RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND PERIODICALS
I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux, by Father Jean C. J. d’Elbee; Sophia Institute Press
Ten chapters for personal spiritual growth; the wisdom of St. Therese is woven into a wonderful explanation of the basic elements of Christian life
The Fulfillment of All Desire, by Ralph Martin; Emmaus Road Publishing
Explains the various stages of spiritual growth, drawing on the teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Augustine, St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Francis De Sales
Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word, by Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis; Ignatius Press
An amazing commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (but a great aid for the Gospels of Mark and Luke as well); takes each phrase in the gospel and brings it to life; one does not have to be a Bible scholar to benefit greatly from this work
The Catholic Church at the End of an Age, by Ralph Martin; Ignatius Press
A comprehensive explanation of what is happening with the Catholic Church around the world; discusses where the Church is strong, where it is weak, why people leave the Church and what is needed to renew the Church; written for the year 2000 but still valid today
Life and Holiness, by Thomas Merton; Doubleday Image Books
A short and simple guide to the basics of spiritual life.
Beginning to Pray, by Anthony Bloom; Paulist Press
A beautiful explanation of the attitude we need to have before addressing God in our prayer life.
Signposts: How To Be a Catholic Man in the World Today, by Bill Bawden and Tim Sullivan
This workbook for Catholic men's groups has been a mainstay in men's ministry. It contains 52 lessons plans which integrate the Bible and the Catechism and cover all the main issues that confront today's men as they strive to live out their Catholic faith.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES AND LINKS
For religious news:
Realclearreligion.org (daily news on developments in the world of religion)
Spiritdaily.com (daily news on items of spiritual interest from a Catholic perspective)
For political news:
Realclearpolitics.com (daily news taken from a wide range of media sources, both liberal and conservative)