21st-century books for the modern Catholic
21st-century books for the modern Catholic

“Only God is aware of the benefits that may arise from reading a single good Catholic book,” remarked St. John Bosco. In a comparable yet more pressing tone, St. Alphonsus Liguori stated, “Without quality books and spiritual literature, it will be ethically impossible to save our souls.” This may appear somewhat drastic, but the saints throughout history have emphasized the significance of including spiritual reading in one’s prayer routine.
Spiritual masterpieces are perpetually accessible, but it’s essential to incorporate newer offerings that resonate with us as 21st-century Catholics into our reading lists. In our yearly spring book roundup, we showcase recent publications that tackle the issues of our contemporary time, including Christian outreach through emerging media, the reality of the Real Presence and ways to cultivate a devotion to Christ in the Eucharist in a skeptical world, optimal financial stewardship, guidance on parenting, and the value of righteous friendships. We also present a fresh memoir, a guide to Catholic America, along with several devotional books. Additionally, our selection includes numerous titles focusing on the lives of saints and holy figures — featuring a married couple, the female Doctors of the Church, and St. Joseph — allowing us to draw inspiration from the enduring teachings of those who have paved the way for us. So prepare your shopping cart and dive into reading!
I’m sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for me to rewrite. Please provide the text you would like me to work on.
“Be Bold in the Broken: How I Found My Courage and Purpose in God’s Unconditional Love”
Summary: Mary E. Lenaburg, the author of “Be Brave in the Scared,” returns with another insightful, candid, and uplifting book. After years of trying to conform to societal norms regarding her identity as a woman, Lenaburg heeded her father’s guidance — “Just be you, do your best, and let God figure out the rest” — and embarked on her path to self-acceptance, discovering her true self and the value she brings to the world. As described on the website, “Following Lenaburg’s lead in ‘Be Bold in the Broken’ will provide you with the strength and motivation to embrace who you are — the good, the bad, and the awkward — and to become the woman [or man] God intended you to be.”
I’m sorry, but it seems that you have not provided any text for me to rewrite. Please provide the content you’d like me to work on, and I’d be happy to assist!
“Beholding Beauty: Mary and the Song of Songs”
Summary: As Sonja Corbitt mentions in the introduction of the book, the Song of Songs “can daunt and even deter the occasional reader. Yet, this is not an ordinary book.” In contrast, Father Gregory Cleveland introduces this love poem located in the Bible and associates it with a figure familiar to many: Mary, the mother of Christ, the daughter of the Father, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. By using Mary’s illustration, Father Cleveland offers an invitation to all readers to explore their baptized vocation to connect with the Trinity.
I’m sorry, but it appears that there is no text provided for rewriting. Please provide the content you’d like to have rewritten, and I will be happy to assist you!
“Spiritual Direction from Dante: Ascending Mount Purgatory”
Summary: Earlier this year, marking the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s passing, Pope Francis described the renowned Italian poet as a “prophet of hope.” Indeed, his existence and creations continue to be a timeless gem that encapsulates the virtue of hope so urgently required in the current world. In the second volume of his trilogy delving into “The Divine Comedy,” Oratorian Father Paul Pearson uncovers the profound spiritual revelations embedded in Dante’s masterpiece, concentrating on the enigmatic nature of purgatory — a concept that should inspire hope among all Christians. As stated in the book description, “Purgatory is God’s compassionate strategy for enabling us to regain the joy and liberty of being human, the joy for which we were designed but which sin has suffocated and warped.” If you find Dante’s work daunting yet fascinating, Father Pearson’s book is the ideal starting point.
I’m sorry, but it appears that there’s no content provided for me to rewrite. Please share the text you’d like me to work on.
“Monuments, Marvels, and Miracles: A Traveler’s Guide to Catholic America”
Summary: Many individuals are eager to set up travel plans, whether for short or long distances. If you identify with this group, don’t forget to request a copy of “Monuments, Marvels, and Miracles,” a vibrant guide featuring over 500 sacred locations to explore throughout the United States. With its coverage of majestic cathedrals and small chapels, along with miracle sites and submerged sculptures, this book encompasses it all. Additionally, it offers narratives surrounding architecture, religious heritage, sacred items, and fulfilled prayers. Structured by state and region, this guide can assist you in organizing your upcoming vacation or spiritual journey. It includes websites, contact numbers, addresses, and other essential details to ensure that planning remains straightforward and enjoyable for many years ahead.
It seems that there’s no text provided for me to rewrite. Please include the content you’d like me to work on, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
“Being Catholic: What Every Catholic Should Know”
Summary: Intended for the typical Catholic wanting to deepen their understanding of their faith and culture, “Being Catholic: What Every Catholic Should Know,” authored by Suzie Andres, emphasizes Catholic traditions, customs, and practices — many of which have historically been central to the Faith but are now at risk of being overlooked. Andres communicates in a friendly, informal manner, addressing topics such as: the sacraments; the arrangement of a church; the structure of the Mass; the teachings regarding the Blessed Mother; the communion of saints; the liturgical calendar; the roles of popes, bishops, priests, and religious life; the various Catholic rites; the Bible and tradition; and methods of prayer. This book serves as a valuable tool for those participating in RCIA or for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge about Catholic beliefs.
I’m sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for me to rewrite. Please share the specific content you would like me to work on.
“#Rules_of_Engagement: 8 Habits for Being Good and Doing Good Online”
Summary: Compassionate, honest, and truthful may not be the descriptors many of us would choose for our social media interactions. More often, they tend to be hurtful, provocative, and misleading. Nevertheless, as Christians, we have a duty to utilize the “digital continent” for positive purposes. So, how can we effect that change? In her recent publication, Ann M. Garrido presents eight principles to empower Catholics to be a positive influence on social media: clarify your aim, recognize your sources, grasp bias, appreciate the individual, approach with curiosity, discuss intent and consequences, prioritize in-person communication, and conserve your energy. As Father Harrison Ayre mentioned in his review, this book “serves as an essential guide for navigating the digital content that has become part of the mission fields for the new evangelization.”
I’m sorry, but it seems that you haven’t provided any text for me to rewrite. Please share the content you’d like me to work on, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
“Women of Hope: Doctors of the Church”
Summary: Half a century ago, St. Teresa of Ávila was the inaugural woman recognized as a Doctor of the Church. Since that time, three others have been awarded this honor: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Hildegard of Bingen, and St. Catherine of Siena. In “Women of Hope,” Terry Polakovic, the co-founder of Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women), presents these remarkable figures who served as sources of hope during the difficult eras they experienced and endured. For contemporary Catholics who still encounter both enduring and emerging obstacles within our world and Church, these women continue to exemplify bravery, insight, and faith.
I’m sorry, but it appears that no text has been provided for me to rewrite. Please share the text you’d like me to work on, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
“Money Matters: Faith, Life, and Wealth”
Summary: “It barely requires validation that money plays a significant role in the daily lives of people, as well as being a vital aspect of the overall productivity of society,” state authors Paul Stevens and Clive Lim in “Money Matters.” They continue, “Jesus must have realized this, as he addressed money more frequently than prayer and heaven.” The authors treat “Money Matters” thoughtfully — steering clear of both the prosperity gospel and the vilification of material wealth. The insights from Stevens and Lim are theological, historical, and practical, concentrating on what it signifies to live with faithful integrity in our modern global economy. “Money Matters” offers perspectives to aid readers, churches, and society in becoming responsible stewards of money within today’s economic framework.
It seems you’ve entered a series of periods instead of text for rewriting. Please provide the text you would like me to rewrite, and I’ll gladly assist you!
“30 Days with Married Saints: A Catholic Couples’ Devotional”
Summary: In “30 Days with Married Saints,” authors Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski have crafted a straightforward yet meaningful devotional designed to assist Catholic couples in drawing nearer to Christ and to one another. Organized over a span of 30 days, each day starts with a brief prayer followed by a contemplation on the virtues exhibited by married saints, such as Mary and Joseph, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, St. Monica, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, among others. Additionally, each day features three “spiritual practice” tasks for couples to engage in together. In the introduction, the Lasnoskis express their intention for the book, stating, “We hope the vivid portraits of heroically virtuous spouses … will inspire you and your spouse in this journey of sanctity.”
I’m sorry, but it seems there is no text for me to rewrite. Please provide the text you’d like me to work on.
“way | truth | life, New Testament (NABRE)”
Summary: “Thomas said to him, ‘Teacher, we do not know where you are heading; how can we find the path?’ Jesus replied to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (Jn 14:5-6). In a fresh edition tailored specifically for teenagers and young adults, this New Testament (from the version utilized for the Mass in the United States) serves as an invitation to discover Christ through his Word, dynamic images that inspire deeper contemplation, and 21 original essays by young adults reflecting on how Scripture has impacted their lives. If you have a young individual in your life whom you wish to inspire in their connection with God, this would be an excellent resource to present them to the Word himself.
I’m sorry, but it seems that your request is blank. Could you please provide the text that you would like me to rewrite?
“Salt and Light: The Spiritual Journey of Élisabeth and Félix Leseur”
Summary: Born into an affluent French lineage, Élisabeth encountered the physician Félix Leseur. Both hailed from Catholic backgrounds, but just prior to their nuptials, Élisabeth discovered Félix’s atheism. “Salt and Light,” authored by Bernadette Chovelon, narrates the journey of a couple who navigated life’s seasons together; their bond was challenged, leading both to a profound spiritual metamorphosis. Élisabeth dedicated her sufferings for the conversion of her husband. Following Élisabeth’s passing, Félix came across his deceased wife’s writings. He converted while in Lourdes and dedicated the remainder of his life to God as a Dominican priest. The tale of this couple will resonate with numerous married pairs, particularly those where one partner struggles with a deficiency of faith.
It appears there is no text provided for rewriting. Please provide the content you would like me to work on.
“Running for a Higher Purpose”
Summary: Maintaining fitness has provided both physical and spiritual advantages to Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois. He is an avid marathon runner and hockey player, and he is excited to share in “Running for a Higher Purpose” the eight steps toward achieving spiritual and physical well-being. These steps encompass the following: assess your current fitness level; determine ways to enhance it; commit to implementing changes; persevere; rejuvenate your physical and spiritual health; harmonize physical and spiritual activities with the necessity of rest; experience personal fulfillment and rewards from reaching your objectives; and unify a sound mind and body on the journey to everlasting joy. The book is rich with practical running tips, dietary guidance, and faith-based exercises. Bishop Paprocki illustrates how running can strengthen our faith in Christ.
I’m sorry, but it seems you’ve entered a series of dots without any accompanying text to rewrite. Please provide the text you’d like me to work on, and I’ll be glad to assist you!
“Parenting Your Kids with Grace” and “Parenting Your Teens and Tweens with Grace”
Summary: Family therapist Greg Popcak and his spouse, Lisa, have reworked and updated their acclaimed book “Parenting with Grace,” which was originally released 20 years ago. Now divided into two separate volumes — “Parenting Your Kids with Grace” (birth to age 10) and “Parenting Your Teens and Tweens with Grace” (ages 11-18) — the Popcaks present current research to assist parents in navigating each phase of child development, providing practical solutions for typical challenges that all parents encounter. More crucially, their recommendations are firmly anchored in the Faith, as nurturing devout children — particularly teenagers and preteens — can often appear to be an insurmountable task today. In both of these books, Greg and Lisa Popcak equip parents with the essential resources to ensure Christ remains at the heart of their families.
I’m sorry, but it appears that your message is empty. Could you please provide the text you would like me to rewrite?
“365 Days of Catholic Wisdom: A Treasury of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness”
Summary: Author Deal W. Hudson’s “365 Days of Catholic Wisdom” serves as a volume intended for both initial and repeated reading. Hudson has tapped into 2,000 years of Church heritage and possesses an insight that the Church engages with the intellect of the theologian and philosopher, while also resonating with the spirit of the saint and the vision of the poet. His 365 reflections present words of wisdom, veracity, and beauty from Catholic thinkers, including theologians, philosophers, saints, mystics, poets, novelists, and historians. He also provides a concise overview of each Catholic intellectual. The saints featured range from Augustine, Ambrose, and Thomas Aquinas to Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, and St. Teresa of Calcutta—all pertinent to the faithful in an era marked by disorder.
It seems that you’ve provided a placeholder instead of a specific text to rewrite. Please share the text you would like me to rephrase, and I’ll be happy to assist!
“Brilliant! 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People”
Summary: A few years back, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University released findings indicating that a primary reason young Catholics are departing from the Faith is their perception that the Church’s doctrines clash with scientific principles. David Michael Warren’s recent book aimed at younger audiences challenges that misleading notion, presenting 25 individuals as instances of how Catholics have historically led in significant advancements in science and mathematics. From familiar figures (like St. Hildegard of Bingen, Louis Pasteur, and even Pope Francis) to lesser-known names, Warren narrates their stories and illustrates how they made contributions across various scientific fields, encompassing astronomy, physics, microbiology, genetics, and beyond.
I’m sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for me to rewrite. Please supply the content you’d like me to rephrase, and I’ll be happy to assist!
“How to Be Miserable and Alone (Or Discover A Life that Truly Matters)“
Summary: “Each minute of the day, we are urged to sense a significant deficiency in our lives as they currently exist, and that the sole enhancement available lies in the viewpoint.” du jour,” states Kaiser Johnson in the introductory section of “How to Be Miserable and Alone.” Johnson aims to make us aware that the guidance we receive from society is detrimental to our well-being. He addresses these fallacies and proposes a remedy: “The Incarnation of God. Jesus Christ and his Mystical Body, the Church, provide the solution to every inquiry we might imagine.” For numerous Catholics, we often neglect to turn to our beliefs. He outlines the cultural guidance, follows it with insights from a Catholic philosopher, and further elaborates that the world’s answer is not necessarily “the” answer.
I’m sorry, but it appears that your input is blank. Please provide the text you would like me to rewrite, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
“True Friendship: Where Virtue becomes Happiness”
Summary: Throughout the last year, one of the more fascinating societal elements of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the preservation and nurturing of relationships. Isolation and feelings of loneliness had significant impacts, emphasizing the vital role that genuine friendship plays in our lives. John Cuddeback’s work “True Friendship,” first released in 2010, has seen a timely update with its second edition. Cuddeback, who teaches philosophy at Christendom College, employs Aristotle’s insights regarding the relationship between happiness and virtuous living to establish a basis for what constitutes true friendship. He then expands on this basis by weaving in lessons from Scripture, the saints, and others, providing readers with an insight into how cultivating genuine friendships can aid in forming a true and enduring connection with God.
I’m sorry, but it seems like your message is empty. Could you please provide the text you’d like me to rewrite?
“Our Companions in the Sky: Volume 1 and Volume 2“
Summary: In 2019, Pope Francis expressed that the saints residing in heaven are not distant figures, but rather “are individuals who have undergone the daily struggles of life with its triumphs and setbacks, finding in the Lord the strength to rise again and continue their path.” In the fourth edition of “Our Friends in Heaven,” the Daughters of St. Paul provide intermediate readers a chance to engage with these saints each day of the year. From well-known saints to those they may encounter for the first time, the Daughters of St. Paul bring these holy figures to life by narrating the distinctive and motivating stories of their experiences. What better way to cultivate new saints than by presenting young people with those who devoted their lives to holiness?
I’m sorry, but it seems like there is no content provided for me to rewrite. Please provide the text you’d like me to work on, and I’ll be happy to assist!
“A Man Named Joseph: Guardian for Our Times”
Summary: In his papal letter Patris Corde In proclaiming the Year of St. Joseph, Pope Francis noted that “each of us can find in Joseph — the individual who remains unnoticed, a daily, subtle, and hidden presence — an intercessor, a source of support, and a guide in difficult times.” In his latest work, “A Man Named Joseph,” author, podcast host, and blogger Joe Heschmeyer explores the life of a modest carpenter who became the earthly father of Jesus and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Heschmeyer aids readers in addressing the inquiry, “What does St. Joseph provide the Church — and each of us — in the present day?” He draws on Scripture and the doctrines of the early Christians to illustrate that no matter what challenges we encounter in life, we can turn to Joseph for his example, his safeguarding, and his intercessions.
I’m sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for me to rewrite. Could you please provide the content you’d like me to work on?
“Real Presence: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?”
Summary: In his most recent publication, Our Sunday Visitor columnist Timothy O’Malley addresses a crucial area where further catechesis of the faithful is essential. In 2019, the Pew Research Center revealed that nearly 70% of Catholics hold the belief that the Eucharist presented at Mass is simply a symbol for Christ’s body and blood, claiming that he is not genuinely present. In “Real Presence,” O’Malley delves into not only the Church’s teaching on this subject but also the beliefs and teachings of the early Church Fathers regarding transubstantiation and the Eucharist. Going further, O’Malley examines practical methods to cultivate a more profound devotion to Christ in the Eucharist, ultimately guiding readers towards deeper communion with God and their neighbors.


























