Now that I’m getting the hang of how to do this blog, I’ve finally updated my list of books that I’m reading. Take a look at the links in the right column of my home page (scroll down). I especially recommend My Life with the Saints for catechists, especially those teaching the saints in their classes.
What books do you recommend for spiritual growth for catechists?
Hi, Joe
My top 5 picks for reading for catechists would be:
Groome, Thomas, “What Makes Us Catholic: Eight Gifts For Life”, Harper. About what makes us unique and special as Catholics.
Himes, Michael J. “The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism”, St. Anthony Messenger. One of the best mainstream apologists – a guy without an “agenda.”
Hughes, Kathleen, RSCJ, “Saying Amen: A Mystagogy of Sacrament”, Liturgy Training Publications. Wonderful book for the general audience on understanding the meaning of sacraments and their relation to everyday life.
Gula, Richard, S.S., “The Call to Holiness: Embracing A Fully Christian Life”, Paulist Press. None better on the true role of Christian morality.
Rollheiser, Ronald – anything, especially “Against an Infinte Horizon” – because it’s about how we would live differently if we really understood how salvation works.
Thanks for setting up this forum! It’s off to a great start.
Excellent list, Joyce. Thanks. I especially like Rolheiser’s writing. And Groome is a catechetical legend.
I’m reading the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism. Specifically #4 where it goes over prayers and items from the other three line by line. Basic, yes. But I’m still new to the faith, and find things like this very helpful to me so I can uncover little bits at a time. It’s not that it’s new information to me, but it offers me a different way of looking at it.
Ali, welcome! I remember you from CC. I invite you to take a look at my January 15 post about lifelong learning where I have a link to a bibliography of introductory reading materials about the Catholic faith. Many of us began with the Baltimore Catechism in our childhood and, while it provides the “little bits at a time” that you speak of, it is helpful to move into those areas in more depth a little bit at a time. Let me know if you find something to your liking!