Pope Francis's Apostolic letter surveys the ancient ministry of catechist beginning with those men and women who helped the Apostle Paul through to the many catechist Saints and Blesseds who advanced the Church's mission over the centuries. Recognizing the work of catechists around the world this document establishes the lay ministry of catechist for "men and women of deep faith and human maturity, active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion" who have received suitable formation.

Following the publication of the Directory for Catechesis, Pope Francis is sending the Church a new Apostolic Letter in the form of a "motu proprio" establishing the ministry of the catechist. It is a very important step that recognizes the presence and importance of women and men who, thanks to their baptism, are called to a fundamental role in communicating faith, and educating children, young people and adults to it. The role of catechist will no longer be simply a parish assignment but a real Church ministry. It is an inspirational text for the delicate mission entrusted to catechists, that must be made available to every one of them.

Courageous humility is a humility that takes risks, investing the talents and strengths God has given us for the good of others. The reflections revolve around that call: “Be strong and courageous!” Chapter One grounds the project in the Trinity, the core dogma of the Church. From the earliest days of the Church, humility has been seen as the heart of Christian communal life, so Chapter Two examines the classic insights on humility from St. Benedict and his groundbreaking Rule. Humility should be the foundation of all the various external structures we create to support our mission of evangelization. Chapter Three offers some suggestions on ecclesial structural reform. Building on these foundational chapters, the succeeding chapters focus on the diaconate within this context of ecclesial humility. Chapter Four discusses the sacramentality of the diaconate. Chapter Five suggests revisions to the Code of Canon Law vis-à-vis the diaconate, and Chapter Six recommends developments in the liturgy of diaconal ordination. Chapter Seven responds to some of the recurring issues of the diaconate, and Chapter Eight discusses how the Church may tap the full potential of the renewed diaconate.

2019 Illumination Book Awards, Bronze: Catholic 2019 International Book Awards, Winner: Religion: Christian Inspiration 2019 Best Book Awards, Winner: Religion: Christian Inspirational 2018 Independent Press Awards, Winner: Spirituality, Contemporary ​ Pope Francis has a simple, life-changing message for you: God’s love can grace each of us with a lasting and sustaining hope, no matter how dark or confusing our situation. On Hope is Pope Francis at his most intimate and most inspiring. “Life is often a desert, it is difficult to walk, but if we trust in God, it can become beautiful and wide as a highway. Never lose hope; continue to believe, always, in spite of everything. Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” --Pope Francis

Joe Paprocki demystifies the Catholic sacraments and presents them as a way of life to be experienced each day, rather than as standalone events.