Category: Lent

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On My Bookshelf: The Way of the Cross With the Saints

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Have you attended the Stations of the Cross services at your parish during Lent? This lovely devotion, popularized by the Franciscans, invites Catholics to walk alongside Christ as He journeys to His Crucifixion. The Way of the Cross With the Saints from TAN Books contains five ways to pray the Stations. You can return to a favorite one again and again, or explore them all.

Five Ways to Pray the Stations of the Cross

The Way of the Cross With the Saints includes meditations by:

  • Saint Francis of Assisi
  • Saint Alphonsus Liguori
  • Saint John Henry Newman
  • Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
  • Venerable Mary of Jesus of Ágreda

Each Station is illustrated with pen-and-ink art; the same illustrations are repeated for each set of Stations.

The Stabat Mater is included at the end of the book, in both English and Latin.

Also in the book: prayers to conclude the Stations of the Cross and information on gathering an indulgence, plus the lyrics for a few Lenten hymns.

This book is easy to carry because of its small size. The cover is purple leatherette, and the pages are edged in gold. There’s also a purple ribbon bookmark. It’s a gift-quality book for yourself or a friend.

 

Pray the Stations of the Cross Beyond the Season of Lent

The practice of praying the Stations of the Cross is not confined to Lent. Some parishes, like mine, have outdoor Stations for private times of prayer. Occasionally, small groups gather there to pray the Stations together. Most Catholic Churches display the Stations along the walls of the church. But whether you physically walk from station to station or meditate on the Stations of the Cross in your home, a pew, or the Adoration Chapel, The Way of the Cross With the Saints is an easy, portable option for participating in one of the most beautiful devotional practices of the Church.

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Ask for The Way of the Cross With the Saints at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, TAN Books.

Copyright 2026 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Photos copyright 2026 Barb Szyszkiewicz, all rights reserved.

This article contains Amazon affiliate links. Your purchase through these links supports my work at no cost to you. Thank you!

Lenten Prayer for Families

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Lenten Prayer for Families

By Colleen Pressprich; illustrated by Amy Heyse

Published by Our Sunday Visitor

When you have a family, you can’t spend 40 days in the desert by yourself, fasting and praying. Instead, you need to tailor your Lenten observance to your state in life. In her new book, Lenten Prayer for Families, Colleen Pressprich offers concrete ways to help your family live the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — together.

A Devotional Based on Scripture

I cannot think of a better way to prepare hearts and minds for the joy of Easter than to spend Lent diving into the Living Word of God as a family, which is why Scripture is the heart of this devotional. (from the Introduction)

Colleen includes Scripture not only as a point of prayer and discussion, but also for memorization. Beginning with the First Sunday of Lent, a weekly memorization verse is highlighted; these verses correspond with the weekly themes, which include conversion of heart, prayer, repentance, reconciliation, and renewal and restoration. Learning these verses “by heart” is an excellent way to encourage your children to keep Scripture close to them, and in the Introduction, Colleen suggests multiple strategies for memorizing Scripture — even a way to make it a game!

Format of the Book

Each day’s entry includes four parts:

  • Brief Scripture passage
  • A reflection on the passage for the family to read together
  • Prayer
  • Conversation starters: two or three discussion questions

In addition, each day’s entry is accompanied by a beautiful full-page illustration by Amy Heyse.

The Introduction to the book includes suggestions for using these reflections with children of different ages, and ideas for tying each day’s prayer experience to something your family is already doing.

At the end of the book, a Notes for Parents section offers helpful background information, further reflection, and strategies for discussing difficult or challenging topics with your children.

Lenten Prayer for Families begins with Ash Wednesday and includes entries through Divine Mercy Sunday, the end of the Octave of Easter, as well as entries for the Solemnities of Saint Joseph and the Annunciation, both of which can fall during Lent. The book can be used during any year.

Lenten Prayer for Families is a useful resource for parents who want their families to prepare together for the joy of Easter.

Copyright 2026 Barb Szyszkiewicz

This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which provide a small compensation to support my work when purchases are made through the links, at no cost to you.

grilled cheese sandwich

The Lenten Meal Is Only a Penance for the Cook in the Family

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Unless it involves the grill, I’m the cook in the family.

Unless it involves Costco, I’m the grocery shopper.

This means that normally the meal planning is left to me. Except on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

On those two days, my husband has always requested that I serve the dinner his mom always served on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: grilled cheese sandwiches and canned soup.

I’ve got nothing against grilled cheese. If I can find a good tomato (good luck finding a good tomato at this time of year), so much the better. And just the other day I had a little bit of caramelized onions left over from the previous night’s burgers, and I added those into a grilled Swiss on pumpernickel with Koszkiusko mustard … heavenly.

But we’re talking Campbell’s tomato soup (made with milk, in my husband’s ideal world) or Chunky New England clam chowder. Those are the only soup options allowed. Usually I skip the soup and just have a sandwich for dinner.

The Penitential Meal During Lent

If you want to make a meal penitential for me, lock me into a recipe routine. For me, all the fun is in the variety. I’ve been sharing meatless recipes on CatholicMom.com for 12 years now, at least eight times a year … that’s a lot of recipes. Trying new recipes or finding new spins on old favorites makes cooking fun for me, in a way that flipping grilled cheeses and heating up canned soup is … not.

My family, however, thinks this is the Best Dinner Ever.

 

grilled cheese sandwich

 

One Lent, I decided my penance would be serving up soup and grilled cheese every single Friday. I was the Hero of Lent in my house. Everyone looked forward to Friday dinner.

That was humbling. I’m spending an hour in the kitchen every other day of the week and all they want is canned soup and a sandwich?

That Lent was super penitential for me, and I would have done well to pray the Litany of Humility every Friday before getting the griddle out.

What’s for Dinner this Ash Wednesday?

Last night at dinner, the subject of Ash Wednesday came up, and the dinner expectations were made clear.

“Ash Wednesday is next week?! Best dinner! Let’s gooooooooooooooo!”

What’s for dinner this Ash Wednesday? Grilled cheese and canned soup all around, and a slice of humble pie for the cook.

Copyright 2025 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Photo copyright 2025 Barb Szyszkiewicz, all rights reserved.

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Praying with the Church Through Lent

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Praying with the Church Through Lent

By Father Edward Looney
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

 

Father Edward Looney’s new book of daily Lenten meditations is inspired by the Collect (the Opening Prayer at Mass, also used during the Liturgy of the Hours). In Praying with the Church Through Lent, Father Looney shares reflections on the Collect for each day of the season.

 

Praying with the Church Through Lent

Reflections Based on a Prayer We Often Miss

Between music ministry every Sunday and lectoring at daily Mass twice a week, I’m often a little bit distracted when the Collect is prayed during Mass. I admit to being focused on my next cue, so I’ll do (or sing) what I need to at the right time. Before I know it, the Collect has gone by and all I hear is, “Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”

The Collect is a beautiful prayer, though, and I don’t want to miss it! Just as we are encouraged to read and reflect on the Mass readings ahead of time (or even after Mass, if that’s what your schedule permits), we can reflect on the Collect as well and make it part of our personal prayer, whether or not we pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

 

A Format for Daily Prayer

Father Looney opens each day’s entry with the Collect, which is printed on a page by itself. I found that using a large card as a bookmark allowed me to cover the facing page, so I can focus completely on the Collect for a few moments before moving forward.

Next, each day there is a two-page reflection. Father Looney is excellent at offering clear explanations that help the reader make a connection between prayer, Lenten disciplines, and living the Christian life. Finally, three reflection questions close each day’s entry. There is generous space to write your answers in the book beneath each question.

This book is undated, with each entry referred to only as the day within the liturgical year: for example, Ash Wednesday, Friday of the First Week of Lent, Third Sunday in Lent. That means it can be used year after year (especially if you write your responses to the questions in a journal rather than the book).

The reflections in Praying with the Church Through Lent span the full season and include Easter Sunday as a bonus. I’m hoping that in the future, Father Looney will write Praying with the Church Through Easter. That would be a beautiful companion volume to this excellent book.

Ask for Praying with the Church Through Lent at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.

Copyright 2025 Barb Szyszkiewicz

Amazon affiliate links included in this article. Your purchases through these links support FranciscanMom.com at no cost to you. I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in consideration of my honest review.

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Focus on Lent: Spiritual Resources for the Journey

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Lent is only one short week away. It’s time to prepare for the journey.

That doesn’t mean you need to weigh yourself down with every devotional ever published. I agree with Nicole Berlucchi, who recently wrote that we should just pick one book, devotional, program, or practice. For Lent this year, let’s do one thing and do it well. I’m still making my plan, and I thought I’d show you some of the resources I’ve been looking at.

There’s an App for That

Magnificat Lenten Companion App

This app is packed with features, including the daily readings and prayers for Mass, daily morning and evening prayer based on the Liturgy of the Hours, inspirational essays and poetry, Stations of the Cross, a Lenten penance service, audio hymns, and daily Lenten reflections by Catholic writers. Priced at only $2.99, it’s less expensive than the print version of Magnificat and contains more content.

This app is an excellent way to keep your Lenten devotions near at hand at all times. If you’re trying to limit your phone or tablet use during Lent, try modifying your home screen so you only see the Catholic apps like this one on the first page, and bury or remove apps that only tempt you to waste your time. (For iOS and Android; available in English and Spanish.)

 

For the Kids

Arthur the Clumsy Altar Server Plans the Perfect Lent by Theresa Kiser 

Moms, I’m warning you right now: you will cry when you read this one, so be ready. But it’s a good cry. This picture book is a terrific explanation of Lent, and how Jesus is with us every step of the way. In this story, Arthur (who thinks big) yearns to be perfect, like Jesus. And he keeps on disappointing himself every time he trips or drops something, or when his stomach growls during Mass. His parents and parish priest are understanding, and his mom beautifully explains that Arthur doesn’t need to do everything perfectly to earn Jesus’ love.

As with the other books in the Arthur series, the illustrations by Mike Schwalm make the story. At the end of the book, there are useful facts about Lent, explained in a kid-friendly way. This picture book is perfect for kids ages 4 and up; you might even find your older kids peeking at the illustrations as you read it to the younger ones. (OSV Kids)

 

Diary of a Future Saint: Faustina’s Incredible Journey by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Whether your family has a devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet or you’re simply curious about the life of the twentieth-century woman whose Diary has inspired so many, this book by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle will not disappoint. Throughout this story, the reader will learn not only about the life of this extraordinary saint, but also about various ways to pray, how we are called to trust in God, the sacraments, grace, and our need to always work to avoid the devil. The author invites readers to consider their own relationship with Christ as they learn about Saint Faustina.

Each chapter ends with three special features: “Something to think about” with questions for conversation, “Pray,” and “A merciful action.” This book is described as a novel for all ages, but I think it would be best appreciated by readers 10 years old and up. (Marian Press)

 

Guided Meditation with Videos

Made for Heaven: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR

The reflections in this journal are focused on poverty, beginning with the topics of temptation and transfiguration, then considering how our voluntary poverty can be life-giving to others, and finally immersing ourselves in prayer and the power of the Cross. Each day begins with an excerpt from Scripture. Fr. Agustino then offers a daily meditation and challenges the reader to journal in response to that meditation, identifying practical ways to live out the Lenten season more fully. This book includes ample space for journaling and note-taking, as well as beautiful illustrations by Valerie Delgado.

An accompanying video series includes a video for Ash Wednesday and each Sunday of Lent, concluding on Easter. Look for these here on CatholicMom.com at 10 AM Eastern. (Ave Maria Press)

 

The Ascension Lenten Companion: Walking with Jesus to Jerusalem by Mark Toups

This journal boasts a full page of journaling space for each day of Lent (plus ample white space on other pages in case you’d like to highlight or comment on the reflections). Each day’s entry begins with a focus word and Scripture verse, then offers a reflection (about one and a half pages in length) that leads into the journaling space. A daily prayer prompt is based on a Scripture reading.

This guided journal program with a complementary video series can be used by parishes, prayer groups, and individuals. All videos, available on AscensionPress.com, are about 5 minutes in length. The illustrations that begin each week’s section in this journal are paintings by Mike Moyers, done in a simple, modern style. (Ascension)

 

Fiction during Lent? Yes, please!

Through Esther’s Eyes: A Novel by Jacqueline St. Clare

Immerse yourself in the story of Jesus’ life and ministry as told by Esther, His fictional cousin. This novel is steeped in Scripture; the words of the prophets, psalms, Gospel events, and many of Jesus’ parables are skillfully interwoven throughout the story. The author links fictional characters with the Apostles, Martha and Mary and Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, and the Blessed Mother.

This masterful and compelling debut novel by a Catholic author is a must-read! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. You’ll feel as if you’re really there, witnessing the action. I know some people give up fiction as a Lenten sacrifice, but this novel should be an exception; reading it will really bring the events of the Gospel to life. (Marian Press)

 

The Way of the Cross

Behold Your Mother: Marian Stations of the Cross by Marge Steinhage Fenelon

Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s newly published interpretation of the Stations of the Cross looks at each Station from the point of view of a child seeking comfort from the Blessed Mother even while realizing that he is partially to blame for these terrible trials she and her Son endure and wishing to console Mary. This puts into words the conflict we, as God’s children entrusted to the care of the Mother of God, face as we consider the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Simply illustrated with striking pen-and-ink images to go along with the one-page devotion for each Station, this book is a beautiful prayer companion for use in personal or group devotions. (Our Sunday Visitor)

 

Quick Daily Devotionals

Turn to the Cross: Daily Prayers for Lent and Holy Week 2024 by Josh Noem

This little devotional is designed to be used throughout the day. Each day’s entry begins with a brief prayer or Scripture quote, then a quick reflection, a Prayer for Morning, Traveling Question, and Prayer for Evening. Reflection topics vary: these include discussion of one of the daily readings, the lives of saints, challenges to develop a particular virtue, and inspirational stories of contemporary priests and sisters of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

This devotional is well-suited for people who want a solid Lenten devotional but don’t have a large block of time to commit to using it. The small-format booklet can fit in your handbag or the map pocket of your car, so you can use it for small spiritual breaks in the course of your day. (Ave Maria Press)

 

Messages of Perseverance for Lent 2024: 3-Minute Devotions by Michael White and Tom Corcoran

Do you have three minutes? It doesn’t even matter what time of day you use this book. It’s designed to provide practical, everyday wisdom for persevering in your journey of faith. Each weekday, there’s a Scripture quote followed by a quick reflection and call to prayer, either thanking God or praying for the grace to persevere in certain situations.

The Saturday entry is a psalm, presented in the style of the Responsorial Psalm at Mass. And the Sunday entry sets the scene for the week and summarizes the Gospel from Sunday Mass. If you hope to develop the virtue of perseverance this Lent, try this little devotional. (Ave Maria Press)

 

Go Deeper

The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity by James Dominic Brent, OP

This spiritual book is not specifically Lent-themed, but what better topic to delve into during Lent than how to grow closer to the Lord in each Person of the Holy Trinity? As Kathryn Jean Lopez writes in her endorsement:

You are not meant to be separated from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are meant to live in the heart of the Trinity, in merciful love and eternal victory. Don’t delay. Let the Trinity guide you to the fullness of the Christian life through the words of this humble and wise friar.

Read one chapter of this book for eight weeks, and you’ll conclude the week after Easter with the chapter focused on the mystery of our adoption by grace into the family of God. (Pauline Books & Media)

 

This Lent, Learn More About the Mass

Mass Class: Your Questions Answered by Father Dave Dwyer

This is a book the whole family can enjoy learning from together during Lent. There are seven sections of this book, so you can cover one each week of this season. Father Dave Dwyer, host of the Busted Halo radio show, answers listener questions about Mass: why Catholics go to Mass, what we believe about the Eucharist, the various prayers and Scripture used at Mass, posture and gestures, and more—all in a very clear, friendly, and accessible manner. Occasional graphics signal the “Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions,” as well as Mass Class Notes, sidebars that offer additional helpful facts.

If you’re curious (or your family is) about why we do what we do during Mass, this is the book for you. I’d recommend it particularly for anyone preparing for Confirmation. (Paulist Press)

 

Ask for these books at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publishers, all linked above.

 

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Copyright 2024 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images: Stencil
This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which provide a small compensation to me when purchases are made through the links, at no cost to you. Thank you!

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Ease In to the Liturgy of the Hours this Lent

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Have you ever tried praying the Liturgy of the Hours?

Have you ever given up praying the Liturgy of the Hours because it seems too complicated? Too many pages, too many ribbons, too many ways to go wrong?

What if I told you that you can pray one part of the Liturgy of the Hours without needing to flip around in the book—all you need to know is what day of the week it is?

For real.

This Lent, try praying Night Prayer.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a saint’s feast day or the season of Lent or anything like that: there’s only one week a year that Night Prayer is different, and the instructions for that are right there in the book.

In my new book The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours (available now on Kindle; the print version releases March 27), I emphasize that for Liturgy of the Hours beginners, Night Prayer is a simple introduction to the cadence of the prayers.

Is it worth the effort? Yes. Is it doable? Yes! Start small, both in building the habit of prayer and your skills in navigating the breviary. Night Prayer is a wonderful way to begin, because it’s shorter and less complex than Morning and Evening Prayer. Take all the time you need to build up your prayer muscles. (21-22)

 

If you’re using Christian Prayer, you’ll find Night Prayer beginning on p. 1034.

 

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Copyright 2023 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Photos created in Stencil, all rights reserved.

This article contains Amazon links; your purchase through these links supports the work of this website at no cost to you. Thank you!

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Three Faith-filled Reads from Ave Maria Press

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Feed your soul with these new books from Ave Maria Press! Only one of them is specifically designed for use during Lent, but if you’re looking for a spiritual book or journal to use throughout the season of Lent, you can’t miss with any of these options.

Return: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. John Burns, illustrated by Josiah Henley

Return is a Lenten journal that offers daily reflections and journaling space, along with beautiful art that’s a meditation in itself. This book offers a lovely way to commit to a daily prayer practice during the Lenten season.

Return covers a lot of spiritual ground during the six weeks of Lent: the first two weeks focus on reflecting on the past year and refocusing on God. The next two weeks feature meditations on fasting and lamentation and holding nothing back from God. The fifth week is a challenge to explore spiritual wounds that separate us from Christ, and the sixth week (Holy Week) focuses on the healing power of the Eucharist.

Each day’s entry begins with an excerpt from the Collect (the opening prayer from Mass) for the day. Citations for the daily readings follow; you can view these online at Bible.USCCB.org or look them up in your own Bible. Next is a meditation (about one page in length), a few reflection questions with journal space, and a brief closing prayer.

Free weekly videos will be shared each Sunday at AveMariaPress.com; here on CatholicMom.com, the videos will be shared at 10 AM Eastern on Sundays. In each video, author Fr. John Burns offers a reflection on the weekly theme.

 

Arise to Blessedness: A Journal Retreat with Eight Modern Saints Who Lived the Beatitudes by Jen Norton

Jen Norton’s art is always inspiring, and I was happy to see that her newest journal retreat book features saints. And not just any saints: the saints in this book lived during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Jen Norton has chosen the saints in Arise to Blessedness by the particular ways they lived out the Beatitudes.

Jen Norton chose as our inspiration Saints André Bessette, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Maximilian Kolbe, Mark Ji Tianxiang, Maria Goretti, Charbel Makhlouf, Oscar Romero, and José Luís Sánchez del Río. Each chapter includes a full-page lettered illustration of one Beatitude; a brief Scripture reading; an image of the saint and brief introduction; a guided prayer moment using sacred art; a journal challenge, small step (action item), and plenty of blank space at the end of the chapter to write or even draw.

Arise to Blessedness contains eight chapters; you can work through the book at your own pace (daily, weekly, or at whatever intervals you choose). You can even stretch out the chapters and work through one small section of them each day. The beautiful cover art will invite you to pick this book up, and once you open it, you won’t want to put it back down!

When the Beatitudes were read at Sunday Mass at the end of January, our priest observed that it is not at all easy to live these teachings. Even the dedication of Arise to Blessedness underscores that point:

This book is dedicated to all the brave souls who serve their neighbor without regard for honor and who love the unlovable because they see Christ in everyone.

 

The Seeker’s Catechism by Michael Pennock

Of these three books, I’m probably most excited about this book about the Catechism. When I received The Seeker’s Catechism, I thought the author’s name looked familiar, so I immediately flipped to the author bio in the back (normally this is not the first part of a book I view). Sure enough: Michael Pennock wrote several of the religion textbooks all three of my children used in the Catholic high school they attended.

A good teacher has a particular gift of explaining difficult concepts in simple ways without diluting the truth behind the lesson. The Seeker’s Catechism is an updated edition of a book that lays out the basics of Catholicism without overcomplication—and without insulting the intelligence of the reader.

If you would like to learn more about what the Catholic Church believes and teaches, but tackling the full Catechism of the Catholic Church isn’t do-able for you in this season of life, The Seeker’s Catechism introduces the truths of the faith in bite-sized, approachable sections. This is also an excellent reference for parents whose children have questions about what we believe, and can be read by students in middle school and up.

 

Ask for these books at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, AveMariaPress.com.

 

Copyright 2023 Barb Szyszkiewicz
This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchase supports my work at no additional cost to you.

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New Spiritual Reads for Lent 2022

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While Lent is still a whole month away (Ash Wednesday is March 2, 2022), ongoing supply-chain and shipping issues mean planning ahead is a good idea. This year I’ve had the chance to preview four new resources: one family prayer and activity booklet, one guided prayer journal, and two daily devotionals.

Claire McGarry’s booklet, Abundant Mercy: Family Devotions and Activities for Lent, is perfect for families with school-age kids. Each day’s prayer page is right-sized for busy families, with a quote from Scripture, a micro-story or reflection, a meditation on our faith, and a Mercy section at the bottom of each page: a one-line prayer (“Receive Mercy”) and a call to action (“Extend Mercy”).

My favorite feature of this booklet is that Mercy section. The prayers are for intentions kids can understand and relate to, and the suggested actions are do-able for kids who are old enough to be in school.

For example, Wednesday of the First Week of Lent features Matthew 5:44, a paragraph about the Christmas 1914 ceasefire in Germany, a reflection about making the first move toward reconciliation, a prayer for help in forgiving our enemies, and this call to action: “Extend Mercy. Write a prayer for someone you’re having trouble with. Work for a ceasefire by praying that both of your hearts become filled with peace.”

Some of these “Extend Mercy” actions are individual; others are things families can do or discuss together. At only a page a day, the reflections in this booklet could be used at the beginning of the day or around the dinner table. Abundant Mercy is available on Kindle or in print from Creative Communications for the Parish.

RESTORE: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, the new seasonal journal by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT and illustrated by Valerie Delgado, is a beautiful journal that invites you to write your thoughts and prayers throughout Lent. This book is appropriate for moms, dads, and other adults, including college students.

Four pages for each day of Lent, as well as Easter Sunday, include a line of Scripture, a one-page meditation, and two full pages with journal lines, topped by a question to ponder and ending with a one-line prayer.

The meditations and prayers by Sr. Miriam James are complemented by Valerie Delgado’s inviting art, shown at the beginning of each week’s section. The book’s design is uncluttered, eliminating unnecessary distraction during your prayer time, and accented in subdued Lenten purple.

RESTORE will be released February 11 on Kindle or in print from Amazon and from Ave Maria Press. (I recommend purchasing the print book—the ebook price is almost equal to the print version, and since this is a journal, the print book makes more sense.)

Thy Kingdom Come: A Lenten Journey by Fr. Dennis Gallagher, AA, Provincial of the Augustinians of the Assumption, offers daily reflections based on the daily Mass readings. Fr. Gallagher writes in a simple, accessible style that brings home the truths of each day’s Gospel without being complicated.

The daily entries in Thy Kingdom Come include a line from the daily Gospel, a brief reflection (most are two short paragraphs in length), and a concluding prayer related to the topic of that day’s reflection. All the reflections in this book are centered on the theme of choosing to follow God’s will for our lives.

If you’re unable to attend daily Mass during Lent, the reflections in this booklet will serve as mini-homilies and are an excellent accompaniment to each day’s readings.

This booklet is geared toward an adult audience and would be suitable for a married couple or prayer group to read and discuss together.

Thy Kingdom Come is available on Kindle or in print from Amazon or from Creative Communications for the Parish.

Fans of the spiritual writing of Dutch priest Henri J.M. Nouwen (1932-1996) will enjoy Drawn to the Cross: Inspiration from Henri J.M. Nouwen. This booklet of Lenten devotions includes a Scripture quote for each day, a line or two from one of Nouwen’s works, then a reflection on that theme. The reflections and the prayers that conclude each day’s entries are written by Gil Duchow.

This booklet, designed for adult readers, explores the meaning of the cross in terms of humility, service, and sacrifice.

On the back of the booklet, readers will find a list of Nouwen’s published works quoted in the daily entries. While that’s required for copyright purposes, it’s also an excellent resource for readers who want to explore this author’s work in more depth.

Drawn to the Cross is available in print from Creative Communications for the Parish.

 

 

Copyright 2022 Barb Szyszkiewicz

Some links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

bookshelf with Catholic fiction titles

New Spiritual Reads for Lent

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Lent begins on February 17 this year: it’s time to purchase your Lenten spiritual reads so you’ll be off to a good start on Ash Wednesday. I have an enormous pile of spiritual books on my desk that are either specific to Lent or suitable for Lent. You’re sure to find something for yourself or your family.

While we’re not all able to gather in churches as usual for Mass, Stations of the Cross, and other devotions, we can feed our souls through spiritual reading and pray the Stations of the Cross at home or in outdoor meditation areas. This Lent, we may need to be creative in finding ways to deepen our faith.

Lenten Prayer Journal

Surrender All: An Illuminated Journal Retreat through the Stations of the Cross by Jen Norton (Ave Maria Press). Don’t be afraid to write in this beautiful journal. Jen Norton provides the art, which includes some lettered Scripture verses as well as paintings of each of the Stations of the Cross. For each station, there is a Scripture reading, a two-page reflection, and a “creative illuminations” section where you’re invited to express your thoughts either through visual art or by writing in the spaces provided.

Daily Devotions

Praying with Jesus and Faustina during Lent and in Times of Suffering by Susan Tassone (Sophia Institute Press). This prayer book is comprised of several sections:

  • Daily devotions beginning on Shrove Tuesday and ending on Divine Mercy Sunday (including readings from St. Faustina’s Diary and a prayer)
  • Meditations on the Passion and the Way of the Cross
  • Taking Refuge in the Wounds of Jesus
  • Uniting our Sufferings with Our Lady’s
  • Litanies for Lent and in Times of Suffering
  • Jesus and St. Faustina on Making a Good Confession

Susan Tassone’s thorough knowledge of St. Faustina Kowalska’s Diary and her devotion to prayer for the suffering souls in Purgatory enrich her writing. Each day’s readings are approximately one page in length; you’ll also find directions for praying the Divine Mercy Novena and other devotions.

The Living Gospel: Daily Devotions for Lent 2021 by Theresa Rickard, O.P. (Ave Maria Press). This pocket-size, two-page-per-day devotional is an excellent day starter or lunchtime read. Each day’s selection includes a reference to the daily Mass readings – so keep your Bible handy while you read. Following the Scripture reading, a short reflection connecting the reading to our everyday lives follows, along with a suggested action and closing prayer.

For the Kids

Living Faith Kids: What We Do in Lent by Connie Clark (Creative Communications for the Parish). Help your early readers (ages 5 and up) understand what Lent is all about with this sticker booklet that explains Ash Wednesday, the Lenten calendar, ways to pray during Lent (and anytime), fasting and abstaining from meat, almsgiving, and more Lenten practices. The booklet includes many activities families can do at home to enrich their faith together.

The Stations of the Cross

Contemplating the Way of the Cross: A Personal Encounter with Our Crucified Lord by Mary Leonora Wilson, FSP (Pauline Books & Media). Place yourself in the scene of each station, pondering what it was like for Jesus and those with him, then read the meditation and short prayer. A verse of the Stabat Mater closes each of the stations.

Stations of the Cross for Kids by Regina Doman; illustrated by Chris Lewis (TAN Books). A bit of behind-the-scenes information about each station, holy relics, and historical events related to some of the places mentioned in the Stations of the Cross will fascinate curious young readers (and their parents!). This retelling of the Stations of the Cross is ideal for readers in fourth grade through middle school and includes Scripture verses, lyrics to the Stabat Mater, and a short meditation on each station along with prompts to pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. The detailed illustrations provide context.

Living Faith Kids: Praying the Stations of the Cross by Mark Nielsen (Creative Communications for the Parish). Younger readers (ages 5 through 10) will appreciate this short journey through the Stations of the Cross, which includes the traditional opening prayer for each station, an age-appropriate description of what was happening at each station, a short meditation, and a closing prayer. This booklet includes stickers to be placed beside the prayer for each station.

Saint Stories for the Whole Family

A Storybook of Saints by Elizabeth Hanna Pham (Sophia Institute Press). While this book is designed to be read on the feast days of the saints included in it, there’s no reason children ages 7 and up can’t enjoy this book during Lent. Short biographies of 50 saints are complemented by simple line drawings designed to resemble holy cards. Enjoy this book as a family by reading about a saint each day, perhaps after school or after dinner.

I’m a Saint in the Making by Lisa M. Hendey (Paraclete Press). Lent is the perfect time to underscore the message in this book for grownups as well as kids: saints are superheroes, and we are called by God to be heroes too. Every saint is both a role model and a prayer champion, Lisa maintains, and in language simple enough for kids (without ever talking down to them) she demonstrates how they can strive for both those goals in their everyday lives. A wonderful variety of saints, from the days of the early Church through modern times, is represented. Illustrations are fun, inclusive, and engaging, and include many wonderful details about the saints discussed in the book. 

For Teens and Young Adults

Hope. Always. Our Anchor in Life’s Storms by Kris Frank (Pauline Books & Media). Catholic youth minister Kris Frank offers reflections on finding hope in difficult times in this honest, relatable book that doesn’t insult the intelligence of teens and college students. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter can be used by youth groups, small faith-sharing groups, or as journal prompts for individual readers.

Poetry

Victory! Poems by Jake Frost. CatholicMom contributor Jake Frost ponders Palm Sunday and the Garden of Gethsemane in two poems in this volume of short verse. Historical notes provide context for some of the poems included.

Chesterton 101

Ex Libris: G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist (Pauline Books & Media). This introduction to the nonfiction work of G.K. Chesterton is organized by topic and features selections on wonder; innocence; goodness; purity; faith, hope, and charity; the Christian ideal; everyday holiness; and joy. Each brief excerpt includes the name of the book or essay where it originated, so you can look into reading more by this beloved 20th-century writer. Lent is an excellent time to dig into the writing of a new-to-you spiritual thinker.

Back Issues

Check out the Lenten spiritual reading I’ve recommended previously:

Last Call for Lenten Reading

Four for Lent

What’s New for Lent

3 Lenten Reads

Lenten Resources from Ave Maria Press

Copyright 2021 Barb Szyszkiewicz
This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchases through these links benefit the author. 

Last Call for Lenten Reading

franciscanmom3 Comments

Last call
Image credit: Pixabay.com (2018), CC0/PD. Modified by author.

With less than a week to go before Lent, it’s time to finalize your spiritual reading plans. My bookshelf is packed with recent releases, and any of these eight books are worthwhile choices for Lent.

called

Begin this one now, and you’ll finish by Holy Week: Called by Kevin Cotter (Ave Maria Press). Subtitled “Becoming an everyday disciple in a post-Christian world,” this book is designed to focus on how Jesus proclaimed the gospel and to inspire others to do the same. What does it mean to be a disciple? How do we live that life? Most days, entries are three pages long, which is an easy enough commitment. You’ll find fascinating background information that will help you understand the gospel better. A reflection question ends each day’s entry. The approach is tied into a program the author recommends, Alpha for Catholics, a faith study based on a model developed by Protestants. Readers will learn to look at everything in their lives and ask, “Does this help me follow Jesus?”

remember your death

Designed to be read day by day during Lent, Remember Your Death: Memento Mori Lenten Devotional by Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, fsp (Pauline Books & Media) was a surprise to me. I was afraid that all this talk of death would feel really morbid — but that’s not the case at all. It’s at once challenging, comforting, and hopeful. Memento mori reminds us why we live, and the power we have through Baptism to live for God. I confess that I opened this book and started reading and didn’t stop until I’d gone through almost a week’s worth of reflections. (Then I figured I’d better save some for Lent!)

this is our faith

Are you looking for a refresher course on the Faith? Michael Pennock’s This Is Our Faith: A Catholic Catechism of Adults (Ave Maria Press), newly revised and updated, is an excellent book to read through the season. I’ve done the math for you: read only 9 pages per day and you’ll be finished before Easter! Each chapter begins with a story or reflection, then follows a question-and-answer format to lead readers through an in-depth presentation on each of the four pillars of the Catechism: the Profession of Faith; celebration of the sacraments, liturgy, and the Paschal Mystery; life in Christ (foundations of morality); and Christian prayer.

strangeness of truth

Leave The Strangeness of Truth around for your teenager to find. Father Damian J. Ference’s new book (Pauline Books & Media) has a cover that reminds me of vintage sci-fi novels (and is even designed to appear scarred and well-worn) but there’s no fiction here — just a dynamic use of the power of story to bring home the mysteries of God’s love in our lives and our world. Fr. Ference explains in the preface that each chapter of the book builds upon the next, so it’s best read from start to finish, and even better if read with a friend. Chapters are short and each include a story at the beginning and another at the end, plus some explanation of the chapter’s topic and (sometimes) the story of a saint whose life fits in with that topic.

jesus and jewish roots of mary

Take a new look at the Blessed Mother as you read Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre (Image Books). Learn what the Bible says about Mary, what early Christians believed about her, and how our Catholic beliefs about Mary are rooted in ancient Jewish tradition. This book is great for anyone with a devotion to the Blessed Mother as well as for people who want to deepen their understanding of her role in salvation history.

Two new additions to the Catholic Treasury series from Pauline Books & Media are perfect for devotional prayer at home or in the Adoration Chapel. Mary, Mother of God Prayer Book by Sr. Marianne Lorraine Trouvé, fsp, and Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book by Sr. Marie Paul Curley, fsp, are both beautiful, gift-quality books that are small enough to tuck into your handbag and bring to the chapel (or to read anywhere). Sturdy leatherette covers with gold embossing, gold-edged pages, and ribbon bookmarks complement the simple design of the books, which are filled with basic prayers such as the Mysteries of the Rosary, various novenas, and litanies, in addition to original meditations.

fourth cup

Lent (and particularly Holy Week) is an excellent time to meditate on the Last Supper and Jesus’ Passion and death. In The Fourth Cup (Image Books), Dr. Scott Hahn explains the connections between the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the ancient Jewish rituals of Passover. If you’re interested in exploring the Passover references throughout the Old and New Testaments, this book details how everything fits together and even informs the way we celebrate Mass.

Copyright 2019 Barb Szyszkiewicz
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I was given a free review copy of this book, but no other compensation. Opinions expressed here are mine alone.