James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus People of God series

Fr. James Martin, SJ, is one of the most recognized Catholic priests in the United States. His book My Life with the Saints introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to many saintly heroes. More recently, Building a Bridge called the Catholic Church to more respect and compassion for the LGBT Community—and made Martin not only a friend to LGBT people but a lightning rod for some “traditionalist” Roman Catholics. His articulate and winsome personality has endeared him to millions inside and outside the Church. Now it is time to tell the story of his own life, to explore the experiences that made him the person he is today.

And there’s no better narrator for the story than Jon M. Sweeney, an award-winning and highly accomplished writer in his own right. In James Martin, SJ: In the Company of Jesus, Sweeney probes Martin’s early life, his experiences as a corporate executive, his call to religious life, his ministry and spirituality, his feelings about both the adoration and the criticism he receives from so many, and much more. Readers will come away with a much better understanding of one of today’s most interesting and influential Catholics.

Jon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and one of religion’s most respected writers. His books include When Saint Francis Saved the Church; The Enthusiast: How the Best Friend of Francis of Assisi Almost Destroyed What He Started; The Complete Francis of Assisi; and The Pope Who Quit: A True Medieval Tale of Mystery, Death, and Salvation. He edited A Course in Christian Mysticism by Thomas Merton, published by Liturgical Press. Sweeney writes regularly for America and The Tablet, and is publisher and editor-in-chief at Paraclete Press. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Transform Now Plowshares: Megan Rice, Gregory Boertje-Obed, and Michael Walli – People of God series

RRP $39.95

Your Price $39.95

Sophia BookClub $33.96

The chapters on each beatitude offer practical and informed wisdom in a voice that is reflective and sees our connectedness with the world and the cosmos. This book is deceptively simple and is enriched by a long life of reading, teaching, thoughtfulness and prayer.

The challenge confronting the future of Catholic schools is how to maintain their unique identity for the benefit of pupils, families and nation. The person of Jesus Christ and his mission are the foundations of this identity. Teachers must not only know these foundations but be committed to living them. … I wholeheartedly recommend this urgently needed praxis-oriented book by two highly skilled and committed educationalists.

The sacraments of initiation are major events in the faith journeys of Catholic children. How, then, to foster their understanding of these sacraments? How to lead them to celebrate the sacraments richly? Kathy Horan’s Becoming Catholic series offers an accessible, imaginative, and engaged way for children to prepare for these sacraments with their families and parishes. A helpful ‘parent’s guide’ explains the process and informs parents about the meaning of the sacraments.

Kathleen Donnellon has created a terrific resource. This is a really clear and engaging book on such an important topic. The anecdotes are excellent: candid and insightful.

For too long, Australian churches – particularly the Catholic Church – have silenced and ignored the voices of women. In Her Voice showcases the diversity, rich theological understandings, and preaching talents of women. … It is my hope that In Her Voice, alongside the Australian Women Preach podcast, will play some part in correcting the current inaction regarding the marginalisation of women in Australian churches.

Great resources scaffolding inquiry into the Bible and particularly the Old Testament are rare! Know Your Bible brings the Old and New testaments to life for students. It supports teachers with an inquiry approach to the teaching of Religious Education and answers those most asked questions of students. It’s comprehensive and highly readable.