Daily readings from Christian spiritual masters -- from Basil the Great to Evelyn Underhill -- for devotional use all year long.

An introduction to the saint who is the inspiration for giving.

For every major feast, saint’s day and commemoration in the calendars of the Anglican churches of the UK, this liturgical resource and spiritual companion offers a feast of readings that reflects the richness, depth and variety of the Christian tradition from the earliest years of the church to the present day. Writings from across the centuries represent the Eastern, Western, Roman and Celtic traditions and constitute a vibrant history of Christianity manifested in the lives of hundreds of holy men and women as diverse as first century martyrs, or twentieth century social reformers. A complementary volume to Exciting Holiness which provides scripture readings and prayers for the calendar, this is now updated to include the additional commemorations in the Church of England’s calendar of saints.

Companion to the Calendar, Second Edition has been revised to include the additional saints added to the proper calendar for the dioceses of the United States of America. While still including biographical information about the saints that are celebrated on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar in the dioceses of the United States, the theological meaning of the various liturgical seasons, and explanations of secular days and Jewish and Muslim feasts, this Second Edition has also been revised to include additional Catholic days such as Marian and sanctoral observances, devotions from particular cultures (Hispanic, Vietnamese, etc), and other observances such as Catholic Schools Week and the World Day of the Sick.

Celebrating the Saints introduces you to a collection of saints in both Testaments and from 19 centuries of the Church's life. Historical sketches and devotional writings in step with the liturgical calendar reveal each saint not asa great exception, but as a great example of our heavenly Father's faithfulness.

Fully revised and expanded, this new work is the first major revision of the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in more than 40 years! It is the official revision of Lesser Feasts and Fasts and authorized by the 2009 General Convention. All commemorations in Lesser Feasts and Fasts have been retained, and many new ones added. Three scripture readings (instead of current two) are provided for all minor holy days. Additional new material includes a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, many more ecumenical commemorations, plus a proper for space exploration. For years the oft revised volume, Lesser Feasts and Fasts (LFF), has served parishes and individuals mark part of the holiness of each day by providing Scripture readings, a collect, a Eucharistic preface, and a narrative about those remembered on the church's calendar that day whose lives have witnessed to the grace of God. Holy Women, Holy Men (HWHM) is a major effort to revise, but also to expand and enrich LFF. Where LFF provided two readings (gospel and other New Testament) plus a psalm, HWHM adds an Old Testament citation. Where LFF was limited to few non-Anglicans in the post-reformation period (and few non-Episcopalians after 1789), HWHM dramatically broadens appreciation for other Christians and their traditions. Over-emphasis on clergy is redressed by additional laity, males by females, and "in-church" activities by contributions well beyond the workings of institutional agendas. These almost daily commemorations occupy over 600 of the book's 785 pages, by far the lion's share of its content. Remaining sections address: principles of revision and guides for future revision; liturgical propers for seasons (Advent/Christmas, Lent, and Easter); and new propers for a miscellany of propers usable with individuals (or events) not officially listed in the formal calendar. Two cycles of propers for daily Eucharist are also included, one covering a six week period, the other a two year cycle.

What is the Christian calendar? Would you know how to make an Advent wreath? When is Candlemas? Who was the original St Nicholas? Why do we eat Hot Cross Buns? These and many other questions are all answered in A Year Book of Seasons and Celebrations - a guidebook to the traditional Christian year, which is also a cookery book, a mine of interesting information, and a source of amusement, inspiration, and faith. Living the calendar, celebrating its feasts, enjoying the ways in which they mesh with the natural seasons of the year, gives a new appreciation of the gift of life itself and our relationship both with the natural world and with the customs and culture that we have inherited. At a time when many old and valued traditions are in danger of being neglected, and when families are seeking ways of giving real meaning to celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, this is a practical handbook which provides both the background and the practical information for enjoying the seasons of the year. Written to celebrate our Christian heritage, it can be enjoyed by everyone. Joanna Bogle is a Catholic writer, broadcaster, and journalist. She is the author of several historical biographies, and also, under her pen-name 'Julia Blythe', a children's book. Her earlier Book of Feasts and Seasons, published in 1986, became a popular classic - this new book, with fresh ideas and further information, is sure to follow. She has made both a television and a radio series showing ways of celebrating the Christian year with things to make, do, eat and sing. Joanna Bogle is married to barrister Jamie Bogle, who is also an author, and they live in London.