St Augustine Academy Press
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 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 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.
Thick card, size 11" x 8.5", 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.
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 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
by Helene Adeline Guerber
Tired of cringing at what's included in children's "health education" nowadays? It's good to learn about our bodies, but whatever happened to respecting them as well?
In Yourself and Your House Wonderful, you will find a refreshingly old-fashioned view of the care and keeping of you! Charming and quaint, it is suitable for reading with young children as well as for tweens who need sound advice as they journey toward adulthood.
It may seem strange to read a book about health written over a century ago, especially when there are so many excellent science books for children today. But there's so much more to understanding our bodies than just drawings and diagrams and digestion! Our bodies are the home for our souls here on earth, and they need special care beyond just bathing and brushing and keeping warm! All throughout your life you will be making choices: some as simple as what to eat or to wear; some as difficult as what to do with your life. Managing your "house" well means making wise choices.
This book is a high-quality photographic reproduction of the original 1913 edition by Uplift Publishing Company.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 328 pages
by Rev. William R. Kelly
Instructions in Story Form for Use in the Primary Grades
Follow Tom and Ann as they learn about the Sacraments from their Uncle John. What is grace, and how do we get it? And how do the Sacraments help us? What are the outward signs of each Sacrament? Find the answers to these questions and more in Our Sacraments.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 130 pages
The Story of His Life Written for Children
by Mother Mary Loyola
James Cardinal Gibbons was Archbishop of Baltimore when he asked Mother Loyola to write this story of the Life of our Lord. As a revered author himself, and considering the number of such stories available even then, we can only imagine the admiration he must have held for Mother Loyola's rare talent for narrative. She does not disappoint in this story, for as always, she brings to life the most vivid images of our Lord, such that the children who read it will feel almost as if they were following the dusty paths our Saviour trod.
Now enhanced with an abundance of contemporary engravings and lithographs, this newly typeset edition is an invaluable means of impressing upon the minds of young children the reality of our God become Man.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 460 pages
by E.T.W. Branscombe
Come along on a journey toward our Heavenly Home as we learn about God and His Church, how to talk to Him in Prayer, and how to receive His graces for the journey through the Sacraments.
Why did God make us?
Why is it sometimes hard to be good?
What can we do when we have hurt our best friend Jesus through sin?
Find the answers to these questions and more in Heavenward Bound.
Paperback, size 7.5" x 9.25", 96 pages
by Fr Raymond J O'Brien
Frank "Red" Devlin is the best fighter in town--trouble is, he's always getting into scraps over something or other. He just can't stand being teased. He even bristles when his friend, Lieutenant Carroll, spots him smoking and playing craps with Clyde White and Bert Stone, and takes him to task for it. Red wants to be good, honest, but events just always seem to conspire against him. Will he learn to hold his own in the face of peer pressure, or will he give in and go along, even when he knows it's wrong?
From the author of Brass Knuckles and Midget comes this third novel, Nice Going, Red, a coming-of-age drama about a boy who has what it takes to make a great young man...but when it comes to his fear of looking foolish, he always seems to give in and take the easy road.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 290 pages
by Fr Raymond J O'Brien
Midget is used to being on his own: after an accident took the lives of his mother and two sisters, neither his father nor his aunt has had much time for him. Left to his own devices, he has managed to develop quite a talent for petty theft. But when his father is killed by a rival gang while secretly delivering beer to speakeasies, his thoughts are filled only with getting revenge at all costs. Will Speed and the boys from St. Leo's be able to save him from himself.
The second book in an action-packed series written by a Chicago priest who was chaplain at the County Jail in the 1930s, boys will love the story of Midget and his friends at the Catholic school who are not willing to turn their backs on him.
Suggested Age Range:9-15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 194 pages
by Fr Raymond J O'Brien
Speed Austin never meant to get in trouble, but it seems to follow him wherever he goes. Yet, even though he’s part of the playground gang of toughs, the boys from St. Leo’s are desperate for a shortstop to take the place of Bud Philips—and Speed is the best candidate they can find. Speed jumps at the chance to get away from the fast life, but the gang wants him back, and they’re out to show him what happens to members that try to “quit.” Will Jack and the other Catholic school boys manage to help save him, or is it too late?
Written in 1930 by a Chicago Priest who served as chaplain at the County Jail and knew the difficulties faced by boys growing up in the big city, this thrilling story is newly illustrated by Erin Bartholomew.
Suggested Age Range:9-15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 188 pages
The Voyage of the Pax
An Allegory
by Dom Bede Camm, O.S.B.
In writing this allegory to help explain the religious life to the boy oblates in his charge, Dom Bede drew upon the struggles he experienced during his conversion, as well as an experience from his Oxford years, when shipwrecked off the coast of Spain. Left clinging to the wreckage along with his fellow passengers for 17 hours, upon being rescued, he decided to consecrate his life to the service of God in thanksgiving.
The Voyage of the PAX, then, is a thrilling seafaring allegory portraying the journey of life, with its many threats to our souls, as a voyage of several young men, crossing the high seas to reach their home in the Golden City. They must work hard and make difficult decisions in order to pass the straits of Mors and enter into the haven of Æternitas.
This story is a perfect follow-up for those who loved Mother Mary Loyola's The King of the Golden City.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 72 pages
by Rev. Henry S. Spalding, S.J.
When the doctor declares that Florian Bell’s health is in serious danger, he is sent from his home in Milwaukee to stay with his cousins Hunter and Leo on the banks of Withrose Creek in Kentucky. There he learns how to fish, hunt, and lay snares…but the boys’ favorite pastime is trying to unravel the mystery of the old mill...what will its secrets unfold? What is Bob Lindon hiding there? And will the mysterious night riders manage to make good their threats against the Bell farm? Only time will tell...
Suggested Age Range:9-15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 200 pages
by Rev P. Henry Matimore
The purpose of this beautiful book is to acquaint our children with biographies that will have some particular influence on the development of their characters. Each story has been planned as a real character training project, not merely as a reading lesson, to inspire admiration for faith and religious heroism.
"To accomplish this purpose, we have endeavored to stimulate interest in each saint by presenting him or her as a real human being who lived in a real world among real people and not as a super-being surrounded by miraculous wonders. We have tried to make the saints human, admirable, and lovable, and therefore imitate-able." (from the Foreword). Questions and Things to Do are found at the end of each story.
| St Cecilia | St Sebastian of Rome | St Agnes of Rome | St Monica | St Patrick |
| St Columba | St Boniface | St Thomas of Canterbury | St Francis of Assisi | St Hedwig |
| St Hyacinth | St Louis IX | St Gertrude | St John Nepomucene | St Joan of Arc |
| St Thomas More | St Franis Xavier | St Aloysius | St Vincent de Paul | St Issac Jogues |
| St Gerard Majella | The Cure of Ars | St Theophane Venard | St Damien of Molokai | St Therese of Lisieux |
Ages: 9 - 12
Paperback, size 8.2" x 5.8", 302 pages