The Best of Being Catholic

by Kathy Coffey

Overview

Conversation starters to help us be still and know God.

Fifty-two weeks full of prayers and reflections designed to still our minds and open our hearts to the presence of Love and Wisdom.

From the author of more than 30 popular spiritual boo

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608332137
Publisher:	Orbis
Publication date:	03/22/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I The Beliefs We Cherish

Introduction: The Inevitable Disclaimer 7

1 Homeless at the Broadmoor: A Tale of Astonishing Abundance 11

2 The Stories We Tell 19

3 The Bold Claims 27

4 The Role of Ritual 35

5 The Words We Treasure 43

6 So Many "Bests" 49

7 The Best-Kept Secrets 57

Part II The Seasons We Celebrate

Introduction: Feasts, Fasts, and Fun in the Catholic Calendar 65

8 Catholic Identity: Narrow Box or Big Window? 57

9 Dealing with the Dark: The Feast of All Souls 71

10 Advent: A Season of Surprise 77

11 Christmas Themes 83

12 Lent: Places to Pause 91

13 Easter 99

14 The Parish Nucleus 103

15 Removing Shoes: The Holy Grounds of the Retreat House 109

Part III The Company We Keep

Introduction: The Breadth of the Umbrella 119

16 "Glorious Nobodies": The Communion of Saints 121

17 A People Ahead of Their Time 125

18 Why I Study Spanish 129

19 Amazon Warrior: Dorothy Stang 133

20 Singing Mercy 137

21 My Favorite Sister Stories 141

22 Catholics in Collaboration 147

23 The Gospel according to Luke 153

24 A Smorgasbord of Spirituality Styles 159

About the Author 167

Permissions/Credits 168

Editorial Reviews

Many Catholics feel frustrated or even angry at their church. For those in the pews who are thinking about walking away, popular Catholic author Coffey makes a compelling argument to reconsider their urge to flee. While acknowledging the many grave problems within the church, and those caused by it, the author lovingly presents brief vignettes about the people, places, and ideas that have made Catholicism such a rich and dignified religion. These treasures include the Catholic sacramental imagination, the multitude of religious orders that have built up the people of God for almost two millennia, vibrant parish life, and even real life heroes such as Dorothy Stang, a nun who was martyred for her work with the poor in Brazil. Catholics can and should be proud that their church has also been a great source of truth and beauty to a world in deep need of both. Those wounded by it, however, will likely not be persuaded by the author's pleas. Still, the lack of polemics and focus on the ties that bind Catholics together is a much needed perspective in these contentious times. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly