There is a lot of information online about the practice of spiritual communion, not all of which you might find helpful. So you might be wondering: Is spiritual communion just something between me and Jesus? Is spiritual communion of no value if I can't receive the Eucharist? Is spiritual communion "just" a private prayer or devotion? (It's none of those things.) The suspension of Masses worldwide as an effort to control the spread of COVID-19 has many Catholics longing for holy Communion, but even in normal times there are other reasons Catholics may be unable to attend Mass or receive the Eucharist. That's why it's more important than ever for Catholics to understand and practice spiritual communion. In The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion you'll learn: What spiritual communion really means, and what it can mean to you What makes spiritual communion possible The criteria for making an act of spiritual communion What saints can teach us about spiritual communion A variety of prayers and devotions you can use for spiritual communion Gain clarity, comfort, and encouragement in The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion.

The Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies each day with prayer, by following a daily rhythm throughout the liturgical year. If you love praying with Sacred Scripture and you appreciate structure, the Liturgy of the Hours is a perfect fit. It's not a practice you'll pick up overnight - but this guide is exactly what you need to begin. The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours is your easy-to-read, down-to-earth introduction to the daily prayer of the Church. In this brief booklet, author, wife, mom, and Secular Franciscan Barb Szyszkiewicz helps you understand and practice this beautiful devotion. You'll learn: The different formats, settings, and ways to pray the Liturgy of the Hours Who can pray it (spoiler alert: everyone!) The fruits of this form of prayer and how it connects to the Mass The five "canonical hours," or times of the day, when the Liturgy of the Hours is prayed A quick start guide is also included, so you can begin praying the Liturgy of the Hours whenever you're ready!

No matter how much or how little you already know about the Eucharist, the "secrets" revealed here will bring you to a new, personal "Emmaus" experience, again and again. Perfect for personal devotion, catechesis, study groups, book clubs, and theological studies, The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist will rekindle the "Eucharistic amazement" called for by Pope John Paul II.

Many Catholics view fasting as hard, burdensome, weird, or only for Lent. This little book demonstrates that fasting can be so much more than that! It's an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and solidarity with the suffering of the world. The Handy Little Guide to Fasting is your easy-to-read, down-to-earth introduction to this ancient practice. Author, speaker, and award-winning journalist Deacon Greg Kandra presents a way to blend faith and fortitude to make fasting more spiritually fulfilling. You'll learn: Some practical pointers when fasting The difference between fasting and abstinence What the Church teaches about fasting The various options for fasting (hint: It's not just about food!) Each brief chapter concludes with reflection questions and a prayer for your fasting journey.

Susan Tassone turns to a passionate and powerful guide to help us pray for the holy souls in purgatory, St. Faustina Kowalska. Includes devotions, prayers, novenas, and the wisdom of St. Faustina.

We all recognize that we are sinners. We constantly strive to do God's will, and when we fall short, we go to the confessional to experience God's healing mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Yet for all too many of us, when our sins are washed away, the shame of sin may linger on our hearts and plague us even as we resolve anew to follow Christ. This shame is one of Satan's most insidious means of separating us from God's love and forgiveness. With gentleness and wisdom, Fr. Wade Menezes of the Fathers of Mercy shows you how to overcome your shame of sin and surrender to God's mercy. Far from ignoring the reality of sin, Fr. Menezes illustrates the consequences of evil and vice, while reminding you that however great your sin may be, God's goodness is greater. At every moment, He is calling you to Himself. He seeks your love and desires you, with all your sins and all your shame.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the life of the Church. Because of the suspension of public Masses and the disruption of parish life, many feel disconnected from Christ and his Church. As Catholics, we are wrestling with the theological and spiritual ramifications of the pandemic and how to discern God’s will in this time of crisis. In Finding Christ in the Crisis: What the Pandemic Can Teach Us, Fr. Harrison Ayre and Michael Heinlein shed light on what God might be saying to us now, both in the Church and in the world. Through scriptural interpretation and examination of particular realities of the Faith, we can realize that, while we may at times be restricted in our access to the sacraments and even to pastoral leadership, the effects of this pandemic are by no means a defeat. Instead, as men and women of faith, we have an opportunity to rediscover the heart of our Catholic identity and to find God in the midst of the storm.

Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I., was an exemplary pastor and heroic disciple of Christ. A native Chicagoan, he was told as a young man that he would never be a priest in Chicago because of a physical disability resulting from polio. He went on to be ordained a priest with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1963. The native son was appointed as archbishop of Chicago in 1997, created a cardinal in 1998, and served in Chicago until 2014, just months before his death in April 2015. Cardinal George was a prophetic voice in the Church — a man able to see things as they are and from the point of view of the whole Church. His episcopal motto, “To Christ be glory in the Church,” encapsulates his legacy, because every decision he made, every action he took, every suffering he endured was about serving others and pointing them to our Savior. Most of all, Cardinal George was a Christian in every sense. He was concerned about relationships and people, not careerism or advancement. He was attentive to the poor and those on the margins. He was a man of prayer, dedicated to Our Lady, and devoted to the Eucharist. He articulated the Faith and was committed to reform. He was honest, accountable, genuine, and holy. Admired for his pursuit and proclamation of the truth and his personal witness to the Gospel, Cardinal George remains a model for discipleship and leadership.

Working mom Michelle Schroeder knows how busy we all are, so she packs a lot of info into this brief, easy-to-read booklet. You will not only explore the nuts and bolts of Eucharistic Adoration but also discover great reasons and times to enter into the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, including: When life is moving fast and you need to be refreshed When you just feel the need to be with Jesus When you need answers and direction from a loving God When you need focus in prayer When you’re experiencing spiritual dryness When you need to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation In The Handy Little Guide to Adoration you will learn, as Michelle did, the life-changing benefits of Eucharistic Adoration.

You don't live in a cloister or a monastery, but you take your prayer life seriously and want to explore ways to pray regularly and better. The Liturgy of the Hours is one of those ways—but for those of us who find it a little intimidating, Daria Sockey provides a solid overview to this ancient prayer practice. The Everyday Catholic's Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours will answer questions like: What is the history of the Liturgy of the Hours? How can the Liturgy of the Hours fit into a busy schedule? Why is the Liturgy of the Hours relevant today? Print or online resources: Which is better? There is a rhythm of prayer, not just throughout the day, but throughout the year. Sockey explores the spiritual riches of the seasons, the saints, and special feast days, which add depth and variety to prayer. She also addresses the practice of praying the Scriptures, especially the psalms, and helps the reader to appreciate the universal beauty of these ancient prayers. Don't let concerns about "what page am I supposed to be on?" scare you away. Sockey will be your guide to answer common questions and overcome common fears. Your prayer life will never be the same!