Reel Life Journeys

Reel Life Journeys is a monthly column about films, faith and family. It is written by Christopher Fenoglio, editor-in-chief of New Catholic Books & Media. This column has been honored by the Catholic Press Association, which awarded it "First Place / Best Regular Column - Culture, the Arts and Leisure" in 2009 and 2010.

New books offer wealth of spiritual reading options during Lent

Simplify the Soul

Here is a selection of recent releases that might be suitable for your spiritual reading during Lent, which begins Feb. 22: "The Essentials of Catholic Spirituality: Living and Breathing Our Faith" by Father Joseph F. Classen. Alba House (Staten Island, N.Y., 2012). 197 pp., $12.95. "Rediscover Lent" by Matthew Kelly. St. Anthony Messenger Press (Cincinnati, 2011). 146 pp., $9.99. "The Sacred Heart for Lent: Daily Meditations" by Thomas D. Williams. St. Anthony … [Read more...]

Lent and Easter Wisdom from St. Alphonsus Liguori

Lent and Easter

From the publisher Saint Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was a musician, painter, and one of the most prolific writers of his time. He was a humble man who deeply loved Jesus and is recognized as a Doctor  of the Church, the patron saint of confessors, moral theologians, and those suffering from arthritis. This addition to Liguori's popular series of seasonal meditation books provides Scripture readings for the seasons of … [Read more...]

The Sacred Heart for Lent: Daily Meditations

Sacred Heart for Lent

From the publisher Lent calls us to self-examination and mindfulness. Drawing on the mystery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Williams begins each day of the season with a passage from Scripture. His insightful reflection leads to a succinct, powerful prayer. Use this elegant collection of daily meditations to explore how serious Lenten observance and warm devotion to the Sacred Heart complement and inform each other. "The Sacred Heart for Lent: Daily Meditations" … [Read more...]

Welcome Risen Jesus: Lenten and Easter Reflections for Families

Welcome Risen Jesus

From the publisher "Welcome Risen Jesus" offers daily reflections and thoughts that encourage families to THINK, PRAY, ACT based on words from Scripture. These exercises are designed to engage your household during the Lenten season by tying Scripture and reflection to your daily life. With each passing Sunday, your family's faith will grow stronger, and the true meaning of this season will be discovered. Sarah Reinhard is a Catholic wife, mother, and writer living … [Read more...]

Lent with Pope Benedict XVI: Meditations for Every Day

Lent with Pope Benedict XVI

From the publisher Accompany the Holy Father through the forty days of Lent and the octave of Easter with short daily reflections that will enrich your prayer and draw you closer to Jesus. These reflections, taken from the homilies, Angelus addresses, and encyclicals of Pope Benedict, will help readers delve into God’s word and be nourished by it. Each meditation is short enough to be read in a few minutes but can also be used as the basis for a longer time of … [Read more...]

Rediscover Lent

Rediscover Lent

From the publisher From the author of the bestselling book "Rediscover Catholicism" comes an inspiring new way to rediscover Lent. With this new book you can: Read a passage from Scripture for each day Reflect on the beauty and importance of Catholic faith and practice Meditate on thought-provoking questions Find a unique and inspiring prayer for each day of Lent These timely and inspirational words will help renew your enthusiasm for being Catholic, … [Read more...]

Bring Lent to Life: Activities & Reflections for Your Family

Bring Lent to Life

From the publisher All too often the liturgical season that carries the Church from the dark days of winter to the new life of spring can be heavy and hard to share with your family. But in "Bring Lent to Life," Kate Basi provides fresh ideas for growing your family's faith throughout Lent and into Easter. Each week, journey with your family through reflection-based activities that center on a Lenten theme. Then, bring these central aspects of our faith to life with … [Read more...]

Lenten Devotions for Entire Family Highlight New Spring 2012 Books

Lent with Pope Benedict

By Christopher Fenoglio Editor in Chief There is no better season for Catholics to set aside thirty minutes a day to read, reflect and pray than Lent. With one or more of the following new books, you and your family will gain a deeper understanding of our faith and become more faithful disciples of Christ. “The Lenten journey of forty days… is a favorable time when the Church invites Christians to have a keener awareness of the redeeming work of Christ and to … [Read more...]