This is Pope Benedict XVI's new encyclical, released in Rome on November 30, 2007. This edition, in book form, will be available in January, 2008. The encyclical is accessible and easy to read, theologically robust for the first three quarters of the letter and then concluding with a very deeply moving and profound message! A must read for every Catholic.

In response to the growing "Culture of Death," Pope John Paul II issued this encyclical which addresses theological and moral concerns regarding life issues such as abortion, euthenasia and contraception. The document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. The Voice of Your Brother's Blood Cries Out to Me From the Ground - Present - Day Threats to Human Life II. I Came That …

The second encyclical from Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict XVI’s second encyclical, Saved In Hope , (“Spe Salvi” in Latin) takes its title from St. Paul, who wrote, “In hope we have been saved”. In this special deluxe hardcover edition of the work, the Holy Father continues a line of thought he began with his first encyclical, God is Love . Love and Hope are …

In this age of doctrinal latitude and speculative innovation there is a pressing need for a comprehensive source book on authentic Catholic dogma that is magisterially anchored while at the same time both practical and non-voluminous. You have such a book in this English translation of Father Heinrich Denziger's Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum. Since it was first published a century and …

Dr. Edward N. Peters Available for the first time in a comprehensive English translation, this thoroughly annotated but easy-to-use presentation of the classic 1917 Code of Canon Law by canon and civil lawyer Dr. Edward Peters is destined to become the standard reference work on this milestone of Church law. More than just of historical interest, the 1917 Code is an indispensable tool for …

This instruction contains the following: Methods and Approaches for Interpretation Hermeneutical Questions Characterstics of Catholic Interpretation Interpretation of the Bible in the Life of the Church

  In three separate sessions, from 1545 to 1564, the Fathers of the Church met in Ecumenical Council at a small town in the Austrian Tyrol, named Tridentum-in English, Trent. That meeting-the Council of Trent-produced a large number of canons and decrees, condemned the errors of the Protestant Reformation, and shown as a beacon to all the world. Of the twenty Ecumenical Councils of the …

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reads "often the texts of Sacred Scripture are not quoted literally but merely indicated as a reference (`Cf.') in the footnotes. For a deeper understanding of those passages, the reader should go to the texts themselves. These Biblical references are a working tool for catechesis." This Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church Book of References …

Rod Bennett What was the early Church like? Contrary to popular belief, Rod Bennett shows there is a reliable way to know. Four ancient Christian writers—four witnesses to early Christianity —left us an extensive body of documentation on this vital subject, and this book brings their fascinating testimony to life for modern believers. With all the power and drama of a gripping …

This encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II was written to address the theological and philosophical issues concerning moral theology. At the time, the pope was very concerned about some non-Catholic views that had found their way into Catholic schools and seminaries. The document is divided into the following sections: Introduction Jesus Christ, the true Light that enlightens everyone …

For more than four centuries it was known simply as "The Roman Catechism" - the source, guide and standard for all other catechisms. Commissioned by the Council of Trent, written under the supervision of St. Charles Borromeo, and promulgated by St. Pius V in 1566, it was the most comprehensive and authoritative statement of Catholic doctrine ever published. Originally intended for …

Following the 1987 Synod of Bishops on the topic of the lay faithful in the Church, Pope John Paul II issued this letter detailing the theological and aspects of the role of the laity in the Church as well as their formation and mission. This document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. I Am the Vine and You are the Branches - The Dignity of the Lay Faithful in the Church …

This is the official liturgical law for the Roman Missal revised in 2002.  Includes all the adaptations for Masses in the United States and an index of important topics.

Decisions Required and Teens inspired:  Living a Strong Catholic Life This Bible was written for YOU!   Motivating and constructive, the Fireside Catholic Youth Bible speaks to you as a Catholic teen.  Enabling you to grow emotionally and spiritually in your Catholic faith, a collection of insightful and thought-provoking articles is presented in five comprehensive sections. …

A revised and improved translation of Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter, Humanae vitae .

Pontifical Council For The Family Because of the many problematic aspects of "sex education" in both secular and religious schools, the Pontifical Council for the Family issued this document which discusses the theology of sex, marriage and chastity and also sets guidelines and rights of parents in the education of their children. The document is divided into the following sections: …

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church United States Catholic Conference of Bishops The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church , a unique, unprecedented document in the history of the Church, serves as a tool to inspire and guide the faithful who are faced with moral and pastoral challenges daily. It is divided into five sections, an introduction, three parts, and a …

  Encyclical Letter of John Paul II, Redemptoris mater Introduction by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Commentary by Hans Urs von Balthasar Pope John Paul II's only encyclical on our Blessed Mother, with introduction by the Cardinal Prefect of the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and commentary by one of the world's leading Catholic theologians, Hans Urs von …

The Meaning of Vocation: In the Words of John Paul II Over the years, the Holy Father has said much about The Meaning of Vocation and how Catholics should respond to God?s call ? but it has been scattered through dozens of addresses he has given all over the world. Now at last this compact compendium collects the Pope?s choicest remarks on God?s call and how you should strive to hear and obey …

Edited by John Willis, S.J. The Fathers of the Church have been a vital source of wisdom and inspiration for countless saints, popes, peasants, and converts throughout the history of the Church. In this powerful one-volume library, Father Willis presents more than 250 selected doctrinal topics in an exhaustive selection of writings from the major sources of the Fathers. He lets the Fathers …

Father Luigi Gambero, internationally-known expert on early Christianity, presents an intriguing and comprehensive survey of the development of Marian doctrine and devotion during the first eight Christian centuries.  Focusing on the lives and works of over thirty of the most famous Church Fathers and early Christian writers, Fr. Gambero has produced a clear and readable summary of the …

General Directory for Catechesis Congregation for the Clergy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops An essential companion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church , the General Directory for Catechesis provides religious educators, teachers, and catechists with a single point of reference for all aspects of catechetical instruction, for content and pedagogy, as well as for methodology. …

The First Encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI. Everyone needs love.  Everyone desires love.  But not everyone understands love.  In fact, love is probably the most misunderstood subject in history.  In his first encyclical, Pope Benedict sets out to help clarify the meaning of love.  He examines the nature of various kinds of love - human love and divine love, eros, …

National Directory for Catechesis United States Conference of Catholic Bishops After years of collaboration, study, and writing, the National Directory for Catechesis is expected to be released in the spring of 2005. A companion to the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC), it builds on some of the core themes of the GDC like catechesis’ relationship to evangelization and worship, and …

As an Evangelical Protestant, Stephen Ray realized that the real issue dividing Catholics and Protestants was authority. Everything else was secondary to the issue of authority. Protestants accept the authority of the Bible alone, whereas Catholics understand the authority to be residing in the Magisterium, the Scriptures and the Sacred Tradition. Ray goes through the Scriptures and writings …

Scott Hahn Mike Aquilina There are no "self-made" success stories in the spiritual life. No do-it-yourself kits for aspiring saints. That's why Living the Mysteries is ideal for a family member, friend, or fellow parishioner who recently received the sacraments of initiation - baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. That's why it's perfect for a lifelong Catholic, too. The early …

Pontifical Council for the Family This practical document is meant for those preparing for marriage as well as those involved in preparing a couple for marriage. Sections include the importance of marriage preparation, the different stages of preparation from childhood within the family to the immediate preparation before the weddding and some comments about the actual marriage celebration.

This encyclical addresses the the notion that faith and reason are somehow incompatible and contrary in nature. Sections Include: Introduction I: The Revelation Of God's Wisdom II: Credo Ut Intellegam III: Intellego Ut Credam IV: The Relationship Between Faith And Reason V: The Magisterium's Interventions In Philosophical Matters VI: The Interaction Between Philosophy And Theology VII:Current …

As part of the Gratianus Series , Wilson and Lafleur and the Midwest Theological Forum are pleased to announce the co-publication of the newly revised Code of Canon Law Annotated . Since its original publication in 1993, this Second Edition of the sixth Spanish language edition offers more than 2,100 pages of legal texts and commentaries to each canon and provides a thorough, practical …

To Teach As Jesus Did A pastoral message on Catholic Education

Athanasius (c. 295-373), Bishop of Alexandria, spiritual master and theologian, was a major figure of 4th-century Christendom.  The Life of Antony is one of the foremost classics of asceticism.  The Letter to Marcellinus is an introduction to the spiritual sense of the Psalms.

This letter addresses the topic of spreading the faith in the modern world. Sections Include: Introduction I: From Christ The Evangelizer To The Evangelizing Church II: What Is Evangelization? III: The Content Of Evangelization IV: The Methods Of Evangelization V: The Beneficiaries Of Evangelization VI: The Workers For Evangelization VII: The Spirit Of Evangelization Conclusion Endnotes

A Pastoral Resource of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy Pastoral Liturgy Series 1 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops An essential resource for “liturgical formation of the People of God,” Introduction to the Order of Mass offers a detailed guide to the celebration of Mass, from introductory to concluding rites. An accompaniment to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal , …

Pope Paul VI A prophetic encyclical on the dangers of birth control, the problems it causes in society and the possible moral uses of natural family planning. Pope Paul VI saw clearly the problems inherent in the rising culture of death.

This encyclical on the importance and issues concerning labor was issued on the 90th anniversary of the famous encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII. It contains the following sections: Introduction Human Work on the Nintieth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum In the Organic Development of the Church's Social Action and Teaching The Question of Work, the Key to the Social Question Work and Man …

This document from Vatican II addresses the reception of Divine Revelation and how it is passed through the Church. The document includes the following sections: Preface Chapter I: Revelation Itself Chapter II: Handing on Divine Revelation Chapter III: Sacred Scripture, It's Inspiration and Divine Interpretation Chapter IV: The Old Testament Chapter V: The New Testament Chapter VI: Sacred …

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;        Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end …

This document includes the following: Jesus Christ, the Only Savior The Kingdom of God The Holy Spirit:  the Principal Agent of Mission The Vast Horizons of the Mission Ad Gentes The Paths of Mission Leaders and Workers in the Missionary Apostolate Cooperation in Missionary Activity Missionary Spirituality

A one-of-a-kind anthology of the most significant and timeless writings of the Catholic Church from the first through the twentieth centuries. The Heart of Catholicism: Essential Writings of the Church from St. Paul to John Paul II is a font of inspiration and information for all Christians. Presented in historical order, the entries contain information about the authors as well as excerpts …

Pope John Paul II This encyclical is the latest study of the Pope on the theology and importance of the Eucharist. Topics include: The theology of the Eucharist The importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church The relationship between the priesthood and the Eucharist The Eucharist as a point of unity - and separation - among Christians The importance of the liturgy and …

This timely document was written to lay out the theological nature of sexuality and the educational rights and responsibilities for the young concerning sex and sexuality. The book also includes the Charter of the Rights of the Family issued by the Holy See in 1983. The document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. Some Fundamental Principles II. Responsibility in Putting …

This collection of official Catholic teaching on education is a rich body of work spanning almost the whole of the twentieth century, on the related themes of Catholic education and catechesis. The documents have been collated and edited with a view to enabling Catholic educators to appreciate more fully the riches of the tradition in which they exercise their vocation. It should serve as a …

This book brings together the writings of the popes on sacred music.  Many of these documents are almost totally unknown, some are found only in Latin, and a great number are inaccessible to the average musician.  They form a vast panorama of legislative thought.  Fragmentary references are found in the writings of such early popes as St. Damascus (375-384), St Celestine …

This document addresses the following: Meaning and Value of Old Age Older Person in the Bible Older People's Problems are the Problems of Us All The Church and Older People Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Older People

This instruction covers the following: Liturgical formation of Clerics and Faithful Vernacular translation of liturgical texts The Rite of the Mass Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals Divine Office Proper Construction of Churches and Altars

This document discusses the final article of the baptismal Creed dealing with "life everlasting."

Pope John Paul II This broad-ranging document on the family is a guide for families and those who minister to them. It includes sections on the importance of the family, dangers faced by families, educational rights and responsibilities, pastoral care, morality and theology.

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;        Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end …

This new edition presents more material from more of the Fathers.  Also new with this edition is a section on selected Mothers of the Church, holy women from Christian antiquity.

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul II Reconciliation and Penance in the Mission of the Church Today "To speak of reconciliation and penance is for the men and women of our time an invitation to rediscover, translated into their own way of speaking, the very words with which our savior and teacher Jesus Christ began his preaching: 'Repent, and believe in the …

St. Gregory of Nyssa This great spiritual master of the fourth century was born as the general persecution of Christians was ending. One of the Greek Cappadocian Fathers (the other two were Gregory's brother, St. Basil the Great, and their mutual friend, St. Gregory Nazianzen), Gregory has come to be regarded increasingly as the most brilliant and subtle thinker and most profound mystical …

From time to time, all Catholics have them: nagging questions about church life, often prompted by some personal encounter or challenging situation: - Is a layperson allowed to preach a homily? - Is a pastor required to report to someone regarding parish finances, or is he on his own? - It seems like the parish council is running your parish. Does it have the authority to do so? - Must a child …

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;        Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end …

This document from Vatican II describes the duties and responsibilities of the laity in their mission within the Church. Sections Include: Introduction I: The Vocation Of The Laity To The Apostolate II: Objectives III: The Various Fields Of The Apostolate IV: The Various Forms Of The Apostolate V: External Relationships VI: Formation For The Apostolate Exhortation Footnotes

Pope John Paul II This letter contains the Pope's thoughts on the Rosary as well as his historic proclamation of the new Mysteries of Light which were added to the Rosary following the promulgation of this document. Topics include: The popes and the Rosary Reasons to pray the Rosary The theology of the Rosary How to pray the Rosary

Early Christian Writings Translated by MAXWELL STANIFORTH Revised translation, introductions and notes by ANDREW LOUTH The writings in this volume cast a glimmer of light upon the emerging traditions and organization of the infant Church, during an otherwise little-known period of its development. A selection of letters and small-scale theological treatises from a group known as the Apostolic …