"From the baptismal font to the tabernacle, the symbols we see in church stand for realities that point to the presence of God. Few Catholics, let alone non-Catholics, understand what a treasure their parish church is. This book provides the map."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The author provides an in-depth look at eight diverse models of excellence, a directory of hundreds of great parishes throughout the country, and listings of those traits common to excellence that can be reproduced in parishes everywhere.

Simon Jenkins has travelled the length and breadth of England to select his thousand best churches. Organised by county, each church is described - often with delightful asides - and given a star-rating from one to five. All of the county sections are prefaced by a map locating each church, and lavishly illustrated with colour photos from the Country Life archive. Jenkins contends that these churches house a gallery of vernacular art without equal in the world. Here, he brings that museum to public attention.

Drawing on the wisdom gleaned from thriving mega-churches and innovative business leaders while anchoring their vision in the Eucharistic center of Catholic faith, Fr. Michael White and lay associate Tom Corcoran present the compelling and inspiring story to how they brought their parish back to life. Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter is a story of stopping everything and changing focus. When their parish reached a breaking point, White and Corcoran asked themselves how they could make the Church matter to Catholics, and they realized the answer was at the heart of the Gospel. Their faithful response not only tripled their weekend mass attendance, but also yielded increased giving, flourishing ministries, and a vibrant, solidly Catholic spiritual revival. White and Corcoran invite all Catholic leaders to share the vision, borrow their strategies, and rebuild their own parishes. They offer a wealth of guidance for anyone with the courage to hear them.

Preparing Parish Liturgies provides historical background, synopses, and careful outlines of the Church's major liturgical books and documents. Then, with easy-to-understand language, helpful charts, and sound liturgical principles, the author arms both the veteran and the novice with practical tools for preparing parish liturgies that are both faithful to the Church's rich tradition and sensitive to the pastoral needs of their assemblies.

The Vatican-approved guide to opening up new connections to God. Today, more and more Catholics are looking to explore their spirituality in new ways: by trying meditation or contemplation, seeking to adapt monastic traditions to modern life, or seeking a deeper connection to Jesus through the Eucharist, giving rise to the growing popularity of Adoration. The Essential Guide to Catholic Prayer and the Mass offers Catholics a way to explore prayer styles they may have never before considered, and non-Catholics or fringe Catholics a look into a world that can sometimes seem mysterious or intimidating. Through Mass, scripture, ancient rituals, the examples of the saints, the lives of holy men and women in the world today, and more, Catholics of every mindset can find a style of prayer to suit them. • One of the first books with a detailed explanation and instructions on how to follow the new translation of Mass as prepared by the Catholic Church • Includes an imprimatur-a seal of approval from Paul G. Bootkoski, Bishop of Metuchen • Perfect for cradle, convert, and revert Catholics, as well as people from other faiths, students, and teachers

Hundredfold is a comprehensive guide to starting and running a parish vocation committee in a Catholic parish, including step-by-step instructions for over 50 activities.