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LibraryRecommended Readings | Book Reviews | Bible Software Reviews This page is dedicated to books and articles that men in the SacraMentors program have found useful on their spiritual journey. Currently we have listed 45 books on a variety of topics! You can conveniently order them through amazon.com and Sacramentors will benefit from your order. See also the web links page. We have linked to Amazon.com so that you may easily order these books if you so desire. Recommended ReadingsCornerstones of FaithCatechism of the Catholic Church, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, 1994, Liguori PublicationsThis is the official church doctrine. Quite informative and enlightening about our church, traditions, and scripture. This is the version I have, and is temporarily out of print. Catechism of the Catholic Church, U.S. Catholic Church, 1995, Doubleday This version is readily available. It is the same material as the above edition but in a smaller "paperback" size. The Catholic Bible: New American Bible/Personal Study,By Jean Marie Hiesberger (editor), 1995, Oxford University Press Daily Devotionals Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and faith, Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1997, HarperCollins Spiritual NourishmentAgainst an Infinite Horizon - The finger of God in Our Everyday Lives, Ronald Rolheiser, 1996, The Crossroad Publishing Co. and 1995, Hodder & Stoughton (this is the cheaper of the two identical publications)A book that discusses the struggles in our lives, marriages, and our relationship with Christ. (Steve Egge) Review Life of the Beloved - Spiritual Living in a Secular World, Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1992, The Crossroad Publishing Co. A book that affirms us as children of God. He uses the analogy of communion to describe the movement of the Spirit in our lives: Taken, blessed, broken, and given. (Steve Egge) The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1994, Image Books A discourse on this famous parable that causes you to view it from all perspectives: father, younger son, older son and Heavenly Father. Can You Drink the Cup, Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1996, Ave Maria Press. An easy read reflecting on the cup containing all the sorrows and all of the joys of life. Written by an ordained priest who devoted much of his life to ministering to the handicapped. It will change the way you view the chalice at Mass forever. (Steve Egge) The Experience and Language of Grace, by Roger Haight S.J., 1979, Paulist Press (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough By Harod Kushner, 1987, Pocket Books This book kelps you understand the reason why you always seem to want more, and how to come to peace with what you have. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Christian Spirituality--God's Presence Through the Ages by Richard Woods, 1996, St. Thomas More Press (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) To Have or To Be, by Erich Fromm, 1996, Continuum Pub Group A book that delves into the perils of attachments (to have) and gives insights into learning how "to be". (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Markings, by Dag Hammarskjold, 1993, Ballentine Books A book of meditations and devotional reading from this Swedish author. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Community and Growth, by Jean Vanier, 1989, Paulist Press A book that addresses our need for connectedness and community, in a world that tends to separate and divide us. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) No Man is an Island, Thomas Merton, 1978, Harcourt Brace & Company, I Encourage all SacraMentors to read this book. Use a supplement to the Book of Kindness. (Richard Casmier) New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton, 1972, New Directions Paperback An introduction to modern contemplation. Many short chapters with varying topics of faith, contemplation, and the forces around us. A Merton "classic"! The Cloud of Unknowing and the Book of Privy Counseling, Edited By William Johnston, 1996, Image Books. I read this book because it is referred to so often by today's great writers. This book was written by an unknown 14th century mystic and is a spiritual classic. This is a very readable translation from old English. It will help you in your prayer life. (Steve Egge) (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Open Mind Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel, Thomas Keating, 1986, Continuum This book will help you pursue a deeper faith through introducing the method centering prayer and contemplation. Papal Wisdom : Words of Hope and Inspiration from John Paul II, by Matthew E. Bunson (compiler), 1997, Plume. The words of Pope John Paul II as taken from selected writings and speeches. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) The apologia pro vita sua, by John Henry Cardinal Newman, (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) The Spirituality of Imperfection : Storytelling and the Journey to Wholeness, by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketchem, 1994, Bantum Books This book will help you spiritually by helping you understand who you are and the grace of your imperfections. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) The God of Jesus Christ, by Walter Kaspar, 1986, Crossroad Publishing Co. A Catholic Theologians writings on Christ. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton, 1995, Ignatius Press. Written by a a man who came to orthodox Christianity from agnosticism. In this book he puts forth the basis for his faith. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1995, Simon & Schuster. A book about Grace, the cross, discipleship, and walking the footsteps of Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor who opposed the Nazis in Germany, and was hung by them in 1945.. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) A Life-Giving Vision : How to Be a Christian in Today's World, John Powell, S.J., 1995, Thomas More Press. Using a healthy balance of psychology and theology this book examines twenty-four approaches to growing into the fullness of Christian life. Addiction and Grace, By Gerald May M.D., 1991, Harper San Francisco Written by a psychologist who will help you understand your attachments and addictions. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) Good Goats - Healing our Image of God, Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, Matthew Linn, 1994, Paulist Press. A wonderful presentation of the Loving side of God. The God who shows us Agape Love. The New Man, Thomas Merton,1978, Noon Day Press, A book that adds to "Who we are" and should be in every SacraMentors library. (Richard Casmier) Review The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way, Translated by Helen Bacovcin, 1978, Image This is a great story of a poor Russian pilgrim and his journey to "pray always". It will also help you if you are interested in making "The Jesus Prayer" part of your spirituality. (Steve Egge) The Purpose Drive Life, Rick Warren, 2002 ,Zondervan Publishing Company Please read the review by Ron Rierson below The Saints - Works by or about Them Fatherhood Grief and LossWhen Bad Things Happen to Good People By Harold S. Kushner, 1997, AvonThis book will help you come to terms with grief and loss when it doesn't make sense, as it never does. (Recommended by Fr. Bob Camuso) The Blessing, Gary Smalley & John Trent, Ph.D. 1986, Pocket Books. A book that has been helpful to those struggling to heal wounds within the family. Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-By-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss,by John James & Frank Cherry,1989, Harper Collins A genuinely helpful book in dealing with grief (Alan Wallaby) Review Male SpiritualityWild Man's Journey: Reflections on Male Spirituality, By Richard Rohr and Joseph Martos, 1996, St. Anthony Messenger PressA good discussion of being Male in today's world, by one of the foremost preachers on male spirituality, Fr. Rohr. General Reading To browse for books on your own at Amazon.com - Click Here Book reviewsHave you read a good book lately? Would you like to share it with your brothers? Here’s your chance. Write a review not to exceed 300 words and send it to Jeff Smith 1904 Kempton St. S.E. Olympia, WA 98501. Alternatively you may e-mail Jeff at jeffsmith@sacramentors.org Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren to order from amazon.com click here Review by Ron Reierson January, 2005 This vastly popular book, written by a Protestant Pastor, and referencing some Catholic texts as well as numerous Protestant ones, is based on a spiritual journey of 40 days, during which one should read a chapter each day. The chapters are short, full of quality thought processes, and end by re-phrasing the topic of the chapter, a verse to remember, and a question which will make you squirm on occasion...as you dig deeply into YOUR relationship with The Lord...and your "brothers and sisters" in Christ. You'll find Rick Warren easy to read, and since each chapter builds on the previous text, you'll find it leads to the inevitable faith-in-action of which we as Sacramentors are all about. You'll find numerous references to the Sacramentor concepts brought forward in this book, such as letting go of grudges, forgiveness and love. The author touches on the subject of having key biblical passages available, for us to quote or remember as we travel through our spiritual journey. You'll find many passages quoted during in your readings, referenced in the "Notes" appendix at the end. I found it helpful to underline the key passages I wanted to remember, then use the "Welcome to the Catholic Church" CD (discussed by Steve Egge, below) to locate and cross-reference to other versions and texts for a more fulfilling understanding of those passages. A good study bible will also suffice. This is not a "read and lay aside" text; rather, one should find it helpful by reviewing periodically some of the key thoughts discussed; this is a "work book". While the author does not reveal any new scholarship, the way he packages his thoughts is fluid and reasoned---of all the religious texts I've read, this is one of the most practical. It's 322 pages of text make it an easy and pleasant read. My own parish priest made it required reading for the staff at St. Charles Borromeo Parish! I can certainly see why. The New Man by Thomas Merton, Noon Day Press, New York. Review by Richard Casmier The theme of this book by Thomas Merton is the question of spiritual identity. As SacraMentors we've discussed how we must discover our true selves. Thomas Merton shows how we have become strangers to ourselves by our dependence on outward identity and success. ( Remember "Who Am I"?) He shows our real need is for a concern with the image of God within ourselves. SacraMentors will sense a familiarity with the words as they progress through the book. Once you've read this book you will want to share it with others. I've dog-eared my book on almost every page, especially in the chapter entitled "Spirit in Bondage". This book belongs in the libraries of every SacraMentors brother. Richard Casmier is a SacraMentor brother for St. Andrew Parish, Sumner
Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-By-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss REVIEW by Alan Walby In April my wife of 27 years died suddenly and just as suddenly grieving became my main preoccupation. A loss of this magnitude had never hit me before. I had little experience with grief up until then. Many of our beliefs about grieving are really myths. For example: Myth #1: Keep your grief to yourself. Just tough it out. The list could go on and on. Fact #1: We can’t grieve alone. We need a partner to help. The solution is simple, but one we would never think of by ourselves. First, work to resolve those prior relationships. Then tackle your present grieving. On your own, this can be difficult and incomplete. But, with a partner, just following the steps brings relief. Before long you should notice a new perspective and outlook. Is it hard? Yes and no. The success you’re likely to find will easily melt away any feelings of fear or reluctance. It’s amazing! It works! The next step is to use your new found method to work on your current grief. If you are in a grieving situation, this book is a must read. Alan Walby is a SacraMentor member at St. Andrew Parish and resides in Sumner, WA. y is a SacraMentor member at St. Andrew Parish and resides in Sumner, WA. y is a SacraMentor member at St. Andrew Parish and resides in Sumner, WA.
The Redeeming Love of Christ The message of Alphonsus Liguori is on that is familiar to SacraMentors. Ligouri was born in Naples, Italy in 1690. He was unusually gifted and successful in all of his studies as a young man in the upper nobility. At age 16 he became a doctor in both civil and church law. He became a priest at the age of 30 and immediately threw himself into working for the poor and abandoned of the slums of Naples and then the most forgotten, the abandoned mountain folk for whom neither church nor state seemed to care. In 30 years of mission preaching he published 111 books. Some of the chapters in the book include: The Practice of Familiarity with God and The Great Means of Salvation and Perfection. Once you’ve read a chapter you will want to read parts of it again and again. Liguori said of his writings, "My writing is focused entirely on the practical and is not replete with theoretical questions. I have in mind rather to promote the salvation of souls and therefore I have selected matters that are most useful and helpful." And he does just that! Liguori was declared a saint in 1839. If your bookseller doesn’t have this book in stock, he can order it for you. It will become on of your favorites. Richard Casmier is a SacraMentor from St. Andrew Parish and resides in Sumner, WA.
Against an Infinite Horizon REVIEW by Steve Egge There are many books that strengthen one’s spirituality. There are some books that open a door in one’s mind and lead to a deeper spirituality. As you read them, the "Ah Ha – that’s it" phenomenon happens. Ronald Rolheiser’s book Against an Infinite Horizon opens your mind to the cause of underlying restlessness and the longings that are present in our hearts and everyday lives. This book is worth reading, and rereading. Rolheiser’s book was given to me by Fr. Mike Ryan of Holy Spirit parish when I went to promote the upcoming SacraMentor series. (So if Carl Jones asks you to speak at a mass – Go! You may receive unexpected blessings.) Here is a sampling of Rolheiser’s writing: To bless someone is, through some word, gesture, or ritual, to make him aware of three things: i. The goodness of the original creation where, after making the earth and humans, God said that it was "good, very good". ii. That God experiences the same delight and pleasure in him or her that he experienced with Jesus at His baptism when He said: "this is my beloved child in whom I take delight". iii. That we, who are giving the blessing, recognize that goodness and take that delight in him or her. Elsewhere he describes a view of birth, life, and eternity that will stick in your mind forever. Understand that I am at the beginning of my spiritual journey, but Rolheiser is the only author I have read who has ever really discussed human sexuality and the church and its relationship to marriage in such a life giving and healthful way. The book is in stock at Kauffer’s bookstores. Steve Egge is a SacraMentor from St. Andrew Parish and resides in Puyallup, WA Bible CD-ROM SoftwareReview by Steve Egge I considered 3 software packages under $100, there are many more expensive and expansive programs available above this price line. I was steered towards the "Welcome to the Catholic Church 2.0" from after talking to Peter Williamson at: Peter was extremely helpful in finding out what I wanted out of a bible CD. He sells many of them and has looked at some of them personally. His prices seem less than others I found on the net. Moreover, he seemed to be a sincere, and helpful individual. If you are considering purchasing a Bible CD-ROM, I suggest you look at the packages mentioned here, check out the links, look at the Bible and Theology site for additional offerings, and give Peter a call to help narrow down your choice. Currently Bible and Theology Discount Software will match anyone's advertised price (taking shipping into account), and will give you an additional 3% discount. What Bible software package you want largely depends upon what you want the software to do for you. Here are the three software packages I considered: Logos software - the catholic collection This bible CD contains the following unlocked software: They also have a more comprehensive catholic bible CD (the Catholic Scholar's Pack) Welcome to the Catholic Church 2.0 - note now version 3.0 is available It has a very "churchy" interface with some nice background music, (one would almost expect incense to come out of the computer). Not too modern, but usable. The interface invites you to browse the contents, not just look up bible verse. By doing so I have been pleasantly rewarded. The strong point of the CD is in the amount of material of the church they offer: Stations of the cross, the Life of Christ, Mysteries of the rosary, prayers, etc. Really, some nice information. I understand that Version 3.0 will come out this summer and include the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The upgrade from Version 2.0 supposed to be $19.95. The bible has lots of * asterisks that you can move your mouse to and get a pop up box with more information and reference ... like the footnotes at the bottom of the page in many bibles. I enjoy these unobtrusive comments. In a recent bible study class, I found it easier to read the bible on the computer screen and click on the comments as they occurred - jumping to the referred passages and back than to read the bible on paper and search for the proper footnote. The interface also makes it easy to switch between bible versions. There is a table of daily scripture readings for Mass with appropriate links to the bible verse. The Bible Library for Catholics CD-ROM The Bible Library allows you to Run comprehensive searches -- including Boolean and wildcard searches Create personal notes and cross references Scroll simultaneously through two translations Go to any verse, chapter, or book just by typing in the selection. Print, copy, and export passages, notes, and search results. The Bible Library for Catholics CD-ROM Logos - The Catholic Scholars Pack Well I splurged and purchaced the Catholic Scholars Pack. My wanting to get at the root meaning of the word began with a comment I'd heard about how the word "meek" in the beatitudes (Matt 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.) didn't mean the same as the word we use today. A friend and I browsed through a Catholic Bookstore and got nowhere with Strong's Concordance. You must realize we were both novices at using this book. Then I began a bible study class, and although I used a bible online to search and find passages, I really became curious about the bible's translation. I know no Greek or Hebrew (although I did take two years of latin in high school). I looked again at the compeating software in this price range and they were perhaps better at getting to the greek and Hebrew than Logos might be, they lacked the "add on" ability that Logos has. I really liked getting the insight of the bible commentary we were using for the book in bible class. The Catholic Scholars pack seemed to fit the bill best. I haven't been disappointed. I can read the bible in one window and (at least in the NAB bible) highlight the footnotes and jump to references as I read and return easily. But also as I read I have a window open with 3 bible commentaries that scroll through as you read and show the relavent comments (by linking with the text). To get at the Greek and Hebrew you have to use the KJV of the bible as Strong's numbers were based on it. There is a free download of a Hebrew Lexicon which gives you the meaning of a Hebrew word (I didn't know that Hebrew read from right to left.). The CD comes with a Greek Lexicon. Vines Expository Dictionary of the Old and New Testament Words gives a good understanding of the meaning of the "root" word that is contained in the Greek or Hebrew text. Bibles can easily be switched by an arrow key which will cycle them through. My only complaint was that there were two "neat" things that the software could do that I could not because of the bibles I received in the scholars pack. One was that the Nesltle Aland 26th Edition of the Greek New Testament with Morphology can be better understood if you also have the New American Standard Bible. You simply open both in separate windows and if you right click on a word you can display the greek text with the corresponding greek word in question highlighted. The Scholars pack lacks this bible (NASB - it costs ) The other "trick" is to turn on the "interlinear" feature of the Greek Nestle Aland New Testament. The Scholars pack does not feature this version of the N-A Greek bible. You can upgrade (actually you get a whole new bible) for $29.95 and this is what I did (downloaded the bible from the web and received the unlock over the phone. The "non-catholic" version of the Scholars Pack seems to be a better value - a little bit more money but a lot more "books" as well as the Interlinear version of the Nesle Aland - (It's lacking Jerome's commentary as well as the NAB ... but take a look at it). It too lacks the NASB. At any rate I am enjoying my software. The answer I found (and rather quickly I might add) to the meaning of "meek" (Strong's 4239) is that the greek word means the "opposite of self-interest" or open to the working of God in your life. I have also heard it said that the ones who are the "meek" are the ones who in the Our Father when they say "thy will be done", they mean it! I'll leave you with an example of the software search on Meek from Vines (this is just one of the books queried): Meek, Meekness MEEK, MEEKNESS Vine, W. E., Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, (Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell) 1981. I purchaced the Catholic Scholars Collection from Bible and Theology Discount Software. |
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