In a heartfelt invitation to lapsed or estranged Catholics, Mitch Finley takes a realistic look at the reasons people feel alienated, and proposes ways to overcome the anger, bitterness, and resentment so that they may return. Sixty million people in the United States claim a Catholic identity. The next largest group--approximately nine million--is made up of people who are "fallen away" Catholics. Mitch Finley addresses this audience, as well as parents struggling with the almost inevitable teenage rebellion against religion. Finley examines a wide variety of reasons Catholics choose to leave the Church, treating each one in a fair-minded way. He recounts dozens of true stories about people who left and returned, a few about those who have yet to return, and candidly acknowledges that many--perhaps most--active Catholics experience periods of estrangement. Asking forgiveness on behalf of the Church for the ways lapsed Catholics may have been hurt by the institution or its official representatives, he also reminds readers that forgiveness needs to go both ways. Encouraging Catholics to begin a new relationship with their religion, Finley suggests ways to become part of a parish once more. He also discusses the Church's obligations to those who have left, highlighting successful outreach programs. In guiding readers along the path from alienation to reconciliation, Finley shows that there are good reasons for "coming home again,
From the Author’s Introduction: “Just about every day we need to remind ourselves of the depth of God’s love for us, so each of the reflections in this book serves as a daily reminder. This book’s purpose will be accomplished particularly well if each reflection leads you to a moment of prayer, a moment to bask in an awareness of God’s never-ending love for you.”
Each day's mini-meditation begins with a brief quotation from the writings of a spiritual guide. Following their words you will find a short reflection designed to put a "Lenten spin" on the words you just read, a perspective rooted in the realities of our own time and place and the season of Lent. Then the capper: a one-line prayer. Say the prayer and let it sink in . . . think of this small book as a literary sparkplug, something to keep the spirit of Lent alive for you one day at a time.
In an inclusive, welcoming manner, the Finleys share their insights, beliefs, and convictions concerning the foundation of church being rooted in the firm foundation of family. And their portrait of family is both realistic and inspirational, culminating a call to a familial spirituality that is at once joyous and profound, everlasting and everchanging.
How can a Christian live authentically in a world that values appearances? What does Jesus say about living a life characterized by honesty and hope? Mitch Finley sheds light on the spiritual values of the New Testament and shows how they help us become what we really are: free. Here is a path to freedom and assurance for every Christian.
Mitch Finley's warmhearted recollection of growing up Catholic is more than nostalgia. It's a mixture of fond memories, gentle humor, and lasting gratitude for what he learned in Catholic schools--simple and profound lessons that gave him a solid foundation for living in times marked by turmoil and change. The lessons he writes about include: Life Is Worth Living; The World Deserves Our Attention; Life Needs Prayer Like a Tree Needs Water; Everybody Has a Vocation; The Universe Is Sacramental; God Loves Everybody the Same; Nobody's Perfect; Jesus Is with Us; And Everybody Has a Guardian Angel. One need not be Catholic to enjoy this gentle celebration of truths that last. Mitch Finley's journey is one that each of us has taken--and continues to take--in our own way. His joyful reminder is simply cause for more gratitude and plenty of delight.
What is Catholic spirituality for the contemporary man? A Man's Guide to Being Catholic addresses this question with a direct yet open-minded viewpoint to the spiritual and sociological issues that face the sexes in our society, both in the world and in the church. With a no-nonsense approach, this book guides you on a journey of insight into what it means to be a Catholic man and how to maintain stability amid ongoing cultural evolution. You will discover that there are unchanging ways of finding God, and that there is still a place for maleness and a male point of view... and the model for such a point of view is Jesus Christ.
This is a book for those whose devotion to Mary has been strong and consistent over a lifetime. But it is also a book for those rediscovering Mary, rediscovering the value of devotion to her. Welcome to this small book of meditations and prayers on Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother, too. As you will see, it has four sections--Mary in Scripture, Mary in the Liturgy, Marian apparitions, and a fourth section which includes devotional prayers to Mary both ancient and modern. The author would like to think that this is a book Mary herself would appreciate. --From the Introduction
This book presents introductions to classics of Christian spiritual literature. Written in a popular, lively style, each essay is based on up-to-date research and insights into the place of the classics in a contemporary spirituality.
This is a 'back door book' about faith. In his trademark accessible and thought-provoking style, Mitch Finley offers us a book that explores what faith is not, so that we can understand what faith is. Dispensing with common misconceptions of faith as a way around suffering, a source of secret knowledge, a security blanket, a crutch, a way to escape death, an answer to all questions, a solution to all problems, and an antidote to doubt, Finley helps us make the most of our finite human language in talking about our infinite God. Mixing wisdom from Scripture, tradition, and everyday life with humor and insight, Finley helps us understand faith as a gift that stretches our minds, helps us learn from suffering, motivates us to reach out to those in need, and leads us to more meaningful and joyful living.
Let's begin with prayer." Whether spoken by a student, teacher, or principal, these words signal the beginning of the school day in many Catholic schools. The question is, what comes next? Let's Begin With Prayer offers an eloquent and practical answer. 130 brief prayers specifically designed for use in Catholic junior and senior high schools are offered here, prayers that are grounded in the Catholic tradition while reflecting the concerns of today's Catholic school community. The prayers are divided into three sections. "Prayers for Holy Days and Holidays" are for the days that regularly appear on our calendars, from saints' days to national holidays. "Prayers for Special Days" address special events in the school community. Here, you'll find everything from a prayer "To Welcome New Students" to a prayer "Before a Championship Game." Of special interest here is a section of prayers for difficult occasions, such as the death of a classmate. A third section, "Prayers for Ordinary Days," offers possibilities for the average day, which is the biggest part of school life. Included here are prayers for development of Christian character, prayers for specific groups within the school community, and prayers for larger world concerns. A final section offers six full prayer services. These brief but meaningful services for occasions such as the beginning and end of the school year provide a way to gather students together for more focused attention to the spiritual dimension. Let's Begin With Prayer will be a welcome resource for anyone attempting to incorporate regular, meaningful prayer into the hubbub of Catholic school life in Catholic junior and senior high schools.
Who were the saints and what is it about them that causes people all over the world to remember them? What were their stories, motivations, passions--and shortcomings? This informative, delightful, inspiring book reveals the truth behind the misconceptions and the mystique in a survey of saints throughout the history of the Church. The stories included here emphasize that, although the saints were often flawed and quirky individuals, what made them saintly above all else was their dedication to faith. They had a "passionate, extraordinary, pull-out-all-the-stops devotion," writes award-winning Catholic author Mitch Finley, and a desire for truth that is not unlike our own.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MARY, THIS IS THE PLACE TO START. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, occupies a unique place in all of history. God chose her to be the mother of the Word, His only Son. And over the centuries Catholics have come to honor her as the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. In Your One-Stop Guide to Mary, Mitch Finley has given us a concise but complete picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary, tracing her story from Scripture through the centuries. He describes her titles, informs us about Marian doctrines, explains her place in the liturgy and tells us about her apparitions. If you want to know more about Mary and understand her role in the divine plan, this book is the place to start.
An award winning writer celebrates the oldest institution in the western world and the faith he shares with 60 million other Americans plus an estimated 1.2 billion Roman Catholics in the world. Mitch Finley opens the treasure chest of Catholic experience, picks out its jewels, and shines them to a new glow. "Consider the possibility of joy," he writes. "What if your life is not pedestrian prose but a wonderful poem? What if your life is not a question but a revelation? Would this not be cause for joy? What if your life is not a sentence with a period at the end but a song that goes on and on? Would this not be cause for deep and abiding joy?
With a strong focus on putting one's faith into practice in family life, this straightforward guide presents practical ways for all families--no matter what their size, shape, or description--to enrich and nourish their lives together". (It) will surely raise consciousness about the importance of family and support those who are struggling through".--James A. Kenney, author and columnist.
Just as all organisms are governed by biological laws, human beings also have an ingrained moral compass--laws that direct their behavior in a certain way. According to Catholic Tradition, the virtues operate as central principles behind our notion of moral goodness. Here is a unique and insightful book that examines the virtues and offers them as a blueprint that demonstrates how to embrace the seven key virtues as pillars of behavior and belief. Author Mitch Finley delves into the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, and the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. He shows you how these traits are no mere abstractions; they reflect an understanding of human nature with its capacity for both good and evil. Bolstered by contemporary applications and real-life examples, The Catholic Virtues shows how the seven virtues are interconnected and are, quite simply, the keys to becoming more Christlike.
God has given each of us a body, a mind, and a soul, and each of those must be carefully nourished. Among the 101 suggestions contained in this book are: taking the day off, reading the Bible, memorizing a poem, taking a walk, going out to dinner, reading on a topic you know little about, praying, and giving away something you treasure. These and other similar suggestions are written in a practical, matter-of-fact manner and will help enrich your life. Originally published as 101 Ways to Nourish Your Soul. 144 pages; Paperback 5-1/2 x 8-1/4
Why has the Rosary remained such a popular Catholic devotional prayer? In this upbeat and easy-to-read book, Catholic author Mitch Finley explains that the simplicity and depth of the rosary make it a prayer for all seasons. The Rosary is perfect for those times when words can’t express our feelings, when we want to contemplate the basic truths of our faith, or when we simply want to enter into God’s presence. Finley includes a brief history of the Rosary and a short commentary on each of the twenty mysteries. The revised edition of this best-selling book offers several new features, including guidance on praying the Rosary in groups as well as the Rosary’s role in the Marian apparitions at Lourdes and Fatima. Alternative ways to pray the Rosary, a children’s Rosary, and the Fiat Rosary, are also featured in this new edition, making it a complete guide to this beautiful, timeless prayer.
When journalist Mitch Finley placed an ad in newspapers asking for true stories of people who had experienced the presence of deceased loved ones, he was amazed at the immediate response. People from all over the country wrote in to share their experiences." "Mitch Finley learned that such encounters are more common than one might think. Surveys revealed that as many as 50% of the population have felt the presence of someone who died. Famous spiritual authors such as C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, and Frederick Buechner wrote about their own experiences."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Who was St. Genesius, and why is he the patron saint of actors? Why is St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who was a cloistered nun, the patron saint of missionaries? Is there a patron saint for automobile mechanics? How about for athletes? Bestselling Catholic writer Mitch Finley answers these questions and more in this delightful book of one hundred saints and the occupations, groups, or causes they are associated with. These are listed alphabetically and cross indexed with a list of the saints featured in the book, making it easy to find either the saint or the cause. In each short selection, Finley describes the life of the saint and why he or she has been selected as a patron. Finley’s popular style makes this book fun to read. A great resource to keep on your shelf for years to come. A thoughtful gift for Confirmation or other occasions.
Living Scripture captures the essence of each week's Scripture readings in an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format. In a single easily reproducible page, Mitch Finley summarizes the essential message of the week's Scriptures, offers a series of small-group questions for reflection, proposes discussion materila for the family table, and offers ideas for carrying out the message in our day-to-day spirituality.
This little book takes a unique approach relying on inspiration from a different source, six classics of spiritual literature--three modern, three many centuries old . . . There are enough meditations here to cover the longest possible Advent . . . Follow the quotations, the meditation, and/or the little prayer for each day wherever they may lead you.
If you don't need the entire Pre-Cana Packet order a supply of individual booklets and two-pocket folders to give to engaged couples as they prepare for marriage.Popular author and former co-director of the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Spokane, Mitch Finley addresses the basic issues an engaged couple needs to consider.
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