Additional Book Recommendations
Women's Ministry Staff
Coordinator of Women's Ministry
Barbara Prasad
573-635-9127, ext. 222
Administrative Assistant for
Women's Ministry
Nicole Secker
573-635-9127, ext. 226
Alphonse J. Schwartze Catholic Center
2207 West Main St.
Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914
What We've Been Reading
Are you looking for books that will help you learn about your faith, grow in understanding, or just something new to read? You're in the right place! Here, we have books that span many topics and interests. Any of these can be read individually or in a group!
Women's Ministry Staff
Coordinator of
Women's Ministry
Barbara Prasad
573-635-9127, ext. 222
Administrative Assistant for
Women's Ministry
Nicole Secker
573-635-9127, ext. 226
Alphonse J. Schwartze Catholic Center
2207 West Main St.
Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914
Christian Classics
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
CLICK HERE for Discussion Questions!
Its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles come from the unique vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to “Our Father Below.” At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written.
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis
“What would Jesus do?”
That’s the primary question Thomas à Kempis answers in his universally acclaimed work, The Imitation of Christ. In 114 short chapters organized into four simple parts, this handbook on the spiritual life offers guidance on dozens of topics such as resisting temptation, avoiding hasty judgments, putting up with others’ faults, remembering God’s many blessings, self-surrender, minding our own business, and performing humble works.
Story of a Soulby St. Therese of Lisieux
Story of a Soul is the spiritual memoir written by St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Within its pages, St. Therese, Catholic Saint, Carmelite Nun, and Doctor of the Church, reflects upon God’s mercy and love in her life.
The Way of Trust and Love by Fr. Jacques Philippe
In this inspiring reflection, Father Jacques Philippe explores St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “little way” — a path of simplicity, humility, and deep trust in God’s love. Drawing on passages from St. Thérèse’s own writings, he shows how surrender and confidence in divine mercy can transform our daily lives. A gentle yet profound guide for every season of faith, this 140-page softcover book invites readers to grow in spiritual peace and holiness.
Books About Mary and Other Saints
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander
Confronting the static, surreal “Madonna of the Christmas card,” Houselander provides an intuitive, warmly human, and approachable image of the Mother of God. Through the image of a reed that is played for music, Houselander demonstrates how Mary made herself an instrument for the divine plan, giving her inmost being to the proclamation of God’s greatness.
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre
In Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, Dr. Pitre takes readers step-by-step from the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation to reveal how deeply biblical Catholic beliefs about Mary really are. Dr. Pitre uses the Old Testament and Ancient Judaism to unlock how the Bible itself teaches that Mary is in fact the new Eve, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the new Ark of the Covenant.
Saint John Paull the Great- His Five Loves By Jason Evert
Discover the five greatest loves of Saint John Paul II, through remarkable unpublished stories about him from bishops, priests who organized his papal pilgrimages, his students in Poland, Swiss Guards, and others. Mining through a mountain of papal resources, Jason Evert has uncovered the gems and now presents the Church a treasure chest brimming with the jewels of the saint’s life. Rekindle your own faith by learning what (and who) captivated the heart of this great saint.
Treasury of Women Saints: A Devotional Companion By Ronda Chervin
You will be fascinated and inspired by stories of more than 200 women saints. From mothers like Elizabeth of Hungary and prophetic saints like Hildegard of Bingen to mystics like Julian of Norwich, this treasury chronicles Catholicism’s most beloved women saints from the early Church to modern times. Ideal for use in daily devotions, each entry provides a biographical sketch of one or more saints, a life application for you, and a prayer or dedication for the day.
Church Teaching
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Edward Sri
Discover how the Mass is nothing short of amazing! The words, the gestures, and the rituals of the Mass are rich in meaning. Everything we say and do in the Liturgy is steeped in biblical language. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass explores the extraordinary biblical roots of the Liturgy and reveals what it all means and why it all matters.
Signs of Life: 20 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots by Scott Hahn
Dr. Scott Hahn, beloved Catholic author, professor, and speaker celebrates the touchstones of Catholic life, guiding readers to a deeper faith through the Church’s rites, customs, and traditional prayers. This thorough and yet approachable guide to Catholic practices unveils the deep scriptural roots of our faith to help us better understand and, consequently, cherish our Catholic identity. Whether the reader brings questions, a latent faith, or a lifelong commitment, they are sure to be inspired and educated!
Real Presence: What Does it Mean and Why Does it Matter? by Timothy O'Malley
University of Notre Dame theologian Timothy P. O’Malley provides a concise introduction to Catholic teaching on real presence of Christ in the Eucharist through biblical, theological, and spiritual lenses. He also explores how real presence enables us to see the vulnerability of human life and grow in our love for God and our neighbor.
Behold the Mystery
by Mark Hart
Check out our August featured book of the Month — Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Mass by Mark Hart. Book is complete with quesitons at the end of each chapter and the ability to order 5 or more when utilizing the link on our page!
Why did we choose this book in this month dedicated to the Immaculate heart of Mary. Click below to find the answer!
Come To Me - Living The Nine First Fridays
by Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP
The Catholic Church dedicates the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Why not take this opportunity to order our book of the month and start a First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart!
This book is a great guide to use in developing that devotion. It offers you 9 months worth of resources to follow on First Fridays. This can be done alone or better yet invite other women to join you. There is a group guide that can also be downloaded to help you do that!
The Election of Pope Frances: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History
by Gerard O'Connel
Are you looking for a book on how our church chooses a pope. Why not take a journey through the last conclave and get a first hand view of how Pope Frances was chosen. Not only will this give you a front row seat into the process but also allow you to spend some time exploring the beginning of Pope Francis's papacy.
The Afterlife: Purgatory and Heaven Explained
What a perfect companion for when we focus on praying for the souls in purgatory.
Develop a deeper understanding form Father Dolindo Ruotolo, author of one of our favorite novenas, The Surrender Novena.
Christian Fiction
The Woman in the Trees by Theoni Bell
Set within the expanses of the American frontier, this story follows Slainie, an inquisitive pioneer girl, whose life is forever transformed when a mysterious seer shows up at her door. Amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, family tragedy, and the nation's most destructive wildfire, Slainie must navigate her rugged pioneer life as she encounters love and loss, and comes face to face with the story of America's first approved Marian apparition.
My Perfect Wife, Her Perfect Son by Joe Benevento
October-December Book
This is a fiction that reimagines the Holy Family’s story through the very human voice of Joseph. Mary’s pregnancy only begins his troubles. He, an imperfect man, must navigate many challenges to become a role model for the son of God.
This is a great option for a small group book study! OR you can host a book signing/reading with Joe. Contact Barb Prasad, bprasad@diojeffcity.org
Spiritual Growth
Our Faithful Departed: Where They Are and Why It Matters By Leonard DeLorenzo
We hear in the funeral liturgy that “life is changed not ended.” Theologian Leonard J. DeLorenzo shows us what this means and how we are called to remain faithful in our relationships with the dead. He explains that the Catholic Church teaches that heaven is not so much a place as it is a perfect communion in Christ where the living and the dead are forever united.
Discount copies are available from our office for $10! Click here to purchase
The Persistent God- A Guide To Deepening Prayer by Albert Haase
September 2024 Book of the Month
This book is packed with practical and insightful information and motivation for deepening our prayer life. Each chapter ends with reflection questions that would be excellent for group discussion. Enjoy reading this book on your own or grab some friends and meet to reflect.
Follow the link below for a full description of the book and a promotional video with the author, also a link to purchase!
Life's Greatest Lesson
What I've Learned From the Happiest People I Know
By Allen Hunt
This easy to read parable told through the eyes of a 10 year old boy is nothing short of profound. Sometimes the answers we are seeking are so simple! This book will take you on an engaging journey. We guarantee you won't want to put it down until you finish and you will want to buy extras to pass on once your done!
You can buy discounted copies in bulk at the link below. Great book to generate discussion too! click the link below for purchasing info.
Interior Freedom
by Jacques Philippe
Author Jacques Philippe develops a simple but important theme: we gain possession of our interior freedom in exact proportion to our growth in faith, hope, and love. He explains that the dynamism between these three theological virtues is the heart of the spiritual life, and he underlines the key role of the virtue of hope in our inner growth. As we continue on this Jubilee Year of Hope why not explore how cultivating this virtue can help lead to an interior freedom that nothing external can take away because its source is God himself!
Family Books
Having Meaningful (Sometimes Difficult) Conversations With Your Adult Sons & Daughters by Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak
Do you wish you could have discussions about difficult topics with your adult children? If so, you’re not alone.
Every parent dreams of having wonderful relationships with their adult children, but when our children make choices that we believe are not in their best interest, how do we talk to them about these concerns? And how do we know when to speak and when to keep quiet?
What Would Monica Do? by Patti Maguire Armstrong and Roxane Beauclair Salonen
St. Monica was the loving mother of St. Augustine, Catholic theologian and Doctor of the Church.
While St. Augustine became one of the most influential theologians of the Catholic Faith, he spent a period of time running from God. During this period, his mother prayed continuously for his conversion. God answered her prayers!
In What Would Monica Do?, two mothers, authors, and lovers of St. Monica offer guidance, practical advice, and prayers for navigating the difficulty of losing a loved one to the world through their reflections on St. Monica.
CLICK HERE for study questions!
Raising Pure Teens by Jason Evert and Chris Stefanick
Have a hard time connecting with your teenager about chastity? With the “pornification” of everything from adolescent fashions to primetime television commercials, young people need more guidance today than perhaps ever before. As your children’s primary educators, it’s your right and duty to make sure your children are forearmed and forewarned when it comes to dealing with sexual temptations in a Catholic way and resisting the secular world’s false vision of love. In Raising Pure Teens, noted chastity speakers Jason Evert and Chris Stefanick incorporate the Church’s wisdom with 10 proven strategies for talking with teens about chastity. They offer a perfect blend of humor and sobriety, real-life stories and effective metaphors, cutting-edge science and undeniable logic.
Love Letters from Mom, On What Matters Most by Patty Schneier
Love Letters from Mom on What Matters Most; is a compilation of personal letters written by Patty Schneier to her three children as they mature into adulthood and venture out on their own.
Without preaching or scolding, she candidly discusses the joys of living a faith-filled life, what it means to be a Catholic in the world today, and why it matters. It is a book to inspire and encourage all mothers and their children—no matter what their age—to live for Christ, to strive for holiness, and desire Heaven.
A "must-read" for mothers who want to pass the faith on to their children!
Catholic Mom Calm: Six Steps to Calm the Chaos of Everyday Life by Sterling Jaquith
Modern-day life is making us crazy. The noise is overwhelming, there's too much information being thrown at us, and we seriously lack family and community support. Most of us are living life without tools to cope with this stress. We constantly feel like we don’t have enough time… life is too hard… or we’ll never measure up.
God, in His goodness, designed our brains to deal with a ton of stress but most of us were never taught these tools. I'm going to teach them to you in this book.
Divine Mercy For Moms by Michele Faehnle, Emily Jaminet
With heartwarming stories and practical advice, this book reveals that mercy is not just a gift to be received in the confessional but a spiritual resource that strengthens those who extend themselves in word, deed, and prayer. Designed for personal or group study, Divine Mercy for Moms celebrates the infinite mercy of God and the role of Mary, the Mother of Mercy, in the lives of all believers.
The book also includes group study questions, prayers of mercy, and thirty reflections from the authors’ website, divinemercyformoms.com.
Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love by Edward Sri
In 1960, Fr. Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) published a philosophy of personalistic marriage, in which each partner prioritizes the well-being and self-realization of the other. Edward Sri makes this life-changing work, Love and Responsibility, accessible to every reader. He emphasizes the practical nature of the book, offering actionable advice on issues such as authentic love, pornography, friendship, intimacy and much more. This seminal analysis brilliantly sheds light on the mysterious dynamics between men and women—and challenges us to live out those relationships better.