New and Notable Releases

Welcome to a new feature here at The Catholic Book Blogger. As a book reviewer I get access to early or hot off the presses books from many Catholic publishers. This column will appear once approximately every week. My goal is to share about three titles each post that have either recently released or are soon to be released. These are books I am looking forward to reading and think you might be too.

Encountering Jesus in Word, Sacraments, and Works of Charity by Peter Vaghi

Release Date: Available Now

From the Publisher Ave Maria Press:

  In one of the first homilies after his election, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said: “There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ.” In his newest book, Encountering Jesus in Word, Sacraments, and Works of Charity, popular DC-based pastor and teacher Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi connects this vision to everyday life, drawing on gospel passages that portray Christ’s power and his important teaching in parables. He also offers challenging reflections that show readers how they can draw near to Christ: by studying scripture, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity.   This essential resource is perfect for those fostering the New Evangelization, the newly baptized, during the mystagogy phase of RCIA, catechist formation, and adult education. Msgr. Peter Vaghi presents a fresh and challenging look at how to encounter and grow close to Jesus through scripture, the sacraments, and acts of charity. Prayers and reflection questions at the end of each chapter make this an ideal guide for small groups and other settings of adult faith formation.

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma by Dr. Ludwig Ott

Release Date: December 2013

From the Publisher Saint Benedict Press:

Long considered to be one of TAN’s most essential titles, The Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, is widely recognized as one of the greatest summaries of Catholic dogma ever put between two covers.

This one-volume encyclopedia of doctrines explains exactly what the Church teaches on any particular topic. It includes information on when a pronouncement was made and provides the sources from Scripture, Church Councils, Papal statements and the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.

Only Love Can Save Us by Pope Francis

Release Date: Available Now

From the Publisher Our Sunday Visitor:

“Only the commandment of love, in all its simplicity — steady, humble, unassuming but firm in conviction and in commitment to others — can save us.” — Te Deum homily of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, May 25, 2012

As Pope Francis speaks from a new and much larger pulpit, it is easy to forget not only the many challenges he faced as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but also the many events that shaped the perspective he is now sharing as pope.

This collection of homilies, letters, and talks from his years as cardinal in Argentina reveals his consistent love for the poor and joy in Christ as he covers a wide range of topics of interest to all Catholics — marriage, prayer, faith, education, evangelization, the elderly, children, the homeless, vocations, and more.

The frank and open style that has endeared him to the world as pope is fully evident in these approachable pieces that give insight into the mind of the man who would become Pope Francis.