Spring/Summer 2012

Election Day.  The day that we exercise our right to vote—to voice our beliefs, to choose our representatives, and to influence the future course of our nation.  This fundamental and solemn right brings with it the equally fundamental and solemn duty to prepare ourselves for the task.  This is a responsibility that cannot be met with 5-second sound bites and campaign ads.  This is a responsibility that requires us to make our best effort to understand the issues at stake and how they apply to our civic, moral, ethical, and religious obligations.

To that end, the Seasons of Reading book program at St. Patrick’s Book & Gift is recommending two different books for a combined Special Spring/Summer Election Year Season.

Our first book recommendation is Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput from the Diocese of Philadelphia, PA.  Archbishop Chaput is a staunch defender of religious freedom who proposes that people of faith not only have the right, but, in fact, have an obligation to influence and shape public policy.  Of course, Archbishop Chaput does not advocate a theocracy.  He does, however, encourage people of faith to stand up and be heard and to resist the pressure we often face to keep our beliefs out of the public forum.  The foundation of his approach is that “Christian faith is always personal but never private.”  We would all do well to remember that it’s not by accident that the very First Amendment of our Constitution forbids the passage of any law which would prohibit the free exercise of religion.

Our second book recommendation is Theology of the Body for Beginners: A Basic Introduction to Pope John Paul II’s Sexual Revolution by Christopher West.  Voters in several states, including Minnesota, will be casting ballots regarding how a state defines marriage.  Since the tradition of marriage and family life is the very backbone of society, we must thoughtfully consider all of the ramifications of re-defining this fundamental and basic unit of human existence.  Unfortunately, within the realm of public debate, Church teaching regarding the issues of life, family, and sexuality is rarely articulated in a fair or accurate way.  Sadly, even many Catholics are ill equipped to express the reasons why the Church so adamantly defends the sanctity of traditional marriage.

From 1979-1984, Blessed Pope John Paul II gave 129 talks at his Wednesday General Audiences presenting his Theology of the Body.  Theology of the Body for Beginners is just that—an entry level introduction to this incredible catechesis regarding the human body, marriage, sexuality and how our bodies reveal the love of God and His plan for our salvation.

During our special Spring/Summer Election Year promotion, you may purchase both of these titles at St. Patrick's Book & Gift at 20% off the regular retail price.  We hope that you'll take advantage of this special offer as you prepare to go to the polls this November and cast your ballot. 

Winter 2011-2012

A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar...

So you've heard that one have you?

Sure, there are plenty of jokes about religion and the religious, but let's face it, humor and laughter aren't exactly the first things people think about when they think about faith and the those who profess it.  In fact, more often than not, religious people are considered a dour and sober bunch.  While that might not be entirely fair, it's certainly true that we could all be better about living our faith more joyfully.  After all, if we truly believe the things that we say we believe, shouldn't we be the most joy filled people of all?


In his new book, Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life, Fr. James Martin reminds his readers of the importance of humor and laughter in the lives of believers.  Fr. Martin shares his personal stories, examines scripture, and looks to the writings and lives of the saints--and tosses in a few jokes to boot--to illustrate that a good sense of humor is a worthy virtue and one of the best ways we can all spread the Good News.

Fr. Martin writes, "Preparation for heaven forms the basis of a great deal of Christian theology.  Life, in this understanding, is not so much a test as it is a rehearsal.  And one way of preparing for something is by doing it...In that case, why couldn't earthly joy, humor, and laughter be a way of preparing for a lifetime of happiness?  Why not allow yourself to enjoy a little heaven on earth?"

Here's a short video of Fr. Martin describing his new book.
















If you're someone who is convinced that God has a sense of humor--and maybe especially if you're someone who is not, please join us in reading our Winter book selection, Fr. James Martin's Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life.

From December 1 through February 29, Between Heaven and Mirth will be available at St. Patrick's Book & Gift for 20% off the regular retail price.  We'll do our best to keep plenty of copies in the store, but if we happen to be out, we will take special orders.  This book would make an excellent Christmas gift.  Pick up an extra copy or two to give away.  In these tough times, a gift that puts a smile on someone's face might be one of the best gifts of all.

Fall 2011

On the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011, the Third Edition of the Roman Missal will be implemented throughout all English-speaking regions in the world.

These changes to the liturgy are bound to heighten our awareness of what it is that we say and do every time we gather to celebrate Mass, and so what better time to take the opportunity to learn more about the Church's most perfect prayer? To that end, we have selected the new book Catholic Mass for Dummies as our Fall book recommendation.

Of course, there are lots of great books about the Mass to choose from, but some of them are admittedly difficult to read and understand. After all, it is a broad and deep subject. This book, however, is accessible to readers of any age and any level of understanding about our faith.

Catholic Mass for Dummies describes in a concise, thorough, and--most importantly--accurate way the meaning of the Mass, its history, the role of the participants, the parts of the Mass, and much more. The authors also address the changes that will be made to the liturgy, describing what those changes will be and what they mean.

Whether you're just starting out, are simply curious, or have been going to Mass for years and could use a refresher, Catholic Mass for Dummies is sure to teach you something new. The more we know about the Mass, the more meaningful it becomes and the richer our experience will be every time we celebrate the Eucharist.

Beginning September 1 through November 30, Catholic Mass for Dummies will be available for purchase or special order at St. Patrick's Book & Gift at 20% off the regular retail price. Stop by and pick up a copy.

FYI...If you're looking for more about the Catholic faith in general, we can also highly recommend Catholicism for Dummies by the same authors. Both publications are an excellent addition to any Catholic home library.

Summer 2011

Generally speaking, spiritual works are not what you would consider page-turners. You know, a book you just can't put down. More often they tend to be books that you take your time reading so that you can let the author's message sink in slowly. Usually. But that is not the case with the book that has been selected for our Summer of 2011.

This summer we are recommending Dr. Brant Pitre's new book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, a book that is so intriguing, so enlightening, and so well researched and documented that once you start reading it, you won't want to stop.

As its lengthy title implies, this work examines the Last Supper through the lens of first century Judaism and offers a fresh depth of meaning to the events of Christ's New Passover and ultimately to our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic Bread and Wine.

Anyone who has begun even the most basic study of Scripture has likely developed the understanding that Jesus Christ did not fit Jewish expectations of the Messiah. In the most general of terms, we can see that one part of their expectation was political, but that is only one part of the promise of the Messiah--the New Moses. Dr. Pitre does an excellent job of delving into all aspects of what the Messianic hope meant and then describing how Jesus has fulfilled each and every one of those hopes and expectations in abundance.

As disciples of Christ we are promised that we will know Christ in the breaking of the bread. A thoughtful reading of this important work is sure to develop an even deeper knowledge of what that promise entails as well as a deeper reverence for the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist. Be sure to put Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist at the top of your summer reading list.

From June 1-August 31, you can purchase Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist at St. Patrick's Book & Gift and get 20% off the retail price. We have several copies available, but if we happen to be out of stock, be sure to let us know and we will be happy to order a copy for you.

Earlier this year, Dr. Pitre was interviewed by Kris McGregor on "Inside the Pages" on the Spirit Catholic Radio Network. The interview is divided into two parts. You are welcome to listen here or download the files from the Discerning Hearts website. You might want to come back and listen to this interview after you've read the book--no spoilers!

Part 1:


Part 2:

Spring 2011

Whenever I think of the late Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, I think about the expression "tough love." He was a man, a brilliant man, who was passionate about his faith and not afraid to express what it really means to be a Christian--what it costs to become a disciple of Christ. His love for God and for his fellow man gave him the courage to say things others might avoid. He would risk hurt feelings, tested sensibilities, and an offended ego rather than let anyone off the hook in the extremely difficult vocation of becoming a saint.

This spring our Seasons of Reading book selection is a meditation by Fr. Neuhaus on the Seven Last Words of Christ entitled, Death on a Friday Afternoon. Fr. Neuhaus invites his readers to linger on Good Friday--not to rush to the victory of Easter Sunday--and explore the meaning of that horrifying and still wonderful day in history when when God turned the worst evil into the greatest good. Fr. Neuhaus writes, "We must not turn away from what we have done to God, lest we be found to have turned away from what he has done for us. It is not easy to look, to really look and see."

It is not easy. We are urged to spend time at the foot of the cross witnessing Christ's suffering through the eyes of Mary and John. We are urged to imagine that day through the eyes of Dysmas, the good thief. We are urged to remember that, in fact, we were there. We were there when we crucified our Lord.

This is a profound work that will challenge you to think, really think about what Good Friday means to all of us. In one of the most often quoted passages of this work, Fr. Neuhaus states, "If what Christians say about Good Friday is true, then it is, quite simply, the truth about everything."

I hope that you will make Death on a Friday Afternoon a part of your own Lenten/Easter observance. It will be available for purchase or special order in St. Patrick's Book & Gift at 20% off the regular retail price from now until the end of May.

Winter 2010

Every year during Advent and Christmas we are reminded of our Christian duty to help out those who are less fortunate. There are giving trees, food and toy drives, and Salvation Army bell ringers outside the malls.

Of course, writing a check is one thing. It's another thing to help someone face-to-face.

In her first book, Thrift Store Saints, Jane Knuth writes about her experiences doing just that as a volunteer for the last fifteen years at a St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Knuth writes candidly about the challenges involved in helping people who are not always so easy to help and how those challenges had become a part of her own spiritual journey.

As you read Thrift Store Saints, you can't help but reflect on your own attitudes and preconceptions as Knuth reminds us that the needy are not simply problems for us to solve. In fact, the truth is, you probably won't be able to solve all the problems in someone else's life, but there is the chance to pray together, do what we can, and learn from one another's experiences.

Here's Jane Knuth describing her new book:





You may also want to visit Jane's blog at ThriftStoreSaints.com.

Beginning in December and through the month of February, you may purchase a copy of Thrift Store Saints in St. Patrick's Book & Gift for 20% off the regular retail price. If you're searching for ideas for Christmas, you might want to think about picking up an extra copy for giving.

As always, we hope you appreciate our book recommendations. Please leave your comments or suggestions below. And enjoy Thrift Store Saints!

Fall 2010

It's the Back to School season! That time of the year when Moms and Dads rejoice, kids groan, and grandparents are grateful for a break.

Whether or not you are sending someone off to class, why not take advantage of this season of learning to work on your own education about the Catholic faith? A greater understanding of our faith enriches our participation in the sacraments, deepens our relationship with God, and makes us better able to pass our faith on to the next generation.

With that goal in mind, we have chosen the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as our fall book selection.

Sometimes referred to as the "mini Catechism", the Compendium is written in an easy-to-read question and answer format. This incredible little book clearly and briefly describes the fundamental and essential truths of our faith, and refers back to those sections of the larger Catechism for those who may wish for more detail.

"Why was the world created?"
"Why does God permit evil?"
"For what purpose did God create man and woman?"
"What is original sin?"

These and many other questions that we all ponder on our spiritual journey are addressed through the truths of our faith and in a manner that the average layperson can readily understand.

We hope that you'll take this opportunity to add the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to your own Catholic book collection. Speaking from experience, we're sure that you too will discover that this is a book that you will refer to again and again when you are searching for answers to your own questions of faith, or when you are looking for answers to those questions that you may get from your co-workers, friends, and family.

From now until the end of November, the Compendium will be available for purchase or special order at 20% off the regular retail price in St. Patrick's Book & Gift.

And since we were closed for several weeks this summer for our big move, as a bonus we are extending the discount on our summer selection, God Help Me: How to Grow in Prayer by Jim Beckman. This is an excellent and practical guide for anyone who is looking to improve their prayer life.