The Heart of Catholicism: Practicing the Everyday Habits That Shape Us

by Bert Ghezzi

Overview

In The Heart of Catholicism, Bert Ghezzi, bestselling author and popular speaker, invites readers into his deep love for the Church. With great warmth and authenticity, he shows how foundational habits such as praying, studying scripture, serving others, celebrating sacraments, and learning from the saints remind us who we are as followers of Christ.

In this completely revised and expanded version of Being Catholic Today: Practicing the Everyday Habits That Shape Us, Bert Ghezzi brings together his love for the Church and his teaching expertise in this practical introduction to the way Catholics live.

Ghezzi uses stories from his own life to show how Catholicism is contagious, spreading from person to person because of the things Catholics do that are distinctively Catholic. Essential practices such as praying daily, celebrating the sacraments, reading and applying scripture, honoring the saints, confessing and overcoming sin, participating in parish life, caring for the poor, and evangelizing are treated in seventeen brief and inspiring chapters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594714412
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	03/24/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

A popular Catholic author and speaker, Bert Ghezzi has written twenty-six books, including The Heart of Catholicism,Voices of the Saints, Mystics and Miracles, and Prayers to the Holy Spirit. Hundreds of his articles have appeared in the religious press.

Ghezzi has been involved in religious education for more than forty years. He has served as a leader and teacher in several Catholic renewal movements and has spoken at numerous educational and renewal conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He appears frequently as a guest on EWTN, which also features his television series Signs of Our Times. Ghezzi is often interviewed on Catholic radio and his two-minute spots on saints play regularly on EWTN radio.

After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, Ghezzi worked for seven years as a professor at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. He has served as a senior editor for five publishing companies since 1975 and now works as an acquisitions editor for Our Sunday Visitor’s book division.

Bert and Mary Lou, his wife of fifty years, have seven children and sixteen grandchildren. The Ghezzis live in Winter Park, Florida. You can read Ghezzi’s blog at www.bertghezzi.com.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

I Being Catholic 1

1 What Does It Mean to Be Catholic? 3

2 Making a Commitment to Christ 13

3 Studying for Life 23

II Receiving Daily Graces 31

4 Celebrating the Sacraments 33

5 Worshipping at Mass 43

6 Observing the Liturgical Seasons 53

III Opening to God 63

7 Praying Every Day 65

8 Reading and Applying Scripture 73

9 Honoring Mary and the Saints 81

10 Receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 89

IV Making Daily Changes 97

11 Doing the Right Thing 99

12 Overcoming Bad Behaviors 109

13 Going to Confession 117

V Reaching Beyond Ourselves 125

14 Participating in Your Parish 127

15 Making Friends for Christ and the Church 135

16 Serving in the Body of Christ 145

17 Caring for the Poor 153

Afterword 163

Acknowledgments 165

Notes 167

Glossary 171

What People are Saying About This

Founder and Director of the Roncalli Center - Denise Morency Gannon

"In this cohesive, pastoral compendium of Catholic teaching, Bert Ghezzi draws upon the spirit and teachings of Vatican II, the deep biblical and sacramental traditions of the Church, personal narratives, and probing theological reflection to persuade readers to discover, deepen, and live the call to holiness as Catholic Christians in the world."

Father, CEO of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries - Steve Grunow

"Like the scribe who brings out things old and new, Bert Ghezzi shares wisdom garnered from his years of experience as a faithful Catholic, along with an appreciation for what is essential to Catholics who live in this current moment. The Heart of Catholicism is simultaneously a classical and contemporary presentation of the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and an important resource for the New Evangelization."

Most Reverend, Archbishop of Louisville - Joseph E. Kurtz

"A wonderful book for newcomers and a great refresher for Catholics who seek to live solidly rooted, enthusiastic lives following Christ in the Church. Presenting daily habits that lead to a deep and joyful conversion to Christ, Bert Ghezzi inspires and motivates."

Cardinal, Archbishop of Washington - Donald Wuerl

"The Heart of Catholicism is a welcome resource for any adult wanting the faith to permeate every aspect of life. It is a first-rate resource from a trusted author, perfect for the task of growing more deeply through study, reflection, and practicing just how we live our beautiful Catholic faith."

Most Reverend, Archbishop of Baltimore - William E. Lori

"In a warm and accessible way, Bert Ghezzi offers the lifelong Catholic and the new convert a practical way of exploring and renewing their faith. Bert's broad knowledge of and love for the faith is a wonderful guide for those who want to draw closer to Christ and the Church."

Author of The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic - Matthew Kelly

"Bert Ghezzi is a master at his craft and an obvious student of the classroom of silence. These pages are dripping not only with ageless wisdom, but also with the hard-earned practical insights that come from a lifelong struggle to live in wisdom."