Why do we kneel and bow during Mass? Do Catholics believe the bread and wine really become the Body and Blood of Christ? Why can’t the preacher pick his own Scripture readings? What are those secret prayers the priest is whispering at the altar? The Catholic Mass is full of symbolism, ritual, and tradition, which means there’s a lot to understand! Have questions? You’re not alone. Welcome to Mass Class! 
Paulist Father Dave Dwyer has been answering questions like these for years as host of The Busted Halo Show on SiriusXM. The show’s popular Mass Class segment has helped thousands of inquisitive callers understand the “why” behind the rituals that fill our churches every Sunday. Based entirely on questions from the show over many years, this book conveys the real-life concern, joyful discovery, and practical guidance callers experience when they talk with Father Dave each weeknight. 
With his signature mix of humor and heart, Father Dave invites everyone to ask their questions of faith―no matter where they are on their spiritual journey―and offers wisdom from the Church and insights from his years of experience as a priest. With a spirit of joy, compassion, and encouragement, the book Mass Class is sure to deepen your appreciation for the richness of the Catholic faith. 
Praise for Mass Class: Your Questions Answered 
"The right book at the right time. I've long known that Father Dave is great in front of a microphone, but surprise: he's even better in print! This book is a terrific resource written in a very accessible style. I highly recommend Mass Class for anyone wanting to take their faith more seriously during this time of Eucharistic revival. Bravo, Father Dave!" 
― Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. Author of Who Do You Say That I Am? Daily Reflections on the Bible, the Saint, and the Answer that Christ Is. 
"Where was this book when I converted to Catholicism?! For years I've listened to Fr. Dave on the radio, but I love having his practical wisdom in a book that I can pass along to fellow Catholics and those curious about the faith. His words are authentic, helpful and wise and I can almost hear his laugh as I read along." 
― Kathryn Whitaker, popular Catholic blogger mom and social media influencer. Author of Live Big, Love Bigger: Get Real with Barbeque, Sweet Tea and a Whole Lot of Jesus. 
"Learn about the Mass from an experienced priest, great preacher and master communicator. The Second Vatican Council wanted Catholics to be 'full, conscious and active' participants in the Mass, but sometimes that's difficult, if you either don't know what is going on or, more commonly, why it's going on. Let Fr. Dave Dwyer answer all your questions and some you didn't know you had." 
― Fr. James Martin, Editor-at-Large, America Media. Author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone. 
"'By your pupils you'll be taught' is a lyric from The King and I. I am delighted and humbled to have been taught by my former student through this thorough and engaging text. In his answers to questions we all ask, Fr. Dave uses a rhetoric that is invitational, theologically correct and grounded in everyday experiences. This book is a wise guide that enables us to 'know' the Mass more fully, and through it, Christ who is its center." 
― Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin, Dean Emeritus of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America. Author of The Sacraments: Historical Foundations and Liturgical Theology 
Fr. Dave Dwyer, CSP, is executive director of Busted Halo, a media outreach of the Paulist Fathers, and the award-winning host of The Busted Halo Show weeknights on SiriusXM radio. He is a popular speaker, mission preacher, and television commentator who has worked in campus ministry in Colorado and Texas. Prior to ordination, he directed television for MTV and Comedy Central. 
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Mass Class: Your Questions Answered

Religion & Spirituality

Dwyer, Father Dave

Christian Books & Bibles

Paulist Press(TM)

There are many who are intrigued by the institution of the Holy See under the pontificate of Pope Francis. The Vatican Code opens a curtain to the Holy See from a unique angle. It browses some of the highlights of the papacy from 2013 to 2017 as well as some of its murkier elements. It profiles some of the personalities and the daily and long-term innerworkings of the United States Embassy with the Vatican. The Vatican Code provides key insights into the sensitive negotiations of an American ambassador to the Holy See and will help readers understand the intricacies of this unique role.\nBACK FLAP 
Ambassador Kenneth Hackett was born and raised in Boston, educated by the Jesuits at Boston College High School and Boston College. He did graduate study at New York University and took a sabbatical at the University of South Carolina. Following three and a half years with the Peace Corps in Ghana, he spent forty years with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), nineteen of which he was the chief executive officer and president. He was appointed as United States ambassador to the Holy See in August 2013.\nAmbassador Hackett holds nineteen honorary degrees from various Catholic universities and was awarded the Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame. He has received two papal awards: the Order of Pius IX and the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory (Knight Commander).\n“Without being weighed down by the baggage of ‘national interests,’ the Holy See is in a unique position globally to bridge ideological divides and bring together warring combatants. Pope Francis’s efforts to improve life for ordinary people throughout the world can teach us all the value of remaining open and empathic to those with different beliefs, but that diplomacy should also have an unflinching moral basis.” ―from the foreword\n“The Vatican Code offers an illuminating view into Ambassador Hackett’s time as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. Grounded in his decades of global humanitarian work through Catholic Relief Services, Ambassador Hackett brings an insightful and deeply thoughtful lens to his retelling of his years in his diplomatic role, and the unique ways in which the Vatican can serve as a voice and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our global community.” 
―Dr. John J. DeGioia, president of Georgetown University\n“In The Vatican Code, Ken Hackett shares with us his experience as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See. We also glimpse the man who occupied that important and not infrequently challenging office. He undertook his mission in the same spirit of service that has animated him throughout a long career of engagement with Catholic institutions. Ken’s witness is to be welcomed.” 
―Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretariat of state–Section for Relations with States 
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The Vatican Code: American Diplomacy in the Time of Francis

Hackett, Ambassador Kenneth

This book is based on the principle that the liturgy is the enactment of "the work of our redemption" through the raising up, acknowledging and revering elements of the cosmos, the earth, and our "fellow creatures" in our common home. It is inspired by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home). 
The author argues that concern for the environment is a traditional Catholic premise based on the goodness of creation and that God is creator of "heaven and earth." He also argues that an ecological approach to sacramental theology can help to understand underlying factors and principles in the enactment of the liturgy of the sacraments about how and where God is discovered in the world in general and in the liturgy and sacraments in an intense and focused way through engagement with all who dwell in our common home. 
Concern for the environment is a traditional Catholic premise based on the goodness of creation and that God is creator of "heaven and earth." An ecological approach to sacramental theology can help us understand underlying factors and principles in the enactment of the liturgy of the sacraments about how and where God is discovered in the world in general and particularly in the liturgy and sacraments in an intense and focused way through engagement with all who dwell in our common home. 
Monsignor Kevin W. Irwin is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and former dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, where he is now a research professor. Msgr. Irwin earned his doctorate in sacramental theology from the Ateneo of San Anselmo in Rome. He is the author of numerous books and articles on liturgy and sacraments. 
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Ecology, Liturgy, and the Sacraments

Irwin, Kevin W.

Responding to the signs of the time, this book brings the lens of Catholic social thought (CST) to the enterprise of Catholic higher education in the United States. This book throws light on what Catholic colleges and universities might and must do in order both to preserve their mission and renew it for the future."Leading a Catholic college or university in today's challenging circumstances requires a wide range of skills and a capacity for understanding multiple issues and heeding multiple voices. In this volume, Prusak and Reed-Bouley have assembled an impressive group of Catholic thought leaders and asked them to reflect on the critical issues we face, and the concrete circumstances in which we face them, in light of the Gospel commands for justice, love, and service, which we call Catholic social thought (CST). The result is a volume not only for educators, but for everyone--trustees, alumni, Church leaders--interested in and responsible for guiding and shaping Catholic higher education into the future." --Michael J. Garanzini, SJ, president, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities"Do not expect this book to reside exclusively in libraries at Catholic colleges and universities. To the contrary, Bernard Prusak and Jennifer Reed-Bouley's volume on CST is an indispensable companion for every institution of learning where people of all faith traditions (or none) grapple with the excruciating social concerns of our time. The contributors to this essential collection are accomplished scholars known for applying the rich CST history to the thorniest problems of contemporary times." --Linda M. LeMura, president, Le Moyne College"This timely and useful book invites Catholic educators and administrators to change how they see CST. It is not something to be confined to ethics classes or overarching mission statements. It is a powerful and practical tool for engaging all facets of Catholic higher education, from labor practices, to admissions and budgets, to struggles for gender equity and racial justice, to the pursuit of solidarity on a local and global scale. It is a whole way of life for each campus and institution. Although the living tradition of CST may not always provide easy or quick solutions to the complex problems we face, it helps us ask the right questions and start the right conversations. Each chapter is informative and stimulating, and, as a full collection, this volume is simply top notch." --Andrew Prevot, associate professor of theology, Boston College"At a time when institutions of higher education are facing difficult and troubling questions about their mission, operations, and their very survival, Catholic Higher Education and Catholic Social Thought comes as a much-needed provocation to face these questions boldly and faithfully. Each chapter contributes solid insights from Catholic social thought applied to key issues challenging higher education today. The volume's richness comes in the breadth and depth of analysis, examining examples of successful projects at Catholic colleges and universities of the kinds of transformation needed to address challenges such as climate, racial, migrant, labor, and economic justice. But with just as much honesty, the authors analyze missed opportunities and failed attempts, and point to the road yet to travel, particularly in light of the inequities and challenges brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic. In clear and engaging language, each chapter offers the opportunity for various decision makers and stakeholders involved in Catholic higher education to deepen their commitment to the social doctrine of the Church while tackling the hardest questions facing our institutions to date. This book is a masterful example of how to apply the hermeneutical/pastoral cycle of see-judge-act to higher education with commitment, clarity, and compassion." --MT Dávila, associate professor and chair, Religious and Theological Studies, Merrimack CollegeBernard G. Prusak is professor of philosophy and director of the McGowan Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His books include Catholic Moral Philosophy in Practice and Theory: An Introduction (Paulist Press, 2016).Jennifer Reed-Bouley is professor and program director of theology at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. Her article "Challenging Racism and White Privilege in Undergraduate Theology Contexts: Teaching and Learning Strategies for Maximizing the Promise of Community Service-Learning," Teaching Theology and Religion 18/1 (2015), won the College Theology Society's annual award for "Best Article Published in Theology." +

Catholic Higher Education and Catholic Social Thought

Religious Studies

Católicos Mexicoamericanos

Fernández SJ, Eduardo C.

Contextualizes how Paul the Apostle engaged metaphors to bridge the divide of differences in his communities, offering insight into how Christians might do the same today. 
Endorsements 
"If the household of God that is the living Church is to flourish as a space where all can belong, we need to meet the major challenges we face as Christians with a commitment to compassionate listening, a willingness to engage in difficult or even painful conversations, and a genuine dedication to taking action that serves our siblings in the human family. For crucial conversations about lay leadership, institutional reform, and community belonging to take place, the faithful must first feel empowered to see and articulate connections between their lived experiences and the foundational texts that are part of the authoritative canon of Scripture. We have to grapple with those New Testament letters that talk about what it means to belong." 
―from the introduction 
"In our age of polarity, could there be a timelier book than Allison Gray's Reforming the Household of God: Paul's Models of Belonging? In this informed and readable book, Gray contextualizes how Paul the Apostle engaged metaphors to bridge the divide of differences in his communities, offering insight into how Christians might do the same today." 
―Laurie Brink, OP, professor of New Testament studies, Catholic Theological Union 
"This incredible body of work expresses the genius of Allison Gray and is a significant contribution to the canon of liberative Christian praxis." 
―Rev. Stephen A. Green, pastor and activist, The Luke, NYC 
Allison L. Gray, PhD, is associate professor and currently the interim director of the Center for Catholic Studies at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a doctorate from the University of Chicago in New Testament and early Christian literature. She is the recipient of the University's 2019 Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award and the 2020 Distinguished Faculty Award. 
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Reforming the Household of God: Paul's Models of Belonging

Gray, Allison L.

Current interest in the situation and future of parishes in Roman Catholicism has focused largely on qualitative sociological studies and practical pastoral models. These approaches have filled important gaps in pastoral studies literature. Often, however, theological reflection on the actual significance and meaning of the parish – essential for self-understanding, motivation, and unity – has been deemphasized. The Face of the Church answers skepticism about the pastoral role of theology by presenting a case for “Theology of the People” as an important tool for empowering whole communities at the local level of the Church. It unfolds a vision of the parish as a diverse and dynamic community whose members own their integral place within the Church and engage their essential role in the Church’s mission. 
Key concepts explored include the missionary discipleship prominent in the writings of Pope Francis; the signs of the times appealed to in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, along with the concept of pastoral listening, and that of communal discernment developed within contemporary Ignatian spirituality; the parish as a community of communities; the relationship between parish and sacred place, and consequent implications for the “care of our common home”; and the gospel mandate for servant leadership. Written with the ongoing and far-reaching crises of the Church and of global society as necessary reference points, and with frequent use of real-case examples, this book reflects on the possibility of a Church that sustains its offerings of faith, hope, and love to a troubled world through nurturing and empowering its local parish communities. 
William A. Clark, SJ, is an associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he has been teaching since September 2001. He specializes in systematic theology, particularly ecclesiology, and has a special interest in parish life and issues affecting local church communities. 
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A Theology of the Parish: The Face of the Church in Challenging Times

Clark SJ, William A.

Catholic Perspectives on Reform

Seewald, Michael

Testimonies of a diverse group of young Latina and Latino Catholics about their personal stories of how they integrate their faith into their lives, in order to invite other young adult Hispanic Catholics to do the same and aid those in pastoral ministry in their work with this group. 
Jesus lives in our personal stories. This is the clear message from the young adult Hispanic Catholic authors in this exciting volume. They candidly share their joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties as they navigate life in the U.S. as Hispanics and as Christian disciples. Numerous young Latinas and Latinos are and want to remain Catholic. Many, however, feel abandoned by the institution and the faith communities that at one point introduced them―and their families―to the living Christ and his Gospel message. If you share in some way that sentiment, the stories in this volume are a reminder that you are not alone. Welcome to a communion of young women and men who find grace in sharing and listening to their particular stories of faith. Pastoral leaders reading this book are invited to listen attentively to young adult Latina and Latino Catholics as they forge fresh ways of being Christian in the United States. 
"It is so heartening to hear the voices of young Latino Catholics and their stories. Hosffman Ospino and Tim Matovino have assembled an inspiring collection of witnesses who lend hope for the future of our faith―it will be in good hands! All of us can hear the great Story anew through each of these fresh stories." 
―Thomas Groome, professor of theology and religious education, Boston College 
Hosffman Ospino is a professor of theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, where he chairs the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. 
Timothy Matovina is a professor and chairperson of the Theology Department at the University of Notre Dame. 
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Young Latino Catholics: Stories of Faith

Matovina, Timothy

Ospino, Hosffman

The author has spoken with countless Catholics who are passionate about LGBTQ ministry but feel stymied by a lack of resources. Fr. Martin's book, Building a Bridge, is a helpful conversation starter, but what does community and pastoral care look like in the real world? How do ministers navigate the complexities of church teaching and institutions? 
Sometimes, the history of these relationships is hard to recount. The church's mistreatment of LGBTQ Catholics is heartbreaking. Nevertheless, this painful history opens up to hope for the future. LGBTQ Catholics and their allies are tenacious. Decades of ministry provide a vision for what is possible in communities committed to justice and mercy. This book will amplify their stories to inspire LGBTQ people and allies today. 
Endorsements 
"The history that Jason shares in LGBTQ Catholic Ministry is not always comfortable. Many in the Church have failed to treat LGBTQ Catholics with the dignity they deserve. Knowledge of this painful past must be faced, but it can also help us build a better future. Recognizing that LGBTQ people have remained in the Body of Christ through the highs and lows is the first step to building bridges between the community and church leaders." 
―from the foreword 
"The U.S. Catholic community has become increasingly LGBTQ friendly in the last few decades. Through historical cameos, Jason Steidl Jack shows us how the Church arrived at this point. And the reader gets much more―stirring examples of how the Church can walk together with LGBTQ Catholics in Pope Francis's call to synodality. A fine contribution to LGBTQ ministry!" 
―Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL, cofounder, New Ways Ministry 
"This well-researched book will help readers understand how LGBTQ Catholic ministry has evolved from singular efforts to the multitude of groups doing this work today. Readers can enter into the hopes, challenges, determination, and persistence of those toiling in this always-challenging vineyard." 
―Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director, DignityUSA 
Jason Steidl Jack is an assistant teaching professor of religious studies at St. Joseph's University in New York. He earned a PhD in systematic theology at Fordham University. Since 2015, he has been part of Out at St. Paul (OSP), the LGBTQ ministry of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Manhattan, and he serves on the board of directors for Fortunate Families. 
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LGBTQ Catholic Ministry: Past and Present

Steidl, Jason

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