Lessons from the School of Love, Cultivating a Christ-Centered Marriage

by Peter and Debra Herbeck

When was the last time you heard something good about marriage? We need more books penned by married couples about the adventure of marriage and why it is worth fighting for. The Herbecks provide a great example of this with their book, covering the battle that modern marriages face and offering thoughtful and practical strategies to build and sustain a marriage with Christ at its heart. Humbly describing their own challenges, the Herbecks suggest ways that a married couple can view their vocation and open up to the grace that’s available from this sacramental calling. The book concludes with a helpful study guide for couples or groups.

Recommended for all married couples looking to strengthen their marriages, engaged couples, and discussion groups.

My Other Self: Conversations with Christ on Living your Faith

by Clarence J. Enzler

If you have never heard of the author of this book, you will most likely have heard of his most famous book, Everyone’s Way of the Cross. In the preface, Enzler explains that he wanted to emulate the style of another Christian classic, The Imitation of Christ, where the reader is drawn into an intimate conversation with Our Lord, as though with a dear friend or another self. Imaginatively articulating Christ’s counsels to us, the author encourages the reader to live out the greatest commandment: to love God and our neighbor. Despite being first published in 1957, the book remains relevant, especially in the section on prayer which is written from the perspective of a busy husband and father.

Enzler was one of the first permanent deacons to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Washington and a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.

Recommended for busy people looking for a solid daily reflection book and as a gift for anyone entering the permanent diaconate.

Understanding Divine Mercy

by Father Chris Alar, MIC

This new addition to the Explaining the Faith Series, authored by Father Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception is an excellent introduction to the beautiful devotion to Divine Mercy, especially as it was communicated to us through the writings and life of St. Faustina Kowalska. Father Alar provides a down-to-earth explanation of what Divine Mercy is, how St. Faustina’s private revelations fit into the wider theological understanding of God’s mercy, and what it might mean in our daily lives. Anyone familiar with Father Chris’s podcasts and sermons will recognize his enthusiastic and compelling presentation style in the book and benefit from his gift for clear teaching.

Recommended for all those with a devotion to Divine Mercy, those seeking to share it with others in an accessible form, and for anyone who has pondered the image of Divine Mercy and felt drawn to explore it further.