The Reference Books category features source books for the Catholic faith including dictionaries, almanacs, catechisms, encyclopedias, Canon Law books, and survey books.

Lent, the season of preparation for Christ’s Resurrection at Easter, is for many Catholics a special time of prayer, fasting, and renewed spiritual focus. There is no other period in the liturgical year that so completely draws our attention to the things of God, and to the great themes and traditions of Christianity. The Essential Lenten Handbook provides everything readers need for a richer …

When the first American edition of the Catechism came out, it was an unexpected national bestseller.  Why?  Maybe it was because this book, in an age filled with doubts, teaches with authority.  it isn't an interpretation of what Catholics believe; it is what Catholics believe.  Here in one volume is the whole teaching of the Church, undiluted and uncompromised. These …

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.

Sign Of The Cross Explore the mystery of the ancient gesture that invites the Cross of Christ into our lives   Millions of Christians around the world use the sign of the Cross—and have done so for centuries—as a gesture of blessing. It is practiced when alone, during worship, before sleep, upon waking, before eating, before travel, and many other times throughout the day. But, what does …

The original 1885 Baltimore Catechism No. 3 , 1400 questions and answers.  An excellent teaching tool, it will surprise all with its amazing thoroughness and clarity.  Grades 7-10.

The Faith of Our Fathers: A Plain Exposition and Vindication of the Church Founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ by James Cardinal Gibbons The Faith of Our Fathers always has been an incredibly popular and successful book explaining the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith and why we hold them. It delves into the historical background of virtually everything people find hard to understand about …

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA), the new best-seller from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is the guide for Catholics who seek to deepen their Catholic faith as well as those coming into the faith. Who is the USCCA for? The USCCA is for Catholic adults, especially: Catechumens and Candidates in RCIA Small faith communities Men's and women's groups …

Gives the revised text of the Official Baltimore Catechism in a new and modern format and design, and explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features. PICTURES have been used profusely to aid in understanding each lesson. SACRED SCRIPTURE has been used extensively to give life to the formulas in which doctrine is expressed. This Catechism combines modern outlook and …

Are Catholics biblical illiterates? So goes the frequent question, proving that myths die hard. But Catholics ought to be able to answer the charge made by many non-Catholics in this regard. This book is a response to Fundamentalist critics and an explanation of the Catholic biblical tradition. The Catholic Church and the Bible is a significant scriptural study guide, published from a Catholic …

Anyone with a basic knowledge of Latin knows of the need for an up to date ecclesiastical dictionary of the Church's lingua materna. Here it is. Seventeen thousand definitions make up this concise hardbound corpus of ecclesiastical vocabulary. This dictionary will be an invaluable aid not only for the clergy, but for the faithful who cherish the Roman Liturgy and the beautiful hymns of old. The …

A valuable treasury of the most important Catholic teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Essential Mary handbook is an all-in-one resource for those who want a renewed appreciation of Mary's fundamental role and significance in the Church today. This book defines Mary's role in relationship to her son Jesus, as well as to God the Father and the Holy Spirit, and collects in one place …

From the Church’s greatest theologian: The essentials of Catholic doctrine — clearly and succinctly presented  Two years before he died, St. Thomas Aquinas — probably the greatest teacher the Church has ever known — was asked by his assistant, Brother Reginald, to write a simple summary of the Faith of the Catholic Church for those who lacked the time or the stamina to tackle his …

You've seen tabs for the Bible.  Now there are tabs for the Catechism of the Catholic Church.   Come packaged with directions.

Available Now! This is the official study guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in Q&A format.  Includes common prayers in Latin and English and is beautifully illustrated. If you're looking for a condensed version of the Catechism this is the book for you!

No Catholic should pass beyond age 16 without being able to answer clearly, both to himself and to others, the challenges of those who do not believe in God, who do not believe in Christ, or who do not believe in the Catholic Church. In this compact book, first published in 1928, Fr. John Laux gives both the student and the adult reader dozens of excellent, well-reasoned answers to the classic …

Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Writings of the Church Fathers, Summa Theologica, and the Douay-Rheims Bible.

This is the Grammar Book for the highly acclaimed Henle Latin Course for high school students.

In this complete lifetime reading plan, noted Catholic author and educator Father John A. Hardon has compiled an invaluable guide to books discussing what the Catholic Church is, what it believes, and what its great teachers have thought, felt, and imagined. Father Hardon journeys through the centuries to find the authors he believes can be read for spiritual profit. In his appraisals of over a …

Gregory Oatis Catholic Doctirne in Scripture is a compendium of scripture verses, topically arranged and easy to use, which confirm the scriptural affirmation of Catholic teachings - particularly those that Catholics and Protestants traditionally dispute. Of course, since it was the Church herself who - through the power of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon her by Christ - promulgated the book we …

Humanistic insight and linguistic training are the goals of this integrated four-year Latin course.  Time-tested and teacher endorsed, this comprehensive program is designed to lead the student systematically through the fundamentals of the language itself and on to an appreciation of selected classic texts.

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 …

Matthew Kelly At a time when many Catholics are disillusioned, questioning their faith, and filled with doubts about the relevance of Catholicism in the modern world, the voice of one young man cries out to the world's largest faith community with a clarity that is rare and inspiring. Rediscovering Catholicism takes us on an adventure of life-changing proportions. Beginning with our common …

Here it is - the first Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe in common. This book is the catechism (the word means "instruction") that will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of the …

Baltimore Catechism No. 1 The original 1885 edition with the famous phoneticized words and meanings. Clear and easy to use. Superb teaching tool for grades 4-7. Imprimatur.

A treasury of traditional private prayers along with familiar liturgical devotions that cover all aspects of Catholic heritage, The Essential Catholic Prayer Book is an easy-to-use, all-in-one resource for those looking for a more satisfying and varied prayer life. This book collects in one place prayers for holy days, holidays, or special occasions, prayers of blessing and contrition, prayers …

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 …

Imprimatur: Dr. Mutz - Vicar General, Freiburg-im-Breisgau.

Gives the revised text of the Official Baltimore Catechism in a new and modern format and design, and explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features. PICTURES have been used profusely to aid in understanding each lesson. SACRED SCRIPTURE has been used extensively to give life to the formulas in which doctrine is expressed. This Catechism combines modern outlook and …

The top book in the Church for young people offers teens answers to 200 questions about the Catholic Faith.  The question and answer format and clear, concise explanations make it an excellent resource and easy read for teenagers and adults alike.  It may have a silly title, but read it and you'll agree it's a great book.  Perfect for RCIA and Confirmation.

Who is Mary for us today? Pope John Paul II explored this question in a series of general audiences talks given from 1995 to 1997. Collected in this volume, these catechesis form an easy-to-follow course in Marian doctrine and devotion. Basing his thought on the Council's lead, the Pope places Mary in a scriptural and ecclesial context. The humble Virgin of Nazareth appears as she really was - …

Every Catholic at some time in his life has undoubtedly felt a desire to know the history of the Catholic Church.  But where to begin the study of nearly 2000 years?  Probably no book was better conceived or better executed to fulfill this need than Church History by Fr. John Laux.  Written expressly both for students and adults; anyone who becomes familiar with this book will …

 Here it is-the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics throughout the world believe in common.  This book is the catechism (the word means "instruction") that will serve as the standard for all future catechisms.    The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments, Church tradition and …

About this Book Incorporating the changes in the revised Code of Canon Law, this pocket edition of an important religious reference work presents over 2,000 clear and concise definitions of the Catholic Church's teachings on faith, worship, morals, theology, history, and spirituality. Compiled by the great orthodox Catholic scholar, Fr. John Hardon, S.J.

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 …

The new book from the best-selling "dynamic duo" priest-authors of Catholicism For Dummies. Fr. Trigilo and Fr. Brighenti can frequently be seen on EWTN co-hosting the popular series "Crash Course in Catholicism."  

  A CATHOLIC DICTIONARY is one of the most valuable Catholic books ever published and is a goldmine of information, with over 5000 entries explained briefly, clearly and authoritatively, all in an easy-to-use format. This famous book focuses on the essentials of each topic, giving facts, definitions and the traditional teaching, making clear distinctions, without confusing the issues with …

Fr. Thomas M. Santa , C.Ss.R. This entry in the best-selling "Essential" series is intended to help readers understand the place of the Bible in Catholic tradition, the history of how the Bible developed, a guide to its interpretation, and its use in prayer. Also included are such helpful aids as tips for preparing for the Sunday lectionary readings, Biblical prayer services for …

Review: “It is remarkable how the most significant facts are recorded here, even those of a legendary character. This makes the volume ideal for ready reference.”— National Catholic Register

Rev. Lawrence G Lovaskik, S.V.D. This little catechism is in a simple question/answer format and covers the following topics: Why I am in the World God The Blessed Trinity Creation God the Son God the Holy Spirit The Catholic Church The Seven Sacraments Prayer The Ten Commandments Sin Prayers to Remember This little book is a perfect gift for a child preparing for the Sacraments of …

How much do we really know about the lives of the Twelve Apostles? What did they do after Calvary? Where did they go? Since the Twelve Apostles left no detailed information about themselves behind, how is it possible to gather information as to their fate? While you could search through dozens of sources and hundreds of books for information on these apostles, C. Bernard Ruffin has collected …

Christian Cochini, S.J. He examines the question of when the tradition of priestly celibacy began in the Latin Church, and he is able to trace it back to its origins with the apostles. He examines evidence about the marital status of every known bishop, priest or deacon of the period and gives an exhaustive list of married clerics from apostolic times until the end of the seventh century, a …

Matthew Bunson Margaret Bunson Stephen Bunson Since it was first published, this has been one of our most popular reference books. Now it's thoroughly up-to-date, including all the saints most recently canonized and beatified by Pope John Paul II. No other book gives you so much information about so many saints, all in alphabetical order. Are you looking for inspiring stories? Do you want …

Are there really such things as "Catholic" manners? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" A distinctive etiquette code specific to Catholicism does exist - a code that is not always well-known or completely observed. With the refreshingly unbiased view of a convert, author Kay Lynn Isca has created a modern manual of Catholic "rites and wrongs" that helps all of us decipher and explore that code. …

This is a preorder item scheduled for release in Fall 2005. This is the official study guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in Q&A format.  Includes common prayers in Latin and English and is beautifully illustrated. If you're looking for a condensed version of the Catechism this is the book for you!

About this Book This thoughtful, fully accessible exploration of the Creed, the list of beliefs central to the Christian faith, delves into its origins and illuminates the contemporary significance of why it still matters. During services in Christian communities, the members of the congregation stand together to recite the Creed, professing in unison the beliefs they share. For most …

The Faith offers a popular guide, written in question-and-answer format that provides a faithful road map for those who want to fully embrace the teachings of the Catholic Church. In concise and clear language he explains the "what," the "why," and the "how" of the Catechism for the popular reader: what it's about, why it's important, and how to use it. A Servant Book.

Fr. Leo J. Trese The well-known Catholic apologist and spiritual writer illuminates the central elements of the Catholic faith-the Creed, the sacraments, prayer and the commandments-in a clear and vivid style. This Third Edition incorporates the many changes put into effect by Vatican Council II and the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. With this updating,  The Faith Explained …

The challenges to Christianity by unbelievers, doubters and would-be believers continue. Only the Handbook of Christian Apologetics categorizes and summarizes all the major arguments for all the major Christian teachings. In addition you will find compelling refutations of the principal arguments against Christianity. Topics Include: Faith and reason The existence of