Calls for a change in attitude toward, and a renewal in, understanding the use of the sacrament of penance

Shares the unique perspective that our fears are not our enemies but an opportunity to help people--including ourselves--to understand them, cherish them, and find God within them.

The Sacrament of the Future is a contemporary examination of the theory and praxis of sacraments undertaken in the belief that a renewed understanding of them will shape the survival of the faith in the changed circumstances of the twenty-first century. This new perspective is the eschatological character of the sacraments: by retaining the tension between time and eternity in our present life, sacraments anticipate the future fulfilment of salvation in heaven. The association of the two classical treatises of Sacramental Theology and the doctrine of Last Things will alter our approach not only to the sacraments, but also to other important tenets of Christian theology. This book is the result of half a lifetime's work in presenting and critically analysing Karl Rahner's theological thought. Professor George Vass has not confined himself to the detailed exposition of the thought of his predecessor but, through a critical analysis of his views, tries to enter into dialogue with him. Professor Vass, Fellow of Heythrop College, University of London, and for twenty years holder of Karl Rahner's chair at the University of Innsbruck, entered the Society of Jesus in 1946, and obtained his qualifications in Philosophy and Theology at various European universities. He taught at Heythrop College, Oxon, and the University of London, before his call to the University of Innsbruck in 1976. In 1996 he became Professor Emeritus of the chair of Dogmatic and Ecumenical Theology. Since then he has been Parish Priest within the diocese of Tyrol, Austria.

With Nihil Obstat & Imprimatur. You are called to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is not an option if we want to be a Christian! It’s a command of love from God and is an invitation to share in His divine life. We should hear those words and soak them up desiring to fulfill them in our daily life. How do we do this? How do we love God with everything we are? To say with all your “heart, mind and soul” means everything! It means all that we are. Our whole being. So loving God in the way we are called to requires a very radical commitment on our part. It requires that we are “all in” so to speak. So, again, how do we do this? The key is worship! To worship God is to love God in the way we are called to love. To worship God means that He is indeed the God of our life and nothing else gets in the way. It means we allow our heart, soul and mind to become immersed in God and filled with His presence. This is worship. And it’s our calling in life. Worship is prayer. It’s true prayer. But it’s not only a prayer we offer at church or at a specific prayer time. Rather, we are called to worship God 24/7 in all that we do and all that we are. We cannot set specific times of worship and times when we do not worship. It’s a calling to constantly be in God’s presence surrendering all to Him. This book is about Worship of the Triune God! There is nothing more important in life than what is presented here in these pages. Not because of this book itself, but because of the truths this book shares. There are two main sections of this book. The first section is about prayer as it is lived in the Sacraments of our Church. The Sacraments can seem, at times, to be dry, dull and repetitive. They can, at times, feel like empty rituals that we are “obliged” to do out of obedience. But when understood and entered into correctly, the Sacraments become the greatest source of our intimacy with our God. They become personal. They become My Catholic Worship! The second section of this book deals with all other forms of prayer. It highlights various methods as well as the meaning of prayer. So jump into this book with an open heart and know that God wants to draw you more closely to Himself in all forms of worship. He wants you to know and love Him with your whole heart, soul and strength. And the way to do just that is prayer! About this Series: The My Catholic Life! series is a three volume series written as a complete summary of our glorious Catholic faith! The goal of these books is to answer the difficult and deep questions of life in a clear and understandable way. We need to know who we are and what life is all about. And we need to know who God is and what He has spoke to us through the ages. Volume One, My Catholic Faith! is a summary of the Apostles and Nicene Creed. This volume looks at everything from the creation of the world to God’s eternal plan of salvation. Other topics include: Afterlife, saints, God, faith, and the Church. It is a summary of the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1-1065. Volume Two, My Catholic Worship! is a summary of the life of grace found in prayer and the Sacraments. So often the Sacraments can be seen as dry and empty rituals. But they are, in reality, the greatest treasures we have! They are God’s true presence among us! It is a summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1066-1684 and #2558-2865. Volume Three, My Catholic Morals! is a summary of the morality itself, knowing how we choose right from wrong, as well as a summary of all the moral teachings of our faith. It is a summary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1691-2557 Nihil Obstat & Imprimatur granted for three volume series.

The Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful, prayerful book by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson which helps Catholics enter in to the Sacrament of Reconciliation more deeply.

The author discusses the theology of the sacrament of Reconciliation that emanated from the reformed rites that were promulgated after Vatican II. He treats the public nature of sin and forgiveness and shows that the Church has always been concerned to continue Christ's reconciling ministry in a public and sacramental way. Further, he treats the constitutive "parts" of the developed sacrament and analyzes the sacramental forms of reconciliation as well as the non-sacramental form in a way that reveals their complementarity. He concludes by suggesting some possibilities for the development of the sacrament.

Discover the profound wisdom and timeless teachings of Catholicism with The Catholicism Answer Book This authoritative and accessible guide presents the answers to the 300 most commonly asked questions about the Catholic faith, making it the ultimate resource for both believers and seekers. Readers will discover: 300 Thoughtfully Selected Questions: Delve into the heart of Catholicism as this book addresses a wide array of questions that encompass theology, history, traditions, practices, and more. Expertly Crafted Answers: Written by seasoned scholars and theologians, the responses provide accurate, reliable, and well-researched information. Easy-to-Navigate Format: Organized in a user-friendly Q&A format, locating answers to specific inquiries has never been easier. Inclusivity and Relevance: The book caters to both long-standing believers seeking to deepen their understanding and newcomers in search of a clear introduction to Catholicism. Rich Historical Insights: Explore the fascinating history and development of the Catholic Church, from its early roots to its modern-day significance. Contemporary Application: Learn how Catholic teachings remain relevant in today's world, addressing current moral, ethical, and spiritual challenges. Why Choose The Catholicism Answer Book? Comprehensive and Trustworthy: Unravel the complexities of Catholicism with confidence, knowing you have accurate information at your fingertips. Accessible to All: Whether you are a devout Catholic or someone curious about the faith, this book welcomes everyone on their spiritual quest. Perfect Gift: An ideal present for family, friends, or colleagues exploring their faith or seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs. Ideal for Study and Discussion: Enhance group discussions, Bible studies, and catechism classes with this invaluable resource. Unlock the depths of Catholicism and immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom, traditions, and teachings that have guided countless believers for centuries.

'Michael Ramsay's profound simplicity leaps off the page . . . The Christian Priest Today can be read with great and lasting benefit by anyone interested in this strange and magnificent vocation.' John Pritchard, author of The Life and Work of a Priest Of all Michael Ramsey's many books, The Christian Priest Today is perhaps the best loved and most enduring. The main part of the volume is composed of charges to ordination candidates, with an emphasis on the intellectual and devotional life of the minister in an increasingly self-sufficient world. Later chapters reflect on the ministry of the laity, the theology of priesthood and the roles of bishop and presbyter in the context of the practical meaning of divine vocation.

Whether born in the Mideast, Africa, Asia, or brought home to the streets of America, violent hatreds often threaten to swamp the minimal cooperation needed to foster life and health. Does Christianity have anything besides warmed-over pieties to offer a world torn by estrangement, alienation, and violently opposed worldviews? In this signal contribution to public theology, John de Gruchy, an internationally esteemed political theologian, emphatically affirms the possibility and necessity of reconciliation. For Christians, he says, reconciliation is the center and perennial test of their faith. De Gruchy expands reconciliation's relevance beyond personal piety and ecclesial harmony to encompass group relations, politics, and even the environment. In all cases, he argues, it involves the restoration of justice. Forged in the recent experience of South Africa, his work delineates the political and ecclesial significance of reconciliation and shows its importance for interreligious relations, addressing victimization, and international peace. Reconciliation will be welcomed by all whose faith leads them to help alleviate the world's mounting agonies.

At a time when the church needs an urgent wake-up call and a fresh encounter with Jesus, the hyper-grace message is lulling many to sleep. Claiming to be a new revelation of grace, this teaching is gaining in popularity, but is it true? Or is the glorious truth of grace being polluted by errors, leading to backsliding, compromise, and even the abandonment of faith?