Three books have been suggested as resources that may interest newsletter readers. HNP Today occasionally provides recommendations of publications that are relevant to friars as well as to their partners-in-ministry.
Below are brief descriptions of the books provided by various sources.
Growing an Engaged Church: How to Stop “Doing Church” and Start Being the Church Again by Albert L. Winseman (Gallup Press, 2007) was recommended by Richard Husted, OFM, in the March 27 bulletin from St. Bonaventure Church, Allegany, N.Y. In his “From the Pastor” column, Richard wrote that the book talks of the importance of parishioners participating in various aspects of parish life. The committees of the Western New York parish have been reading and utilizing Growing an Engaged Church.
The Prayer of Saint Francis: A Message of Peace for the World Today by Leonardo Boff (Orbis Books, 2001) is recommended in the Spring 2011 issue of Be a Franciscan, newsletter of the Province’s Franciscan Vocation Ministry. “Through a series of moving reflections on the famous and beloved prayer of St. Francis, this book shows how to live and pray in the spirit of the saint from Assisi,” according to the quarterly publication.
Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship by Mary DeTurris Poust (Ave Maria Press, 2010) was recommended by student friar Daniel Horan, OFM, on his blog, Dating God. “The nature of a ‘spiritual friendship’ it seems, takes the intimacy of a close relationship and includes another emphasis that might not otherwise be found in one’s relationship with other friends: God,” wrote Dan. “Now, to be clear, obviously God is found in all relationships, but the term ‘spiritual friendship’ suggests that God become a focal point or emphasis in the relationship with another. We all have those mentors and friends in our lives to whom we confide concerns and joys, look up to and model our lives after and from whom we seek wisdom in our more trying circumstances. These types of friends seem to fall under this category that Mary DeTurris Poust highlights as a rich, if often overlooked, element of the Catholic Christian tradition.” Dan will post a full review of the book on Dating God.
The HNP Communications Office welcomes emails from readers who would like to suggest a book or periodical. It requests that a short description of the material be provided.
Themes of these recommendations are, in addition to spirituality and news of the Catholic Church, topics affiliated with Holy Name Province committees and directorates: evangelization, justice and peace, African-American and Hispanic ministries, communications and wellness.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas