Recommended Reading

Let's share our reading experiences with others.

Please send in your suggested reading by e-mail.

1. Triumph - The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church by H.W. Crocker III. This is a new book and easily read. It's a sweeping history of the church from the beginning by a convert from Anglicanism. He is a lay man. You can't understand the Church and its teachings without a good sense of its history. Father Rod

2. Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating. This is a somewhat disturbing (because it will make you angry) look at what those who hate the Church are saying about us and how we can defend ourselves from their distortions and lies. Keating is a lay man and very sharp. Father Rod

3. The Truth of Catholicism - Controversies Explored by George Weigel. He is also a lay man and a frequent contributor to news papers and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' weekly newspaper The Tidings. Father Rod

4. Spirituality and World Religions by George E. Saint-Laurent. He is a very fine Catholic man. He is very bright. I have not yet read the book. I use it for reference. Father Rod

5. I am reading The Way of the Pilgrim and it is awesome. A 25 year old parishioner.

6. For those who love to read fantasy fables about good versus evil, try a series of books by David Eddings starting with The Belgariad, (consisting of 5 books) followed by The Mallorean (also 5 books). The books can also be used as a teaching tool on matters of practical faith, commonsense, and learning to trust our God given instincts and intuitiveness.
Submitted by a St. Bonaventure home page user.

7. I have just finished a great book Father Elijah by Michael D. O'Brien. I would highly recommend this novel. Submitted by Catherine Knipper.

8. I am currently reading a book entitled Eclipse of the Sun by Michael O'Brien. It is an excellent catholic fiction book and I recommend it to anyone who has some free time this summer. The book is a story of life towards the end of times. It describes the kinds of things government is doing, the fate of democracy, and the role of the church. It has spies, and spirits, miracles and disasters. The author does a very good job with his character development and the plot keeps you intrigues until the very end. Submitted by a St. Bonaventure home page user.

9. I have two books to recommend. Both are for adults and both are about religious faith and experience.

Number one is Born Fundamentalist - Born Again Catholic by David Currie. Ignatius Press.1996.

"David Currie was raised in a devout Christian family. He was immersed in the life of fundamentalist Protestantism, received a degree from Trinity International University. His book was written as an explanation to his fundamentalist and evangelical friends and family about why he became a Roman Catholic. He gives a detailed discussion of the important theological and doctrinal beliefs Catholic and evangelicals hold in common as well as they key doctrines that separate them, particularly the Eucharist, the Pope and Mary." (Excerpted from the jacket)

I am on my second reading of this book. I find it easy to read and easy to understand. It gives a good perspective on the beliefs of evangelicals and is a clear presentation of Catholic beliefs and their reasonableness. 215 pages, soft cover. Cost is about $10. Fr Rod

10. Number two is American Catholic by Charles R. Morris. Times Books (Random House), 1997.

"Charles Morris has written the best one-volume history of the last hundred years of American Catholicism that it has ever been my pleasure to read. What's appealing in this remarkable book is its delicate sense of balance and its soundly grounded judgments." (Jacket notes by Andrew Greeley)

I am really enjoying reading this book. It gives great insights into the Church in this country from early days to the very recent past. Vatican II gets a thorough treatment. 511 pages, hard cover. Jacket price $27.50. Fr Rod

11. I read Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed. I really loved this book. It provides a clear and understandable introduction to theology. Michelle Parolise

12. A TIME TO TURN. . . THE PASCHAL EXPERIENCE by Anita M. Constance, S.C., Paulist Press, soft cover. This was a wonderful Lenten aid. It reads easily and has a message and meditation for each day beginning on Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday and continuing with weekly readings through Pentecost. The scripture references, poetry and meditations all help to facilitate a "turning", an opportunity to set our faces toward the Light. It stimulated much further scripture reading for me.

13. NINETY-FIVE REASONS FOR BECOMING OR REMAINING CATHOLIC by Paul R. Key, spiral bound soft cover put out by The Coming Home Network International. I picked up this book to help me answer some questions that some Protestant friends of mine had about the Catholic Church. It reads very easily and gives solid answers to many questions that stump many Catholics about our Faith.

13.CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2nd ed., by a collaboration of many Bishops, Councils, Theologians, etc. under the guidance and direction of the Pope. When I was growing up my parents frequently referred to the Baltimore Catechism, but I was not taught from any official Catechism during my twelve years in Catholic schools. Even as an adult, finding answers about the Church's teachings and positions posed many challenges. I have only in the past year or so discovered this wonderful and uplifting resource. I wish I had known about it when it was first published in the 80's. I would have studied it and been better prepared for raising my own children in the Church. It is a large volume but holds a wealth of information. I am reading it bit by bit and have it marked with so many tabs now that it is beginning to look as well loved as my bible. Every Catholic family should have it and use it.

14. THE FIRE WITHIN by Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., Ignatius Press, soft cover. I am very excited about this book. I have only begun reading it but have found it very stimulating and thought provoking. It presents the teachings on prayer from Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, along with the teaching of Sacred Scripture. It may be a little challenging for the average reader but worth the effort.

15. In addition to these, I recommend All the letters by Pope John Paul II. They can be purchased individually for as little as $0.79 (for the smaller ones) or can be found on the internet. I have read 7-8 of his letters so far and find them to be both eloquent and profound. I particularly liked the one on the Rosary and the one to Women. I plan to read many more. The Encyclicals require more time and effort but are also wonderful to read. Our Pope is very wise and has given us so much by sharing his wisdom under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in his writings.

16. This Is The Faith by Rev Francis Ripley, 1951. Tanbooks.com (Book or MP3 Audio CD)
This book is an easily understood explanation of our faith. In brief detail it explains about God and why He made us and His desires for us. It also treats Catholic social principals.

17. In the Arms of Mary by Slawomir Biela
This book has been a help to me since the death of my daughter Jill. I find since viewing the Passion of the Christ that this book is even more treasured.
(available through Amazon and www.inthearmsofmary.org)

God Alone Suffices by Slawomir Biela
This book has helped me to scrutinize my life. Every chapter has taken a different part of my life and challenged me to look at my attitudes and also to recognize how God is loving me. I very highly recommend this book. It contains strong Carmelite Spirituality. Easy to read.

Gift of Faith by Father Tadeusz Dajczer. A best selling book in Europe, this book changed my image of God. . Everything in it makes me want to know more this God of Love and Mercy.
Parishioner: Claudia Baedeker

18. Beginning to Pray One of my favorite books is a classic. 115 pages, is by Anthony Bloom. It talks about real prayer; standing before God. A parishioner.

What are you currently reading?