A Simple Life-changing Prayer – Discovering the Power of St. Ignatius of Loyola's Examen by Jim Manney

An accessible and encouraging introduction to St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen. The author describes his own journey from avoiding the Examen, wrongly supposing that it was an examination of conscience, to discovering it to be a life-changing daily prayer habit. The five steps of the Examen are presented to the reader in short chapters which offer different ways of examining God’s constant and loving action in our lives.

Recommended for anyone trying to grow in prayer and for spiritual directors looking for a concise, readable introduction to the Examen.

60 Days to Becoming a Missionary Disciple by Father John Bartunek

Combining two previous books, each presenting 30 days of meditations on loving God and loving our neighbor, this 60-day spiritual retreat offers readers an opportunity to deepen their spiritual life. Father John Bartunek takes readers on a pilgrimage to a better understanding of their apostolate as he elaborates on the greatest commandment: to love God and one’s neighbor as oneself.

Each daily meditation offers scripture passages, the wisdom of the Church, some searching questions for personal reflection or group discussion, and a concluding prayer.

Recommended for people feeling called to go up a gear spiritually and small groups looking to grow in faith.

Forming Families, Forming Saints by Father Carter Griffin

Rich in content, charmingly illustrated and suitable to dip into for a few minutes or an hour, Father Griffin’s textbook (he prefers to call it a “sketchbook”) on forming Catholic families is quite unique. Building upon the four pillars of seminary formation Father Griffin presents a variety of inspiring ways of looking at the abstract principles and daily practices of raising a family of saints in the making. Each topic is addressed with reference to a particular saint and the wisdom they shared through their words and lives and concludes with some suggested focus for discussion with a spouse or in the family.

Recommended for new families and anyone involved in marriage and family support and formation.