We are halfway through summer vacation, and the post-Independence Day lull has arrived. It’s a great time to introduce a few books to kids to get them thinking. Some of our recent favorites have been: “Stories of the Saints,” written by Carey Wallace and illustrated by Nick Thornborrow. This large, hardback book has more than […]
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Reviewed by Katie Bogner Agriculture teaches a unique perspective on the value of sacrifice, seasons of change, and the importance of community. In 2015, farmer Carl Bates of Galva was told that he only had months to live. With countless other concerns to focus on during their remaining time together, one major problem for the […]
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Megan Gannon is the author of "Special Saints for Special People: Stories of Saints with Disabilities," recently published by Twenty-Third Publications. She is a member of St. Timothy Church in Chantilly, Virginia. (Zoey Maraist/courtesy of the Arlington Catholic Herald)
Reviewed by Father Luke Spannagel If you have been following my book reviews, you may have noticed that I really enjoy stories. And people from the parishes where I have served know that I especially like saint stories. I am always edified by the great faith of the saints and find myself inspired by how […]
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Reviewed by Katie Bogner Model of Workmen. Comfort of the Afflicted. Pillar of Families. Terror of Demons. While “Foster Father of the Son of God” is the most important title of St. Joseph, it certainly isn’t the only name that describes the many roles he holds in the Kingdom of God. In “Consecration to St. […]
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Review by Nancy Piccione Years ago, in a column here, I told the story I love about St. Charles Borromeo, the 16th-century saint and archbishop. The story goes that he was playing cards with two priest friends. Someone near them asked what they would do if they knew the end of the world were to […]
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Longtime educator Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB, holds her newly published book, “Whatever Happened to the Sandbox? Enjoying the Creative Wisdom of Children.” (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)
ROCK ISLAND — When you’re teaching classes with 45 and 60 students at a time, it doesn’t take long to amass a large collection of stories that amuse and inspire. Sister Mary Jane Wallace, OSB, tells some of her favorites in a new book, “Whatever Happened to the Sandbox? Enjoying the Creative Wisdom of Children.” […]
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Reviewed by Father Luke Spannagel If you know me, you know that I am in the habit of finding the good. I’ll be the first to admit that I am a perfectionist, and while I am always looking for ways to improve in any situation, I also remind myself to notice the good and rally […]
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Reviewed by Tom Dermody Imagine being in Jerusalem during the week of Jesus’ Crucifixion. I have always been a fan of time travel books, television series and movies. So when I learned of Claudia Cangilla McAdam’s novel “Awakening,” in which a modern teenager suddenly finds herself as a witness to – and even a participant […]
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Reviewed by Matthew Vander Vennet In “I’m Catholic. Now What?,” author and convert Shaun McAfee provides a valuable resource for converts, reverts, and non-verts alike. In his characteristic fashion and manner, McAfee makes an easy to read volume that is both helpful and accessible. The work can be read from cover to cover or as […]
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This is the cover of "When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith and Funny People," by Jeannie Gaffigan. (CNS photo/courtesy Jeannie Gaffigan) See stories marked GAFFIGAN- Nov. 19, 2019.
Reviewed by Bonnie Engstrom Jeannie Gaffigan’s entire identity was wrapped up in being a Super Mom, Super Wife, and Super Producer. It took a life threatening brain tumor to make her relinquish her need to control and excel. Her memoir, “When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People” recounts […]
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