At The Observer, we receive books to review from time to time. We also bring books back from conferences we attend.
Recently, we’ve collected several non-fiction books we found interesting enough to share with our readers. (And we're giving them away, too. Enter at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/summerreading)
These five books are both inspirational and instructive.
Share your faith
The first two books are aimed at Catholics who take on the call to evanglize.
From his background in sales, Barber makes suggestions that adapt ideas from his experience.
The book is divided into three parts. dealing with why Catholics should evangelize, how they should do it, and outlining their “spiritual game plan.”
In his chapter “The Eight Laws of Effectively Sharing the Faith with Anyone,” he offers explanations of tips such as “Keep it simple,” “Call him by name,” and “Always agree.”
In another chapter, “The Ten Commandments of Evangelization,” he does the same with “Thou shalt always pray,” “Be not afraid” and eight other suggestions.
He emphasizes the importance of conforming to the Church’s teaching and paying attention to what the bishops and priests are saying to us.
A lengthy introduction by Matthew Arnold, also a Catholic speaker, is actually a brief biography of Barber.
While every reader may not immediately adopt all of Barber’s ideas, almost anyone can learn to take advantage of everyday opportunities to spread the faith.
“How to Share Your Faith With Anyone” by Terry Barber. Ignatius Press, San Francisco, Calif. 2013) 154 pp. $15.95 paperback
One of two local authors in this group, Peg Bowman, is known to many in the diocese from her years as both a catechist and a trainer in the Aurora Deanery. Her most recent book, “Liturgy and Catholic Identity,” is aimed at catechists. But the book would be valuable, also, to parents who want to understand and develop their children’s Catholic identity.
Her discussion of primary and secondary liturgical symbols, for example, explains the difference between water, a primary symbol, and ashes, a secondary one.
With her reminders, a teacher or a parent might look for new ways to help young people better understand the importance of symbols in liturgy and faith.
She also writes about ways to incorporate study of the liturgical year as seasons arrive, rather than as a section within other doctrinal discussions.
“We can begin by paying attention to the Sundays of the Church year. They mark our movement through each season,” Bowman writes.
She also urges “praying with” students, rather than “teaching them” prayers. And, in keeping with her liturgical theme, she suggests, for example, beginning lessons with the day’s Collect, which is the opening prayer for the Mass.
Each chapter also includes questions for reflection or discussion.
It’s easy to imagine a reader making notes for future classes or home projects with family.
Bowman’s book is part of a series, The Essential Catechist’s Bookshelf, from Twenty-Third Publications.
“Liturgy and Catholic Identity” by Peg Bowman. Twenty-Third Publications (New London, Conn. 2017) 96 pp. $9.95 paperback
Deepen your faith
The next three books are designed to help individuals delve into their faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus.
And after reading any of them, one may desire to rekindle study of the faith in order to join other Catholics in the New Evangelization or become a catechist.Sister Helena Burns, FSP, in “He Speaks to You,” speaks specifically to women of all ages to help them realize God is, indeed, speaking to them.
For each day of the year, she has composed a page with Scriptures, reflections, suggestions and prayers.
Sister Helena has “To Do” suggestions for the Marthas among us, and “To Journal” prompts for the Marys.
“But of course, we’re all called to be Martha and Mary,” she writes, “so try switching it up often!”
Entries for each month are centered around themes, such as “His Love,” “His Life,” and “His Cross.”
Perhaps the first time through the book, readers may want to start with that day’s date and read straight through the year. But it’s entirely possible to open the book at random and glean food for spiritual thought from any reflection.
Depending on one’s schedule, a few minutes with this book could be a great way to begin or end the day.
“He Speaks to You” by Sister Helena Burns, FSP. Pauline Books and Media (Boston, Mass., 2012) 384 pp. $12.95 paperback
Instead of a full year of reflections, Kelly designed this book as a 40-day retreat.
Obviously ideal for use during Lent, a reader could also dig in on Nov. 15 and continue through Christmas.
But the author doesn’t think it’s necessary to wait for an “appropriate” liturgical season to “Rediscover Jesus.”
“The best time,” Kelly writes, “to rediscover Jesus is now.”
Each of the reflections he provides is based on a theme, such as “The Soul of the Gospel” and
“Man’s Ways and God’s Ways.”
At the end of each brief story, Kelly includes a “Point to Ponder,” a “Verse to Live,” a “Question to Consider” and a “Prayer.”
Kelly’s book should be suitable for any reader, including junior or senior high school students.
“Rediscover Jesus” by Matthew Kelly. Beacon Publishing (North Palm Beach, Fla., 2015). 187 pp., $27 hardcover
The second local author in this collection is Deacon Michael Zibrun. Now a resident of Sycamore and member of St. Mary Parish there, for years he lived in the Archdiocese of Chicago.His “Timeless Advice” is a collection of short columns he has written for parish bulletins.
His reflections need not be read in order. In a folksy style, many of his titles begin and end with ellipses (...) and set a sort of theme for his thoughts.
In “... Redemption ...,” he opens with, “We’ve all experienced in life that moment ... when some real bad thing happens to some good person.”
He continues by talking about “faith crises,” the crosses we each carry, and tests of faith, to end by reminding us of Christ’s “strength, dwelling in us on our walk.”
He reflects on daily life in “... Here comes another ordinary week ... .” In it, he recalls “nothing special” days but also reminds us of St. Mother Teresa’s challenge to “do small things with great love.”
And in “ ... The New Models are out! ...,” he reminds us “there will be no changes to our Models (of faith) — as they remain the same as they have been for the 2000-plus years ... .”
“Timeless Advice” by Michael Zibrun. Archway Publishing (Bloomington, Ind., 2017) 125pp., $11.99 paperback
— Sharon Boehlefeld, features editor
Observer photos by Sharon Boehlefeld
