Fr. Thomas Reese has observed that American Catholic dioceses are simultaneously mysterious and essential to the institutional health and vitality of American Catholicism. In recent years, as American Catholicism increasingly finds itself embroiled in scandal and conflict, this mysteriousness has given way to feelings of suspicion, frustration, and even contempt. How can American dioceses navigate this complex and often hostile social, cultural, and political environment? Several decades ago, J. Michael Sproule invited rhetorical and communication scholars to focus on institutions to increase our understanding of the profound role complex organizations play in contemporary life, assess the purpose and significance of communication in pursuit of their missions, and “give a human face to the otherwise institutional voice of corporate suasion.” Following Sproule, this book defines a new field called diocesan institutional rhetoric that strives to transform dioceses from structures characterized by closure and adversity into sites of hope-full, response-able, Spirit-led opportunity. Today, rhetorical and communication issues emerge everywhere in American Catholicism. Drawing together relevant literature in Catholic theology, philosophy of communication, and corporate communication scholarship—as well as over twelve years’ experience working as a communication professional in a diocesan chancery—this book helps diocesan leaders, scholars, and observers to think differently and more fruitfully about the future of American Catholic ecclesial leadership.

This collection of essays addresses the issue of communication and ministry in a mass-media dominated society.

"A disciplinary map for understanding African Catholicism today by engaging some of the most pressing and pertinent issues, topics, and conversations in diverse fields of studies in African Catholicism"--

The Power of Forgiveness, Pope Francis on Reconciliation calls the reader to explore the mercy of God, received in a profound way by turning toward God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This heartfelt collection of the Pope's reflections on the need for repentance, awareness of sin, God's divine mercy, forgiveness of others, and confession and absolution, is a transformative read for Catholics of all vocational states!

This rich collection of essays by distinguished scholars from across the globe can be read as sketching key steps on the path toward working in solidarity to build a future worthy of the human family through a new social Catholicism. These steps include a contemporary renewal of Christian humanism and of human rights, while learning to live as authentic Christian witnesses in pluralistic societies after the end of Christendom. They will also include working for a just and sustainable economic paradigm, becoming missionary disciples with a continual orientation toward the marginalized, and overcoming the plague of racism by working to build a constitutional democracy for every citizen. This societal renewal will require fostering robust movements of social Catholicism apt for our age, within which Catholics will pursue the Universal Call to Holiness through living their earthly vocations in a spirit of social friendship. They will creatively employ social media to foster apostolates extending beyond borders. In an age of “dark clouds” threatening dystopia, a new social Catholicism will require a reinvigorated pastoral leadership that has come to appreciate the dangers of populism, and the need to instead foster solidarity and incarnate Christian charity through a “better kind of politics.”

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

A study of clerical reaction to the sizeable number of Catholics who outwardly conformed to Protestantism in late 16c England. An important and satisfying monograph... Many insights emerge from this rich and original study, whichwhets the appetite for more. ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW [Diarmaid MacCulloch] `Church Papist' was a nickname, a term of abuse, for those English Catholics who outwardly conformed to the established Protestant Church and yet inwardly remained Roman Catholics. The more dramatic stance of recusancy has drawn historians' attention away from this sizeable, if statistically indefinable, proportion of Church of England congregations, but its existence and significance is here clearly revealed through contemporary records, challenging the sectarian model of post-Reformation Catholicism perpetuated by previous historians. Alexandra Walsham explores the aggressive reaction of counter-Reformation clergy to the compromising conduct of church papists and the threat theyposed to Catholicism's separatist image; alongside this she explains why parish priests simultaneously condoned qualified conformity. This scholarly and original study thus draws into focus contemporary clerical apprehensions andanxieties, as well as the tensions caused by the shifting theological temper ofthe late Elizabethan and early Stuart church.ALEXANDRA WALSHAM is Lecturer in History at the University of Exeter.

Catholicism and Liberal Democracy seeks to clarify if there is a place for Catholicism in the public discourse of modern liberal democracy, bringing secular liberalism, as articulated by Jürgen Habermas, into conversation with the Catholic tradition. James Martin Carr explores three aspects of the Catholic tradition relevant to this debate: the Church's response to democracy from the nineteenth century up until the eve of the Second Vatican Council; the Council's engagement with modernity, in particular through Gaudium et spes and Dignitatis humanae; and Joseph Ratzinger's theology of politics as a particularly incisive (and influential) articulation of the Catholic tradition in this area. Jürgen Habermas's theorization of the place of religion in modern democracy, both in his earlier secularist phase and after his 'post-secular' turn, is evaluated. The adequacy of Habermas's recent attempts to accommodate religious citizens are critically examined and it is argued that developments in his later thought logically require a more thoroughgoing revision of his earlier theory. These developments, it is argued, create tantalizing openings for fruitful dialogue between Habermas and the Catholic tradition. Using analytical tools drawn from communications theory, the debates on same-sex marriage at Westminster and in the Irish referendum campaign are analyzed, assessing whether Catholic contributions to these debates comply with Habermasian rules of civic discourse. In light of this analysis, the prospects of, and impediments to, Catholic participation in public discourse are appraised. Carr concludes by proposing a Ratzingerian critique of contemporary attempts to redefine marriage within a broader, more fundamental critique of the modern democratic state as currently configured. A political system founded upon secularist monism cannot but regard Christian Gelasianism, and its Catholic variant in particular, as an existential threat. Thus, Catholics, however Habermasian their political behavior, can never be more than uneasy bedfellows with modern liberal democracy.

Stay current with Daily and Sunday Mass Readings! The most thorough and convenient resource of its kind available, Reading God's Word is an ideal resource for anyone needing ready access to all daily and Sunday Scripture Readings for Church Year C, 2022. The Church's official New American Bible lectionary texts for Mass are presented in a convenient easy-to-read format. Your lectors will find it a useful tool as part of their preparation to proclaim God's Word at Mass. It is also helpful for homily preparation, for classroom teachers for school liturgies, and for individual personal prayer, Scripture study and reflection. It is the perfect companion for daily devotion and reflection. Alternate Readings are included for some Sundays and feast days. 736 pages - 6 x 9

Why Stay Catholic? Answering Common Objections, Volume I: Mary and the Pope finally brings two of Dr. Hahn's most popular talks to the printed page. In this fascinating little book, you'll discover the Catholic Truth about the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most important saint of those saved by Christ, and her role in the faith of all Christians. And learn to share who (and what) the Roman Pontiff really is for Catholics, as Dr. Hahn's dynamic teaching offers exciting ways to help confused friends and relatives understand the true character of the Blessed Mother and the true function of the papal office. Leading Catholic AuthorProfessor of Biblical Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio and the Director of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Dr. Scott Hahn, Ph.D. has had several number one best-selling books in the category of Catholic non-fiction and was named "The leading author of Catholic hardcover books" for 2002 by the Catholic Book Publishers Association. Because of his detailed knowledge of both Scripture and theology, Dr. Hahn has become a most effective advocate for the truth of the Catholic Church, and he is considered to be one of the most inspirational Catholic writers and speakers in the United States. Now, thanks to Professor Hahn's clear teaching from a Biblical perspective, you will see the central treasures of the Catholic Faith in their true scriptural settings in the first of an exciting new series designed to help you answer the question: Why Stay Catholic? LEARN:How controversies arose regarding these commonly held objections How non-Catholics are often mislead by learning to focus on selective readings of Scripture and private interpretation Why the vast majority of non-Catholic questions and objections to Catholic beliefs about Mary and the Papacy stem from Scripture What relevant principles of Church teaching support these essential Catholic doctrines How to use the Bible to defend the truth of Catholic teaching Where to find key Scripture passages that will help confused friends and relatives understand the true character of the Blessed Mother and the true function of the papal office How all the Marian doctrines are to be found in the Bible How the Old Testament foretells in types and figures both the Blessed Virgin Mary and the office of the Papacy