"The essential resource for Scripture students"--Cover.

Informative... Reliable... Accessible First published more than a quarter century ago, The Catholic Bible: Personal Study Edition has long served readers eager for a reliable, accessible guide to lead them into the biblical text. Thumb-indexed for convenience, this third edition is fully revised and augmented with new study aids such as in-text essays on topics that enhance one's reading of the text. The Reading Guides that come before the text of the New American Bible Revised Edition -- the translation used in the great majority of U.S. Catholic parishes -- provide a concise, accessible overview of each individual book of the Bible, leading readers through the backgrounds, characters, and messages of all the books and their implications for our lives today. Lay people -- individuals or members of study groups -- students, and general readers will all find essential information in a form that is easy to use and organized for quick reference.

Because readers provide a bridge between the Word of God and the assembly, helping Christ speak to his people, they need to understand, believe, and love the Word of God they proclaim. The Introduction to the Lectionary calls for a preparation for lectors and readers that includes spirituality, biblical and liturgical formation, and technical instruction for proclamation. This book provides exactly that in an inviting and readable style that grounds readers in essential knowledge and inspires them to keep learning and growing. This resource includes: Theological and historical reflections on the liturgy and the ministry; Practical skill-building and advice for serving in this role; Ways to deepen your spirituality and call to discipleship; Answers to frequently asked questions; Recommended resources; A glossary; Questions for discussion and reflection

A highly informative yet fun approach to understanding the world's all-time best-selling book It's pretty hard to build a house if you don't know how to read a blueprint. In the same way, it's difficult to develop your faith if you don't know how to read the Bible—or are reluctant even to open it. In The Bible Blueprint, best-selling author and popular speaker Joe Paprocki cleverly uses a blueprint metaphor to help Catholics gain a solid understanding of the structure and organization of the Bible, and to help them build confidence in navigating its pages. Among other topics, Paprocki covers the different genres of biblical writing, key figures in biblical history, and the methods Catholics rely on to interpret the Bible. Readers are also shown how to consult commentaries, concordances, and other valuable tools of Bible study to deepen their understanding of God's Word. Witty cartoons, sidebars, and quizzes throughout the book keep the tone fun and engaging; eight perforated Bible bookmarks are bound into the book. For the large number of Catholics who have never felt comfortable with the Scriptures, and for any Catholic new to the faith, The Bible Blueprint serves as an effective, nonthreatening introduction to God's Word, as well as a gateway to a deeper relationship with Christ.

At last—a resource for librarians who wish to build or develop their nonfiction collection and use it to better serve the needs of adult Christian readers. Covering the three major branches of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox), the author organizes more than 600 titles into subject categories ranging from biography, the arts, and education, to theology, devotion, and spiritual warfare. Award-winning classics are noted. Introductory narrative frames the literature, and helps librarians better understand Christian literature; and learn how to establish selection criteria for building a Christian nonfiction collection.

1 and 2 Thessalonians takes a close look at Paul's advice to an early community of believers, but the message of 1 and 2 Thessalonians can help all of us live out the Christian life today A Guided Discovery of the Bible The Bible invites us to explore God s word and reflect on how we might respond to it. To do this, we need guidance and the right tools for discovery. The Six Weeks with the Bible series of Bible discussion guides offers both in a concise six-week format. Whether focusing on a specific biblical book or exploring a theme that runs throughout the Bible, these practical guides in this series provide meaningful insights that explain Scripture while helping readers make connections to their own lives. Each guide is faithful to Church teaching and is guided by sound biblical scholarship presents the insights of Church fathers and saints includes questions for discussion and reflection delivers information in a reader-friendly format gives suggestions for prayer that help readers respond to God s word appeals to beginners as well as to advanced students of the Bible By reading Scripture, reflecting on its deeper meanings, and incorporating it into our daily life, we can grow not only in our understanding of God s word, but also in our relationship with God."

Jacob's story shows us how God's love prevails through the conflicts and failures of a troubled family. In Genesis 25-33: Jacob's Blessing, authors Kevin and Louise Perrotta guide readers through Jacob's story, showing how this ancient biblical account still speaks volumes to us today. For busy adults who want to study the Bible but don't know where to begin, Six Weeks with the Bible provides an inviting starting point. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that introduce one book of the Bible. All biblical text is printed in the guides, which means no additional study aids are required.

Finally, a fresh and unique approach to reading the Bible for the millions of Catholics who don't know where to begin . . . Joe Paprocki, a veteran catechist and Bible authority, guides readers into a basic understanding of "God's Library"-the collection of seventy-three books that Catholics regard as the definitive written revelation of God. In easy-to-understand language, he explains the organization of the Bible, the different genres of biblical writing, key figures in biblical history, and the methods Catholics have developed to interpret the Bible properly. He shows beginners how to use commentaries, concordances, footnotes and cross-references, and other valuable tools of Bible study. Eight bookmarks are included to help readers locate the primary sections of the Bible. " [A] fine, accessible, and useful first introduction into Holy Scripture." - Walter Brueggemann, emeritus professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary " Paprocki has contributed a valuable and welcome addition to the repertoire of materials available to the lay reader who is just beginning to explore the Bible. God's Library is a sure and trustworthy guide." -Rev. Donald Senior, CP President, Catholic Theological Union

The book of James insists that conversion to Christ changes the way we act. In James: Put Your Faith to Work, we learn how to apply Jesus' teachings to our lives as members of God's kingdom. Ultimately, we come to understand the book of James as our roadmap for the Christian journey. For busy adults who want to study the Bible but don't know where to begin, Six Weeks with the Bible provides an inviting starting point. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that introduce one book of the Bible. All biblical text is printed in the guides, which means no additional study aids are required.