Books published by publisher Paulist Pr

Discovering the Joy of Forgiveness <P>From the same winning team that brought you Child's Guide to First Holy Communion comes this new picture book on receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Describing the purpose and procedure of the rite, it reduces fear, helps children approach the sacrament with true comfort and a sense of joy, and suggests that the forgiveness given us in reconciliation should be extended in turn towards others. Practical, down-to-earth examples clarify topics of sin and forgiveness, while the cheerful tone reduces the nervousness commonly associated with confession. Interactive questions encourage discussion between the child and parent or teacher. <P>Written in clear, simple language, this new book: <P>--has vivid full-color illustrations throughout <BR>--can be either read to children or used by beginning readers <BR>--is a meaningful gift from parents and other family members <BR>--is the perfect teaching tool for use in Catholic schools or parish CCD classes <P>Ages 5-9.

Sister Thea Bowman (1939 -1990), a native of a small town in central Mississippi, was a well-known educator, evangelist, gifted singer, scholar, and advocate for diversity and the inclusion of African Americans and African American culture in the Catholic Church. Sister Thea faced many obstacles as a young girl growing up in the segregated South. Her story is intertwined with the disparities and injustices experienced by African Americans in Mississippi. Through the efforts of the missionary sisters, brothers, and priests who served in Canton, Mississippi, Sister Thea and other African American children in her community were able to obtain an education and experience the love, generosity, faith, and commitment to social justice of those who ministered in the African American church. During her time in school, she felt called to enter religious life. She chose to join the order of the sisters who staffed her school. Sister Thea was the only black sister in her order. Sister Thea made unique contributions to the Catholic Church. In November, 2018, her cause for sainthood is expected to be approved by the U.S. bishops. Her story is unique and one that needs to be told. Many institutions bear her name.

From the artist of the popular Hail Mary/The Lord's Prayer comes a brand new illustrated version of the Apostles' Creed for children ages five to eight. Each phrase is depicted in colorful, cut-paper illustrations. Younger children will be able to grasp the difficult concepts of the Creed through the bold yet simple and child-friendly pictures. Older children will bring to the pictures their further understanding, as well as use the phrase-by-phrase text for memorization of the creed, which is recommended for this older age group. This is a beautiful representation of the Christian faith in a warm and loving God. Highlights: --uses just the prayer and instead of words uses simple images to convey the Creed's sometimes difficult messages --bold, bright colors --unusual art medium--cut-paper illustrations

Martin de Porres: A Saint for Our Time is a biography of this 16th-century Dominican lay brother and one of our few black saints. Born in Peru, he was of mixed ancestry; his mother was a freed African slave and his father was a Spanish nobleman. Originally rejected by his father because of his black skin, Martin suffered much abuse throughout his life because of his heritage. Working as a servant in the Dominican order, Martin demonstrated great humility, charity and gentleness, even in the face of prejudice. The author recounts here many stories told about him, some of which describe his miraculous powers of healing, his devotion to the sick and poor and his love of animals. An unusual and captivating biography, this book deserves a wide audience. Highlights: --first young adult biography of St. Martin. --chapters end with a reflection and prayer to St. Martin in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. --focuses timely attention on this patron of social and interracial justice.

Saint Brendan and the Voyage Before Columbus is a an exciting picture book that introduces children and their parents to the story of Brendan's voyage to the land of Tir-na-n-Og, a voyage so fantastic that many people believed it was only a legend. seas and the sky. As a monk, Brendan learned about the land of Tir-na-n-Og, the Promised Land of the Saints, and one day he set out in a sailboat called a curragh to find it. On his journey he and his fellow voyagers encountered a whale, several islands, an iceberg, and a volcano, before finally reaching beautiful Tir-na-n-Og, where painted saints (Native Americans) greeted him in peace. Brendan returned home with the understanding that his adventures, good and bad, had brought him closer to God. In a postscript the author links Brendan with Columbus and with modern sailor Tim Severin, who in 1976 retraced Brendan's route in a replica curragh using Brendan's Navigatio as his guide. incredible adventures as he journeyed to America in the sixth century. It will make wonderful reading for children, who will be excited to learn about this saint after whom so many are named.

Little people may have only little ways to praise God, but little ways are exactly what God likes best. This inviting book encourages kids to discover that no one is too small to love God and give praise; no one is too unimportant. A child's every activity is a joyful prayer: "Sing like angels./ Dance and play./ Jump with Joy./ Shout hooray!" Both the text and the images overflow with happiness and suggest all sorts of ways to give God praise. The photos show a wide array of multicultural images, children both alone and in groups, in different situations- sharing, praying, playing. In each the ordinary is made extraordinary by the smiles on their faces. For all Christian denominations, children ages 0 to 5.