7 Quick Takes: Books For Catholic Moms

After my post on resources for sharing the faith with children, I had a few people comment that they love to steal my book suggestions, and did I have any more. So, in no particular order, are 7 books for Catholic moms which I have either read, or own and are planning to read.

7.

The Catholic Home by Meredith Gould

I’ve mentioned this one before. It’s one of the first Catholic homemaking books that I bought, before we had children. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feasts at home.

6.

Parenting With Grace: The Catholic Parents’ Guide to Raising Almost Perfect Kids by Greg and Lisa Popcak

I mentioned this one in my post on children’s spirituality. The way the book is formatted, you can read different sections at various times in your children’s life. There are sections on discipline for toddlers all the way up to teens, as well as chapters for moms, dads, about siblings, cultivating family spirituality, and responsible parenthood. It’s a nice resource to have on hand and has a forward from Dr. Sears.

5.

Holy Simplicity: The Little Way of Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day and Therese of Lisieux by Joel Schorn

The women’s book club I am part of read this book last year, and we all enjoyed it. The focus of the book is on the spirituality of “the little way” of St. Therese, also lived by Mother Teresa and Dorothy Day. How we can infuse the little way of love into our daily lives and work. Also, a pretty quick read, and a lot of food for thought.

4.

Life-Nurturing Love Series by Kimberly Hahn

Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart

Beloved and Blessed: Biblical Wisdom for Family Life

Kimberly Hahn has written a three part study series based on Proverbs 31. I bought two of the three books (listed above), when I attended a women’s conference in September and heard Kimberly Hahn speak. The format of the book is such that it can be done individually or as part of a small group. I’m currently reading Graced and Gifted, and have gleaned a lot of insight into what it means to “make a home” for my family.

3.

Smart Martha’s Catholic Guide for Busy Moms by Tami Kiser

I have to admit I own this book but haven’t cracked it open yet. I am really hoping to get it read this year. I’ve been receiving the Smart Martha e-mail newsletters for about a year, and I love them! They have practical tips for celebrating the liturgical seasons, home making, and how to get our work done with an eye on the fact that the relationships with Christ and our family are more important than the work itself. I’m excited to read it this year!

2.

The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul by Lisa Hendey

I bought this book at the same women’s conference where I bought the Kimberly Hahn books (why yes, I do have a bit of a problem with book buying). Again, I haven’t started reading it yet, other than to skim through it, but I love the format. It has short chapters (you could read one a day), arranged by topic and with questions for discussion/reflections, and resources on the topic. Lisa is the creator of CatholicMom.com, a great website with resources for living our vocation fully.

1.

Stay Home, Stay Happy: 10 Secrets to Loving At-Home Motherhood by Rachel Campos-Duffy

I bought this book a few months before Maggie was born and I finished it this year, ha. It’s very good, the slowness with which I read it not withstanding. Though not written expressly for Catholic moms, Campos-Duffy and her family are Catholic, and she mentions her faith throughout the book. There is a lot of great practical advice and resources for making the most out of being a SAHM (or even a mostly SAHM like I am).

And a bonus, not Catholic, but a great companion for homemaking and living simply:

Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living by Tsh Oxenreider

I really like this book because it walks you through how to do various things like writing a family mission statement, creating a budget and home management binder, going room by room through the house to remove clutter and live with intention.

So there it is. 7 books for Catholic Moms that I enjoy (or am hoping to enjoy soon!). What book(s) for living your vocation have you enjoyed or would like to read? I’m considering a page with resources and would love to add yours!

Happy Weekend and go see Jen for more Quick Takes!