Ave Maria Press author Sr. Marilyn Lacey, RSM, has been awarded a $1 million Opus Prize for her work with Mercy Beyond Borders, which empowers women and girls in the South Sudan and Haiti to escape poverty by providing them with educational and economic opportunities.
Lacey is the author of This Flowing Toward Me: A Story of God Arriving in Strangers, which chronicles her twenty-five years working with refugees and immigrants.
She was given the Opus award on October 11, 2017, at Regis University. Lacey founded Mercy Beyond Borders in 2008. She plans to use the money to expand the program and to endow additional scholarships for her students.
Read more about the award and Lacey’s work in Catholic San Francisco.
Msgr. Francis P. Friedl, who authored Extraordinary Lives: Thirty-Four Priests Tell Their Stories for Ave Maria Press in 1998, died on September 18, 2017, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Friedl, longtime faculty member and president of Loras College in Dubuque, wrote more than a dozen books, including Extraordinary Lives, which he wrote with Rex Reynolds.
Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on September 25, 2017, at the St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St., Dubuque.
You can read more about Friedl in his obituary.
Pope Francis declared Sept. 7 to 13 a week of prayer and action for his Share the Journey campaign to support migrants and refugees.
In conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities US, and Catholic Relief Services, the Holy Father is asking us to:
Pray for migrants and refugees. Use these prayer ideas from the Share the Journey website.
Teach people in your communities, parishes, and schools about the lives of migrants and refugees. Here are some tools to help.
Read and relate to the stories of struggle from migrants and refugees featured on the Share the Journey website.
Share the memes, videos, and post suggestions on social media.Use the hashtag #ShareJourney.
Donate to help change lives and relieve suffering if you are able.
Contact the administration and your representatives in Washington to show your support for the plight of DREAMers, refugees, and other vulnerable families who want to live in the United States.
Organize local community service projects and collect items that will assist migrants and refugee families, including tutoring, shelter, legal services, transportation, and basic needs.
Be a friend to refugees and migrants.
Share the Journey is in collaboration with the annual Respect Life Month. You can find out more about how you can get involved at the Share the Journey website.
Many know Brandon Vogt because of his connection to Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, where Vogt serves as content director. But his back story as a convert to the Catholic faith is the foundation of his ministry—to reach out to atheists, agnostics, "nones," and fallen-away Catholics to bring them into the Church.
Ave Maria Press recently released Vogt’s newest book, Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too), which is geared to those not in communion with the Church, as well as to practicing Catholics looking for a way to defend their faith.
Here he offers some insight into the book.
Ave Maria Press: Is there one issue more than any other that is driving people—especially young people—away from the Catholic Church?
Brandon Vogt: We actually have lots of data on this question. From the Pew Research Center, to CARA, to several dioceses, several groups have conducted exit surveys, asking former Catholics why they left. And you know what is the number one reason people give? They "just stopped believing."
That answer encompasses a couple groups. First, many of these people drifted away over time, slowly and unintentionally. There wasn't one issue or experience that jettisoned them from the Church. They just stopped going to Mass every Sunday, then stopped being involved, then eventually, they realized, "Well, I guess I'm not really Catholic anymore."
However, a second (and perhaps larger) subset of those who "just stopped believing" simply don't agree with, or don't ascribe value to, the Church’s teachings. Maybe they reject the Church’s sexual moral teachings (e.g., abortion, contraception, homosexuality), or they think the Church has distorted the basic Christian message, or perhaps they just no longer believe in God.
In my experiences with thousands of young people who have left the Church, there are traces of both of these reactions. However, the most common attitude I see is simply ambivalence. They just don't care about religion, much less the Catholic Church. It’s not on their radar, they don’t think it can improve their lives, and they have zero interest in what it offers. The only time they give consideration to the Church is when it pops up in the news, and those instances are almost always negative.
Ave: Why did you focus on the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Church in Why I Am Catholic?
Vogt: Because those are the three best reasons to be Catholic. And because most people believe the Catholic Church is just the opposite—bad, false, and ugly.
When I began exploring Catholicism in college and gave it a fair shot, I discovered, to my great surprise, that the Church's claims were true—they checked out. And not only that, they were also good and beautiful, which is unsurprising since these three values almost always go together. They are mutually confirmatory. When something is true, it’s usually beautiful and good. Think of how scientists describe the mathematical structure of our universe as "elegant," or the way philosophers describe beauty as "the splendor of truth."
Also, I wanted to provide multiple avenues into the Church. For some people, truth is the preferred path. They gravitate toward intellectual arguments and are more drawn to a purely rational case for Catholicism. But for others, particularly of a more aesthetic bend, beauty is a far more alluring path. The Church’s extraordinary commitment to art, or the beauty of its diversity, are more attractive entryways.
Together, though, these three paths allow anyone to find their way into Catholicism.
Ave: Why should we try to engage fallen-way Catholics and nones, agnostics, and atheists in a discussion about the faith? Where should we start?
Vogt: Some people might answer the first question by saying, "Because if we don't, they may end up in Hell!" That’s true, and I agree that’s a serious worry that gives urgency to the task of sharing the faith. However, I’m very concerned by what people are missing out on now, on this side of heaven.
I’m utterly convinced that a flattened-out secularism does damage to people’s lives. I see it among so many young people. When you get rid of God and religion—when you embrace naturalism—you lose your basis for objective meaning, purpose, morality, and even reason (as I show in the book.) So many young people today are just floating along through life, without direction, without hope, and without purpose. And they’re greatly dissatisfied. Read any survey of millennials and you’ll see shocking levels of discontentment.
Why is this? Because secularism fails to satisfy the human heart. Only God can answer those longings. We’re made for him; we’re wired for him; and the Church offers the best connection to him. God wants to give everyone so many gifts through his Church, from the grace of its sacraments, to the inspiration of its saints, to the wisdom of its Scriptures, and so much more. And it’s through the Church that we receive those treasures.
I want disenchanted nones, atheists, agnostics, and former-Catholics to receive all of those gifts—not only in heaven, but here and now!
Where should we start? I like to begin on the lowest rung. If talking with an atheist, start by discussing whether God exists. Ask them what they think about God, and see if, perhaps, they reject a distorted version of God that you would happily eschew, too. If they’re a former Catholic, ask why they drifted away from the Church and what would possibly draw them back.
Ask questions. Listen. Don’t preach at them, but try to understand their experiences and beliefs before offering your own thoughts. And of course pray for them! The Holy Spirit has worked in human hearts for two thousand years, converting the most unlikely people back to God. He’s still working today.
Ave: If you had just one minute to convince someone to become Catholic, what would you say?
Vogt: There are ten thousand reasons to become Catholic which ultimately boil down to one: because it’s true. How do we know? Because of three facts. First, because God exists. There are several ways to know this, but the strongest is the universe itself. The universe doesn’t have to exist, and it doesn’t explain its own existence. We need an outside explanation, and upon reflection, God is the only plausible option. Second, because Jesus is God. Jesus of Nazareth spoke and acted as God, and then vindicated those claims by rising from the dead. This is a historical fact. Third, because Jesus started the Catholic Church. This is another historical fact. Jesus did not leave a book or a collection of letters, he bequeathed a Church and gave it his authority to teach and act in his name. That Church is the Catholic Church of today, albeit in more developed form.
So if you crave the truth, if you want to follow the evidence wherever it leads, then join me and a billion others in the Catholic Church! You'll experience more beauty, goodness, peace, and purpose than you've ever imagined. (And if you doubt any of those three facts, pick up my book, Why I Am Catholic, for a more thorough defense!)
The late Brian Doyle is among eight people receiving the annual Spirit of Holy Cross Award from the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.
Doyle, who died earlier this year, wrote the award-winning A Book of Uncommon Prayer, released by Ave Marie Press in 2014. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1978, Doyle served as editor of the University of Portland’s Portland magazine. Ave, Notre Dame and Portland are apostolates of the US Province.
The award, which marks the Solemnity of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), acknowledges the contribution of lay collaborators to the vision and mission of Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau to make God known, loved, and served through education, parish, and mission settings. Our Lady of Sorrows is the patroness of the Congregation.
The other 2017 winners of the Spirit of Holy Cross Award include:
Nancy Conroy, Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Indiana
Paul Fujawa, member of St. Casimir Parish in South Bend, Indiana
James Kramer, associate director of development for the US Province, Notre Dame
Pedro Pablo Miranda, manager of St. George’s College in Chile
Mary Nucciarone, director of financial aid at Notre Dame
Benito Salazar, director of the Celestial Choir at St. Adalbert Parish in South Bend
Lucyann Skvarla, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Ave Maria Press authors were recognized for nine books—including two with first-place honors—during the annual Catholic Press Association book awards.
Paula Huston’s One Ordinary Sunday was awarded top honors in “Popular Presentation of the Catholic Faith.” The book focuses on the mysteries of the Mass by way of the fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.
“Whatever one’s own pilgrimage has been like, no one will come away from a reading of this gem without a firmer appreciation for the Mass as the bedrock of Catholic celebration,” the judges said.
The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, edited by Lisa M. Hendey and Sarah A. Reinhard, was given a first-place award in the “Collections of Prayers” category. The book by moms for moms includes spiritual reflections on a variety of topics for every day of the year by more than eighty contributors.
“This book is a treasure for all seeking wisdom, hope, and interior peace,” the judges commented.
Hendey also earned a second-place award in “Children’s Books” for The Strangers at the Manger and she shared a second-place award with Barb Szyszkiewicz for Best Group or Association Blog for CatholicMom.com.
Other winners and their categories are:
Divine Mercy for Moms by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet, third place, "Family Life"
To Heal, Proclaim, and Teach by Jared Dees, third place, "Pastoral Ministry"
The Mysteries of the Rosary by Daniel Mitsui, third place, "Coffee Table Book/Religious Art"
The Enthusiast by Jon M. Sweeney, third place, "History"
Great Catholic Parishes by William E. Simon Jr., honorable mention, "Pastoral Ministry"
Redeeming Conflict by Ann M. Garrido, honorable mention, "Professional Books"
The Complete Encyclicals, Bulls, and Apostolic Exhortations by Pope Francis, honorable mention, "Pope Francis books."
You can find the complete list of winners on the Catholic Press Association website.
Lisa M. Hendey is stepping away from the day-to-day operation of CatholicMom.com—the award-winning website she founded in 2000—and passing the reins to Holy Cross Family Ministries. The change will be effective July 1.
Hendey and Rev. Willy Raymond, CSC, president of HCFM, made the official announcement live on CatholicTV’s This Is the Day on June 20, 2017.
Hendey’s mission with CatholicMom.com has been to provide practical information and activities to deepen the faith lives of individuals and families through the Domestic Church. HCFM, which has mission offices in sixteen countries, plans to enhance and grow CatholicMom.com to its worldwide audience.
“CatholicMom is a relevant and engaging site. It’s imperative that we maintain that rich essence,” Raymond said. “We’ll work closely with Lisa and the contributors as we get to know their followers and identify future opportunities to serve these young families.”
CatholicMom.com has more than a hundred regular contributors who provide fresh perspectives on a variety of topics important to Catholic families. HCFM’s outreach includes a variety of faith-based media, including social media and apps.
Hendey, who will remain an author and editor-at-large at Ave Maria Press, plans to spend more time on writing projects. She’ll continue to be an advisor for CatholicMom.com. “As my sons have grown and my maternal vocation develops in new ways, I have prayed diligently about how God is calling me to serve our Church and her families in this next part of my life,” Hendey said. “I feel comfortable turning the site over to HCFM’s leadership, as we’ve had so many connections over the years and I’ve witnessed their heart for families and the effective way in which they lead on topics related to Domestic Church.
“I look forward to having the support of Holy Cross Family Ministries to continue to expand the mission of CatholicMom around the world,” Hendey said. “Fr. Raymond and the talented team at HCFM have the experience needed to grow our community and to explore new directions to serve today’s young families worldwide.”
Ave Maria Press launched the CatholicMom.com Books series in 2012, building on the popularity of Hendey’s award-winning website, as well as her books The Handbook for Catholic Moms and a Book of Saints for Catholic Moms. Today there are ten books in the series—written by trusted CatholicMom.com contributors and other Catholic authors—that address a variety of family and parenting issues from a thoroughly faith-filled perspective. CatholicMom.com books will continue as a partnership between Ave and HCFM.
“The CatholicMom.com series will continue,” said Tom Grady, Ave publisher. “We’re thrilled for Lisa and we’re excited to explore new ways to work with Holy Cross Family Ministries.”
These books are included in the CatholicMom.com line:
A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms
The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion
A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy
Divine Mercy for Moms
The Handbook for Catholic Moms
Imitating Mary
Mary’s Way
Small Steps for Catholic Moms
Ave and HCFM, which is based in the Boston, Massachusetts, area, are both apostolates of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. HCFM, which also includes Family Rosary and Family Theater Productions, was founded by Servant of God Patrick Peyton, CSC, with the vision of “the family that prays together stays together.”
You can learn more on CatholicMom.com.
Ave Maria Press will preview four of its new fall books at the Catholic Marketing Network trade show in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The annual trade show, sponsored by the Catholic Marketing Network, is July 18–21, 2017, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.
Popular Catholic author and EWTN host Mike Aquilina, executive vice president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, will be the featured speaker at the annual retailer and supplier luncheon sponsored by Ave Maria Press on July 18, 2017. He will sign galley copies of his forthcoming book, A History of the Church in 100 Objects—which he wrote with his daughter, Grace—following the luncheon.
The Christian answer to Neil MacGregor’s New York Times bestseller A History of the World in 100 Objects, the Aquilinas’ book tells the Christian story through the examination of 100 objects and places. Some, like Michelangelo’s Pietà, are priceless works of art. Others, like a union membership pen, don’t hold much monetary value. But through each of them, the Aquilinas offer a memorable and rewarding look at the history of the Church.
Ave will have a limited number of galley copies of Why I Am Catholic (and You Should Be Too) by Brandon Vogt at its booth in the exhibitor hall, #305.
With atheism on the rise and millions tossing off religion, why would anyone consider the Catholic Church? Vogt, a bestselling author and the content director for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, shares his passionate search for truth, a journey that culminated in the realization that Catholicism is right about a lot of things, maybe even everything. His persuasive case for the faith reveals a vision of Catholicism that has answers our world desperately needs and reminds those already in the Church what they love about it.
Iconographer Joseph Malham, artist-in-residence at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois, will demonstrate his craft on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2017, at the Ave booth. He is the author of Drawing Closer to Christ: A Self-Guided Icon Retreat, which will be released in October. In the new book, Malham takes readers through an eight-day, self-guided contemplative retreat to create an icon of the Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All).
Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet, bestselling coauthors of Divine Mercy for Moms, will sign galley copies of their forthcoming book, The Friendship Project, from 3 to 4 p.m. on July 19, 2017, at the Ave booth.
Drawing on the cardinal and theological virtues, stories of the saints, and anecdotes from their own friendships, Faehnle and Jaminet provide a practical primer for any Catholic woman seeking ways to deepen old friendships and develop new ones of virtue.
Joining Faehnle and Jaminet at the book signing will be Lisa Hendey (The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion), Sonja Corbitt (Fearless), and Marge Fenelon (Our Lady, Undoer of Knots).
Ave Maria Press is an apostolate of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. Ave is a leader in publishing Catholic high school religion textbooks, ministry resources, and books on prayer and spirituality.
