We are all familiar with the Christmas story--perhaps too familiar.  Does the impact of the birth of Christ really penetrate our minds and hearts?  Or does it get lost in a blur of presents, Santa Claus and family parties?  This Advent rediscover the mystery of Emmanuel, God with us.  In Dawn of the Messiah, The Coming of Christ in Scripture, Edward Sri examines the well-known Gospel passages of the birth of Christ. He puts them in the context of the prophetic promises of the long-awaited Messiah.  This practical, easy-to-read book will open your eyes anew to the wonder of God's gift.  You will never read the Christmas story in the same way again. 

Let Fr. Benedict Groeschel be your retreat director during the season of Advent.  In Behold He Comes, Groeschel reflects on the daily Scripture readings for every day of this holy season.  Through stories and personal insight, Groeschel will bring new meaning into this season of hope.  Take a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the days before Christmas and focus on the wonder of God's love for you.

Surprised by Canon Law, Volume 2

More Questions Catholics Ask About Canon Law

Pete Vere and Michael Trueman

Why should you care about Canon Law?  It sounds so dry and dusty--definitely over the head of the average Catholic.  The happy surprise is that canon lawyers Vere and Trueman are able to look at the internal governing code of the Church and apply it to everyday Catholic life.  In Surprised by Canon Law, Volume 2, the authors look at issues that everybody has questions about.  Why does the Church run the way it does?   Everybody wonders about the nuts and bolts of daily life in the Church. 

Following up on their popular first book,  Surprised by Canon Law, the authors tackle more questions that touch the life of every Catholic.  Topics include: Can someone be denied a church funeral?  How do parishes merge and what happens to their property?  What is excommunication and how is it applied?  Under what circumstances might a priest be removed from his role?  You just might be surprised at what you discover.

Saints, A Closer Look

Thomas Dubay, S.M.

All of us know the stories of the saints.  We know that their holy actions and deep prayer lives led to them being recognized by the Church as saints, as those we should look up to, those we should emulate.  But how seriously do we take our call to follow in their steps?  Could we actually become saints?  In Saints, A Closer Look by Thomas Dubay, S.M. we are assured that sainthood is available to all of us.  The key is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  As Dubay puts it, "...their heroic choices and actions flow from an inner fire, whose only source can be the Holy Spirit.  And they place no impediments to its ignition." 

Dubay explores the inner lives of the saints.  How did they overcome their human weaknesses and temptations?  How did they pray?   Why are the saints relevant to us now?  How can they guide us out of the inner emptiness and boredom so many people experience today?      Dubay makes it clear that the inner fire of the Holy Spirit is available to each of us who dares to accept the invitation of the saints.  Yes, you.  You can become a saint.