Be sure to take a peek at our web site as soon as you get a chance!  We have 100 new items online ALREADY this month!  In addition to a few new books, we also have added our entire collection of dime-size sterling silver medals from Jeweled Cross Company.

Be sure to keep checking with us.  We will hope to have our pewter dime-size patron saint medals online before the end of the month!

Written by: Mat
Posted: July 2nd, 2009 under Bookstore Buzz, Gift Ideas.
Comments: none

There are days I simply love my job.  Usually, this means I’ve found a book, author, series, or publisher I enjoy immensely.  In this case, it’s an author. J. Brent Bill provides reflections in deference to a variety of religious perspectives, all focused on the central theme of finding the spiritual light.

One chapter, in particular, stood out to my mind.  Chapter three focuses on viewing the light within the self, a task that is often difficult and frustrating for individuals.  In this chapter, Bill speaks of enlightenment that comes from a great many sources.  We learn of ourselves, our perceptions of God, from our experiences.  In that, we find that–ultimately–we must learn to examine our life experiences, in order to understand why we perceive certain things in particular ways.

Throughout the book, Bill offers points of reflection, each called simply an “Illuminating Moment.”  These reflections begin in the same way each time, with an encouragement to quiet the mind, pause for reflection, focus yourself on breathing, and then center your mind on a particular question he poses.  Sometimes, the questions are more about actions (”What spiritual practices do I know that emphasize the light?”, page 49).  Other questions focus more on seeing God’s presence in others (”How would it feel to love others fiercely as God does?”, page 82.

This book is spiritually challenging, and would be a fantastic option for small group discussions, retreat leaders, or for individuals who wish to explore new depths of their faith.

Written by: Mat
Posted: July 2nd, 2009 under Book Reviews.
Comments: none

Want to know what’s new and exciting at the store?  Go to our website by clicking here.  You can look at our new items, find out about our featured reading, or link directly to our monthly newsletter.  Take some time to see what’s available online–or find out when you can come visit us at the store.

Written by: Mat
Posted: July 1st, 2009 under Bookstore Buzz.
Comments: none

For a long time, I didn’t really understand the excitement that surrounded the image of Mary commonly known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.  But after a few years of working at a largely bilingual parish, I learned a great deal.  In many ways, it’s not surprising why we have an affinity toward her.

Besides the fact that she is the prominent Patroness of the Americas, the whole story is steeped in beauty and wonder for us.  After all, with Juan Diego showing us the ways in which God reveals himself through Mary, it is difficult to imagine how someone would not be drawn to the image.  She is OUR mother.

Whether you have a deep and abiding appreciation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or are just beginning to learn about her, we have some great resources for you!

The newest book available is by Paule Badde, and is titled simply Maria of Guadalupe.  In this book, Badde explores the history of this image of Mary and power of the corresponding story.  It is one of the most touching stories, precisely because we have physical evidence of its occurrence in Juan Diego’s tilma.  In her last visit to him, Our Lady impressed upon his tilma the image we now equate with Our Lady of Guadalupe.  It is arguably the reason why so many in Central and South America came to Christianity, and specifically Catholicism, so quickly.

In addition to Badde’s book, another great option is the recent release of the film Guadalupe, which is a great depiction of the story of Juan Diego and Our Lady.  This nearly 2-hour epic shows us the history and beauty of the country in vivid color.  Although the movie was filmed in Spanish, the DVD offers English subtitles.  This would be a great addition to any film-lover’s library!

Learn a little more about Our Lady of Guadalupe by trying one of these resources, or check out our entire collection of prints, books, gifts, and more available online at our website.

Written by: Mat
Posted: July 1st, 2009 under Book Reviews, Films/DVDs.
Comments: none

We just received a new shipment of books from Twenty-Third Publications, a great publisher with LOTS of resources for RCIA books, homiletics, and faith formation.  Included in this shipment are a couple of books that might be of interest to your RCIA program.

First and foremost is the book, The RCIA Journey, by Deborah M. Jones.  This book is intended for use by the catechumenate, but provides so many great ideas that can be used by RCIA teams.  A great primary resource for faith formation classes, the book provides readers with short introductory chapters about topics ranging from conversion to Scripture, Sacraments to Interfaith Movements.  In addition, a fantastic section of material is included for planning teams, which provides information on all three cycles of the Sunday readings and corresponding themes, as well as recommended resources.

Also in today’s shipment was the book The Way of Faith, by Nick Wagner.  Touted as a “field guide”, the book offers great material to assist RCIA team leaders in finding the best possible team members, resources, and methods.  Tried and true by Wagner, who has over 25 years of experience in working with the catechumenate, he now serves as editor to two parish magazines, Today’s Parish Minister and Religion Teacher’s Journal. 

In this must-have resource for all RCIA leaders, this book will help you find great support team members, locate and get involved stellar sponsors, and even make your parish’s RCIA ministry stronger.  Wagner helps readers learn how to work with children’s RCIA programs, celebrate rites, and assist your pastor in discerning if catechumens are prepared adequately for receiving the Sacraments.

Both of these resources and more are available through the De Sales Catholic Bookstore website.  Click on the images above to learn more about these selected titles, and click here to find out more about the other resources for RCIA teams and process.

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 30th, 2009 under Book Reviews, Parish life, RCIA resources.
Comments: none

Ultimately, I’m fascinated by monasticism.  I realize very clearly that I’m not exactly cut out for it, which is why it intrigues me all the more.  But something in me loves learning about it, and any of the ties to it, like oblation.

One book in particular has been catching my attentions on the shelves off and on for about a month or so.  The Motley Crew: Monastic Lives by Brother Benet Tvedten is a truly remarkable collection of short retellings of the major characters of what we know as monasticism.

Going back beyond the “Patriarch of Western Monasticism” (St. Benedict of Nursia), Tvedten begins with St. Antony, one of the Church Fathers, who was born around 251.  Antony became later known as the “Patriarch of Monasticism of the East”, and many of his ideas helped to influence the way monastics live today.

In this same book, readers will learn about St. Scholastica, Bede the Venerable, Boniface, and one of my personal favorites, St. Meinrad.

For any fan of Church history and especially anyone who likes to learn about the stories behind legends and the Saints, this book is a short, light read that would be a nice addition to a personal collection.

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 30th, 2009 under Book Reviews.
Comments: none

When looking for books through our catalogs, sometimes a title strikes me.  Sometimes it’s a sub-title.  In this case, it was both.  While browsing through the religious books in one of our distributor’s catalogs, I noticed the title God Underneath, from Edward L. Beck.  That was quickly followed by “Spiritual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest.” 

Figuring our section of books on the topic of vocation was somewhat growing, it seemed to be a good idea to add one more to the collection.  After finally getting a few minutes to browse through our books, I took a closer look at one chapter from Beck’s writing, and was simply amazed by the simplicity.

Please be aware, Beck’s candor is evident on page one.  But his beautiful and incredibly simple stories are what make this text so special.  In the first chapter, he discusses his parents’ marriage and the three weddings it took to finally get them official–all without a divorce.  But what really shines through in this chapter is the value of one’s name.  That becomes the point of the story here.

Beck closes the chapter with a fantastic image of the personal nature in which God speaks to us all, by calling us by name.  At the end of the story, he writes, “God makes rainbows out of the crayoned wall and waterfalls out of the overflowing tub.”

Isn’t that what life is all about?  Being loved thoroughly and unconditionally, and knowing that there’s delight even in the worst of our personality.

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 29th, 2009 under Book Reviews.
Comments: none

Please be aware that De Sales Catholic Bookstore will be closed on Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, in honor of Independence Day.  We will reopen at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 26th, 2009 under Bookstore Buzz.
Comments: none

Because of my background in music ministry–and my love of youth ministry–I have been afforded a few opportunities to work with some of the most talented singers, songwriters, and artists in the Catholic music business.  I’ve even been fortunate enough to meet some of the talent with whom I haven’t worked.

When I first met Sarah Hart in 2001, I was a newbie to youth ministry.  Chaperoning my first national youth conference, I signed up for a workshop to encourage youth and youth leaders to discuss that all-too-taboo topic: sex.  Sarah was one of the keynote speakers at the workshop, using her music as a way to get people thinking.  Her background shined through, her folk style providing a haunting tone to the most beautiful lines.  Sweet and lyrical, I listened intently as she sang of individual goodness and personal virtue.  Her message then is still as beautiful as it is now: all people have value.

I’ve been very fortunate when it comes to meeting Sarah Hart.  We’ve talked at nearly every youth conference since, as well as met at a couple of musician’s conferences.  Her personality is as sweet upon meeting her as her voice is in recording.

In her latest release, Saintsong, Hart goes back to the true beauty of Catholic roots.  Utilizing the prayers and ideas of the Saints, her album soars with beauty and her trademark style.  “Come, True Light”, based on the writings of St. Simeon, marks the beauty of Hart’s abilities as both a singer and songwriter (composed with Dwight Liles).  It is, as she has mentioned in an interview, the ideal Advent song.

In “Love Moves You,” Hart turned to one of the great mystics, St. Catherine of Siena.  The song is dedicated to the concept of God’s love for humanity, the only reason (in St. Catherine’s perspective) for God’s willingness to work with us and love us.

As a special bonus of this work, Hart has written devotional materials for each piece.  She included these works as part of the Enhanced CD format, and each devotion is printable, great for small group study and personal devotion.  This would also make an ideal quiet, meditation-time resource for youth ministers, catechists, and retreat leaders.

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 25th, 2009 under Music Reviews, Youth Ministry.
Comments: none

For someone who has no real background or formal training in web stuff, I’m pretty proud.  We’ve been able to add more than 500 new items to the web site this month alone, and we’re still counting!

Check out our newest items, which include some of our jewelry line!  We’ve been adding crosses, crucifix, Miraculous Medals, military medals, and more!  We’re hoping to have even more on by the end of the week.  Keep checking!

Written by: Mat
Posted: June 25th, 2009 under Bookstore Buzz.
Comments: none