E-Books
To see purchase options for each book, click on the cover.
The More Discerning Priest: Mature Discernment in Diocesan Priesthood
By Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
In their life and ministry, priests must not only resist the discouragement of desolation but also an energy, a consolation that may draw them toward a good thing— but not one that God desires for them. In eight clear and practical rules, Saint Ignatius of Loyola provides a roadmap through such sensitive discernments. In this book, the first of its kind, Father Gallagher applies these eight rules specifically to the priestly vocation. This short, easily read, and profound book will provide light and guidance to any priest who reads it.
To a Younger Brother
By: Fr. Eric Gilhooly, LC
Fr. Eric Gilhooly, LC has written To a Younger Brother as a very practical and encouraging book for seminarians. The book uses contemporary book, movie, and song examples to offer insightful and realistic advice for those studying for the priesthood.
The Discerning Priest: Ignatian Wisdom for Daily Life in Priesthood
By Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.
This book applies St. Ignatius of Loyola’s classic fourteen rules for discernment to the daily life of the diocesan priest. It describes those alternations of spiritual energy and spiritual discouragement that every priest experiences and supplies spiritual tools for responding to them. Chapter by chapter, the reader follows the story of “Father Tom” — a parish priest who stands for every priest in active ministry — and through his experiences, perceives how St. Ignatius’s rules apply to his own daily life. Above all, the reader will find in these rules a proven path to freedom from discouragement and into the joy of his priestly vocation.
The Priest as Beloved Son
Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
Summary: The Priest as Beloved Son is a compilation of essays that were written to expound upon one of the five priestly identities, that of Beloved Son. Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph. D., these essays explore such areas as the Scriptural foundations for the identity of Beloved Son, as well as discussions of affective maturity of priests as sons of God. Together, the essays provide descriptions and details of how a priest truly is a beloved son of God and how he can effectively live out that role as he fulfills his vocation to the priesthood.
Entering into the Mind of Christ: The True Nature of Theology
Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
Summary: Entering into the Mind of Christ: The True Nature of Theology is a compilation of essays that were written to address the question: “How does spirituality supply theological study with the correct method?” Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph. D., these essays affirm the fact that the study of theology necessarily involves spirituality.
The essays explore the definitions of “theology” and “spirituality,” recognizing that the two concepts are often defined incompletely. Furthermore, the role of faith, as well as the importance of dialogue, in the understanding and practice of theology is presented.
Seminary Formation and Homosexuality
By Father Earl K. Fernandes, S.T.D.
Summary: This book examines comments by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in Light of the World regarding the recent Vatican instruction “Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with Regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in View of Their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders,” which deals with homosexuality and the priesthood.
This book demonstrates that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's comments on this issue have been consistent both within his pontificate and while he held office at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As sexual mores have changed in the culture, attempting to 'normalize' homosexuality, the Church has developed guidelines for seminary formators, culminating in the instruction upon which Benedict commented.
Healing Prayer
By Father John Horn, S.J.
Summary: Healing Prayer is a necessary aid to all who guide others into a life of prayer. It is especially meant for spiritual directors and pastors. Several chapters of the book contain interviews with people from various walks of life who share their experiences of praying through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Spousal Prayer: A Way to Marital Happiness
By Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
Summary: Deacon Keating's book affirms that the sharing of hearts is a necessary commitment in both marriage and prayer. The mingling of the love of spouse, with and in the love of God, is and has always been the foundation for a life of peace, creativity, vibrancy and sanctity. In fact, we cannot even understand what marriage is unless we look at how Christ loved His Bride, the Church, till the end (Jn 13:1).
Spousal Prayer is also available in Spanish.
The Parish as a School of Prayer: Foundation for the New Evangelization
By Father Scott Traynor, JCL
Summary: This book recognizes St. John Paul II's urging for priests to tranform their parishes into powerhouses of prayer. The priest must become a Christian witness of prayer. He should not draw attention to himself but to the utter necessity, goodness, and beauty of deepening intimacy with God in prayer. In calling the parish to the life of prayer, the priest is uniting himself with God's own loving initiative.
Seminary Theology II: Theology and Spiritual Direction in Dialogue
Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
Summary: In this volume, several seminary theologians explore the relationship between teaching theology and the essential ministry of spiritual direction as it is practiced in the seminary. These essays deepen the conversation that was begun in the first volume of this series, Seminary Theology: Teaching in a Contemplative Way. In 2006, the U.S. Bishops invited seminary personnel to consider how they can establish spirituality as the heart of teaching theology in seminary formation.
Spiritual Fathers: A Workbook for Priests and Dads
By Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.
Summary: Together the father and the priest can meet a need in the family and Church today: presenting the spiritual life as a journey to personal happiness. The lack of masculine role modeling in the spiritual life results in boys being ignorant of the true nature and adventure of entering the spiritual life. The best people to introduce this adventure to the boy are his spiritual fathers, the men who already have explored and now enjoy the spiritual life: his dad and his pastor.
Heart Speaks to Heart
By Father John Horn, S.J.
Summary: This workbook invites readers into the depths of their history, thoughts, and feelings, so that they can be led into prayerful communion with Christ. Through the tools found in this workbook, all believers will find the truth about themselves and their calling to give all and surrender to Christ who desires only the happiness of His followers.
Be Thou My Vision
By Bishop David L. Ricken, D.D., J.C.L.
Summary: This book will deepen a priest's love of his own vocation. In a series of meditations, Bishop Ricken invites the reader not only into a clearer image of priesthood but into a deeper perception of how these images open the mind to healing and prayer. Priests will benefit from prayerfully spending time with these spiritual and practical insights on priestly commitment, prayer and parish life.
Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians
By Father Michael J. Najim
Summary: Radical Surrender: Letters to Seminarians will assist vocation directors and seminary formators in helping seminarians recognize the true voice of God and rightfully discern their vocation. Seminary formation must be interiorly appropriated; in other words, formation will be fruitful only if the seminarian allows Christ to transform his heart. This book is a resource for all interested in the spiritual and human formation of the next generation of priests.
Reclaiming our Priestly Character (Revised Edition)
By Msgr. David L. Toups. S.T.D.
Summary: Reclaiming Our Priestly Character offers a review of the present crisis surrounding priestly identity through careful theological scholarship and a wise and practical spirituality, providing a clear path toward the renewal of the priestly character. An essential guide for every priest and seminarian.