Books published by publisher Parachute Press

Lively, wise, profound, and winsome, this refreshing new book takes the Holy Spirit from the mountaintop to the grit of everyday life by showing us that the Holy Spirit is not just about speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts or "fruits"--but also about our deepest breath and our highest aspirations. Provocative and life-changing, Fresh Air blends moving personal stories, rich biblical studies, and practical strategies for experiencing the daily presence of the Holy Spirit where we least expect it--in human breathing, in social transformation, in community, in hostile situations, and in serious learning. Small wonder that Scot McKnight calls Fresh Air "the most biblical, wide-ranging, innovative, and refreshing book on the Holy Spirit in years," and Eugene Peterson calls it "a rare and remarkable achievement."

Part keepsake, part teaching book, this small volume is filled with inspiration, encouragement, and reflections to ponder for 4th graders and up. Through simple text, it explains the privileges and responsibilities imparted through the sacrament of Confirmation. Compelling stories about saints and children their own age will help kids become more familiar with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and learn how the gifts can be active in their own lives. The apostolic mission of a confirmed Catholic is emphasized and readers are reminded that the sacrament of Confirmation is exciting—the same Holy Spirit who appeared to the apostles and the Blessed Mother at Pentecost is the one who will come to them when they are confirmed.

“Jean Vanier is a living saint.” —James Martin, SJ In April 2008, Jean Vanier led a simple retreat in Nyahururu, Kenya, a place recently shattered by violence between people, and bloodshed. People there were shaken. With frequent reference to the Gospel of John, this book comprises the talks that Vanier gave: What Are You Looking For?The Cry of the PoorThe Feast Is ReadyTo Live in UnityBe OpenEncountering the OtherThe Washing of the Feet “I am a broken man like all human beings, but I also know that Jesus loves me and that he is calling me to grow. This is the experience of being loved in my brokenness and therein lies the incredible gentleness of our God. We all have to discover the point of our brokenness because that is precisely the place where we are the beloved. Sometimes we hide behind the idea that we are better than others. We have to discover that none of us is better, that we are all children of God… God has a desire to bring people together in love. There are two fundamental things that Jesus came to reveal to us. First, God is a lover. God loves. Second, this incredible, gentle, and tender God is in love with each one of us. Each person is precious to God and together we are to build a community where we love each other.” —from the book

Hildegard's Gift was not wrapped in shimmering paper and tied with gold ribbons. It was not a special package left under a beautiful, fragrant Christmas tree by old St. Nicholas. Hildegard's Gift was much more special than that. It took a lifetime for Hildegard to completely understand her gift, but when she finally did, she changed her entire world. This beautiful children's picture book not only celebrates the life and work of Hildegard von Bingen; it also shows children that they, too, have gifts and talents hidden within, just waiting to be released.

While the Advent season is filled with fun and expectations, Lent can be hard for children. It’s travels through frightening places, loaded with themes of self-denial and death. How can children approach this season in a way that is meaningful and not frightening? Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God. Other books offer excellent ideas for going through the Lenten season with children, but Make Room uniquely connects its projects to the story of Jesus. Simple and practical activities such as baking bread, having a neighbor over for dinner, uncluttering your room, and watching less TV become acts of justice and kindness, part of a life of following and imitating Christ, and a way to make room for God in our lives and in the world around us. Other books tell the Passion narrative for young readers; this unique book integrates themes of hospitality and self-giving that echo Jesus’ ministry, Jesus’ entire life. Make Room invites children to wonder about the story, to encounter Lent with all their senses, and to experience activities in Lent as part of a life of discipleship.

Ever wonder how some people become enthusiastic and on fire about their relationship with God? In thirty-three short chapters, Albert Haase gives you the tools and kindling to prepare for the spark of God in your life – and then shows you how to fan it into flame until you are set ablaze. This book glows with time-tested wisdom as an experienced spiritual director shares the secrets of the saints. Feel cold? Or maybe just smoldering? With supplemental reading suggestions and reflection questions, this eminently practical book functions like a personal, spiritual retreat.

Lively, wise, profound, and winsome, this refreshing new book takes the Holy Spirit from the mountaintop to the grit of everyday life by showing us that the Holy Spirit is not just about speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts or "fruits"--but also about our deepest breath and our highest aspirations. Provocative and life-changing, Fresh Air blends moving personal stories, rich biblical studies, and practical strategies for experiencing the daily presence of the Holy Spirit where we least expect it--in human breathing, in social transformation, in community, in hostile situations, and in serious learning. Small wonder that Scot McKnight calls Fresh Air "the most biblical, wide-ranging, innovative, and refreshing book on the Holy Spirit in years," and Eugene Peterson calls it "a rare and remarkable achievement."

Edgar the Owl and Freddy the Fox show readers of all ages how saying goodbye to a beloved animal does not mean saying goodbye forever.A portion of proceeds will be donated to animal shelters around the country. ---------- When John's puppy Samuel died unexpectedly at just six months old it brought a profound sadness to their home and a sense that this was just not fair. For the first time John understood how a child must feel when they lose a pet of any age, asking themselves, "Why?" Hoping to turn his pain into something positive, John put pen to paper and wrote a story to help any child who has lost a pet.In God Needed a Puppy John guides children through the grieving process by using friendly animals from the forest to explain the reasons why a beloved pet sometimes has to leave us. He reassures them that this "goodbye" is not forever and offers hope that other furry friends will someday come into their lives.

With simple language and lovely illustrations, this book retells the stories of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Share in the excitement as Mary learns from the Angel Gabriel that she will become Jesus’s Mommy. Be with Mary as she teaches Jesus to walk and to read, and join Joseph as he shows Jesus how to cut wood and use carpenter’s tools. As Jesus grows older, he sets off to tell people that God loves them. Mary is always there, and she loves to see Jesus surrounded by all his friends! A wonderful book to read aloud to children!

Mother Bird tells her son stories of St. Francis of Assisi. If the animal kingdom can understand the life and teachings of the world’s most famous saint, so can children, who will be delighted by this simple, beautiful book for the ages. “Stunning illustrations and engaging text. This book is sure to spark valuable conversations.” —Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, Franciscan Editor, St. Anthony Messenger

In this fourth installment of "The Pope's Cat" series, Margaret and the Pope travel for the first time together away from the Vatican and out of Rome. They go by train to the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, a place of pilgrimage for Christians all over the world who want to remember the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Together they visit the great Basilica named for St. Francis, greet Franciscan friars at the monastery, attend a World Day of Prayer for Peace, meet religious leaders (each, it seems, with a very different hat!) from around the world, and see evidence of the spirit of St. Francis all over town. Most of all, the Pope shows his love and care for his vulnerable creature friend, as at the beginning of the book when someone from the Curia has frightened Margaret and she's hiding in a closet in the Pope's apartment. “Don’t worry, il mio amore.” (Il mio amore means “My love.”) “People can be so fussy, can’t they?” the Pope says, picking her up in his arms.