The Catholic Company Book Review - "Bambinelli Sunday" by Amy Welborn

NOTE: The Catholic Company is in the process of revising their book reviewer program, so this may be my last review for a while. 

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Today, I am reviewing Bambinelli Sunday by Amy Welborn. On the third Sunday of Advent each year, families gather in St. Peter's Square with their Christ Child nativity figures. The pope blesses these figures & the children during the Angelus prayer at Noon.

This story tells of young Alessandro who is staying with his grandparents while his parents are away. His grandparents live on the Via San Gregorio Armeno, a street in Naples full of shops where artists make figures for nativity sets. 

To help Alessandro pass the time & cheer him up while his parents are away, Grandfather shows him how to make his own clay figure of the Christ Child. They make plans to take the trip to St. Peter's Square on Bambinelli Sunday for the special blessing.

For the most part, I really liked this story. The illustrations are beautiful. Throughout the book are bright colors & Catholic details. On the shelf in Grandfather's workshop, there is a picture of Saint Padre Pio & you can see the crucifix hanging in the kitchen where Grandmother is working.

There were a couple parts, though, that bothered me. While playing ball with his new friends, he kicked it & knocked over a local shopkeeper's display basket. This was the point when Grandfather decided to teach him to make his own figure, but he didn't encourage Alessandro to make amends to the other shopkeeper. He almost brushed it off by saying that the shopkeeper had plenty to refill his basket.

There was another instance when Alessandro made a bad choice after dropping his Christ Child figure. While Grandfather showed great understanding & unconditional love, Alessandro didn't receive any discipline. I'm not saying he should have been harshly punished, but there wasn't even any discussion over his action.

I let my children read this book to see what they thought. They liked the story, also. We used the above mentioned instances as teaching moments in apologizing & making amends when we do something wrong.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith. 

The Catholic Company Book Review: Catholic Mom's Cafe

For the past two months or so, I've been starting my morning with a cup of coffee & Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's Catholic Mom's Cafe...five minute daily retreats. This is my latest book to review for The Catholic Company's reviewer program.

This book centers around the three theological virtues...faith, hope, & love, rotating & focusing on one virtue each month.

Each day's reflection has four parts...
* Ponder is a quote centering on the month's theme of faith, hope, or love.
* Offer is a brief passage, also centering on the month's theme. These passages include personal reflections from the author & inspirational stories from the saint of the day or real life situations.
* Pray gives a short prayer, as well as the Act of Faith, Hope, or Love (depending on the month), The Our Father, The Hail Mary, & The Glory Be.
* Savor is an added bit of inspiration...a short sentence to carry throughout the day.


Some of the reflections include other prayer suggestions to help enhance the meditation for the day. All of the prayers are included at the beginning of the book & include the Prayer to St. Michael, Prayer for Spiritual Communion, a Morning Offering, & more.

Besides this book being by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle (a HUGE plus in itself!), one thing that struck me right away, before even getting into the excellent meditations, was that it includes the Nihil Obstat & Imprimatur (phrases which state that the book is free of Catholic doctrinal or moral error). This is something I've rarely seen in a devotional type of book.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. It's a treasure of inspiration for busy mom's & only takes about five minutes a day (or more if you're so inspired!) 


This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Catholic Mom's Cafe. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

The Catholic Company Book Review - "The Locket's Secret" by K. Kelley Heyne

The Locket's Secret is K. Kelley Heyne's first young adult novel. It is the story of 13 year old Carrie & her family's move across country, from Washington to Wisconsin, where her father is starting a new job. Leaving her friends, her home, & someone very precious to her, this move has been devastating for Carrie.

To help cope with the changes in her life, Carrie escapes into her make-believe world...the story of Princess Caritas & how she tries to save her royal family from her traitorous uncle.

From the very beginning, young adult readers will find themselves immersed in two stories...Carrie's real life & Princess Caritas' adventures. However, it soon becomes apparent that the stories are intertwined. A serious event scares Carrie & her family. It's only when her three year old brother asks her not to "go away" when she realizes that, as the oldest, she needs to be there for her brothers & not escape into Princess Caritas.

I felt this book was well written. As a homeschooling mom, I liked that Carrie & her brothers are homeschooled. The author homeschools her own children & was homeschooled herself. 

Also, the transitions between Carrie's life & Princess Caritas were easy to follow. It was nice to read a story written for young adults that gives them a sense of family, faith, & real life issues without all the agendas, violence, & inappropriate story lines common in many of today's young adult books. I had no qualms or hesitations in allowing my older two boys (ages 12 & 10) to read it. These boys read it within 3-4 days (& if you know these two Lego-loving addicts, reading a chapter book that quickly is a sign of a great book...even if it is mostly about a girl!)

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Locket's Secret. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

The Catholic Company Book Review: Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History

Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History by Matthew Bunson & Margaret Bunson is my newest review book for The Catholic Company. 

Geared toward the Catholic layperson, it includes biographies, places, writings, events, organizations, a section on anti-Catholicism, & other topics (including some hot ones!)  All dioceses in the U.S. are listed, as well as the Catholic history of each state.

It covers people who have had great affects on Catholic U.S. history (Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bing Crosby, Juan Ponce de Leon, Native American Catholics, popes & their influence on the Church in America), Catholic media (EWTN, National Catholic Register), & Catholic universities, 

There are well-detailed pencil drawings & portraits significant to Catholic U.S. history scattered throughout...Blessed John XXIII, Cardinal Bernard Law, Ethel Barrymore, Dorothy Day, & numerous cathedrals to name a few.

If the book seems overwhelming at first, a good place to start would be pages 11-20. There, one will find a chronology of U.S. Catholic history...key dates from 1492-2011. There are also four appendices: 
* Saints, Blesseds, & Venerables of America
* Missionaries to the Americas
* Catholics in Statuary Hall
* Cathedrals, Basilicas, & Shrines.

There is so much information packed into this encyclopedia. It would be a great reference for all Catholic families to have on hand. I look forward to using it often, especially in our family's homeschooling activities.

(This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Encyclopedia of U.S. Catholic History. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.)

The Catholic Company Book Review - Set Free: The Authentic Catholic Woman's Guide to Forgiveness by Genevieve Kineke

"Forgiveness is a decision,

not a feeling." (pg. 31)

I recently finished another great book for The Catholic Company's reviewer program..."Set Free: The Authentic Catholic Woman's Guide to Forgiveness" by Genevieve Kineke. 

As stated on the back cover, "...Genevieve weaves biblical truths and real-life stories together in a way that reveals the heart of forgiveness..." I think the word "weave" is the perfect word to describe her style of writing in this particular book. In a seamless way, she truly has woven each story (from trivial to traumatic) with biblical truths to support them.

Drawing on the fact that a woman's vocation is to love, Ms. Kineke helps her readers understand that forgiveness is essential in receiving the fullness of God's grace. The first few chapters explain this feminine vocation, as well as give a basic understanding of sin, grace, & forgiveness. She tackles some common adages..."forgive and forget" & "forgiving oneself". She explains the theological case for forgiving, using examples of Jesus & the saints. And she helps readers understand that forgiving leads to peace of mind, resulting in a freedom of the soul.

For many years, I have been struggling to forgive a wrong done to me. Did reading this book relieve that burden from me? No, but it did help me understand the process of forgiving & answered several questions I believe have been holding me back. While I am still not ready to fully forgive, I feel closer to it that I did prior to reading this book. The quote at the beginning of this post really caught my attention. Forgiveness truly is a decision!

I must say that I really like the simple image on the cover of the book, too. It features a small bird sitting on top of a birdcage. The cage door is open & the bird is looking upward, toward the freedom now within its grasp because it is no longer held back in the cage.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Set Free. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

The Catholic Company Book Revies - Catholic Update Guide to Vatican II

I am a product of the post-Vatican II world, born in the early 70s. For most of my life, my understanding on the Second Vatican Council consisted of knowing Mass was in English instead of Latin, the priest now faced the congregation, & fasting from meat was only on Lenten Fridays instead of every Friday year round. 

There were 16 documents consisting of 103,014 Latin words that came out of Vatican II...all completed between Oct. 11, 1962 & December 8, 1965. As a  busy, SAH-homeschooling mom, I know that I'll probably never be able to read AND comprehend all of those documents. 

Enter the Catholic Update Guide to Vatican II. This small book (54 pages, including five chapters, an introduction, & a conclusion) explains, in simple to understand terms, what the Second Vatican Council was, who was involved, & what it means for us today. Each chapter ends with a set of questions for further reflection, making this a great little book for personal or small group use. 

Do I consider myself an expert on Vatican II now that I've read this book? No, nor do I believe that was the intent of the editor. Whether you're a lifelong Catholic, brand new to the Faith, or somewhere in between, you will gain much knowledge from this guide to Vatican II. And by gaining a basic understanding of these documents, may learn to recognize the fruits produced during this momentous council in our Church's history & what is to come for us.

"It has been said that a Church council's vision is not realized until the third generation--two generations after those who held the Council. Our Church today includes adults of this third generation." (pg. 51)

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This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Catholic Update - guide to Vatican 11. The Catholic Company is the best resource for gifts for every Sacrament celebration, such as First Communion gifts and Baptism gifts, as well as a great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and resources.

The Catholic Company Book Review - "Umbert the Unborn: A Womb With a View"

In various magazines over the past few years, I've seen the Umbert the Unborn comic & enjoyed the antics of this baby prior to his birth. So, when I saw Umbert the Unborn: A Womb With a View by Gary Cangemi on the list of books to choose for The Catholic Company's reviewer program, I couldn't resist getting it.

Mr. Cangemi created Umbert the Unborn in 2001. The back cover of the book states, "Umbert's purpose is to give a voice, personality, and humanity to the unborn child and to change the hearts and minds of the 'born' and the way we view life in the womb."   

This was a great book for our whole family. In fact, both of my older boys snatched it up & read it several times before I even got to it. They really enjoyed it & kept asking me if I'd read it yet. 

The beginning pages explain how the Umbert comic strip came to be. The rest of the book includes sections of the comic that appear weekly in many publications across the nation. Titles of these sections include "Out of the Mouths of Unborn Babes," "Womb Service," "God's a Genius," & more. 

"Umbert's Facts of Life" are little bits of information regarding the pro-life movement, a baby's development in the womb, & other interesting facts. They appear throughout the book. It made this momma's heart proud to hear her sons share these facts with us..."Mom, did you know that 'legalized abortion has killed more Americans than all of its wars combined'?"  (found on page 44) 

Mr. Cangemi was once asked when Umbert will be born. He said, "...the day when the natural right of all children to be born was guaranteed in law - that will be Umbert's birthday." (pg. 7) 

With the many offensive comics out there these days, it's refreshing to have Umbert the Unborn on our book shelf...a book I don't have to worry about my children reading.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Umbert the Unborn - A Womb with a View. The Catholic Company has great gift ideas for all seasons of the liturgical year, be sure to check out their Advent selection and Catholic Christmas Gifts.

 

The Catholic Company Book Review - "Candy Canes in Bethlehem"

Candy Canes in Bethlehem 

by Miriam Van Scott

Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

Five year old Daniel is given the task of setting up the nativity scene for All Saints Parish. What starts as a boring task, while other children seem to have more important & special ones, soon becomes a fun lesson in how people of various cultures celebrate Christmas. Learn along with Daniel why a kangaroo or an origami crane are placed alongside the Holy Family & the Wise Men.

I found this to be a sweet story of a young boy discovering what Christmas truly means for all the world. I asked my older two boys (ages 12 & 9) to read it & let me know what they thought. Then I read it to my younger daughter & son (ages 7 & 4). While I think the book is geared more toward lower elementary aged children, all of my children really liked the story & it will be a welcome addition to our Christmas book collection.

The author does mention a website to go along with the book that includes recipes, crafts, trivia & more. However, when I went to look it up prior to writing this review, the site was under construction & not available. I hope this is only temporary. While the book briefly touches on the various traditions, I think it would make a great introduction to an in-depth study of how Christmas is celebrated around the world & the website would be a great help in that study.

 This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Candy Canes in Bethlehem. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your family Advent activities and supplies this year, such as Advent wreaths and calendars for kids, as well as Christmas decorations such as nativity scene sets and religious Christmas gifts for the whole family.

The Catholic Company Book Review - St. Catherine Laboure and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Saint Catherine Laboure and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP is the second book in the Encounter the Saints Series by Pauline Books and Media. (I previously reviewed St. Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life.) This 119 page book includes 20 chapters, a prayer to St. Catherine, & a glossary of terms used throughout.

This book details the life of a young, French farm girl who joined the Daughters of Charity, encountered the Blessed Virgin Mary, & introduced the Miraculous Medal to the world. I found this to be a delightful, informative book that would make a great read aloud for younger children & an easy to understand chapter book for preteens.

Like many saints, Catherine's life was not always pleasant. She lost her mother when she was nine & had to take on more responsibilities around the family farm. After seeing a statue of Mary in her mother's room, she decided from that moment on, Mary would be her mother. 

Shortly after she entered the Daughters of Charity, she had several encounters w/ Mary, who asked Catherine to have a medal made w/ the image we now know to be The Miraculous Medal. Throughout the rest of her life, Catherine never revealed (except to her spiritual director) that she was the one to whom Mary appeared. It was only after her death that her story was known to the world, Catholics & non-Catholics alike. In fact, our family's previous mechanic (not a Catholic) once commented on the Miraculous Medal on my key chain. He said that he carried one during his years of military service & truly believed it kept him safe.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Catherine Labouré . The Catholic Company is a great resource for tools to help you participate in the Year of Faith, including Year of Faith bible studies and exclusive Year of Faith personalized gifts. The Catholic Company also has all your Advent needs in stock, such as Advent calendars and Advent wreaths.

The Catholic Company Book Review - Saint Who? by Brian O'Neel

I recently finished Saint Who? 39 Holy Unknowns, written by Brian O'Neel...my newest review book for The Catholic Company.

There are thousands of saints recognized within the Catholic Church. Mr. O'Neel has researched 39 saints & blesseds who are not as well-known, but are no less important, than perhaps St. Francis of Assisi, St. Therese of Liseaux, or St. Augustine.

Here, in this book, we learn about St. Pietro Parenzo...a politician in Heaven, The Martyrs of Otranto...known as the Bravehearts of Italy, & St. Mary Helen MacKillop...canonized in 2010 & had been excommunicated at one point during her life, just to name a few.

Each section includes the saint or blesseds name, date of birth & death (if known), canonization date, & a description of what lead to their holiness as a saint or blessed. There is a conversational tone to Mr. O'Neel's writing, which makes for an easy & interesting read. I almost felt like I was sitting in the same room w/ him as he told stories of these great men & women.

I really enjoy reading about the lives of our Catholic saints & this book was no exception. One thing that struck me right away was the Dedication at the front of the book. Usually there is just a short dedication that barely takes up a few lines w/ just a name or two on a page in most books. Mr. O'Neel's was two pages long & after listing his wife & children, he honored his high school AP English teacher. His description of this man makes me wish that all students could have a teacher like him! Reading this Dedication lead me to know for certain that I was going to like the book in its entirety.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Who?. The Catholic Company is also a great online store for all your Catholic gift needs, such as baby baptism and christening gifts. You can also find a wide selection of Catholic Bible Studies for both parish groups and individuals, as well as a variety of other Catholic Bible study resources.

The Catholic Company Review: Praying the Rosary for Intercession

While I am a Cradle Catholic, the Rosary has not always been something I prayed regularly. In fact, it's only been within the past few years that it has become a part of my prayer life.

When I saw Praying the Rosary for Intercession by Catherine M. Odell on the list from the Catholic Company's review books, I was immediately drawn to it for two reasons. One, it's about praying the Rosary & I'm always interested in new ways to focus my prayer. Two, I previously reviewed one of Ms. Odell's books for The Catholic Company (Those Who Saw Her: Apparitions of Mary) & was quite pleased with it.

Intercessory prayer has been around since Old Testament times...think of Abraham pleading with God on behalf of Sodom & Gomorrah. So, while the idea of intercessory prayer is not new to us, perhaps praying the Rosary as a means of intercession may be for some.

The introduction gives the reader suggestions on how to use the book. It is followed by sections on intercessory prayer and the history of the Rosary.

Then comes the meat of the book, four sections which break down each of the four mysteries of the Rosary. Each section has the scripture passage for that particular part of the mystery, a reflection on the historical background or explanation, The Rosary in Our Lives (which gives a real life experience or story related to the mystery), a prayer, & a list of suggested intentions to help focus your meditation.

The last section explains how to pray the Rosary & includes all the prayers used. It also serves as a quick reference, repeating the prayers & intentions for each mystery that were listed earlier in the book.

I really liked the way this book was laid out. It was easy to read & understand. Whether you're new to praying the Rosary or have prayed the Rosary all your life, I think you will gain many wonderful insights on the power of intercessory prayer through the Rosary.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Praying the Rosary for Intercession . This is also a great Catholic gift store for all your seasonal shopping needs, such as Christian wedding gifts and Catholic Garden Gifts.

The Catholic Company Book Review - Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP with Patricia Edward Jablonski, FSP is my newest book review for The Catholic Company.
I first heard of St. Gianna in 2004 & was captivated by her story. This beautiful Italian wife, mother, & doctor had just been canonized by Pope John Paul II. So when I saw this on the list of books to choose from, I knew it would be great for our family.

This little book is part of the Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books & Media. It would make a great read aloud for younger children & an easy to understand chapter book for preteens. It includes 19 short chapters, a glossary, & a prayer to st. Gianna. I plan on adding it to my 11 year old's reading list for school in the fall.

Early in her life, she considered a religious vocation & had a desire to join her missionary brother in South America. God had other plans & in her mid 30s, she met Pietro Molla. They shared a great love of for each other & their marriage was a beautiful testament to their Catholic Faith. She firmly believed that ALL life was a gift from God & the He was the center of their lives.

They had plans for a large family. Between 1956 & 1959, they were blessed with the first three of their children. It was early in her fourth pregnancy when complications arose...a tumor was found near her baby. Out of love for her baby, she opted for the riskier of three options, surgery to remove the tumor. The other options would have aborted her pregnancy. The surgery was successful & she went on to give birth to a baby girl seven months later. However, St. Gianna only survived one week after giving birth.

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life tells her story from her childhood to her canonization in 2004. She lived her life in a way that exemplified the gift of life given by God. It's easy to see by her actions & choices why she has become a special pro-life saint.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Gianna Beretta Molla - The Gift of Life. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.

The Catholic Company Book Review - "A Mother's Bouquet: Rosary Mediations for Moms" by Sherry Boas

A Mother's Bouquet: Rosary Meditations for Moms by Sherry Boas is a book of Rosary meditations for moms. Each reflection includes the main focus of the decade, a brief Bible verse, & a reflection that relates that decade to the life of a mom. This 60 page book is more of a booklet, measuring about 4 by 5 1/2 inches...perfect for fitting into your purse or diaper bag.

I love using this for praying the Rosary in the wee hours of the morning, before the munchkins get up. Many times I have attempted to relate my own life experiences when praying the Rosary. Sometimes I've succeeded, but others have been more difficult. Sherry Boas has put into words what I was unable to.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on A Mother's Bouquet: Rosary Meditations for Moms. They are also a great source for a Baptism gifts or First Communion gifts.

The Catholic Company Book Review - The Saints in My Life

My latest book review for The Catholic Company is The Saints in My Life: My Favorite Spiritual Companions by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. After the last book of his that I reviewed, I jumped right on this one when I saw it as one of my choices.

Fr. Groeschel has chosen 19 saints who have become some of his favorite spiritual companions & friends. Some of them he's known since he was a child, while others he's met throughout the path of his life. Some saints known by everyone & some lesser known.Each saint's chapter has four parts to it: an introduction, a brief biography, how Fr. Groeschel's life was touched by the saint, & prayer or spiritual writing by or about the saint.

He didn't just touch on the stuff we already know...St. Francis of Assisi lived in poverty & loved animals, St. Maximilian Kolbe gave his life for a stranger at Auschwicz, St. Monica's prayers for her son St. Augustine were answered. Fr. Groschel went deeper. He tells us about St. Maximilian Kolbe's life & good works prior to World War II. He shows us that, despite the outbursts & cruelty of her husband, St. Monica's fervent prayers helped to convert him, too.

I really liked what he had to say about St. Francis & that there is so much more to him than we understand. He literally gave all to follow Christ & is "...possibly the most radical Christian the world had seen since the time of the apostles." (pg. 50)

Reading this book, I could hear Fr. Groeschel's gentle voice, as if he were right next to me reading it aloud! I highly recommend it!

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Saints in My Life: My Favorite Spiritual Companions by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

The Catholic Company Book Review - Shine: Choices to Make God Smile

Shine: Choices to Make God Smile by Genny Monchamp is a book for young children about the Fruits of the Spirit. Children (as well as adults) are faced with choices and decisions every day. When they choose to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control, they are shining for God. For each fruit, there is an example of a situation children might face in their daily lives and the solution that makes God happy.

There are two special note sections at the back of the book - one for parents and one for children.

While I didn't find anything over-the-top amazing about this book, I do think young children (ages 4-7) will enjoy the lessons that can be learned, as well as the cute illustrations. It is a good way to introduce children to the Fruits of the Spirit and show them how they can make God happy when they make the right choices in their daily lives.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Shine: Choices to Make God Smile. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

The Catholic Company Book Review - "Homegrown Faith" by Heidi Bratton

My latest review book for The Catholic Company is Homegrown Faith: Nurturing Your Catholic Family by Heidi Bratton. Because this is a review book, I did go through it faster than its intended purpose, but will definitely will return to it.

There are 52 reflections broken into four sections, one for each season of the year. Each reflection ends with four "Growing Spiritually This Week" questions/activities for further reflection. One of the recommended ways of using this book is to use one reflection each week for five days...reflection one day & the questions/activities on the following four days.

"Throughout this book, readers will find the recurring idea that faith is more often caught than it is taught; additionally, even when it is taught, I believe we can only effectively teach that which we love. This being the case, some of the devotions in this book are aimed specifically at helping moms and dads grow in their love and understanding of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. The principle of faith here is the same as that of an airplane oxygen mask--we need to put our own on first, and then we'll be able to help those around us." (pg. xviii)

I LOVE that last sentence...so true!

One of the things I liked most about this book are the analogies she uses. For example, on page 157, she compares Ephesians 6:13 about putting on the full armor of God to wearing complete soccer gear, including cleats. We need to be properly equipped to be firm in our Catholic Faith. On page 115, she tells us that building our children's character is like building a rock wall. (I'll let you read what she has to say about that!)

The reflections are short & will fit into any busy parent's schedule. The questions/activities range in variety from simple to challenging. You can choose to do them all or only those that your feel able to at this time. As I said above, I will definitely be returning to this book. It will fit in perfectly with my early morning readings & devotions.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Homegrown Faith. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic Bible, & many other great Christmas gift ideas!

The Catholic Company Book Review - "Why am I Here?" by Matthew Kelly

Internationally renowned speaker & author, Matthew Kelly, has written his first book for children. Why am I Here? is the story of Max, a little boy who wants to know why he is here on earth. Max asks his grandfather while they are fishing one Saturday. Following the theme of Matthew Kelly's other books, Grandpa tells Max that his purpose is to become the best version of himself. Trying to be someone or something other than himself will only result in failure (an important lesson for all of us!)

Throughout the rest of the book, we see Max making choices by asking himself which will result in a better version of himself. We also see how his new view of life affects others, encouraging them to do the same. He doesn't always make to right choice...but then again, do we?

I found this to be a delightful book for children & adults. The cartoon-like illustrations by Hazel Mitchell are so wonderful & really add to the story. Pay close attention to the fishing scenes with Grandpa!

Being the best version of yourself is a goal for each of us to reach for. Each day, we are faced with choices...some good, some not so good. The choice becomes simple if we only think of it in terms of our life's goal.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Why Am I Here?. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

The Catholic Company Book Review - God's on the Phone: Stories of Grace in Action

I just finished my latest review book for The Catholic Company...God's on the Phone: Stories of Grace in Action by Regis J. Flaherty. When I received this book & read the Introduction, I was a bit disappointed. My expectations were that these stories would be a compliation gathered from many different people, not just Mr. Flaherty's. Instead, this is a collection mostly of his own experiences and a few from people he knows.

That being said, I quickly realized what a treasure this book was. He includes thirty chapters of grace-filled experiences...times he was in the right place at the right time when he didn't think so at first, people who've helped him along his faith journey, people whose lives he influenced & those who influenced his life, etc. In each chapter, he describes his experience, quotes Bible passages & sacred texts, gives a prayer related to the experience, & even has questions for further reflection or group discussion.

This is a book that doesn't require a long time to read. Each chapter is no more than seven or eight pages long. You can read this book straight through or jump around to chapters of interest. Each chapter has a subtitle, making it easy to find a particular need. For example, chapter 12 Where is Your Heart?, is "on putting God first,." or chapter 25 A Hero and an Angel. is "on the works of mercy." I've marked numerous pages that stood out to me, pages I plan on returning to again & again.

God has graced us abundantly & this book can help us to open our hearts & minds to those graces.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on God's on the Phone. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

The Catholic Company Book Review - Listening to God with Padre Pio

This little book, Listening to God with Padre Pio compiled by Eileen Dunn Bertanzetti, includes 100 of St. Padre Pio's lesser known quotes. Each is followed by a scripture passage related to the quote. Many of his sayings focus on suffering because of his feelings for everyone. "...he felt everyone's pain, whether moral, physical, or mental." (pages 9 & 10)

I found this treasure of a book to be quite comforting at times, the quotes coming at the exact time I needed to read them. Each time I picked it up, God spoke to whatever I needed at that moment.

This is a book for people of all ages. It can be read at any time & for any length of time. Read from beginning to end, pick a page or two when you have a spare moment, read one quote per day for deeper reflection...the possibilities are endless. I even re-read some of the quotes & got something totally different the second time.

Whether you know a lot about St. Padre Pio or only a little, I'm sure you'll find comfort, love, & understanding in his words.

"Rely on Jesus for everything and all will work out well." (page 101)

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I have received no monetary compensation for this review...only a copy of the book for my honest opinion. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Listening to God with Padre Pio . They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church, a Catholic Bible, & much more!

The Catholic Company Book Review - Wholly Mary - Mother of God by Chris Padgett

In my two years of choosing review books for The Catholic Company, I have yet to be disappointed. Somehow, I almost always get the right book at the right time. Within two days, I felt called to my newest book review, Chris Padgett's Wholly Mary - Mother of God.

1) I checked the available books one Tuesday evening & it was not on the list. The next morning, it was the only one that had been added.

2) That night, at my prayer group gathering, one of my friends mentioned that she heard Chris Padgett speak on Catholic radio on the way to our gathering.

3) When I got home that night, Casinodad asked me to look up online a book he'd just heard about. When I found it, Wholly Mary - Mother of God was also listed. It turns out he was listening to the same radio program as my friend.

So, based on those three instances, I knew this would be my next review book. I ordered it that night & it did not disappoint!

Combining information on Mary from Scripture, Catholic Tradition, & some of the approved apparitions, Wholly Mary - Mother of God gives us a view of the whole Mary, Mother of God. Throughout the 14 chapters, Mr. Padgett gives us insight to Mary's position in a time when Jewish women were only wives & mothers, her relation to the Holy Trinity, her influence on the saints, praying the rosary, & much more.

In Chapter 5: Trailblazer for Heroic Spirituality, I really loved how he related Mary to foreshadowings in the Old Testament. For example (without giving all of them away):

"She is the saving ark, carrying within her the continuation of all that is Life." (pg. 45)

"Mary is the great women of old, such as Judith and Esther, defeating the enemy through strength and intercession." (pg. 46)

Chapters 8 & 9 are dedicated to praying the rosary. He briefly describes the four mysteries & gives insights/suggestions for praying the rosary as a family. I found his descriptions of his own family's rosary time very comforting...not all kids will be completely on board! There will be arguments, there will be distractions, but the important thing is to keep at it. It takes time to adjust to the practice of praying the rosary together. By trying out Mr. Padgett's tips, you will eventually find a rhythm that suits your family.

Mary is present in all aspects of our lives...in prayer, at Mass, in secular society, etc. All we need to do is call on her prayers & intercession. She points the way to her Son, Jesus.

"I'm sure you already realize that moms have a way of getting what they want, and what Mary desires is for her children to be entirely devoted to her Son, Jesus Christ." (pg. 2)

"A woman's work is never done!" How many times have we heard that phrase? Mary truly exemplifies that. Chris Padgett writes of Mary, "Her job isn't done until we are all with Jesus in Heaven, holding Him close to our hearts." That's a big task, but if anyone can accomplish it, Mary can!

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This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received no monetary compensation for this review, only a copy of the book. Visit The Catholic Company, to find more information on Wholly Mary - Mother of God. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.