HOME  |  MISSION  |  EVENTS  |  SERVICES  |  RESOURCES  |  SUPPORT FOR PRIESTS  |  FAQ  |  CONTACT |

    Meditations       Book Recommendations       Movie Reviews       Useful Links  

Library

The following books are available for purchase from The John Paul II Centre.


Building on Solid Ground,  Thomas Williams, LC
 
This book focus on everything from the source of authentic values to the role of conscience in making moral decisions.  It is a
practical guide to what authentically contributes to our dignity as human persons with an eternal destiny.
 
A full review for this book can be found at Alba House

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Veritas
 
This book should be at the foundation of every Catholic's library.   Catechism of the Catholic... is the definitive reference guide on the official teachings of the church, drawing on the Bible, the Mass, the sacraments and Church tradition and teaching.  It provides a step by step explanation of the creed (what we believe), the sacraments (how we celebrate), the commandments ( how we live) and the Lord's prayer (how we pray). There are extensive cross-references, indexing, footnotes and a very helpful "In Brief" summary at the end of each section.

Catholicism for Dummies,  Rev. John Trigilio Jr & Rev Kenneth Brighenti
 
Everything you want to know about Catholicism.  The book offers a rich tapestry and history of the Catholic Church.  It provides detailed description of the Catholic Mass, the seven sacraments, the liturgical calendar, the duties of the clergy and much more.

Compass: A Handbook on Parent Leadership,  James B Stenson
 
Compass sum up the lessons and experiences of parents to help them succeed as leaders for their children.  Stenson shares his thirty years of experience with families and with parents who have lived as great leaders in the family life and have succeeded with their sacred mission to raise their children right.

Founders,  Patrick Langan, LC
 
This book narrates the lives of great Founders of religious orders. It tells about the trials and persecutions that Founders went through before the judgment of history.  The collection of stories ranges from Don Bosco, Francis of Assisi, Jeanne Jugan, and many other Founders.

Good News About Sex and Marriage,  Christopher West
 
This is great book for married and engaged couples to have.  West writes about the teachings of the Church on marriage and sexuality based on Pope John Paull II's teaching.  It is easy to read, down-to-earth approach and interesting account on the Church's teaching of sex and marriage.
 
A full review of this book can be found at Catholic Free Shipping

Hail Holy Queen, Scott Hahn
 
Hahn offers a fresh and surprising perspective on Mary, the Mother of God that revolves around an irresistible exposition of the scriptural  texts in Hail Holy Queen.  Through a close examination of the Bible, as well as the work of both Catholic and Protestant scholars and clergy, Hahn brings to light the small but significant details showing that just as Jesus is the "New Adam," so Mary is the "New Eve."
 
A full review of this book can be found at Catholic Free Shipping

The Legion of Christ: A History,  Angeles Conde &  David J.P. Murray
 
This book answers the question " Who is the Legion of Christ?" and brings the reader into direct contact with the founder of Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi.   It offers a compelling overview of the people, apostolates and prospects of the Legion of Christi and Regnum Christi movement at the dawn of the new millennium.
 
A full review of this book can be found at CIF Center of Integral Formation

Letters to a Young Catholic, George Weigel
 
Weigel examines the foundations of Catholic faith and explores the topics of grace, prayer, vocation, sin and forgiveness, suffering, and-most importantly-love. Putting a dramatic face on this invitation to Catholicism, Weigel introduces some of the figures who have shaped his faith and thought-Michelangelo and Fra Angelico; Evelyn Waugh and Cardinal John Henry Newman; Father Jerzy Popieuszko and Pope John Paul II; Edith Stein and Mother Teresa-as he also shares anecdotes from his own Catholic life. To a world that sometimes seems closed and claustrophobic, he suggests, Christian humanism offers a world with windows and doors-and a skylight.
 
A full review of this book can be found at Catholic Free Shipping

Parenting with Grace, Gregory K. Popcak & Lisa Popcak
 
This book combines orthodox theology and contemporary psychology to show parents 1) twelve secrets to raising practically perfect children 2) nine weapons that wipe out every parent's worst enemy 3) five fabulous phases every child must go through 4) two essential differences between discipline and punishment 5) and finally, the single most powerful parenting technique in the world!

Peter on the Shore, Anthony Bannon, LC
 
An excellent guide to help you discern what God's special plan is for you, your sanctity and your happiness.  Fr. Bannon explores the many paths to discover a vocation in Scripture and in real life.
 
A full review for this book can be found at Regnum Christi

Prayer for Beginners, Peter Kreeft
 
Kreeft offers simple but profound advice and practical steps for developing a prayer life based on the time-tested wisdom of the saints and great spiritual writers.  It book covers all the key areas for understanding and developing that intimate form of communication with our Creator that we call prayer.  It emphases the necessity of prayer, various motives and methods, steps, patience, suffering, sin, faith and grace. 
 
A full review for this book can be found at Ignatius

A Preachable Message: The Dynamics of Preaching Natural Family Planning, Introduction by Francis Cardinal George
 
Encourages clergy to preach on the message of Humanae Vitae in sermons.  Features personal testimonials from a variety of bishops, priests and deacons. All clergy speak of their lived experience of sharing the Church's teachings on conjugal love and responsible parenthood with the people of God. Some of the clergy featured are: Cardinal Francis George, Chicago; Archbishop Harry Flynn, St. Paul/Minneapolis; Archbishop Charles Chaput, Denver; Rev. Kenneth Baker, editor, Homiletic & Pastoral Review; Rev. Ronald Lawler, Pittsburgh; Msgr. Bob Gust, New Orleans; Rev. William Kurtz, Marquette University; and Deacon Bob McDonald, M.D., Canada
 
A full review for this book can be found at BOMA-USA

Real Love, Mary Beth Bonacci
 
Mary Beth offers a comprehensive catechesis of the Church's teaching in the areas of marriage and human sexuality.  She tackles the toughest issues - premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others.  She gives practical advice on living the Church's teachings.
 
A full review for this book can be found at Real Love Incorporated

Theology for Beginners, F J Sheed
 
Frank Sheed presents a very down-to-earth discussion of the various aspects of christian theology.    From the forward, Keating says "the uninstructed Catholic: 'Stumbling along in the dark not even aware that it is dark'... His faith is not lively because he hardley knows it, and that means his love for God is far weaker than it should be." This book is essential for lighting the path and providing the basics of Catholic apologetics.

A full review for this book can be found at Catholic Free Shipping

The Truth of Catholicism, George Weigel
 
The brave new world tells us that we ought to settle for a middling happiness in a life free of trouble.  Catholicism tells us not only that we are capable of greatness, but that greatness is demanded of us.

Vocations: Questions & Answers, Fr. Anthony Bannon, LC
 
Curiosity, insights, hopes, fears, searching: they all surface in these questions from real people - younger and older, children and parents. The answers, while being to the pint, are fresh in their approach and rich in motivation.  The book presents around topics: celibacy, family, difficulties, signs and decisions that surface most frequently in the questions written in to www.vocation.com

Yes or No: Straight Answers to Tough Questions about Christianity, Peter Kreeft
 
Yes or No? shows the truth of Jesus' promise that those who sincerely seek the truth shall find it.  It is a road map for those who are honestly seeking the truth and a source of greater faith for those who have already found God.  It present the full challenge of the gospel in a way modern men and women can understand.
 
A full review for this book can be found at Catholic Company

57 Stories of Saints, Anne Eileen Heffernan
 
In this action-packed book, you'll read about great acts of heroism and courage, about people whose families were torn apart by addictions and gang violence, about people who faced incredible challenges and deep sorrows. but they ultimately had one thing in common: an uncommon love for Jesus Christ and for their brothers and sisters. Read their stories and learn the secrets that kept them going when the going got tough!
A full review for this book can be found at Catholic Company

Other Recommended books:

How to Pray by David Torkington

Time & Eternity by Fr. Marcial Maciel, LC

Compass: A Handbook on Parent Leadership by James B. Stenson