St. Anthony Messenger Press announces the release of a new volume in its Called to Holiness: Spirituality for Catholic Women series, Creating New Life, Nurturing Families: A Woman's Perspective. In this book, Callahan poses the question:

"What makes a woman a hero?

"Does she need to possess almost superhuman qualities or an ability to leap tall to-do lists in a single day? Must she grab headlines or set out to save our world?

"No, says Sidney Callahan. A hero is simply a woman who makes small, daily self-sacrifices out of love for others. Nowhere is this definition more embodied than in the love of wives and mothers for their families."

Read more about this dynamic addition to this series  here.

St. Anthony Messenger Press announces the release of  Finding My Voice: A Young Woman's Perspective by Beth M. Knobbe, part of the Press's Called to Holiness series. Mike Hayes, senior editor of the Catholic blog, www.BustedHalo.com, said, "This book should be required reading for all men and women in their twenties and thirties who are on the journey of self-discovery and who look to the church (and to Beth Knobbe) for wisdom! Beth intimately understands the world of young adults. Finding My Voice will serve my ministry well for years to come."

Pam Wood, one of the three authors of Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth, will be speaking on the subject at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in Aston, PA at a retreat in late October. A short biography of Ms. Wood explains her background and motivation for participation in writing the book as well as this retreat:

"A native of Portland, Oregon, where she works as an art therapist, spiritual director, and retreat facilitator, Pam will use her expertise to engage participants in taking a contemplative look at our broken and bruised Sister Mother Earth, in hearing her cries for healing and re-creation, and in deciding to act on her behalf. Co-author of Care of Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth (see book review, p. 3), Pam will help those gathered to integrate environmental studies, theology and reflective action to nurture a Franciscan spirituality of the Earth.

"Fifteen years ago, this now 43-year-old member of St. Andrew Parish in Portland spent time in Calcutta, serving the poor with Mother Teresa. She makes very real connections between global warming and its impact on the poor who stand to suffer first and most from such environmental devastation. She confirms Pope Benedict XVI’s concern that 'particular attention must be paid to the fact that the poorest countries are likely to pay the heaviest price for ecological deterioration.'"

Find out more about this retreat here.

The National Council of Catholic Women's signature magazine, Catholic Woman, features an article by SAMP author Elizabeth Dreyer, in its July/August 2009. Dreyer, author of Making Sense of God: A Woman's Perspective, in an article entitled "Given Any Thought to Being a 'Grassroots Theologian'?" invites readers to do exactly that -- become a grassroots theologian. She writes, "If spirituality is the journey of falling in love with God and living out that love in everyday life, theology is the prayerful, informed, thoughtful reflection on this life in light of the loving, challenging presence of God throughout the tradition." For more information about the Council, check out their website here.

"Heart of a Mother," a blog for Catholics, recently posted a review of  The Story of the Church by Alfred McBride:

"If you are looking for a book that gives a very clear, big picture of the history of our Church from Pentecost to present day and is easy to read, I recommend this one! At only 296 pages, it is not a weighty tome that will cover every detail of Church history. You do need to be open to a certain amount of fabrication in these history lessons, or the historical fiction components will frustrate you. McBride has written a very creative but still basic and easy to understand book that would be excellent reading for high school students and adults alike. I am even optimistic that I may remember more names, dates, and locations due to the storytelling talent of Fr. McBride!"

Read the full review here.

"For Your Marriage," a blog published by the USCCB, recently posted a review of Marriage: It's a God Thing:

"For the author, marriage is an ongoing, dynamic, changing journey. Listen to the following words of his, taken from one of the prayers in the book: 'Lord, at every new stage of our marital journey you invite us to new horizons we have not yet envisioned. Give us the faith and the courage to follow your call wherever it leads.'"

Read the complete review here.

"Connect," the e-newsletter of the Small Christian Community Connection, recently recommended two books in St. Anthony Messenger Press's Called to Holiness series: Making Sense of God: A Woman's Perspective and Living a Spirituality of Action: A Woman's Perpective:  

Making Sense of God; A Woman's Perspective
Elizabeth A. Dreyer
 
Dreyer wrote this book so that the words, "I am a theologian" are natural to the reader's mind, heart and voice. Her premise, much like that of most Small Christian Communities, is that every Catholic has a right and a responsibility to reflect on all aspects of our lives through the lens of theology and spirituality. She explains that "theological reflection begins by asking questions of our life experience"; I'm pleased that thoughtful questions are included in each of the ten short chapters.
 
Faith sharing groups of women or mixed-gender groups will find this booklet helpful in raising spiritual awareness.

 
Living a Spirituality of Action; A Woman's Perspective
Joan Mueller
 
"We are women of action, not because this is the latest trend, but because our faith and humanity have taught us that loving our neighbor is the fullness of life." In this book Mueller teaches us about the action of making a difference in our world. With simple ideas, creative suggestions and practical discernment the women will be inspired to own our gifts, share our wisdom and use our ordinary courage to do something to make the world a better place.
 
Small groups for faith sharing will appreciate the connection to scripture included in each of the nine chapters as well as the delightful prayers and questions for contemplation and faith sharing.

See all of the books in the Called to Holiness series and additional material here.