Pope, youth minister offer ideas for bringing back young Catholics

(Observer photo)

The statistics are staggering: Roughly one-third of young Catholics in the United States leave the church before their 18th birthday.

Understandably, those who work with them are very concerned by the numbers and are engaged in conversations about what can be done to stem the tide of those departing, and to bring back those who have left. These two books are a welcome contribution to that conversation.

Explore virtues through Great Books

(CNS photo)

In our present political age when blaming and counter-blaming is all government seems able to do and public discussion is focused on finding fault, it is refreshing to have a new book that focuses on humanity's good behaviors.

In "On Reading Well," author Karen Swallow Prior uses pieces of fiction to show how a virtue is illuminated in a narrative. She uses "Persuasion" by Jane Austen to illustrate the virtue of patience, "Ethan Frome" for chastity and "A Tale of Two Cities" for justice. Sometimes a work of fiction such as "The Great Gatsby" illustrates a virtue by showing the moral opposite of a virtue; temperance is discussed by showing intemperance.

Author’s journey confronts privilege

(CNS photo)

It can be a shock to realize the advantages a person enjoys simply because of the socioeconomic and racial background from which she comes. While some people in today's volatile political climate hesitate to discuss these issues even with friends and family, this book invites readers to dare to examine the privileges they enjoy and to talk about them.

America's first black priest has lessons to teach us today

(CNS photo)

Although he died over 120 years ago, Father Augustus Tolton is a man for our times and his story deserves telling. It is the story of America's first recognizably black Catholic priest and his faith, perseverance and holiness.

Joyce Duriga's recent volume on his life for Liturgical Press' "People of God" series is the latest contribution to the telling of his story.

Father Tolton's story has spread in recent years, mostly due to the opening of the cause for his canonization in 2010. The late Cardinal Francis E. George stated in 2014 that introducing Father Tolton's cause was "one of the most important, if not the most important" ecclesiastical actions he had taken in his nearly 17 years as archbishop of Chicago. 

Stories inspire with moral leadership

(CNS photo)

"Moral Leadership for a Divided Age" is an inspiring read and provides food for thought on 14 recognizable leaders who have made an impact on the world stage.

Authors David P. Gushee and Colin Holtz follow a pattern where each chapter gives an overview of the historical context in which this leader lived and the early life of the individual, then describes the moral decisions that secured their place in history as leaders worthy of admiration.

Book recounts Notre Dame's fight against Ku Klux Klan

(CNS photo)

This excellent book will engage Catholic readers with the history not only of University of Notre Dame but also of the anti-Catholicism that prevailed in much of America up to and even after the Second World War.

It centers on a violent clash between the students of the university and a much larger group of members of the infamous Ku Klux Klan in South Bend, Indiana, in 1924.

Books to give young readers

(CNS photos)

Consider these books that teach the faith and worthwhile principles for Christmas giving.

"Paul Writes (a Letter)" by Chris Raschka. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2018). 40 pp., $17.

It's no surprise author and illustrator Chris Raschka is a two-time Caldecott Medal winner. The watercolor map of St. Paul's travels throughout the Roman empire immediately hooks readers and welcomes them into an ancient biblical world reinvigorated with contemporarily edited prose and gorgeous lettering. St. Paul is introduced to children as a friend, speaking tenderly in a common language. He calls to mind God's love, God's commandments and offers his own divinely inspired lessons. "You reap what you sow. If you begin something out of badness, badness will grow," he said, adding, "Please don't bother me if you don't like this letter." He gently reminds the "busybodies" out there to "please stop that and quietly get back to your own work" and introduces his friends Prisca, Luke and Aquila throughout his letters. Ages 6 and up.