Family Life and Parenting
Television
The Soul at Risk
by Isabelle Dore
There are few technological inventions that have had such universal impact in the past century. But what should we think about this phenomenon, especially from a Catholic perspective? A brief study such as this helps demonstrate that, indeed, it is something which puts "the soul at risk." Sooner or later, we all have to make choices: Television in the home or not? Moderate use or not? Grudging toleration or opposition with all one's might? The best thing to do in making a choice is to consider all the aspects of television and audio-visual media in general. Movies, videos, and DVDs are in various ways both alike and different from TV.
How does television affect the intellect's capacity to apprehend what is true? How does television affect the will's capacity to love what is good? These questions and more are answered inside.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 80 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
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
Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers
by Monsignor P. Lejeune
"My daughters, you all aspire to perfection. But what is your idea of perfection? Do you not often use this word in a vague and even false sense? It trips so lightly into your conversation that each one prides herself on having a very clear conception of it. I am positive, however, that if I were to ask you to define this word, the response would be a confusion of tongues."
These are the first words of Monsignor Lejeune in his book Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers. Written around a hundred years ago, this book of instructions applies to our corrupt modern age at such great urgency. Where mothers are immensely overwhelmed with haste, worry, and confusion brought about by feminism and capitalism, the deeply respected author exhorts mothers to turn to the Mother of mothers, our Blessed Virgin Mary.
The author continues:
"Do you ask for an example of a perfect woman? I shall give it to you from the heavenly hierarchy, by recalling the life of Mary, who, in the matter of perfection, is the nearest approach to God. She it is whom I charge to prove my thesis in such a way that you will be clearly persuaded that sanctity does not at all consist in splendor or magnificence or the glitter of exterior things, but rather in an interior principle which animates the most ordinary actions, and communicates to them an almost inestimable value. Consider for a moment the life of Mary......."
Read for yourself and begin to rediscover your vocation as a mother and a wife according to the will of God. Includes planning pages for My Rule of Life, Daily Schedule and more.
Paperback, size 9” x 6”, 186 pages, Impr
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
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
The Catholic Family Volume III
The family - creating a happy, holy and strong family bond
by Fr Patrick Troadec
"There is no more beautiful model to encourage spouses and parents in their magnificent mission than the Holy Family. God, knowing that we need examples in life, wished to give everyone in the Holy Family an unsurpassable, admirable, and yet mostly imitable model." - Fr. Troadec - Chapter One
Topics explored and explained in Book III of the Troadec series:
- The Holy Family, A Model to Imitate, God’s Place in the Family
- Life of Prayer and Sacramental Life, The Eucharist, The Soul of Family Life
- The Influence of the Eucharist on Persons, The Effects of the Eucharist on the Family
- The Eucharist, A Tie with Our Deceased Loved Ones, The Eucharist and Vocations
- Must We Prefer Poverty to Wealth? The Condition of Poverty, The Condition of Wealth
- The Audiovisual Universe, The Harmful Effects of the Audiovisual Universe
- The Internet and Its Dangers,, The Harmful Effects of the Internet
- A Pure Life, A Historical Overview of the Current Decadence
- Fashion and Modesty, Masculine and Feminine Clothing, Wearing a Veil in Church
- Introduction to the Laws of Life, The Ramparts of Chastity, Weapons of Chastity, Mortification
- The Catholic Family: A Climate of Charity, Living Together,
- Strengthening Family Unity, Focusing on What Unites, Developing a Joyful Atmosphere, Charitable Words,
Now more than ever the core of the Catholic family is under attack. We must do all that we can to remove the destructive influence of the world from our homes while striving to instill joy in each member of the family, working together with love in Christ through the Faith.
In the Vespers hymn of the feast of the Holy Family, we read, “All the virtues flowered by grace in your home. Oh! Make our families reproduce these virtues in their life.” That is what Christian parents should ask of the Holy Family: for the virtues they practiced to be honored in their homes as well.” - Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 89 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
by Fr. Jean-Pierre Boubee, SSPX
Fr. Boubée’s booklet provides a concise analysis of the inherent dangers found in our screen-centered world. Our thoughtless use of social media, video games, and even popular news sites in the digital realm have far-reaching consequences that impact both our temporal wellbeing and spiritual journey toward heaven.
By incorporating both scientific studies and the Church’s timeless wisdom, Fr. Boubée offers a set of guidelines for the prudent use of computers, smartphones, and other devices that operate as gateways to the digital realm. By heeding Fr. Boubée’s advice, readers will hopefully be able to regain control over their lives while avoiding the screen’s seemingly unlimited stumbling blocks.
Booklet, size 6" x 4", 36 pages
by Rev. Ernest R. Hull, S.J.
This book should be placed in the hands of very young married couple very early in their married life, and carefully read by them in preparation for the serious duties of parenthood on which they are entering, and for which they will one day have to render a grace account.
None the less ought to be ‘chewed and digested’ by those who have the responsibilities of intellectual and moral parenthood– I mean the teachers of our boys and girls, in whose case the in loco parentis is no mere legal fiction. Most fairly educated readers will, I think, follow without much difficulty the author’s very clear and simple exposition of psychological facts connected with the development of children; whilst for educationalist, the subject ought to be familiar enough in these of pedagogy, ‘method’ and ‘child-study.’
Paperback, size 8" x 5.2", 172 pages
by Michael O'Brien
Master storyteller, best-selling novelist and artist Michael O'Brien - the man to whom CNN went for comment on Harry Potter - has penned the definitive work assessing the Potter phenomenon. This book is essential reading for all parents whose children have read or are considering reading the wildly popular offerings by J.K.Rowling and similar works such as Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. Although this is an analytical work, the reader will be captivated from the beginning, from the must-read preface onward.
O'Brien's earlier work, A Landscape with Dragons, delineated authentic Christian fantasy literature from its counterfeits. Now in Harry Potter and the Paganization of Culture, he contrasts Potter-world with C.S. Lewis's Narnia and with Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, and specifically Harry with Frodo. For those whose children have consumed Potter, O'Brien's analysis will enable parents to comprehend the messages which have been fed their children and give them the points and arguments which will hopefully be the antidote to properly reset their moral order.
The book goes beyond Potter, however, to address other bestselling series such as Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass. In addition to these and other fantasy books, O'Brien reviews the films which they spawned.
In all, O'Brien's new book teaches Christians how to discern harmless fantasy literature and film from that which is destructive to heart, mind and soul.
"The corruption of Christian civilization's symbols is a centuries-old phenomenon, yet until the modern age the mutations and inversions, along with the making of new diabolic symbologies, remained on the fringes of society in secret societies and small esoteric cults. Now the culture of the cults is visible everywhere, and with the Harry Potter series is entering (and captivating) the mainstream. Through it, the corruption of symbols has moved to a new level of influence, and it has done so on a scale that is unprecedented in the history of literature. If we lose the language of true symbolism, we lose at a basic level of consciousness our way of knowing things as they are. Symbols are not items in some storage room or attic of the psyche that we can take up and discard at will, or rearrange without consequences. To tamper with them is to destabilize the very foundations of the house. While most Christians would never knowingly exchange symbols of evil for symbols of good, many have accepted a new realm of eclectic symbology that allows a mixture of good and evil symbols to influence their thoughts and feelings. But two contradictory symbol worlds cannot long remain in a state of peaceful co-existence within us. Either one or the other will come to dominate and will eventually demand the expulsion of the other." - Michael O'Brien
Paperback, size 8" x 5.5", 278 pages
Volume Two: The Spiritual Letters
by Pope Leo XIII
Compiled and Introduced by Leo L. Clarke
The reign of Pope Leo XIII is the fourth-longest of any papacy in the two-thousand-year history of the Catholic Church. Over the course of a full quarter-century, Leo XIII courageously engaged with the modern world, asserting the Church’s authority and wisdom in the face of unprecedented challenges and confusion. He was also a prolific author, issuing a total of eighty-six encyclical letters on matters both spiritual and social. Compiled and engagingly introduced by Leo L. Clarke, The Great Encyclicals of Pope Leo XIII comprises—across two volumes—thirty-one of those letters, to present the vibrant and courageous insights of this great shepherd to an age with a pronounced need of hearing and heeding his message.
Volume Two: The Spiritual Letters contains seventeen of Leo XIII’s encyclicals dedicated to strengthening the Church in faith and in practice, including the outstanding Aeterni patris (on the restoration of Christian philosophy), Arcanum divinae (on Christian marriage), and Providentissimus Deus (on the study of Holy Scripture), and crowned with select letters on the Holy Rosary.
Contents
- Aeterni Patris - On the Restoration of Christian Philosophy (1879)
- Arcanum Divinae - On Christian Marriage (1880)
- Exeunte Iam Anno - On the Right Ordering of Christian Life (1888)
- Quamquam Pluries - On Devotion to Saint Joseph (1889)
- Providentissimus Deus - On the Study of Holy Scripture (1893)
- Satis Cognitum - On the Unity of the Church (1896)
- Divinum Illud Munus - On the Holy Spirit (1897)
- Annum Sacrum - On the Consecration to the Sacred Heart (1899)
- Tametsi Futura Prospicientibus - On Jesus Christ the Redeemer (1900)
- Mirae Caritatis - On the Holy Eucharist (1902)
- Supremi Apostolatus Officio - On Devotion of the Rosary (1883)
- Octobri Mense - On the Rosary (1891)
- Magnae Dei Matris - On the Rosary (1892)
- Laetitiae Sanctae - On the Commendation of Devotion to the Rosary (1893)
- Iucunda Semper Expectatione - On the Rosary (1894)
- Adiutricem - On the Rosary (1895)
- Fidentem Piumque Animum - On the Rosary (1896)
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 300 pages
by Fr Francis X. Weiser, S.J.
If you enjoyed learning about holiday traditions in The Christmas Book, you are sure to love its sequel, The Easter Book. Father Weiser has here applied his winning formula to an explanation of the fasts and feasts of the Lenten and Easter seasons with equally fascinating results.
Paperback, size 5.5" x 8.5", 226 pages
by Fr David E. Rosage
This is a book of letters for all altar boys who, from the smallest one up, are the most important people in their parishes. God's Minutemen is what the author affectionately calls them, for he knows that they are always ready for duty as altar boys, no matter what the personal cost. The author writes this book with the hope that in these letters all acolytes may find encouragement to continue being loyal and faithful in their service of our Lord. Father Rosage shows them that while serving Mass is the greatest honor and the biggest job in the parish, it does demand sacrifice. He knows that being on call for duty isn't always easy, and he aims at convincing the boys who have to get up on cold winter mornings to serve early Mass of the great privilege that is theirs.
Written in an easy flowing style intelligible to even the very young boys, the book is full of helpful pointers about the correct manner of serving, the necessity of being on time, and many other details on which a boy may slip. It offers inspiration and high motivation for living up to the ideals that a Mass server is committed to follow. An extremely practical book, it leaves not one phase of the altar boy's life untouched. . .
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 120 pages, Colour photographs
by Colleen Hammond
In this ground-breaking book, Colleen Hammond challenges today's fashions and provides you the information you need to protect yourself and your loved ones from the onslaught of tasteless, immodest clothing. Colleen Hammond shares real-life examples of how women can accentuate the grace and beauty of their femininity, and she shows that "modest" definitely does not mean "frumpy."
Dressing with Dignity covers it all: the history and forces behind the changes in fashion; how to talk to teenagers about the privilege of femininity so they will want to dress with dignity; how to awaken chivalry in men and be treated with respect; how to regain and teach the lost charm of interior and exterior femininity; how to dress in an attractive, dignified, classy manner; specific documents about manners of dress from the Magisterium, the Popes and the Saints; comprehensive guidelines for choosing tasteful attire; resources on where to find beautiful, modest clothing; and much, much more!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 160 pages
The technological advancements of this age are undeniable. But have you ever stopped to consider how technology may be affecting different aspects of your life?
Half-Life: The Decay of Reality takes an unabashed look at the all too real consequences of day-to-day exposure to the digital world. It asks what its effects are on children, families, dating, marriage and even intelligence and thought processes, but especially peace of soul. Understanding the consequences of this digital age is key to living a better life and ultimately having a stronger faith.
GREATER AND GREATER ISOLATION:
"By a kind of paradox, this constant presence of other people makes for a fragile construction of one's own personality...The riches to be found in genuine friendships become rare in this constant solicitation from all sides." -Fr. Patrick Troadec, SSPX
by Priests of St. Mary's College and Academy
This short tutorial provides an introduction to the ethical use of technology and discusses the most common social media and online risks, with a special focus on the youth. Additionally, this booklet provides practical recommendations and tools for the conscientious use of technology.
This indispensable book will be advantageous to any Catholic who interacts with the internet realm, whether it via a smartphone or computer.
Parents contemplating giving their children access to any Internet-enabled device will find valuable insight by consulting the guidelines provided here.
Booklet, size 6" x 4", 36 pages
The not-so-trivial trivia game.
Keep Learning. Keep Growing. Keep the Faith.
Ultimate Catholic Trivia is a compilation of over 1,700 questions divided into 12 categories covering the Catholic Faith and culture. As the ever growing distractions of the digital era continue to overwhelm daily life, traditional “offline” games that can be played with friends and family face-to-face are making a return.
Ultimate Catholic Trivia focuses on almost every facet of the Catholic Faith, including its traditions, doctrine, art, architecture, and other cultural components. This new trivia game provides more than a dry recitation of catechetical questions by focusing instead on a wide variety of Catholic topics which will inspire players to learn more about the Catholic Church and its role in culture over the past 2,000 years.
Durable box and instructions included. 1,740 Questions
In the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
by Fr. Ludovic-Marie Barrielle
Since 1533, the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius have been used by millions to deepen their Christian life. This booklet distills the wisdom of the 30-day retreat into 20 principles so you can discern the spiritual influences in your life that are from God from those that are from the devil. Father writes from 40 years of experience as a retreat master.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 60 pages
How to Discern and Prepare
by a Bishop, Priests and Religious
“What the current situation of our world calls for is a generation of priests and religious (both men and women) who bear witness to Our Lord Jesus Christ—even against all odds. For this world that is half-dead, we need a generation who will bear witness to the all-powerful redemptive force that is found in Our Lord Jesus Christ, and only in Him. We need a generation who will bear witness to this truth through their words, without fear or deviation, and even more so through their lives, lived according to His rule and His love. This will be a generation in which each person, in his or her own way, will be—as Pope Pius XII declared— ‘a living image of our Savior.’”
—Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
Sermon, Ecône (January 7, 1973)
This little book is for those seeking to understand Christ's call more deeply. If you are considering the priesthood or religious life, it will illuminate the profound nature of this sacred calling. It will help you discover both your strengths and weaknesses, and it will equip you to prepare thoroughly so you can respond with your whole heart. Without vocations, the Catholic Church would cease to exist, and without the assistance of the grace procured by priests and religious, many souls would be lost. The awesome reality of a vocation cannot be understood without a clear vision of what this call from God truly entails. Take this book, read it, and decide if you, too, will answer the call!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 144 pages