Go To Joseph
Fr. Richard W. Gilsdorf, Patrick F. Beno
Paperback, 134 pp., $8.95
Star of the Bay (October 2009)

Joseph. Every Christian knows the name. We know who he was, but what do we really know about him? For most of us, the answer is, “Not much.” Now, in these highly intimate, insightful, easy-to-read meditations, the late, noted Scripture scholar Fr. Richard Gilsdorf investigates the New Testament’s most mysterious figure. He opens up for us the Church’s greatest male saint in new and exciting ways, drawing believers deeper into the Gospels. Reading this contemplative book is like going on retreat, perfect for personal devotions, study groups, or adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Hard As Nails
Justin Fatica, David Tyree
Paperback, 208 pp., $14.00
Image (February 3, 2009)

Justin Fatica is spreading the Catholic faith with an intense, in-your-face approach. Fatica is known for an electric presence that inspires his audience to break free from their burdens. The success of Justin’s exploding Hard as Nails ministries is a welcome means of reaching the spiritually hungry. Fatica offers a message of hope for all ages, and especially for the growing number of youth who feel displaced and lost. There is little doubt that this dynamic, charismatic preacher will continue to draw attention for his radical and passionate ways of spreading the gospel.

Meat and Potatoes Catholicism
Rev. Joseph F. Classen
Paperback, 224 pp., $14.95
Our Sunday Visitor (March 14, 2008)

What is so special about Sacraments? How did the rituals and traditions of the Mass get started? Why do we have a pope? What’s the point of going to confession? Father Joe Classen has heard all these questions and answers them in a straight-shooting and approachable style. Get real questions and direct answers from a passionate, engaging priest who wants nothing more than to share his love of the Faith in real life terms. Learn what the Church teaches and why, and discover Father Joe’s secret recipe for a happier, more fulfilling life.

The Book of the Shepherd
Joann Davis
Hardcover, 208 pp., $19.99
HarperStudio (October 27, 2009)

In this fable inspired by the St. Francis Peace Prayer, Davis re-imagines the prayer and renames it the Law of Substitution. She creates a shepherd, a former slave and a young boy and sends them on an adventure that will test each of them in turn, meeting apocryphal figures like the Storyteller, the Apothecary, a Blind Man, and a Stranger whose stories, skills, and intentions help prepare the three for their final test. They will rely on each other in critical ways, learning first-hand about character, courage, and the priceless gifts that come with reckless generosity.

Jesus and the First Century
of Christianity in Jerusalem
Elizabeth McNamer and Bargil Pixner
Paperback, 100 pp., $19.95
Paulist Press (May 28, 2008)

Beautifully illustrated with maps and photos, this book focuses on the first century in Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. Its thesis is that the Jerusalem community remained true to their Jewish heritage and had a connection with the Essenes. After the Bar Kohaba rebellion a gentile bishop was appointed. The Jewish church was inundated by gentiles and eventually integrated into the Byzantine church. The purpose of the book is to bring to light our Jewish connections, and, as the state of Israel is being threatened, an appreciation of our Jewish heritage.