Family Life and Parenting
Educating a Child: The Art of Arts
The Goal of Education, the Family and Authority
by Fr Joseph Duhr, S.J.
A must-read for all parents and educators who want to understand the role they must play as God’s co-operators in the education of children.
In this first volume (of two), Fr Duhr begins by laying out the goal of education, which is to gradually form the child physically, intellectually and morally, teaching him to master his instincts and passions, so that he will one day be capable of leading himself. Ultimately, it is to establish God as Master and King in this soul which was created by Him for His Greater Glory and destined to find its happiness and perfection in possessing Him.
Having laid the foundations, Father then describes the family atmosphere which is favorable to the blossoming of the child. Finally, he looks at authority, its origin and purpose, and how to use it in order to bring the child to what God wants him to be.
Like every good teacher, Fr Duhr knows how to make his subject matter palatable, while not watering it down in any way. He constantly illustrates his points with beautiful and entertaining stories from the real lives of parents and children, some famous (like Saint Augustine, George Washington, Daniel O’Connell, Frédéric Ozanam, Louis Pasteur and Anne de Guigné) and others not so famous.
This book is an indispensable tool for all parents and educators and is destined to become a classic in the English language.
Paperback, size 8.2" x 5.8", 328 pages
The Joys, Sorrows and Glories of Married Life
by Fr Paul Wickens
The traditional principles of Catholic marriage in a brief, dignified, and insightful manner that is both humorous and enlightening. By a priest with many years of pastoral experi-ence. Covers God's law, indissolubility, various forms of unfaithfulness, Union of Mind and Heart, Differences between Male and Female, the Physical Union, Periodic Abstinence, etc. Great for the married, engaged, or anyone considering marriage.
Paperback, 84 pages
Answers for Parents
by James B. Stenson
"Why don't you trust me?" "Why do you tell me what I can't wear?" "Why do you always correct my manners?"
If you're hearing those kinds of questions from your children -- or if you know that you're going to -- you need this informative guide.
Educator James Stenson explains here how you can keep your children's adolescence from being dominated by rebellion and conflict, and how to give your children clear moral direction. He even includes a question-and-answer section to help you plan for troubles before they arise.
Paperback, size 7.25" x 4.25", 68 pages
by Fr Francis X. Weiser, S.J.
This book unfolds the story of the celebration of Christmas. Beginning with its gospel and history, the author leads us through the festivities of the Middle Ages, to the decline and eventual revival of Christmas customs in Europe and in America.
Paperback, size 5.5" x 8.5", 188 pages
Character Calendar
by Sr Mary Fidelis & Sr Mary Charitas
This pocket-size volume contains a wealth of spiritual guidance through daily devotions to the saint or feast of the day. Originally written in 1931 for upper grade school children by a pair of Notre Dame School Sisters, this book was later updated to align with the General Roman Calendar of 1954.
Beginning with a brief introduction to the saint of the day, augmented by excerpts from the Imitation of Christ and from the Mass for the day, as well as an ideal to ponder and an "action item", this is a wonderful way to focus on the virtues of each of the saints, and thereby to make our lives an imitation of theirs.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.37", 288 pages
A brief guide for a united, lasting and fruitful marriage
by Fr Patrick Troadec
“Men’s and women’s specific qualities, in different domains, allow them to complete each other magnificently in conjugal life when each has a basic knowledge of the way the other works and a mutual respect for the other.”—Fr. Patrick Troadec
There is much to be learned about the person with whom you are married. Not only who they are but also how they think and act—both are key to establishing a lasting, balanced relationship founded on Christ. This book provides an in-depth explanation of both men’s and women’s mental processes so that through mutual understanding a harmonious and fruitful ever-maturing friendship might be formed between spouses. A must-read for all married and future couples.
Topics Include:
- Creating a United,
- Lasting, and Fruitful Marriage
- Collaboration Between Spouses
- Ensuring a Lasting Love in One’s Relationship
- Welcoming Children
- Praise of Fertility
- Procreative Love
- Guardians of Peace in the Home
- Recourse to God’s Grace
- The Daily Battle
- And much more...
“When each fulfills his respective role as well as possible and when both truly work together, the result is a beautiful conjugal harmony that leads to the proper development of the children on both the natural and the supernatural levels. The educational work within the family can never be truly effective without this collaboration.”—Fr. Patrick Troadec
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 129 pages
12 Heart to Heart Talks of a Father to His Son
by Anonymous
Twelve heart-to-heart talks to be given by Dad to his boys and young men about the mysterious processes of reproducing life. Presents timeless supernatural attitude in accord with Catholic principles. No crude language. Graduated structure in three parts: ages 9-13; 14-16; 16-19. Suggestions for preserving purity.
Booklet, size 7" x 4.5", 75 pages
by Fr. Ludger Grun
“Many want to have a Christian marriage, but they lack the courage to start anew.” - Fr. Ludger Grun
Many married couples are emotionally exhausted or simply too disconnected to find the motivation for improving their relationship. But by taking an honest look into the depth and fundamental elements of this sacrament, couples can be reminded of forgotten opportunities, once familiar paths of communication and the shared joys of mutual lifelong goals.
Topics of discussion:
- Is it normal for love to diminish?
- What do we do with a stagnant marriage?
- How do we keep our marriage from flattening out?
- Does God want our love to flourish?
- With whom can I have a good marriage?
- Why we should work to build a happy marriage?
- Whom can we turn to for help?
For married couples and those about to be married, this book is a guide on how to avoid a loss of connection, closeness, and fervour in marriage. Fr. Grun clearly demonstrates, based on years of marriage counselling experience, how to keep or rekindle true Catholic love. Written in a compassionate tone, this brief work is vital for all married people, regardless of age.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 84 pages
The Education of Children - How to raise happy, holy children in a profoundly Catholic home
by Fr Patrick Troadec
“In order to educate a child, it is necessary to know him, that is, to discern both his weak points and his strong points.”—Fr. Patrick Troadec
The family is the foundation of a functional civilization, but in today’s atheistic and expressly anti-Catholic world society actively seeks to dismantle family life. Vol. II of this series on the family, focuses on the education, discipline, nurturing and ultimately the forming of young Catholic souls.
An essential read for all parents and future parents.
Topics Include:
- To Whom Should the Education of Children Be Entrusted?
- Irreplaceable Role of Parents, Their Mission and Example
- Father: Head of the Home, Portrait of a Catholic Father
- Mother: Heart of the Home, Educator of the Human Race
- First Seven Years, Educating and Forming Children’s Souls, Adolescence, The Struggle of Purity, What Is a Catholic School?
- The Church Is Mother and Mistress of the Sciences
- The Attacks on the Catholic School, Harm Done by “Neutral Schools”
- The Role Played by Freemasonry,
- The Role, Authority and Influence of Grandparents
"Your child is first and foremost a Christian. Rather, we might say he is only a Christian; no thought, no word, no act, no action, in any domain, must ever come from him, during his life here below, that is not animated by a Christian spirit, worthy of a child of God..." - Bp. Mégnin
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 136 pages
Friendship and Chastity for young adults and older teens
by Fr Gerald Kelly, S.J., A.M., S.T.D.
“I read this booklet carefully and found it to be excellent. It is very complete and is both solid in its principles and balanced in its application. St. John Bosco called purity ‘the most beautiful of all virtues.’ We might go further and call it a key to the restoration of Christendom. For from pure women will come true and noble-minded men, and only from such men—pure by definition—will come the restoration of all things in Christ.” —Fr. Gerard Beck, SSPX
Topics:
True Friendship • General Sex Attraction • Personal Sex Attraction • Physical Sex Attraction • Choice of a Marriage Partner • “Falling Out of Love” • The Divine Plan of Reproduction • The Meaning of Chastity • God’s Law of Chastity • Practical Moral Principles • Some Practical Applications • The Beauty of Chastity • Celibacy
“This little book, read prayerfully, by older teens and young adults. will be both an encouragement and a tremendous help to purity. In a world that has lost its moral compass to the point that even decent young men and women can easily lose their way, the author gives a clear and balanced explanation of what it means to be pure. The principles on which he bases his treatise are rock solid, the examples enlightening, and the application to real life truly helpful without falling into the trap of being preachy or out of date. The chapter on the divine plan of reproduction is explicit but in an appropriate way.” —Fr. Gerard Beck, SSPX
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 92 pages
Fatherhood and the Family
Reclaiming the Catholic Head of the Family of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Integrity Series Volume 3
The role of Catholic fatherhood has been diminished in three ways. First, it has become smaller. Fewer things are defined as a father's distinctive work. Secondly, fatherhood has been devalued. Third, and most important, fatherhood has been decultured—stripped of any authoritative social content or definition.
The question is, What do fathers do? The tragedy of our society is that it can't answer the question and neither can most Catholics. Forward-thinking Integrity Magazine gives answers:
- Men, Mary, and Manliness
- The Family Has Lost Its Head
- Economics of the Catholic Family
- Afraid to Marry?
- Glorifying the Daily Grind
- The Heroism of the Big Family
- Bringing the Church into Work
- Forward to the Land.
- Holiness for Men
- The Confirmed Hero
- What Is a Grown-up?
- The Father in the Home
- A Man's Work
- Our Work Can Help Us to Pray
- Money, Money, Money!
- The State, Our Common Good
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 200 pages
previously know as Young Man of Character
by Bishop Tihamer Toth
In A Guide to Building Manhood, Bishop Tihamer Toth outlines the specific steps and qualities that boys must cultivate to develop into virtuous Catholic men. Toth's vision of forming strong, virtuous men rests on instilling self-discipline, personal responsibility, and a distinct code of Catholic conduct from an early age. This process aims to transform the natural selfishness of childhood into a selfless orientation towards the good of others. The code of conduct outlined serves as a guiding light, steering boys away from self-centered impulses and towards developing qualities that are essential for true masculine strength and honour.
To name a few virtues presented and discussed:
- Honour - Upholding the highest standards of moral integrity, truthfulness, and adherence to one's principles, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
- Holiness - Nurturing a profound spiritual life centered on faith, virtue, and a commitment to living according to God's will.
- Trustworthiness - Becoming a man whose word is his bond, someone deserving of the utmost confidence and reliance.
- Usefulness - Embracing a spirit of service, generosity, and a desire to employ one's skills and talents for the betterment of society and those around them.
By mastering self-discipline and embracing this ethical framework, the once self-absorbed child is transformed into a man who embodies Catholic ideals. He becomes someone who yearns not for personal glory, but to be a force for good: a protector, role model, and inspiration to all he encounters. The code serves as a bulwark against moral corruption, empowering men to resist societal pressures and remain steadfast in their pursuit of virtue.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 176 pages
Christian Marriage
Casti Connubii
by Pope Pius XI
Necessary reading for every couple preparing for marriage. Also fantastic for both those who are newly wed and even for those who have been married many years. It explains matrimony's sanctity, blessings, and pitfalls. It exhorts spouses to make saints of each other.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 43 pages
by Fr Benjamin R Fulkerson, S.J.
A short story about a young boy and his three friends, all members of the third-year class of a Jesuit boarding high school, that go on a trip to the Rocky Mountains. They meet up with their high school teacher and prefect, Mr. Robinson, who is there spending a couple weeks at camp with a number of fellow Jesuits. Mr. Robinson leads them to the lodge and all of the boys gladly roll into their bunks, all but Jim.
Jim Eagan stays up to talk with Mr. Robinson about some things that have been bothering him. They roast marshmallow over the fire and talk about unclean thoughts and Mr. Robinson explains to him that simply having unclean thoughts does not mean you are committing a sin, there are three conditions to mortal sin. Mr. Robinson also explains lots of other things and his tips on temptation.
Booklet, size 8" x 4.7", 20 pages
by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
In the face of a world crisis, which is manifestly deeper than one can imagine, many are inclined to ask: “Has Christianity failed?” Fulton Sheen’s Thinking Life Through seeks to answer this critical question. The conclusions the author proposes are far-reaching and touch upon subjects as diverse as the truth and meaning of human sexuality, the purpose of life, discordant marriages, angels, alcoholism, the vocation of the soldier, materialism, parenting, and even the question of spanking children.
On the critical subject of freedom, Sheen writes, “The true definition of freedom is the right to do whatever one ought, and oughtness implies law, goals, purposes, and perfection. Freedom is a moral power and not a physical one. It revolves around what man is rather than what man does. We are more free within the law than outside of it.”
Thinking Life Through also addresses the world’s political climate, something that in many ways mirrors the present political discourse. Focusing on the tragic decline of post-Christian society, Sheen gives special attention to both the threat of communism and the dangers of socialism. Sheen also gives clarity to the role of the individual and the family while living in a time of moral and political uncertainty. Finally, Sheen addresses good manners and politeness as he states in his quintessential style, “Another effect of materialism is to be seen in the decline of courtesy. There is politeness and decorum and a desire to please others when it is generally recognized that every person bears within himself an image of the Divine.” For anyone seeking to grow in wisdom, Thinking Life Through will be your guide.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 264 pages
Catholic Family Celebrations for Every Season
by Mary Reed Newland
Celebrate the Faith with your kids all year round! For over half a century, Catholic families have treasured the practical piety and homespun wisdom of Mary Reed Newland's classic of domestic spirituality, The Year and Our Children. With this new edition, no longer will you have to search for worn, dusty copies to enjoy Newland's faithful insights, gentle lessons, and delightful stories. They're all here, and ready to be shared with your family or homeschooling group. Here, too, you'll find all the prayers, crafts, family activities, litanies, and recipes that will help make your children ever-mindful of the beautiful rhythm of the Church calendar.
Learn how to make an Advent wreath and how to make it more than just a pretty ornament. Teach your children about the real Santa (the one who was a bishop) and how to celebrate all twelve days of Christmas, giving them a holy wonder that will continue long after all the presents have been opened and the wrapping thrown away.
When Lent comes, read Newland's simple secrets to helping your kids embrace their sacrifices with enthusiasm. Then, let her show you how to make your home a place where Holy Week and Easter are duly treated as the highest, holiest days of all the year.
She'll teach you ways to reclaim All Souls' and All Saints' from the popular occultism of modern Halloween. She'll also show you why Church tradition accords special meaning to certain foods, colors, and symbols, and how these add to the incarnational character of Catholic spirituality allowing children to experience the Faith through sight, smell, touch, and taste.
Mary Reed Newland wrote numerous beloved books for Catholic families, but The Year and Our Children is her undisputed masterpiece. Read it, cherish it, share it, put it into practice and give your kids the gift of a fully lived faith, every day and in every season.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 328 pages
by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Every human person seeks happiness, but few find it, because they have not discovered the source of all happiness: God. In Way to Happiness, Futon Sheen reflects on the most fundamental aspects of our lives: love, politics, motherhood, work, teens, forgiveness, rest, meditation, and more.
In a culture stricken with anxiety, boredom, despair, and fear, Sheen desires to reignite healing, hope, and contentment in the reader. While the secular world holds the mistaken belief that hunger for infinity can be satisfied by an infinity of material things, Sheen warns that they really wish for the infinity of divine love. Addressing the philosophy of pleasure, Sheen reminds the reader of the centrality of self-discipline and detachment.
At the heart of the Way to Happiness is heroically living out the spirit of charity: love of God and love of neighbor. To achieve a spirit of service and self-donation, a strong interior life is a perequisite. True peace is born in meditation.
Lastly, Sheen provides a blueprint to overcome bad habits through introspection, avoiding the occasion of sin, willing the good, and a right philosophy of life. In an age when so few people have time to make a retreat, allow the retreat master, Sheen, to take you on a spiritual journey that will spur you on to holiness. For anyone seeking a clear path to a happy and saintly life, the Way to Happiness will be your guide.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 272 pages
Educating a Child: The Art of Arts
The Stages of Education
by Fr Joseph Duhr S.J.
A must-read for all parents and educators who want to understand the essential role they must play as God’s co-operators in the education of children.
In this second volume (of two), Fr Duhr successively examines each stage of the child’s education from before birth to the point when he or she is finally ready to leave the family home. The author distinguishes four main stages in this educational journey: the awakening of the senses (1-4 years), the awakening of the mind (4-7 years), the awakening of the will (7-12 years) and the awakening of the heart (12-18 years). He insists that “the best way of preparing the child for his or her life as the man or woman of tomorrow is to allow him or her to live out as perfectly as possible these distinct lives which correspond to the different stages of their development”.
Paperback, size 8.2" x 5.8", 264 pages
Know Yourself
by Fr Conrad Hock
Self knowledge is a great gift. You can't form a strong Catholic character or properly cooperate with grace without it. There are four temperaments: choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Which are you?
Includes questionnaire to help determine your basic temperament. Learn each of their character traits, bright and dark sides, methods of self-training, and special considerations in dealing with and educat-ing each temperament.
Booklet, size 7" x 5", 55 pages