New books offer valuable guidance in understanding the Mass

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"Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass" by Mark Hart. Word Among Us Press (Frederick, Maryland). 186 pp., $12.95.

"Mass 101: Liturgy and Life " by Emily Strand, Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri). 144 pp., $11.99. 

If it has been a long time since you read a book about the Mass, "Behold the Mystery" is a good one to read.
Author Mark Hart is a young adult, husband and father of four who is also executive vice president of Life Teen International, a "Catholic youth ministry leading teens closer to Christ." His book is a fine one for older teens, to be sure, but it will make ideal reading for anyone who wants to refresh his or her understanding of and appreciation for the Mass.

Reese to speak at Byron March 19

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ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St.
For more information, call Jeannine Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at JeannineH@byron.lib.il.us.
"Dedicated to God" is the One Diocese, One Book selection for this year.

Reese at Rockford’s St. Bernadette March 3

ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of Dedicated to God, will speak at St. Bernadette Parish, 2400 Bell Ave., here.
Reese will talk about turning her unprecedented inside view of Rockford’s Poor Clare nuns into a full length documentary film.
There will be a free will offering and a collection of paper products and cleaning supplies for the Poor Clares.
Part of the parish Lent activities, a Soup and Bread dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the talk will follow at 6:30 p.m.

New books provide spiritual reading during Lent or all year

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WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Here is a selection of recent releases that might be suitable for your spiritual reading during Lent or throughout the year.
-- "Lent with Pope Francis: Daily Reflections and Prayers," edited by Donna Giaimo, FSP. Pauline Books & Media (Boston, 2014). 124 pp., $7.95.
-- "Sacred Silence: Daily Meditations for Lent" by Phyllis Zagano. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2014). 132 pp., $9.99.

Author to Speak at Byron Library

ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St.
For more information, call Jeannine Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at JeannineH@byron.lib.il.us.

Author to Speak At Two Parishes

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ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of Dedicated to God, will speak at St. Rita Parish, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., at 7 p.m., Jan. 29. She will talk about turning her unprecedented inside view of Rockford’s Poor Clare nuns into a full length documentary film.
There will be a free will offering and a collection of paper products and cleaning supplies for the Poor Clares.
She will also speak at St. Bernadette Parish, March 3. Watch for details in upcoming editions of The Observer.

Consider Children’s Books for Gift Giving

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“Manger” poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Helen Cann. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014). 34 pp., $16.
Wild and domestic animals rejoice and give praise to the baby Jesus in this unique collection of poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. One by one, each awestruck and curious animal — from the cow to the spider — lends a voice to the chorus of Christmas celebration. Illustrated in lovely watercolor images by Helen Cann, this book will be enjoyed for many a Christmas season. Ages 4-8.

“Little Lamb Finds Christmas” by Cathy Gilmore, illustrated by Kim Wilson. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2014). 40 pp., $16.99.
Little Lemi is a curious lamb who has a habit of getting lost. Thankfully, his loving young shepherd brings him back home to the herd. One evening a glorious star beckons the shepherd to find a child king sleeping in a manger. Inquisitive Lemi follows after his shepherd, but loses his way until he too follows the light and finds the baby Jesus. With its splendidly real watercolor illustrations, “Little Lamb Finds Christmas” is a true gem that children and adults will enjoy time and again. Fans of this little lamb also will adore the main character in author Cathy Gilmore’s “Easter Bunny’s Amazing Day” about a frightened bunny who discovers the risen Jesus. Ages 3-6.