The intimate words of Henri J.M. Nouwen inspire readers on their Lenten and Easter journey toward a better understanding of their faith. Each day of the season includes a pertinent excerpt from the writings of Father Nouwen, a related quotation from Scripture, a prayer for the day, and a suggested activity.

he longing expressed in the Psalms by those seeking God is the same as the longing of those who are on the pilgrim’s road of faith today. The ‘search for the way’ is a recurrent theme in Henri Nouwen’s writing, and his books serve as roadsigns, pointing the way to decisive commitment, to deep love of God and of each other. This book allows us to follow the forty-day path through Lent in the company of Henri Nouwen. For every day of Lent, from the solemn beginning of Ash Wednesday to the joyous climax of Easter, it contains a carefully selected piece from the best of his writing. In Henri Nouwen we will find a reliable guide for our Lenten journey of reflection and prayer. He invites us to dare once more to choose the narrow but joyful path of Jesus.

Churches experiencing numerical and financial decline may dread the day when they can no longer afford a full-time pastor. Freeing up funds that would go to a full-time salary sure would help the budgetmaybe even enough to turn things aroundbut is it even possible to run effective ministries with just a half- or quarter-time professional? Journalist and part-time pastor Jeffrey MacDonald says yeschurches can grow more vibrant than ever, tapping into latent energy and undiscovered gifts, revitalizing worship, and engaging in more effective ministry with the community.Readers get a much-needed playbook forhelping congregations to thrive with a part-time ministry model. They learn to see the model in a new light: to stop viewing part-time as a problem to be eradicated and to instead embrace it as a divine gift that facilitates a higher level of lay engagement, responsibility, playfulness, and creativity.

G. K. Chesterton is one of the few Christian thinkers admired and quoted equally by Christians of all types and even by non-Christians. Each daily reflection in this book--from Ash Wednesday through the Second Sunday of Easter--begins with thoughts from the finest writings of Chesterton on an appropriate theme and supported by Scripture, a prayer, and a suggested activity for spiritual growth. View sample pages. Paperback

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was a musician, painter, and one of the most prolific writers of his time. A humble man who deeply loved Jesus, he is recognized as a doctor of the Church and patron saint of confessors, moral theologians, and those suffering from arthritis. This addition to Liguori's popular series of seasonal meditation books provides Scripture readings for the seasons of Lent and Easter and pairs them with a daily selection of cherished writings by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, whose words still find meaning in our lives today. Devoted to prayer and the passion of Christ the Redeemer, Alphonsus demonstrates how we can live our lives more fully for Jesus. During our Lenten journey, through the words of Saint Alphonsus and the daily Lenten actions, we are offered practical ways to follow the example of Saint Alphonsus and his abundant love for our crucified Savior, who died and rose from the dead to create us anew. View sample pages. Paperback

Rybolt matches passages from St. Vincent's writings with seasonal prayers and actions. St. Vincent de Paul, the Apostle of Charity, dedicated himself at a young age to the care of the poor and most abandoned. He urged his followers to give their needs to God in fervent prayer and meditation.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was a musician, painter, and one of the most prolific writers of his time. A humble man who deeply loved Jesus, he is recognized as a doctor of the Church and patron saint of confessors, moral theologians, and those suffering from arthritis.