their vocation, the text can certainly be applied, most of time, to the layperson. The archbishop's tone is simple and personal, his anecdotes are taken from ordinary life and he quotes on any page the saints, Woody Allen, Martin Luther or the great Catholic writers of the 20th century.

The book is divided into eleven chapters that can be read independently if you are more interested in one or the other theme. Chapter One is entitled Being Good Stewards with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the subsequent chapters revolve around the virtues of Faith, Hope, Humility, Love and Chastity, Patience, Joy, Obedience and Penance. The last chapter explores Devotion to Our Lady, and there is a delightful brief Afterword, where he tells of his response to a reporter who asked about his ambition to be a Cardinal: "...actually, my goal is to be a saint, and to help you be one, too!"

This can be a valuable personal resource for a homeschool parent or for an older high schooler: it is accessible, brief, and never scholarly. The good Archbishop does impart the message that sainthood is possible to be attained by anyone!

Reviewed by Ana Braga-Henebry, M.A.

Available from your favorite bookseller.

Review: What Catholics Really Believe

Note: This is a preliminary review and will be polished up and added to after we're finished watching the entire series. I wanted to provide some basic info right now because this excellent series will be airing on EWTN beginning June 4th.

What Catholics Really Believe with Dr. Ray Guarendi and Rev. Kevin Fete
2002/2006, Nineveh's Crossing, 13 - 1/2 hour episodes on DVD, Catholic

This is a DVD apologetics series produced in 13 half-hour segments. Dr. Ray Guarendi and Rev. Kevin Fete discuss major issues of Catholic belief which are often misunderstood by Protestants and others - with an emphasis on support for Catholic belief from Scripture and from the Early Church Fathers. It's a lively discussion (Dr. Ray often breaks into "devil's advocate" mode!) with substantial but very accessible content. Basic topics covered are the following: Jesus, the Bible, Scripture and Tradition, Eucharist (2 episodes), Baptism, Morality, Confession, Mary (2 episodes), St. Peter, Papacy and Purgatory.

This is a quality production with numerous quotes from the discussion shown on the screen (makes it a lot easier to follow!).

My older children have really enjoyed watching the series. We just watched and discussed two episodes with the teen catechism discussion group that I lead. They found it informative and engaging - definitely the sort of thing that makes you want to dig deeper and learn even more. It's quite a good starting point for studying and discussing different topics relating to apologetics for both teens and adults. It could also be used as a "spine" to tie together a substantial religion course that included readings from Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

A detailed study guide is available for free online.

Click here to watch a segment of this series online.

Reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke (5-31-07)
Available from Adoremus Books

Review: No Price Too High

No Price Too High and A Dinner with Alex Jones with Alex Jones
2001, St. Joseph Communications, DVD 2 hours, 20 minutes

Alex Jones is a former Pentecostal preacher who converted to the Catholic faith, along with his family and his congregation, in 2001. This presentation is a talk he gave a few months before he was formally received into the Church, in which he first publicly told the story of his conversion. It was his study of the Early Church Fathers, in particular, that brought him into the Church. It is followed by a dinner table conversation, including questions from guests - both Catholic and Protestant. Hosted by Steve Ray.

Alex is a powerful and moving (and often funny!) speaker and it's exciting and inspiring to see this larger-than-life character on fire for the Faith. The flip side is that converting to the Faith cost him a great deal - especially among his friends and colleagues. This is a powerful witness, particularly for us cradle Catholics who might have a tendency to take the Faith for granted at times.

My older children (ages 12 and 14) and I really enjoyed his talk. Conversion stories are so exciting and hopeful - a great place to see the hand of God at work in our world today.

Reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke (5-15-07)
Available from Nineveh's Crossing

Review: Come to Jesus!

Come to Jesus! A Kid’s Book for Eucharistic Adoration
by Anne Flanagan, FSP
2006, Pauline Books and Media, 48 pages, softcover

Cultivating a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through Eucharistic Adoration is an excellent way to keep children Catholic. Those who love Jesus in the Sacrament are less likely to leave Him and will have a lifelong joy in His presence. But, from my own experience taking my children to Adoration, it does take planning and preparation. What is a young child to think, say, and do while sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament for a whole hour? This book gives some practical suggestions in the form of planned outlines for three different Adoration hours.

Each of the 3 outlines has a theme for meditation: We Adore Jesus Who Promises Living Water; We Adore Jesus with His First Followers; We Adore Jesus Who Give Us What is Good. Each outline is divided into 3 parts: Jesus the Way, Jesus the Truth, and Jesus the Life. The hour begins with an opening prayer. In the section “Jesus the Way” there is a scripture reading followed by a quiet time. In “Jesus the Truth,” there is a prayer of repentance and another quiet time. In “Jesus the Life,” there is a litany of praise and prayers of intercession followed by quiet time. Near the end the children are instructed to pray a prayer of spiritual communion.

Intended for groups, this could be adapted for use by a family. The instructions to speak out loud while the children are in quiet time could be modified so as not to be so intrusive. Also, in the “Practical Recommendations for Using this Book with Groups” section at the back of the book, there are explanations of some gestures that the children could use that may not be those in accepted use by individual families, for example, raising hands during intercessory prayer. But the suggestions for a method to move through a holy hour could help a family who wants to start this devotion, but doesn’t know where to begin. It also might be useful for homeschool cooperative groups who want to make a holy hour. For some families, there may not be enough for a whole hour with each outline. We like to add praying the Rosary to our Adoration time. And each child brings his own devotional reading material.

Other resources for encouraging Eucharistic devotion in children include the following: the website of Father Antoine and his book Praying in the Presence of the Lord for Children; the book Eucharistic Texts and Prayers throughout Church History by Daniel Guernsey; Eucharistic Adoration Coloring Book by Katherine Sotnik; I THE LORD AM WITH YOU ALWAYS: Prayers and Meditations for Eucharistic Adoration, Compiled by Christine McCarthy; and the Real Presence website.

Review: Why Be Catholic?

Why Be Catholic? by Dr. Ray Guarendi
2006, Nineveh's Crossing, 90 minute DVD plus 2 audio CDs, Catholic

Many people are familiar with Dr. Ray Guarendi - psychologist, father of 10 and expert on family discipline. You may not know that he has a number of apologetics materials available as well.

Dr. Ray, a revert to the Catholic Church after 10 years in Protestantism, explains, in an engaging and often humorous way, the big things that brought him back. There is a particular emphasis on the need for a religious "system" to be logically and morally consistent. He touches on the Early Church, the Eucharist, Contraception, the problem with personal interpretations of Scripture and much more.

This talk was filmed at a men's conference and might be particularly nice for busy homeschool dads who often don't have time to keep up with the spiritual reading and study that goes on at home during the day. Our entire family enjoyed this talk and I'm sure we'll return to it many times.

Watch a sample portion here
Also, there's a free study guide available online.

The DVD also includes his classic talk (half-hour in length) "Catholic Dads Aren't Wimps" - an insightful look at the importance of discipline within the family and some very practical tips for making this happen. This is an abbreviated version of his 95 minute "comedy stand-up routine on parenting" titled "You're a Better Parent Than You think" (also produced by Nineveh's Crossing).

Two audio CDs are included in this package - one for each of the talks (great for taking in the car).

Reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke (5-1-07)
Available from Ignatius Press or Nineveh's Crossing

Review: Memorize the Faith!

Memorize the Faith! (and Most Anythting Else): Using the Methods of the Great Catholic medieval Memory Masters by Kevin Vost
2006, Sophia Institute Press, 271 pages, paperback

Reviewed by Ana Braga-Henebry, M. A.

This is neither a textbook nor a homeschool book, yet it could very well serve as basis for a religion curriculum for a year! The author, Kevin Vost Psy. D., teaches not only a time-proved, centuries old method of memorization, he also guides readers step by step through memorizing the major tenets of the Faith.

The book has the usual uncluttered, crisp Sophia Press lay-out, and is divided into 5 major parts. Part 1 introduces the method and explains how it works, in a language accessible to an average reader. Parts 2 and 3 include step-by-step guides to memorizing lists from Sacraments and Commandments to Beatitudes, to works of Mercy, Holy Days of Obligation and even the Six Sins against the Holy Spirit. Part 4 goes further into memorization of important basics of our faith, covering all of the books of Bible, the Twenty-One centuries of Church History, virtues, sins, and the list goes on. Truly impressive! Along with these five major parts, there are twenty-nine Memory Master Tips and Facts gray blurbs throughout the book that are informative and interesting as well.

From the publisher:

" (...) over 700 years ago, St. Thomas Aquinas perfected an easy method for his students to memorize most any information, but especially the truths taught by Christ and His Church. As the years passed, our need for this ancient art of memorization grew, yet somehow our culture largely forgot it . . . which is why today, when you and I try to remember a list of things, we have to repeat their names over and over. (...) Now, thanks to the delightful pages of Memorize the Faith!, you can easily keep all these in mind — and learn the Faith! — by tapping into the power of the classical memory system that helped St. Thomas become the Church’s preeminent theologian, and made it easier for him to become one of its greatest saints. (...) By the time you finish this book, you will have memorized dozens of key teachings of the Church, along with hundreds of precepts, traditions, theological terms, Scripture verses, and other elements of the Faith that every good Catholic needs to know by heart."

The best as far as homeschoolers are concerned is the fifth part, entitled "Application for all ages". Here the author addresses exactly the business of how to use the book for children and young adults, and more. Under specific homeschool use he suggests using the method for test prep--such as SAT, ACT, etc., and as and aid to good public speaking.

This book would also lend itself well, I think, to an extra-curricular club activity of middle/high school students, perhaps under the name "Aquinas Mnemonics Club". As the the author states, the ages that would be best suited to learn and use this method would be upper elementary and High School. If they would meet once weekly with the energy and camaraderie typical of that age, I bet they'd have the content of all of these chapters under their belts (or in their minds) in one year!

Available at Stella Maris and Adoremus Books.

Review: Little Acts of Grace

Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli
Illustrated by Mimi Sternhagen
2002, Our Sunday Visitor, 48 pages, softcover, Catholic
Imprimatur

This is a friendly little introduction for children to the small ways that they can show love to God. It's a combination of a book of manners (since there are explanations of how to behave at Church - and why) with a simple devotional theme that is accessible to young children. What a great idea!

Children are gently encouraged to bow their head when Jesus' name is said, show a sign of affection when they pass by a Catholic Church because Jesus is present in the tabernacle, and say a prayer when they see an ambulance go by. Regarding Holy Mass, the book encourages and explains why we dress appropriately for Mass, bless ourselves with holy water, genuflect, and try to pay attention even when it's hard. There are also parts of Mass that are illustrated and explained (both how we act and what is happening): the "Lord Have Mercy" prayer, The Prayer Before the Gospel (and the special signs we make at that time), The Consecration and Communion. The book concludes with the theme of prayer, including why and how we pray to Mary, to the Saints and to the Angels and prayers for mealtime and bedtime.

Each subject is covered with a colorful illustration on one side of the page and a page of text (including a Bible quote). It's perfect for children preparing for their First Communion, but could certainly be enjoyed by younger children too.

Reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke (4-20-07)
Available from Adoremus Books, All Catholic Books, Catholic Heritage Curricula, Catholic Shopper, Emmanuel Books and Saint John Fisher Forum,

Review: The Beatitudes: Coloring and Activity Book

The Beatitudes: Coloring and Activity Book by Virginia Helen Richards, FSP and D. Thomas Halpin, FSP
2006, Pauline Kids, Pauline Books & Media, 24 pages, softcover

Reviewed by Ana Braga-Henebry, M.A.

This is a little more than a coloring book, as it elaborates a bit on each of the eight beatitudes Our Lord presented on the Sermon of the Mount.

Each double spread displays a negative and a positive attitude one can have about each beatitude-- called the "me" and the "be" attitude respectively:

The illustrations are simply done, and there are a few pages of activities in the end, such as a maze and a dot-to-dot. This inexpensive and friendly coloring book will serve as a good enrichment for a religious curriculum, especially for coloring-loving children!

Available from Pauline Media website.

Review: Introduction to Catholicism: A Complete Course

Introduction to Catholicism: A Complete Course
The Didache High School Textbook Series
2003, Midwest Theological Forum, 388 pages, hardcover, Catholic

Though this is an introductory test, it is quite thorough and well-documented. In style it is forthright, intelligent, and uncomplicated. Church teaching is succinctly but beautifully stated, and supported by plentiful quotes from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and various popes and saints. One is left with a profound appreciation for the beauty and wisdom of the Church, a better understanding of the Catholic Faith, and a deep gratitude to Christ Who guides us still through His Church.

The book begins with a treatment of the basic teachings of the Church: the universal call to holiness and need for prayer, the Trinity, Mary, the Mother of the Church, and the Church as the Body of Christ. That is followed by a general discussion of revelation and the deposit of Faith entrusted to the Catholic Church through which we come to know God. But knowing God is not sufficient for fallen creatures. We need His grace to answer the call to holiness. Consequently, each of the sacraments is explained, and instances are given of persons exemplifying the grace peculiar to that sacrament. Having established how grace is made available to us, the book then explains why it is not sufficient: free creatures must cooperate with grace. Using the Ten Commandments as a frame, the book explains the cardinal virtues and the virtuous life. This book is absolutely and unapologetically faithful to the teachings of the Church, while also inspiring, and encouraging to all who strive to live the Catholic Faith.

What I most liked about this book was its clear presentation and the ordered progression of principles, also its direct application and connection to the world of today. This connection is most evident in the photos used, and in the choice of persons and saints. So many of these persons lived in recent times. This serves to accentuate the fact that God is working today, in and through each of us. Obvious efforts were made to meld the old with the new, the past with the present, reinforcing the truth that God has been with us always. Cross references show the Scriptural basis of the teachings of the Church and the connections made through them. This is especially important if Catholics are to share the Truth with other Christians; more so today, given that many Catholics lose their Faith, which they neither know nor understand, through the persuasions of other fervent Christians.

This book was written for high school students. Its treatment of sexual matters is thorough but appropriately limited. Because children and circumstances differ, it may not be as limited as a given child needs. Parents should read relevant portions themselves to determine whether these chapters suit their needs. We have used this book with two of our children, and both have deepened their understanding of, and appreciation for, their faith.

Recommended for Grade 9

Reviewed by Maria Rioux (2-28-07)

Available from Adoremus Books and By Way of the Family

Review: Little Flowers Family Apostolate Publications

This review refers to the following Little Flowers Family Apostolate Publications:

• Flower Gardening for Our Lady Chart
• A Catholic 123/ABC Copybook, a Preschool Practice Book with Catholic Facts
• Marguerite by Sr. St. Stephen, G.N.S.H.
• Catholic Talks for Children,Volumes 2-5, by Rev. Fred Gilbert, O. M. I.

These are reprints from 1947-1955. The pictures and text are very "old-fashioned". For members of a Tridentine Mass community, these can be very handy. All of the references to the Holy Mass and liturgical season refer to the Tridentine rite and the old liturgical calendar.

Flower Gardening for Our Lady Chart comes with a high quality china marker that works quite well. Children can mark all of their good deeds for each day of the week, as well as affix earned flowers stickers (2 sheets with 100 stickers each included). They can also "lose roses" if they sin ("fight, lie, are unkind, disobedient, lazy", etc) which is something I hadn't seen in a chart like this before. The back of the chart lists rules for using it and how many flowers children should attempt to win daily. Suggestions of "holy rewards" are given, as well as more examples of sinful behavior that will cause one to lose roses.

A Catholic 123/ABC Copybook, a Preschool Practice Book with Catholic Facts
This is a very straight-forward preschool workbook, with one letter on each double page: on the left the capital letters and on the right its corresponding lower case, with multiple lines provided for both tracing and copying. On the bottom of each page there is a simple picture and two sentences with a word in bold starting with that letter, and one line provided for the child to copy the word. I should note here that the lower case letters consistently reach well above the dotted middle line--I do not know if this was the way lettering was taught before 1050. Numbers 1 to 9 follow the alphabet pages, in the same basic pattern. One plus is that the paper is better quality than the usual newsprint. It is of equivalent weight/color of your regular printer paper.

Marguerite by Sr. St. Stephen, G.N.S.
First copyrighted in 1955, this cute booklet tells the story of St. Marguerite d'Youville, of Canada, founder of the Grey Nuns. The chapters portray brief vignettes of her childhood and growing ups years brushing through the many, many sorrows and crosses of her life. This will serve as a delightful read-aloud as the language is very suitable for young children.
On a personal (and artistic) note, I would have preferred if the the new edition had left the original illustrations intact. By adding shading, they lost the freshness of the originals they also are no longer suitable for coloring-- a very favorite activity in our homeschool.

Catholic Talks for Children, 5 volume set
As stated on their website, these are actual talks given by a priest in the 1940s. The topic, or themes, of each "talk" was directed to the season/liturgical theme, so a chapter may begin with references to the need to change clocks to daylight savings time or to a certain specific Sunday, such as Christ the King. Some will, of course, be more relevant than others for the readers. With some preparation time (looking over an appropriate theme beforehand), these should work very well for family read-aloud.

Volume #2: Advent & Christmastide - Advent Candles & Trees; Decorating; Christmas Legends; Ever-Watchful Eye of God; Name of Majesty and Power and more. $6.95

Volume #3: The Sacraments - Church, a Ship on Life's Sea; Your Ticket to Heaven; Prodigal Son; Five Strings on Your Fingers; Ceremony of Knighthood; An Altar Boy Dies; and more. $6.95

Volume #4: The Mass and Its Parts - Helping at Mass; We Pray; We Give; Lift up Your Hearts; Hail to the King of Kings; Pray for Me; Grace before Communion; A Farewell Blessing; and more. $6.95

Volume#5: Timely Topics Prayer Wheels; Making Crowns; A Song for Mother; Leaves; High Flying; This is Your Day; and more. $6.95

All items available from Little Flowers Apostolate website.

Review: Stations of the Cross Grotto Kit

Stations of the Cross Grotto Kit
Published by Illuminated Ink
Recommended for children age 10 and up, or for children 6 and up with close parental supervision and guidance.


Today, Ash Wednesday, the kids and I began a beautiful Lenten craft project: a Stations of the Cross Grotto kit from Illuminated Ink.

The kit contains all the materials needed to make all fourteen Stations, including full color artwork, colorful semi-precious stones (white Magnesite, purple Amethyst Quartz, pink Coral Quartz, and black Obsidian), wooden craft sticks, 3-D sticky dots, chenille pipe cleaners for hangers, station name plates and numbers, and Mod Podge and brushes. All that you need to provide is a scissors and regular craft glue, such as Elmer’s or Aleene’s.

As with all the Illuminated Ink kits that we’ve used, the instructions are excellent. This one has full color, step-by-step illustrations, in a very easy-to-follow layout with large print.

Unlike many of their kits, there is no coloring involved; you use the high quality, full color artwork that’s provided to cut out a total of three layers for the 3-D effect.

Primarily because of the precise cutting required (we tried both an Exacto knife and a good sharp scissors and both worked just fine), as well as the number of steps (46) to complete each grotto, the kit is recommended for ages 10 and up. We worked on the first three stations this morning; the 16- and 14- year olds had no problem with any of it, but the 6- and 9- year olds definitely needed help. Still, it was never so much that they became frustrated or wanted to quit.

The instructions state, in big bold letters, DON’T RUSH! Good advice. The five of us spent two hours to complete just three of the stations. It was time well-spent, however, as the finished stations are beautiful and will offer much opportunity for meditation. The work itself teaches patience, obedience (to the instructions!), and also provides some fine motor skills practice.

We can easily spend four more sessions like this morning’s in order to have the full set finished well before Good Friday. I want my children to know the stations by heart, and this project will definitely help.

For more information about Illuminated Ink products, see Elizabeth Yank’s review in this blog from last May.

UPDATE: We're picking up the pace: Today we completed four of the grottos in slightly less than two hours. The younger kids were able to do everything except the precision cutting by themselves. Progress! (2-23-07)

Reviewed by Mary-Eileen Swart (2-21-07)
Available from Illuminated Ink

Review: That Love May Grow

That Love May Grow: A Study of Marriage
Study Guide, Leader's Manual
2005, Together, Inc. Publishing, Softcover
ISBN 0-9764572-3-7

Content of material written for marriage preparation programs is, of course, of paramount importance. Marriage is the building block of society, and Christian marriage, under so much attack in today's society, needs to be properly understood.

I was very happy to find in That Love May Grow a solid defense of this sacred institution. The Leader's Guide is comprehensive and offers an excellent set of directions for leaders, covering possible situations they may encounter and many helpful guidelines. The study guide has all of the excerpts needed for each session's assigned readings, drawn from Pope John Paul II's writings, and the layout is easy to use.

From the Publisher's website:

Will your marriage be an institution or a Sacrament? Are you driven by what the world wants? Is now the time for you to shift your focus from the secular world to greater things? This six-session program is essential for Catholics considering marriage and those already married who wish to enrich their lives together.

With excerpts from Love and Responsibility, Familiaris Consortio, Ecclesiam Suam, and Humanae Vitae, this study will set a firm foundation creating a profound relationship in your marriage. Like no other program, That Love May Grow presents rich insights into those issues prevalent today that destroy a relationship and suggests the means to help you form a strong marriage bond. Bolster your Catholic faith with informal yet serious study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in each session. Prayers and Scripture reflection begin each session to provide additional spiritual enrichment. The Leader's Manual, companion resource for study group leaders, lays out and simplifies the process of beginning a study group and leading it to its completion. It contains not only the questions but also answers for document study and catechesis to give the leader both direction and practical tips in facilitating discussion for each session.

If you are looking for a religious education resource for a 12th grader in the area of Christian Marriage, this may work very well for you. It should be quite easy to adapt the sessions according to your needs, simply skipping the questions directed specifically to the couple.

Available from Together Inc.

Review: Faith Charts: Catholicism at a Glance

Faith Charts: Catholicism at a Glance by Reverend Raymond Cleaveland
2006, Our Sunday Visitor, 6-page laminated fold-up chart (8 1/2 x 11 when folded), Catholic

This is a really nifty overview of the faith organized into 16 segments over 6 pages:

The Transmission of Divine Revelation
The Blessed Trinity
God the Father
God the Son, Jesus Christ
God the Holy Spirit
Creation and the Fall, Redemption
The Holy Catholic Church
The Four Marks of the Church
The Blessed Virgin and the Saints
The Seven Sacraments
Grace, Justification and Virtue
Catholic Moral Teaching
Sin
The Commandments
The Last Things

Each segment gives a brief, but surprisingly complete, overview of Catholic teaching with references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible as well as details on when and where major dogmas of the Church were defined.

This seems like a great overview for parents and teachers wishing to get a better handle on Church teaching or for high school students in the midst of Catechism and Apologetics studies. Handy for general reference as well.

Here's a small sample, a segment from The Commandments section which explains the 5th Commandment:

5. You shall not kill (CCC 2318-30)

- Commands us to respect the lives of others and our own, honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

- Prohibits murder, abortion, suicide, euthanasia, sterilization, mutilations and non-therapeutic amputations, kidnapping, gluttony, drug use, drunkenness, seeking revenge, anger, hatred, and illegitimate war.

Nicely illustrated with images of stained glass windows.

Available from Aquinas and More

Sacred Music Resources

ChoralTreasure.org (hat-tip The Curt Jester)

You might also be interested in the Church Music Association of America.

Marian Songs for Advent (from Studeo)

Review: Saints of the American Wilderness by John A. O'Brien

1953/2004, Sophia Institute Press, 257 pages, softcover, Catholic

This is a detailed (and rather intense) history of the eight French Jesuit martyrs who worked among the Huron Indians in North America in the 1600s: St. Isaac Jogues (1607-1646), St. René Goupil (1608-1642), St. Jean de Lalande (died. 1646), St. Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649), St. Gabriel Lalemant (1610-1650), St. Antoine Daniel (1601-1648), St. Charles Garnier (1605-1649), and St. Noël Chabanel (1613-1649).

This is an important piece of American History that is often ignored in textbooks or twisted to some degree (in part, I think, because of the animosity between the English and French early on in American History). The book is carefully detailed with an extensive bibliography and source citations throughout the text. A number of these Saints personally wrote detailed accounts of their work in North America; writings which still survive and which were extremely helpful in compiling a definitive, but accessible book. Readers will gain significant insight into the Huron and Iroquois Nations and the history of the French in Eastern Canada.

Everyone should give themselves an opportunity to be inspired by these missionaries, however. If these men were, by the grace of God, able to endure horrible living conditions, travels on foot through bitter cold, and death around every corner to bring love and hope to the peoples of North America four centuries ago, should we not be willing to do a small part in bringing Christ to the 21st century? Should we not consider that someone needs to bring love and hope to nations that are besieged by war, violence and hate; and to America's inner cities?

Read and be inspired. The stories of these heroic men might actually make the tasks and challenges of our own day seem easy!

Here is a brief portion that highlights some of their challenges and successes:

The Hurons, Brébeuf reported, "acknowledged the Commandments to be very just and very reasonable. They thought these were matters of great importance, worthy of being discussed at the councils." They admitted the logic of his conclusions about God and His attributes. But, alas, "They know the beauty of the truth," he commented sadly; "they approve of it, but they do not embrace it... They condemn their wicked customs, but when will they abandon them?" The step from belief to action was a long step, and they hesitated to pass from acknowledgement of God's existence to conformity with His laws.

Among the young, progress was more marked. Three little girls had mastered the catechism so thoroughly and gave such clear evidence of interior piety that Brébeuf and Daniel judged them ready for Baptism. Inviting the whole village to attend the ceremony, which took place on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, they performed the ritual with all possible solemnity. The chapel was thronged with Hurons when the three girls, beautifully appareled and ornamented with strings of wampum and porcelain, renounced Satan and all his works and received the waters of regeneration.

The Jesuit community that morning dedicated the Huron mission to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. They promised to offer twelve Masses in the ensuing year toward accomplishing in Huronia the erection of a permanent church named after the Immaculate Conception. "We believe," wrote Brébeuf, "that the Blessed Virgin has accepted our humble devotions. Before the end of December we baptized twenty-eight."

This book is suitable for adults and possibly older teens. Some of the accounts of torture, death and living conditions might be too disturbing for younger teens.

Available from Adoremus Books, Aquinas and More, By Way of the Family, and Stella Maris Books