A childhood question of teaching and humility was answered by understanding Peter's role and discovering a few catholic bishops, popes, and people in the Bible: St. Cephas/Kephas (Peter), St. Linus, St. Claudia, St. Clement, St. Stachys and possibly the story of St. Thomas in India. The problem of teaching with humility combined with the historical and catholic links of these people in the Bible was too much coincidence for me. So of all the denominations that I studied as a child to at least try to understand their perspective, I finally made an effort to research the catholic denomination as the one that I had ruled out, the only one that I did not study or look into.
I started with "Protestant Minister becomes catholic -- Scott Hahn's Conversion Story" and a copy of the new/updated Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Patrick Kenny (RIP) at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC recommended that I meet Fr. John McCloskey. He had a list of books that he called the "Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan". Then I searched in particular for Church Doctors, since there are only 33 of them versus the number of bishops and declared saints since Christ's death and resurrection. Fr. McCloskey ran the nearest catholic bookstore to the White House.
| Favorite Books: |
| My Sister St. Therese - (part 2 of Story of a Soul) - Mat 18:22 "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." -- Spiritual Childhood, Doctor of the Church. Died age 24. Mother Therese's reason for name. |
| Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, the Gentleman Saint, Church Doctor |
| 12 Steps to Holiness & Salvation by St. Alphonso Ligouri, Doctorate in canon and civil law at age 16 -- Doctor of the Church |
| A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan by Fr. John McCloskey |
| Eternal Word Television Network - Global Catholic Television |
| The True Meaning of God in Heaven by Matteo Ricci, Mathematician (gave maps, trigonometry, and other sciences to China), helped convert China and Korea with Confucius' teaching. -- It's boring, but something I enjoyed. |
| Favorite Teaching Books: |
| Picture Bible by Iva Hoth [La Biblia Ilustrada] -- 800 page comic book format, follows the plot |
| Bible Basics : An Introductory Study Guide to the Catholic Faith by Steve Kellmeyer (website) |
| Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Official Teaching (search) |
| The Navarre Bible - Catholic commentary is heavily footnoted to Scripture and Church Documents for easy reference. St. Josemaría Escrivá initiated the Navarre Bible project. |
| Faith of the Early Fathers: Volume 1 by William Jurgens -- This volume provides historical evidence, both pro and con, of various written artifacts about Christianity dated prior to 300AD. |
| Created and Redeemed CD/DVD set by Christopher West - Theology of the Body explained for everyman. (AU$40) |
Bible Search (NIV, KJV, RSV, by word, passage, topic, etc): http://www.veritasbible.com/
Catholic research: http://eucharist.faithweb.com/bible2.htm
Compare shop books @ http://www.bookfinder.com/ or http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/
Inexpensive catholic classics @ http://www.tanbooks.com/
The Picture Bible - Andre Le Blanc (Illustrator) Iva Hoth
Format: Paperback, 799pp.
ISBN: 0781430585
Pub. Date: August 1998
Recommend Age Range: 8 to 12
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Biblia Ilustrada - Iva Hoth
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 1555130682
Publisher: Chariot Victor Publishing
Pub. Date: September 1992
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Catechism of Catholic Church: Revised in Accordance With the Official Latin Text Promulgated by Pope John Paul II
Paul John,Pope John Paul II / pb, large: 1574551108
Date Published: March2000
Four centuries in the making, a monumental undertaking and a magnificent achievement, the first definitive Catholic Catechism since the Council of Trent in 1566 details the doctrine, dogma, and the basic tenets of the Church. "A sure and certain standard for the teaching of the faith." -- Pope John Paul II. (used)
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Bible Basics by Steven Kellmeyer - Project for Masters Degree, Basilica Press
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Radio Replies By Frs. Rumble & Carty (\\$42) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
3 vols. 4,374 questions and answers on every conceivable aspect of the Catholic Faith by these intrepid preachers. Clear, succinct, uncompromising, powerful. Best refutation of Protestantism in print. Indexed. Very famous. (used)
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Mother Angelica's Answers, Not Promises
Mother M Angelica,Christine Allison,M. Angelica / Hardcover (\\$11.16) / Paperback ($5.20) /Date Published: January1997
(paperback) (hardback) / (more)
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The Navarre Bible: Acts of the Apostles
Members Of The Faculty Of Theology Of The University Of Navarre / Paperback / Date Published: June1989
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%)(BN.com)(used)/(more)/(more)
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Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers
Maxwell Staniforth (Translator),Andrew Louth (Introduction) / Paperback / Date Published: June1987
Retail Price: \\$12.95 Our Price: $10.36, You Save $2.59 (20%) (used)
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Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul (\\$7) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
A famous Catholic classic on the strategy for achieving spiritual perfection and salvation. Shows how to combat our passions and vices with an intelligent method in order to achieve a final victory. Also shows how to concentrate one's energies to make constant progress. One of the Church's all-time greatest books on the spiritual life and a favorite book of St. Francis de Sales. (used)
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Sinner's Guide (\\$9) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Ven. Louis of Granada, O.P.
This is probably the most famous book of the favorite writer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc., etc. St. Teresa of Avila credited this book with having converted over a million people in her time. This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue. The logic is relentless and effective. For mastery of subject, command of Scripture and total impact on the reader, no book surpasses The Sinner's Guide!!! (used)
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A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue | Review and introduction | Modesty Revisited
Wendy Shalit / Hardcover / Date Published: January 1999 **23 year old jewish author
Retail Price: \\$24.00 Our Price: $16.80, You Save $7.20 (30%) (used)
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Clean Love in Courtship (\\$2.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S. V. D.
A book every junior high and high school student should read. No-nonsense Catholic morality related to dating. Beautiful in its inspiration and in its explanation. For teens, young adults, and even adults.
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Story Of A Soul - Autobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux (\\$8) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Edited by Mother Agnes of Jesus
One of the all-time favorite Catholic books. Teaches her "Little Way" of Spiritual Childhood. Sold many millions of copies worldwide and was instrumental in bringing down the "shower of roses" which St. Therese promised to send from Heaven. Great! (used)
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My Sister Saint Therese (\\$8) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Sister Genevieve of the Holy Face (Celine Martin)
A little classic that is like a second Story of a Soul! Conversations, anecdotes of St. Therese, her teachings, hidden virtues, amusing remarks, beautiful death--recorded by Celine in the convent. Shows the "Little Way" in practice in daily life. A providential book! (more)
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Humility Of Heart (\\$8.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Translated By Herbert Cardinal Vaughan
Our Lord said, "Learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart." (Matt. 11:29). And also, "Amen, I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." (Matt. 18:3). This classic study in humility describes the nature of that virtue typical of all saints--the one without which none of us will enter Heaven. Says, "Impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part." A treasure filled with insights. (used)
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Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians"
Karl Keating / Paperback / Date Published: April1988
Retail Price: \\$13.95 Our Price: $11.16, You Save $2.79 (20%) (used)
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| The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 1
William A. Jurgens (Translator) / Paperback / Date Published: January1998 |  |
10-BOOK SET (\\$23) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. O'Sullivan
10 popular books by Fr. O'Sullivan, including All About the Angels, Wonders of the Mass, An Easy Way to Become a Saint, How to Avoid Purgatory, and others.
Special Set Price: \\$23!
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A COURSE IN RELIGION (\\$30) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. John Laux
4 Superb Books on the Catholic religion: Catholic Apologetics, Catholic Morality, Mass and the
Sacraments, and Chief Truths of the Faith. The Best High School
Religion Texts in Print Today! Also Great for Adult and College Level Studies.
Special Set Price: \\$30!
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College Apologetics (\\$9) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. Anthony F. Alexander (used)
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Sin And Its Consequences (\\$7) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Cardinal Manning
The nature of sin and its consequences. How venial sin leads to mortal, and sins of omission to sins of commission, why sin is worse than disease, etc. Consoling emphasis on how grace and penance bring pardon and healing. (used)
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Real Love: Answers your questions on dating, marriage and the real meaning of Sex
Mary Beth Bonacci / Paperback / Date Published: September 1996
Retail Price: \\$12.95 Our Price: $10.36, You Save $2.59 (20%)
Mary Beth Bonacci speaks to nearly 100,000 people every year. She speaks to Catholics across the country and around the world - about friendship, about relationships, about marriage, about God's plan for sexuality, and about finding real, honest love. And people speak back to her. They ask her questions - about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about marriage, about their struggles to live love. Their questions are real, specific and often very poignant. Now, for the first time, Mary Beth has published those questions - and her answers - in a comprehensive, readable guide which addresses the details of the very real struggle that people face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad. Through these questions and her answers, Mary Beth offers a comprehensive catechesis of the Church's teaching in the areas of marriage and human sexuality. She tackles the toughest issues - premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others. She gives practical advice on living the Church's teachings. She offers compassionate support for those who have stumbled. And throughout it all, she demonstrates that a living respect for God's gift of sexuality is the way - the only way - to find real, honest love. / (more)
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A Father Who Keeps His Promises: Understanding Covenant Love in the Old Testament
Scott C. Hahn,S. C. Hahn / Paperback / Date Published: August1997
Retail Price: \\$13.99 Our Price: $11.19, You Save $2.80 (20%) (used)
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The New American Bible: Saint Joesph Edition (\\$11.25) - received in RCIA (used) / (more)
~ Papal Encyclicals
- Faith and Reason (Fides et Ratio)
- On Human Life (Humanae Vitae) - procreation
- The Role of the Family in the Modern World (Familiaris Consortio)
- On the Mystical Body of Christ (Mystici Corporis Christi)
- On Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi)
- On Human Suffering (Salvifici Doloris)
- For the Right Ordering and Development of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Marialis Cultus)
- The Church in America (Ecclesia in America)
- That They May Be One (Ut Unum Sint)
- Concerning Some False Opinions Threatening to Undermine the Foundations of Catholic Doctrine (Humani Generis)
- Condemning Current Errors (Quanta Cura) - Pope Pius IX, December 8, 1864 [Communism and Socialism]
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Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 8th edition (1970-1980) (used) / (more)
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The New Regulations on Indulgences (\\$1.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Rev. Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.
This booklet outlining the nature and value of indulgences and the new regulations thereon is designed to inspire in us the practice of making reparation for ourselves and for the Poor Souls. Taken from the official Enchiridion of Indulgences. Many Catholics do not even know what a plenary indulgence is, let alone how to gain one.
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Scripture Alone (\\$1.25) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
by Joel Peters
Here are the classic reasons why the Protestant dogma of Sola Scriptura - "Scripture Alone" - is absolutely wrong, is unscriptural, man-made and prevents Protestants from ever having a firm doctrinal foundation. The book shows that: Christ also gave us Tradition and the teaching authority of His Church; the first Christians did not even have a complete Bible; Scripture itself states that it is insufficient of itself; the Bible calls the Church and not the Bible "the pillar and ground of the truth"; the Church produced the Bible and not vice versa; the canon of the Bible was not even settled until the 4th century; no original Bible manuscripts exist today; existing manuscripts contains thousands of variations; there are hundreds of different Bible versions; the Bible was not even in print until the 15th century; the doctrine of Sola Scriptura arose in the 16th century; it produces the bad fruits of division and disunity; it arose from Luther's own emotional problems; the Protestant Bible is missing 7 entire books; etc., etc. Absolutely great and greatly needed today!.
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Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Pope John Paul II / Hardcover / Date Published: October1994
Retail Price: \\$20.00 Our Price: $3.99, You Save $16.01 (80%) (used)
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The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions
Nicholas Bakalar,Richard Balkin (Compiler),John W. White (Introduction) / Hardcover / Date Published: September1995
Retail Price: \\$15.00 Our Price: $6.99, You Save $8.01 (53%) (used)
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Celebrate 2000!: Reflections on the Holy Spirit; Weekly Readings for 1998
Pope John Paul II,With Paul Thigpen / Paperback / Date Published: September1997
Retail Price: \\$6.99 Our Price: $5.59, You Save $1.40 (20%) (used)
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Love and Responsibility (written by Pope John Paul II before he became Pope)
Karol Wojtyla,H. T. Willetts (Translator) / Paperback / Date Published: June1996
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%) (used)
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The Heart of Catholicism: Essential Writings of the Church from St. Paul to John
Paul II
Albert J. Nevins,Theodore E. James,Catholic Church Clergy / Hardcover / Date Published: March1997
Retail Price: \\$49.95 Our Price: $34.96, You Save $14.99 (30%) / (more)
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Butler's Lives of the Saints
Michael Walsh / Paperback / Date Published: May1991
Retail Price: \\$21.00 Our Price: $16.80, You Save $4.20 (20%) (used) / (more)
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The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom
John A. Hardon (Editor) / Paperback / Date Published: April1995
Retail Price: \\$24.95 Our Price: $19.96, You Save $4.99 (20%) (used) / (more)
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Theology for Beginners
Francis Joseph Sheed,Foreword by Karl Keating / Paperback / Date Published: August1982
Retail Price: \\$9.99 Our Price: $7.99, You Save $2.00 (20%) (used) / (more)
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To Know Christ Jesus
Frank J. Sheed,Francis J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: October1997
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%) (used) / (more)
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A Map of Life
F. J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: March1994
Retail Price: \\$8.95 Our Price: $7.16, You Save $1.79 (20%) (used) / (more)
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Theology and Sanity
Francis J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: June1993
Retail Price: \\$17.95 Our Price: $14.36, You Save $3.59 (20%) (used) / (more)
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MESSAGE OF MERCIFUL LOVE TO LITTLE SOULS
Marguerite; recommended by Richard Semple, Jr. (used) / (more)
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