1 BIBLE/BOOK STUDIES A Gospel for People on the Journey Luke Novalis Scripture Studies Series Each of the writers of the Gospels has his particular vision of Jesus. For Luke, Jesus is not only the one who announces the Good News of salvation: Jesus is our salvation. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor A Gospel for Searching People Matthew Novalis Scripture Studies Series Each of the writers of the Gospels has his particular vision of Jesus. For Matthew, Jesus is the great teacher (Matt. 23:8). But teacher and teachings are inextricable bound together, Matthew tells us. Jesus stands alone as unique teacher because of his special relationship with God: he alone is Son of man and Son of God. And Jesus still teaches those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life today. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor A Gospel for Struggling People Mark Novalis Scripture Studies Series “Who do you say that I am? In Mark’s Gospel, no one knows who Jesus is until, in Chapter 8, Peter answers: “You are the Christ.” But what does this mean? The rest of the Gospel shows what kind of Christ or Messiah Jesus is: he has come to suffer and die for his people. Teaching on discipleship and predictions of his death point ahead to the focus of the Gospel-the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. 9 copies Editor: Michael Trainor Beautiful Bible Stories Beautiful Bible Stories by Rev. Charles P. Roney, D.D. and Rev. Wilfred G. Rice, Collaborator Designed to stimulate a greater interest in the Bible through the arrangement of extensive References, Suggestions for Study, and Test Questions. The John A. Hertel Co., Wichita, Kansas In the Beginning In the Beginning by James W. Aageson Critical Concepts for the Study of the Bible. Sacra Pagina Series By Daniel J. Harrington, S. J. Volume 7 The expression Sacra Pagina (“Sacred Page”) First Corinthians originally referred to the text of Scripture. In the Middle Ages it also described the study of Scripture to which the interpreter brought the tools of grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, and philosophy. This series presents fresh translations and modern expositions of all the books of the New Testament. Written by an international team of Catholic biblical scholars it is intended for biblical professionals, 2 graduate students, theologian, clergy, and religious educators. The volumes present basic introductory information and close exposition, adopting specific methodological perspectives while maintaining a focus on the issues raised by the New Testament compositions themselves. Seven Days with the Gospel of Luke By Joseph G. Donders For a Personal or Shared Retreat Seven Days with the Gospel of Luke provides for a retreat of seven days, offering suggestions for reflection and meditation. The retreat is based on the spiritual dynamics found in Luke’s gospel. Seven Days with the Gospel of Mark By Joseph G. Donders For a Personal and Shared Retreat Mark’s gospel reads like a mystery. Who is this Jesus, and what are his intentions? Why doesn’t anyone seem to understand him? How should we relate to him? Why does Mark’s gospel start with the words, “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God”? What is that good news? Seven Days with the Gospel of Matthew Seven Days with the Gospel of Matthew provides For a Personal or Shared Retreat for a retreat of seven days, offering suggestions for reflection and meditation. The retreat is based on the spiritual dynamics found in Matthew’s gospel. The Bible Blueprint By Joe Paprocki A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing It’s pretty hard to build a house if you don’t know God’s Word how to read a blueprint. In the same way, it’s difficult to develop your faith if you don’t know how to read the Bible – or are reluctant even to open it. In The Bible Blueprint, best-selling author and popular speaker Joe Paprocki cleverly uses a blueprint metaphor to help Catholics gain a solid understanding of the structure and organization of the Bible, and to help them build confidence in navigating its pages. The Word Among Us - Keys to the Bible Discovering the God We Call Father – By Rich Cleveland A Catholic Bible Study on the Lord’s Prayer Each of the eight sessions in this Bible study from The Word Among Us Press features: 1. Insightful commentary linking Scripture to our lives 2. Thought-provoking questions for reflection 3. Quotes from Church fathers, Church documents, and the saints 4. A free facilitator’s guide for small-group leaders, available for downloading 3 Food from Heaven – The Eucharist in Scripture By Jeanne Kun “Food from Heaven” will help readers navigate through the Bible to understand and appreciate the foundation of Eucharistic worship. Among the texts studied are Old Testament realities that anticipate the Eucharist as well as gospel accounts of Jesus’ bread of life discourse, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the breaking of the bread with the two disciples in Emmaus. Each of the six sessions includes the full tropical Scripture text, a short commentary, and questions for reflection and discussion. “In the Spotlight” sections are especially helpful to Catholics, featuring historical and cultural details, explanations of Greek word, and quotes from church fathers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and contemporary Catholic writers. Heart to Heart with God Ralph Torrelli Six Ways to Empower Your Prayer Life Session 1: Praying Persistently Session 2: Praying Expectantly Session 3: Praying the Desire of Your Heart Session 4: Praying Boldly Session 5: Praying Specifically Session 6: Praying with the Full Armor of God Jesus’ Journey to the Cross By Jeanne Kun A Love unto Death Accompany Jesus through the events of his passion, death, and resurrection in this newest Scripture guide of our popular Keys to the Bible series. In Jesus’ Journey to the Cross, you can follow Jesus on his jubilant entry into Jerusalem, sit with him during his last supper with his apostles, pray with him during his agony in Gethsemane, and stand at the foot of the cross on Golgotha where – with a love unto death – he offered his life for our salvation. Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit By Rich Cleveland A Catholic Bible Study Originally developed for use in Catholic parishes, Emmaus Journey Bible Studies rely on the power of Scripture to change human hearts. This nine- session guide is designed to help Catholics grow in their appreciation of the Holy Spirit and his power to transform their lives in Christ. The many relevant Scripture passages, combined with wisdom from the saints, the Catholic Catechism, and church tradition, make this a truly inspired Bible study. 4 Mighty in Power – The Miracles of Jesus By Jeanne Kun Mighty in power, Jesus confronted sickness and sin- even death-with the sovereign authority that was his as the Son of God. Why did Jesus perform such miracles as the multiplication of the loaves and fish or the stilling of the storm at sea, and what is their meaning for us today? This Scripture guide will help you understand these miraculous events in the context of Jesus’ life and as invitations to experience God’s mercy and salvation now. Each of the six sessions includes the Scripture text of one of Jesus’ miracles, a short commentary, and questions for reflections d discussion. “In the Spotlight” sections offer fascinating background information d selections from the church fathers, saints, church document, and contemporary Catholic writers. Suitable for individuals or groups. Money in the Kingdom of God – By Susan V. Vogt Six Essential Attitudes for Followers of Christ As followers of Christ, how do we decide how to use the treasure that God gives us? How do we judge what to purchase and what to give to others? This Bible study helps us examine these and other issues honestly in light of the Scriptures and the characteristics we need to live as good Christian stewards: providence, justice, generosity, contentment, gratitude and humility, and investing in the kingdom of God. Moved by the Spirit By Kevin Perrotta God’s Power at Work in His People Looking for an extreme personal makeover? The Holy Spirit is your answer. The Spirit acts in us as “architect and contractor,” says popular Catholic author Kevin Perrotta, to bring about God’s plan for our lives. This Bible study explores such questions as: What does the Spirit come to do in us? How can we experience his presence and cooperate with him? What will happen if we do? My Soul Magnifies the Lord By Jeanne Kun A Scriptural Journey with Mary Accompany Mary through the events of her life as she accompanies us on our own pilgrimage of faith. Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving By Kevin Perrotta Spiritual Practices that Draw us Closer to God Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are often called “spiritual disciplines” The term highlights their similarity to physical disciplines. But like a physical fitness program, we can go through the motions of these practices without deriving much benefit from them. Jesus wants the spiritual disciplines to work for us, and we can rely on the Holy Spirit for help. In fact, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are ways of 5 seeking the Holy Spirit’s help, ways of cooperating with his work in us. In this Bible study, popular Scripture commentator Kevin Perrotta shows us why we undertake these disciplines and how they can help to transform us into the persons God has created us to be. The Words of the Risen Christ By Rich Cleveland A Bible Study on Jesus’ Resurrection Jesus’ final words after his resurrection, such as “Go make disciples” and “Peace be with you,” set the tone for each of the eight sessions of this Bible study and are the launching pad to explore such themes as community, reconciliation, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the call to evangelization.