St Augustine Academy Press
by Sr Mary Loyola Vath
From the 1930s through the 1950s, Oxford Book Company produced a series of educational books called the “Oxford Visualized Texts”, encompassing topics from History and Government to Chemistry and Biology. How fortunate we are that they decided to include this Visualized Church History among their series! Collaborating with a group of talented Catholic art students, Sister Mary Loyola Vath managed to create in this volume a memorable Church History text for the upper grades. With charts, diagrams and cartoons to illuminate the text, she manages to present several complicated topics with unusual clarity.
First published in 1942, our reprinted edition of this classic includes the 1959 and 1962 updates that bring the reader up to the events just preceding the Ecumenical Council of Pope John XXIII.
Paperback, size 8.3" x 5.8", 374 pages
Saints and Festivals
A Cycle of the Year for Young People
by Mother Mary Salome
Mother Mary Salome wrote a volume of meditations called The Feasts of Mother Church in 1904, covering many of the most important feasts of the Liturgical Year. In 1913, she followed up with Saints and Festivals, adapting portions of her earlier work for a younger audience.
In addition to Christmas, Easter and the stories of well-beloved saints, children will also discover the stories of lesser-known heroes of the Church such as St. Chad, St. Serapion, St. John the Dwarf and St. Hilda of Whitby. Even St. John Cantius finds a home in these pages. Peppered throughout with the imaginative illustrations of Gabriel Pippet, this volume makes a wonderful resource for children to take part in the yearly cycle of the Church.
Age range: 9 - 15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 264 pages
by Mother Mary Loyola
The King of the Golden City is an allegorical tale which has stood the test of time because of the beauty of its symbolism and the richness of its spiritual advice. Written for children yet beloved by all, the only complaint lodged against it has been that its main character is female, leaving many boys to feel that this tale is better suited for girls.
Encouraged by the original French translators of this book, who created parallel editions for boys and girls, we have now remedied this single fault!
In this brand new edition adapted especially for boys, readers will find the tale of Dilectus and his friends every bit as charming and instructive as before--and now boys as well as girls will find it easy to become the hero of the story and make it their own!
Softcover, size 8.5" x 5.5", 130 pages
by A Sister of Notre Dame
This collection of First Communion day stories has remained popular among children ever since they were first published in the early 1920s. They have stood the test of time for two simple reasons: they are wonderful stories, and they are all true. Even those that are sad have the power to inspire young and old with renewed love for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Originally published as two separate books, True Stories for First Communicants and First Communion Days, they were reprinted in 1949 with new illustrations by Rosemary de Souza. Years later, in 2003, this 1949 impression was brought back into print by Neumann Press. We have gone back to the original books, combined both sets of stories under one cover, and have restored the original black and white illustrations by Wilfrid Pippet.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 198 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
The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass
by Lisa Bergman
Have you ever:
- Considered attending a Latin Mass, but found it too intimidating?
- Struggled to jump back and forth between the pages of a Latin-English Missal?
- Wondered what all those people are doing at the altar during High Mass?
- Wished for an effective way to help children to understand and follow along with the Mass?
- Wanted to know more about the history of the Mass and how it came to be the way it is?
- Been puzzled by things like Septuagesima, Rogation Days, and other unfamiliar terms, feasts and practices?
Whether you’ve been attending the Extraordinary Form of the Mass for years, or are merely curious about it, this guide is designed to open up the riches contained within the Mass to all. Inside, you will find a word-for-word English translation of the Latin text of the Mass, together with photos, diagrams, notes and explanations that will help you not only to follow along, but also to understand the history and significance of the ceremonies in which you are taking part. In addition, you will find sections explaining the main differences between the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms, a discussion comparing the development of the Mass with that of its sister liturgy, the Divine Office, an exploration of the English translations of the Bible, a full glossary, and finally, recommended prayers intended to help you prepare when receiving the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist.
Hardcover, size 11" x 8.5", 120 pages
by Amy Steedman
The stories of saints and sinners alike populate the pages of this unique book for children. Under the author's loving touch, these enchanting tales come alive with scenes of old Italy, from the poor but generous Saint Zita in her native Lucca to the captive Turkish Princess Stellante and her beloved Bartolo in prosperous Venice. Each of these widely varied characters must face their own struggle against the selfish desires of this world in order to achieve true happiness, both here and in the hereafter.
The water-colors by Katharine Cameron add infinite charm, and new illustrations enhance the captivating history of these legends and stories.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 175 pages
Stations of the Cross, The
by St. Alphonsus Liguori
When my children were young, during Lent we would try to pray the Stations of the Cross at home as a family, but we only had a little pocket-sized book, and the images were nice, but were too small for all the kids to see them. How I wished for a book like this one!
With beautiful full-color images of each Station, along with the traditional prayers of the Stations of the Cross by St. Alphonsus Liguori, this book has everything you need to pray the Stations at home, except for the crucifix.
Hardcover, size 11" x 8", 32 pages
The Month of St Joseph
by Rev M. de Langalerie
St. Teresa of Avila tells us, “I took for my advocate and lord the glorious Saint Joseph and commended myself earnestly to him...he gave me greater blessings than I could ask of him. I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant.”
This hidden saint, the blessed foster-father of our Lord and protector of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a powerful intercessor for us, as well as a model of perfect virtue. The bible records not a single word of his, yet we know that in the holy house at Nazareth, the young Jesus—the Word made Flesh—was subject to him. Through this series of daily meditations for the month of March, we may increase our devotion to this great saint while also making a fruitful use of the days of Lent.
As patron not only of fathers and of the worker, but of the universal church, all of us—men and women, old and young—would do well to look to him in our every need.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.37", 214 pages
by Marion Ames Taggart
This sweet book for children is just one of a set of four by the same author, which has been lovingly restored from the 1920s originals. Intended for little hands, they all have large, thick, durable pages (not quite a board book, but a step up) and lots of full color illustrations.
Thick card, size 11" x 8.5", 16 pages
by Pierre and Germaine Noury
Last but not least in this trilogy of illustrated books about the saints, this wonderful retelling of the life of St. Francis has surprising depth for a children’s book. The story of St. Francis is full of inspiration for both young and old, for in his life, we see the triumph that the Holy Spirit can achieve through us when we say yes despite the weakness of our human nature.
When Francis was born, a mysterious visitor predicted that he would become one of the greatest men in the world. His father expected that this would be a worldly greatness, but God had a different plan. If Francis Bernardone had been merely a great merchant, we would likely have never heard of him. Instead, today he is among the most beloved of saints…all because he first said yes to God in little things, and this led to ever greater things.
Other titles in this series include: The Blessed Virgin: Mary our Mother and Saint Nicholas Patron Saint of Children.
Hardcover, size 11" x 8.5", 36 pages
by Pierre and Germaine Noury
Second in the series of illustrated books by Pierre and Germaine Noury is the tale of a saint who is so widely popular that almost no one knows his true story…because they know him only as Santa Claus.
But long before he was known as the Christmas gift-bringer, St. Nicholas was greatly beloved--in life, for his kindness and generosity--and afterward, for his great miracles, which soon gained him the title Nicholas the Wonderworker. Once nearly every seaport in Christendom featured a church dedicated to him, and he remains one of the most revered saints in the Eastern Church. And did you know that even to this day, a miraculous fluid called manna still flows from his bones???
Now in this wonderfully illustrated book your family can learn some of the stories of the amazing miracles attributed to the great St Nick!
Other titles in this series include: The Blessed Virgin: Mary our Mother and Saint Francis of Assisi: the Little Poor Man.
Hardcover, size 8.5" x 11", 36 pages
by Pierre and Germaine Noury
The first in a trilogy of stories of the saints by the husband and wife duo of Pierre and Germaine Noury, this sweet illustrated tale of the life of the Blessed Virgin is truly a treasure. From her conception to her glorious Assumption and crowning as Queen of Heaven, here is an opportunity to learn to love our dear Mother more than ever before.
It is difficult to describe this book better than Dom Paul Séjourné did in his preface:
“This, then, is the Gospel of Mary. But it is even more: it brings to life the fullness of the Christian faith. Using the plain words of sacred scripture, it weaves a jeweled tapestry. For though the Gospels tell us little of Christ’s mother, we need not deprive ourselves of this poetry simply because those teachings are here enriched by the many beautiful things that have been related by the Fathers of the Church, or by saintly souls to whom Our Lady has revealed her secrets.”
“In weaving together the accounts of Mary’s role in her son’s life as found in the gospels, I hope you will find here all the tenderness and love of Mary’s own heart speaking to you.”
Other titles in this series include: Saint Nicholas: Patron Saint of Children and Saint Francis of Assisi: the Little Poor Man.
Hardcover, size 8.5" x 11", 40 pages
By Father Charles J. Carmody
This 1961 classic contains all the valuable information that a young man needs in order to learn how to serve the traditional Latin Mass--yet it is so much more than just "nuts and bolts." After reading this book, boys will come away not only with an understanding of the parts of the Mass and the role they must fulfill; they will also have a true sense of the privilege with which they will be entrusted, and the ways in which they must advance in order to be worthy of that honour.
Each of these 25 illustrated lessons therefore begins with a discussion of the character and responsibilities of those who assist at the altar. This done, a portion of the Latin responses are taught in phonetic form, and after this rubrics are introduced. Each chapter then ends with review questions.Useful in a classroom setting or for independent study, Learning to Serve is an indispensable resource for all prospective altar servers and those who are charged with their instruction.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 146 pages
by Sister Mary Ambrose, OP
Additional text by Mother Mary Loyola & Rev Aloysius Heeg
A Child's True Story of Jesus is more than just a coloring book—the lessons and activities found within are designed to help children learn their basic prayers and the Mysteries of the Rosary, all within the context of the Gospels and the Mass.
First created in 1928 by Sister Mary Ambrose, a Dominican Sister who was a Demonstration Teacher at the Loyola University Model School in the 20’s and 30s’s, this workbook found its genesis in the Montessorian principle of learning by doing. Here, rather than merely hearing each lesson, the child is encouraged to reinforce what he or she has learned, first by using a picture to repeat the lesson in his or her own words, then by coloring the pictures, and by cutting and assembling the prayers to be pasted in the book.
In this newly edited version, we have enhanced the activity portion of this book by adding cutting and pasting activities that help the child to learn each of the prayers, starting with the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, before moving on to simplified versions of the Prayer Before a Crucifix, Spiritual Communion, and Acts of Faith, Hope and Love. These help the child to see that there are many ways of talking with God throughout each day, and by making prayer a habit, they can bring Him more closely into their lives.
Paperback, size 11" x 8.5", 152 pages
by Sister Mary Ambrose, OP
Additional text by Mother Mary Loyola & Rev Aloysius Heeg
A Child's True Story of Jesus is not merely a coloring book, or the usual activity book with mazes, word searches and other puzzles. This is an activity book in the truest sense of the word.
First created in 1928 by Sister Mary Ambrose, a Dominican Sister who was a Demonstration Teacher at the Loyola University Model School in the 20's and 30s's, this workbook found its genesis in the Montessorian principle of learning by doing. Here, rather than merely hearing each lesson, the child is encouraged to reinforce what he or she has learned, first by using a picture to repeat the lesson in his or her own words, then by coloring, cutting and assembling the lesson to be finally pasted in the book.
In this newly edited version, we have enhanced the activity portion of this book with lesson material for the teacher which the original lacked. Text supplied for the 57 lessons within has been adapted from works by Mother Mary Loyola (author of The King of the Golden City) and Rev. Joseph A. Dunney. These begin with the Life of Christ and His Sacrifice on Calvary, then proceed to Confession and Communion, and finally cover the parts of the Mass. All of these attributes make A Child's True Story of Jesus an ideal resource in preparation for the sacraments of First Confession and First Communion.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 11", 268 pages
by Marion Ames Taggart
This sweet book for children is just one of a set of four by the same author, which has been lovingly restored from the 1920s originals. Intended for little hands, they all have large, thick, durable pages (not quite a board book, but a step up) and lots of full color illustrations.
The Wonder Series #3
by Marion Ames Taggart
This sweet book for children is just one of a set of four by the same author, which has been lovingly restored from the 1920s originals. Intended for little hands, they all have large, thick, durable pages (not quite a board book, but a step up) and lots of full color illustrations.
Thick card, size 8.5" x 11", 16 pages
by Marion Ames Taggart
This sweet book for children is just one of a set of four by the same author, which has been lovingly restored from the 1920s originals. Intended for little hands, they all have large, thick, durable pages (not quite a board book, but a step up) and lots of full color illustrations.
Thick card, size 11" x 8.5", 16 pages
by Mother Mary Loyola
This beautiful, newly illustrated hardcover edition of the classic 1911 title by Mother Mary Loyola is the perfect gift for a First Communicant!
This little 4" x 6" pocket gem contains more than just daily prayers: Two different sets of meditations for the Mass are accompanied by illustrations showing what the priest is doing at each stage. Add Mother Loyola's excellent examination of conscience, geared especially for children, devotional stories that foster a loving obedience, and the gorgeous full-color illustrations, and you'll be wishing you had such a book as a child!
Hardcover, size 6.25" x 4.5", 144 pages