Ongoing Formation as a Catholic - St Mary's Hudson
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Ongoing Formation as a Catholic
Learning to be Catholic (even if you are already one) is a lifelong process.
There is always so much more to learn about God, our beliefs, practices, morality, values
and how they apply to every aspect of life. That’s why candidates and catechumens,
sponsors and team alike keep reading and discovering, and applying those insights!
We have a Parish Resource Library, including audio-courses available for borrow.
It is located in Rooms 104/105. From the main hallway by the coffee pots, go through
Rm 102 towards the back rooms with windows.
Adult Faith Formation opportunities.
Every year, there are evening opportunities offered for further study on a variety of
Catholic topics. In addition to these ‘class-like’ options, there are also opportunities
through the other various organizations of the parish.
The Great Adventure Bible Study Series, by Jeff Cavins and Ascension Press.
Various studies are offered throughout the year—Sunday mornings, Sunday
evenings, Tuesday mornings, Thursday evenings, etc. Check out
ascensionpress.com to see all the studies available.
The Men’s Club offers an annual retreat day for Men.
Christ Renews His Parish is a retreat option usually held sometime in January -
March; there are separate weekends for men and women.
The King’s Men offer Monday evening book studies on male spirituality and being
a man of God; they also offer one retreat a year.
Utilize all of the amazing content on FORMED.ORG – a digital platform that the
parish pays a yearly subscription to on behalf of parishioners. If new to
formed.org, enter the parish code QDRFFV (all caps) in the “enter code” box of
their homepage.
Rev. 5.20.2018Highly Recommended Catholic Series on Basics of the Faith
Catholic Basics: A Pastoral Ministry Series, Loyola Press.
Christian Morality: In the Breath of God, by Russell B. Connors, Jr.
Sacramental Theology: Means of Grace, Way of Life, by Kurt Stasiak
Christology: True God, True Man, by Matthias Neuman
Ecclesiology: The Church as Communion and Mission, by Morris Pelzel
Scripture: Nourished by the Word, by Margaret Nutting Ralph
Church History: Faith Handed On, by Kevin L. Hughes
Mary and the Saints: Companions on the Journey, by James P. Campbell
Audio CD Lecture Series
~ 25 minutes segments...perfect for learning during that commute to/from work!
these multi-session sets are available to be signed out for Michael Schwark’s office @ St. Mary Parish.
Becoming the Eucharist We Celebrate, by Rev. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap
The Lectionary: A Treasure for Liturgy and Prayer, by Rev. Felix Just, SJ
The History of the Mass, by Rev. John Baldovin, SJ
What Would You Like to Know About Catholicism?, by Rev. William Byron, SJ
For Christ Assembled: The Church’s Ecumenical Councils, by Rev. John O’Malley, SJ
Vatican II, by Rev. John O’Malley, SJ
The Spirituality of Vatican II, by Rev. Anthony Ciorra
Countdown to Religious Literacy, by Rev. William Byron, SJ
The Psalms: A Model and Guide to Prayer, by Rev. Michael D. Guinan, OFM
A Retreat with the Psalms, by Rev. Michael D. Guinan, OFM
The Gospel of Mark, by Fr. John Donahue, SJ
The Gospel of Matthew, by Rev. Donald Senior, CP
The Gospel of Luke, by Sr. Barbara Reid, OP
The Gospel of John, by Rev. Donald Senior, CP
Acts of the Apostles, by Sr. Laurie Brink, OP
“And God Said What?” Dealing with Difficult Scripture Passages, by Rev. J. Patrick Mullen
Rev. 5.20.2018Theology, Doctrine & Philosophy (the heavy stuff)
Johnson, Kevin Orlin. Why Do Catholics Do That? A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the
Catholic Church. Ballantine Books, 1995.
Kreeft, Peter. Because God is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2008.
* Answers to 16 pertinent questions, in ways to explain the Catholic position on these topics.
Keating, Karl. Catholicism and Fundamentalism. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1988.
Paprocki, Joe. A Well Built Faith. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2008.
* An easy to read summary of Catholic beliefs (with cartoons and funny stories!)
Pennock, Michael. This is Our Faith. Ave Maria Press, 1998.
* An explanation of the basic beliefs of Catholicism; a simple form of a catechism.
Pilarczyk, Archbishop Daniel E. Being Catholic: How we Believe, Practice and Think. Cincinnati: St.
Anthony Messenger Press, 2006.
Saint Augustine. The Confessions. [numerous translations & publishers]
Schreck, Alan. Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs.
St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004 (2oth Anniversary Edition)
Singer-Towns, Brian and others. The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. Winona, MN: St. Mary’s
Press, 2004.
USCCB. United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. Washington DC: USCCB, 2006.
** this is a very read-able, explanation of Catholic teachings. It also includes a saint story (many
Americans!) for every chapter, meditations, discussion questions and various prayers. **
USCCB. Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Washington DC: USCCB, 2006.
** this is a short question & answer book that explains the CCC teachings, but in light of a
question. It follows the outline of the CCC, so it is easy to find questions about topics you are
interested in. **
To Follow on Twitter:
Catholic Answers @CatholicCom
Vatican News @VaticanNews
EWTN News Nightly @EWTNNewsNightly
St. Mary’s Church, Hudson! @stmaryhudson
Rev. 5.20.2018Lives of Mary & the Saints, Devotions, Catholic Spirituality
Benedict XVI, Pope. Great Christian Thinkers. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2011.
* short 2-4 page reflections on about 80 saints and thinkers from Church History.
Bernardin, Joseph Cardinal. The Gift of Peace. Chicago: Loyola Press, 1997.
Campbell, Colleen Carroll. My Sisters, the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir. New York: Image Books, 2012.
Fulwiler, Jennifer. Something Other Than God: How I Passionately Sought Happiness and Accidentally
Found it. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2014.
Hahn, Scott. Hail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God. New York: Doubleday, 2001.
Martin, James, S.J. My Life with the Saints. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2007.
Martin, James, S.J. Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter are at the heart of the
Spiritual Life. New York: HarperOne, 2011 (paperback, 2012)
Paprocki, Joe. Practice Makes Catholic. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2011. * An easy to read summary
of Catholic devotions, practices, way of life (with cartoons and funny stories!)
Rolheiser, Ronald. The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality. New York: Doubleday,
1999. * Anything by Fr. Rolheiser is a great spiritual read!
Sheen, Fulton J. The World’s First Love: Mary, the Mother of God. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1996.
[reprinted from 1952]
Catholic Apps:
Laudate (millions of prayers & Catholic documents!)
Loyola Press’ 3-Minute Retreat
Missio (The Vatican’s new app for news)
iBreviary (Daily Mass Readings + the complete, ACTUAL Liturgy of the Hours)
Magnificat (monthly subscript. with daily readings, meditations & shorter Lit of Hours)
To Follow on Twitter:
Real Men Pray the Rosary @RMPTR
A Saint story a day @SaintsOfTheDay
Rev. 5.20.2018Bible Study, Bible Inspired Writings
Bergsma, John. Bible Basics for Catholic: A New Picture of Salvation History. Notre Dame: Ave Maria
Press, 2012. * He also has 2 new similar books: New Testament basics and Psalm Basics.
Hahn, Scott. A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God’s Covenant Love in Scripture. Charis, 1998.
Hahn, Scott. Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and the Biblical Roots. New York: Doubleday, 2009.
Madrid, Patrick. Where is THAT in the Bible? Our Sunday Visitor, 2001.
Michuta, Gary G. Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger. Grotto Press, 2007.
Nouwen, Henri, J.M. The Return of the Prodigal Son. New York: ImageBooks, 1992.
Paprocki, Joe. The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word.
Chicago: Loyola Press, 2009.
* This is an amazingly simple text on what the Bible is, what’s in it and how to read it.
Ratzinger, Joseph (Pope Benedict XVI). Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives. New York: Image
Books, 2012.
Ratzinger, Joseph (Pope Benedict XVI). Jesus of Nazareth: From Baptism to the Transfiguration. New
York: Doubleday, 2007.
Ratzinger, Joseph (Pope Benedict XVI). Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week. San Francisco: Ignatius Press,
2011.
Sri, Edward. The Bible Compass: A Catholic’s Guide to Navigating the Scriptures. Ascension Press,
2009.
Catholic Apps:
Lighthouse Catholic Bible (study Bible by Ignatius Press)
Daily Bible Inspirations (by Minima Software)
To Follow on Twitter:
Mark Hart @LT_TheBibleGeek
Ascension Press @AscensionPress
Rev. 5.20.2018Church History & the Papacy
Aquilina, Mike. The Fathers of the Church: An Introduction to the First Christian Teachers. Cincinnati:
Our Sunday Visitor, 2013 (3rd Edition).
Bokenkotter, Thomas. A Concise History of the Catholic Church, Revised Edition. New York: Image
Books, 2004.
Huebsch, Bill. Vatican II in Plain English, Volume I: The Council. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1997.
* This is a wonderful series in easy to read language. Volume I explains the 4 sessions of the
Council itself as well as the preparations for the Council.
Huebsch, Bill. Vatican II in Plain English, Volume II: The Constitutions. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press,
1997.
* Volume II is a paraphrase text of the 4 major documents (Church, Liturgy, Revelation &
Church in the Modern World).
Huebsch, Bill. Vatican II in Plain English, Volume III: The Decrees & Declarations. Notre Dame: Ave
Maria Press, 1997.
* Volume III is a paraphrase text of the 12 minor documents (Bishops, Ecumenism, Religious
Liberty, Non-Christian Religions, Social Media, etc.)
Madrid, Patrick. Pope Fiction: Answers to 30 Myths & Misconceptions about the Papacy.
Santa Fe: Basilica Press, 1999.
Moczar, Diane. What Every Catholic Wants to Know—Catholic History from the Catacombs to the
Reformation. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2006.
Moczar, Diane. Seven Lies about Catholic History: Infamous Myths about the Church’s Past and How
to Answer Them. Charlotte: Tan Books, 2010.
O’Malley, John, S.J. What Happened at Vatican II. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2008.
Ray, Stephen K. Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historical Church. San
Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1997.
Ray, Stephen K. Upon this Rock: St. Peter and the Primacy of Rome in Scripture and the Early Church.
San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1999.
Rev. 5.20.2018Shea, Mark. By What Authority: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition. San Francisco: Ignatius
Press, 2013 (2nd Edition).
Whitehead, Kenneth D. One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic: The Early Church was the Catholic Church.
San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2000.
To Follow on Twitter:
Pope Francis @Pontifex
US Bishops Conference @USCCB
Diocese of Cleveland @DIOCESEofCLE
Bishop Nelson Perez @BishopNPerez
Rev. 5.20.2018Catholic Living in Today’s Culture
Hahn, Scott & Kimberly. Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. San Francisco: Ignatius
Press, 1993.
Hahn, Scott. First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and in the Trinity. New York:
Doubleday, 2002.
Hahn, Kimberly. Life-Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage. St Anthony
Messenger Publications, 2002.
Ivereigh, Austen. How to Defend the Faith without Raising your Voice: Civil Responses to Catholic
Hot-button Issues. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2012.
John Paul II, Pope. Crossing the Threshold of Hope. New York, 1994.
Kreeft, Peter. The Snakebite Letters: Devilishly Devious Secrets for Subverting Society As Taught in
Tempter’s Training School. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1991.
* A newer collection of satire letters about the moral dissolution of society that follows the same
pattern as the Classic Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis.
Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters. [many versions available]. Original edition, 1961.
* This is a satire on how the evil one leads humanity astray. It is a series of ‘letters’ between two
devils, Screwtape and his younger nephew, Wormwood. In this short book, C.S. Lewis delves
into questions about good and evil, temptation, repentance and grace, offering guidance and
knowledge to all who are trying to live good Christian lives.
Paprocki, Joe. 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: Enriching your Faith by Strengthening the Health of your
Soul. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2012.
Popcak, Gregory K. For Better Forever: A Catholic Guide to Lifelong Marriage. Our Sunday Visitor,
1999.
Richards, Rev. Larry. Be a Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to be. San Francisco, Ignatius
Press, 2009.
Sheen, Fulton J. Three to Get Married. Princeton: Scepter. 1996. [reprinted from 1951]
Weigel, George. The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the
Church Today. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.
Rev. 5.20.2018Weigel, George. Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st Century Church. New York: Basic
Books, 2013.
West, Christopher. Theology of the Body for Beginners: A Basic Introduction to John Paul II’s Sexual
Revolution. West Chester, PA: Ascension Press, 2009.
West, Christopher. Fill These Hearts: God, Sex and the Universal Longing. New York: Image Books,
2012.
West, Christopher. At the Heart of the Gospel: Reclaiming the Body for the New Evangelization.
New York: Image Books, 2012.
West, Christopher. Good News about Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about
Catholic Teaching. Cincinnati: Charis Books, 2000.
Websites:
US Catholic Bishops website for issues regarding: dating, engagement, marriage, parenting, etc.
www.foryourmarriage.org
US Catholic Bishops website promoting traditional marriage as union between one man and one
woman (GREAT wealth of articles, research, etc. for hot-button issues in today’s political arena
regarding marriage and religious freedom)
www.marriageuniqueforareason.org
To Follow on Twitter:
CS Lewis quotes every day @CSLewisdaily
US Bishops on Marriage @foryourmarriage
Teresa Tomeo (author/speaker on female spirituality & modesty) @TeresaTomeo
Brandon Vogt (Catholic techie guru) @brandonvogt1
National Right to Life organization @nrlc
Ohio Right to Life organization @ohiolife
Rev. 5.20.2018Sacraments
Flynn, Vinnie. 7 Secrets of Confession. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2013.
Gray, Tim. Sacraments in Scripture. Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Road Publishing, 2001.
Hahn, Scott. The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. New York: Doubleday, 1999.
Hahn, Scott. Consuming the Word: The New Testament and the Eucharist in the Early Church. New
York: Image Books, 2013.
Hahn, Scott. Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and their Biblical Roots. New York: Doubleday, 2009.
Lord, Bob and Penny. This is My Body, This is My Blood: Miracles of the Eucharist (Books I & II).
Mick, Lawrence E. Understanding the Sacraments Today. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
Nouwen, Henri, J.M. The Return of the Prodigal Son. New York: ImageBooks, 1992.
Roberts, Fr. Kenneth J. Nobody Calls It Sin Anymore. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1997.
Vaghi, Peter J. The Sacraments We Celebrate: A Catholic Guide to the Seven Mysteries of Faith.
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2010.
To Follow on Twitter:
Rev. 5.20.2018Papal Encyclicals and other Church Documents
(almost all can be found online for free at Vatican or EWTN websites)
Pope Francis:
Lumen Fidei – The Light of Faith (a quick read on the virtue of faith—what it is and how it is
handed on; begun by Pope Benedict XVI, completed by Pope Francis)
Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel (exploring the idea of the New Evangelization—
handing on the Gospel message in today’s world—and being joyful about doing so!)
Pope Benedict XVI:
Deus Caritas Est – God is Love (short letter on the virtue of charity and how love is the best
way to describe the relationship of God as Trinity)
Spe Salvi – Saved by Hope (short letter on the virtue of hope and eternal salvation)
Caritas in Veritate – Charity in Truth (social encyclical dealing with economy, politics,
environment)
Pope John Paul II:
Familiaris Consortio – On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World (great letter
on God’s plan for marriage and family life, as well as the attacks on marriage and the family)
Fides et Ratio – Faith & Reason (explanation of how faith and reason/science ARE compatible)
Evangelium Vitae – The Gospel of Life (explanation of the basis for the Church’s teaching on
life issues and all the attacks against life in society)
Veritatis Splendor – The Splendor of Truth (explains the moral authority of the Church and a
reflection on law, conscience and freedom)
Laborem Exercens – On the Dignity of Human Work (great reminders about why we work for a
living and how we ought to take pride in our work of making the world better)
Mulieris Dignitatem – Dignity and Vocation of Women
Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body. Translation by Michael
Waldstein. Boston: Pauline Books and Media, 2006.
Pope Paul VI:
Humanae Vitae – On the Regulation of Human Births (controversial document which upholds
the Catholic teaching against the use of artificial contraception)
Evangelii Nuntuandi – On Evangelization in the Modern World (encyclical letter explaining the
need for people to learn the faith, live the faith, and proclaim he faith to others)
Pope John XXIII:
Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth (written in 1960, this document is still a timely appeal to all
people of the world to put aside violence, war, etc. and live in peace)
Pope Pius XII:
Divino Afflante Spiritu – On Sacred Scripture (explains appropriate ways to interpret and study
Scripture)
Rev. 5.20.2018Catholic Authors
1. G. K. Chesterton. Given that some of his greatest works are around 100 years old, one could ask,
"Why Chesterton?" Chesterton has a common sense that's to be admired; a common sense that took
on the modernistic ideas that are still in vogue; a common sense that is desperately needed today.
Especially recommended: Orthodoxy, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and The Everlasting Man.
2. Eugene Boylan. A chemist, priest, and Cistercian monk, Boylan penned a great spiritual book for the
layperson: This Tremendous Lover. It's sane, it's practical, and it shows you that holiness is so
difficult only because it's so easy.
3. Romano Guardini. One of the thinkers that influenced Pope Benedict XVI, Guardini has a way of
penetrating his subject matter that genuinely gives new perspective. Especially recommended: The
Lord, The Rosary of Our Lady, and The End of the Modern World.
4. Graham Greene. He's not a philosophical novelists like Walker Percy, nor an ironic storyteller like
Flannery O'Connor. Especially recommended: Brighton Rock and The Power and the Glory.
5. Josef Pieper. A German Catholic philosopher trained in Thomistic philosophy, Pieper's value lies in
the fact that he's able to show the value of the ordinary. Especially recommended: Leisure: the Basis
of Culture, In Tune With the World, Happiness and Contemplation, and Abuse of Language--Abuse
of Power.
6. Henri de Lubac. A French Catholic theologian, de Lubac is a master at taking the writings of the
Church Fathers and their medieval disciples and showing the richness of their theology. Especially
recommended: Catholicism, The Splendor of the Church, and Motherhood of the Church.
7. Saint Augustine. One of the greatest of the Fathers of the Church who wrote The Confessions.
8. J. R. R. Tolkien. Tolkien has gained a lot of popularity since Peter Jackson's movies came out. Tolkien
was a devout Catholic and it's hard to miss the Catholic symbolism within The Lord of the Rings, but
what makes that book so essential for Catholic readers is Tolkien's vision of the vice of despair and
the virtue of hope.
9. Jacques Maritain. This French Catholic philosopher is a heavyweight intellectual. That being said,
you can learn more from Maritain than you can from three or four lesser talents combined. Maritain
is a philosopher in the truest sense of the word in that no subject goes untouched. Especially
recommended: Art and Scholasticism and The Degrees of Knowledge.
10. Flannery O'Connor. No, not her short fiction--though it is quite good. Rather, her collection of
letters called The Habit of Being. What starts out as simply letters to various literary agents and other
literary figures ends up being a rather powerful account of what it means to live one's faith in the
secular world.
Rev. 5.20.2018Good Lenten Reads
Augustine, St. The Confessions. [numerous translations & publishers]
Green, Thomas, SJ. Opening to God: A Guide to Prayer. Notre Dame IN: Ave Maria Press, 1977.
Green, Thomas, SJ. Weeds Among the Wheat: Discernment…where prayer & action meet. Notre Dame
IN: Ave Maria Press, 1984.
Green, Thomas, SJ. When the Well Runs Dry: Prayer Beyond the Beginnings. Notre Dame IN: Ave
Maria Press, 1979.
Green, Thomas, SJ. Drinking From A Dry Well (sequel to when the well runs dry). Notre Dame IN: Ave
Maria Press, 1991.
Hahn, Scott. The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth. New York: Doubleday, 1999.
Merton, Thomas. Contemplative Prayer. New York: Image Books, 1969.
Merton, Thomas. The Seven Storey Mountain. (multiple versions and reprints available).
Merton, Thomas. No Man Is An Island. (multiple versions and reprints available).
Neuhaus, Richard John. Death on a Friday Afternoon: Meditations on the Last Words of Jesus from the
Cross. Basic Books, 2000.
Nouwen, Henri, J.M. The Return of the Prodigal Son. New York: ImageBooks, 1992.
Ratzinger, Joseph (Pope Benedict XVI). Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week. San Francisco: Ignatius Press,
2011.
Roberts, Fr. Kenneth J. Nobody Calls It Sin Anymore. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1997.
Sheen, Fulton J. Peace of Soul. Ligouri, MO: Triumph, 1996. [reprinted from 1949]
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