The national directory addresses the dimensions and perspectives in the formation of deacons and the model standards for the formation, ministry, and life of deacons in the United States. It is intended as a guideline for formation, ministry, and life of permanent deacons and a directive to be utilized when preparing or updating a diaconate program in formulating policies for the ministry and life of deacons. This volume also includes Basic Standards for Readiness for the formation of permanent deacons in the United States, from the bishops' Committee on the Diaconate, and the committee document Visit of Consultation Teams to Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Programs.

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

A Christian devotional on the person of Christ As a Christian, you are called to live like Jesus—a life of courage, joy, passion, and purpose. Forget about the boring stuff—Jesus calls you to new commitment and new strength. In this first volume of Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, highly acclaimed author and speaker John MacArthur focuses primarily on the Gospel of Matthew, which highlights Jesus as the promised Messiah. Your hungry heart will again be fed and focused on God's Word, with insights on the life of Jesus, thoughts to ponder, and wisdom gleaned from years of MacArthur's careful study. Practical and encouraging, these pages are sure to challenge and uplift your heart as you come face-to-face with the infinite wonders of our Savior's life on this earth.

The Bible tells us that God wants to bless our lives in ways that we cannot imagine. As our Heavenly Father, He wants to fulfill His dream for our lives. So many times we miss God's best because we don't give Him the opportunity to guide and direct us on a daily basis. Giving God an opportunity to fulfill His dream for our lives is what The First Hour is all about. In The First Hour, Mark W. Koch gives men a simple pathway that will help them become true men of God in every area of their lives. The First Hour will help men better understand how to obey and serve God, how to grow closer to their family and friends, how to take better care of themselves physically, and how to make the most of the gifts that God has given them. This unique and simple 30-day study guide instructs men in how to pray, what to pray for, how to spiritually guard and protect themselves and their families, and how to grow closer to God in their every day lives. The First Hour is complete with Scriptures that are relative to today's needs, inspiring daily readings of God's Word, a list of daily prayers, and a simple guide to help you plan and measure your time with God. The First Hour will help transform your life and the lives of those around you.