The Pope analysis the crisis that has invested the priestly and religious calls and identifies the main cause for it

"We are workers with you for your joy," states St. Paul, "because you stand firm in the faith." These words, declared Pope Benedict XVI in a 2008 ordination homily, are the very program of the priesthood. To fulfill this program, he told the ordinandi, "the fire of the Gospel must burn within you and the joy of the Lord dwell in you. Only then will you be able to be messengers and multipliers of this joy." Remarkably, the eight reflections of Ministers of Your Joy antedate that homily by thirty-plus years, yet each plays on the theme of that joy which comes only from the Gospel with the lucid brilliance and graceful authority typical of its author. The first seven—homilies for a First Mass, for the Feast of St. John the Baptist, for the Third Sunday of Easter, and for seminarians—meditate on the Scripture readings for the Mass of that day and their illumination of the priestly task. The last, a meditation for Cardinal Joseph Höffner's golden jubilee, clarifies the theology that supports the volume as a whole—that the purpose and power of the priesthood is to lead souls into the joyful salvation won by Jesus Christ --

"We are workers with you for your joy," states St. Paul, "because you stand firm in the faith." These words, declared Pope Benedict XVI in a 2008 ordination homily, are the very program of the priesthood. To fulfill this program, he told the ordinandi, "the fire of the Gospel must burn within you and the joy of the Lord dwell in you. Only then will you be able to be messengers and multipliers of this joy." Remarkably, the eight reflections of Ministers of Your Joy antedate that homily by thirty-plus years, yet each plays on the theme of that joy which comes only from the Gospel with the lucid brilliance and graceful authority typical of its author. The first seven-homilies for a First Mass, for the Feast of St. John the Baptist, for the Third Sunday of Easter, and for seminarians-meditate on the Scripture readings for the Mass of that day and their illumination of the priestly task. The last, a meditation for Cardinal Joseph Höffner's golden jubilee, clarifies the theology that supports the volume as a whole-that the purpose and power of the priesthood is to lead souls into the joyful salvation won by Jesus Christ.

Evangelistic booklet that presents the Gospel of Christ by showing that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

The perfect gift! A specially priced, beautifully designed hardcover edition of The Joy of the Gospel with a foreword by Robert Barron and an afterword by James Martin, SJ. “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus… In this Exhortation I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” – Pope Francis This special edition of Pope Francis's popular message of hope explores themes that are important for believers in the 21st century. Examining the many obstacles to faith and what can be done to overcome those hurdles, he emphasizes the importance of service to God and all his creation. Advocating for “the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned,” the Holy Father shows us how to respond to poverty and current economic challenges that affect us locally and globally. Ultimately, Pope Francis demonstrates how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, “to recognize the traces of God’s Spirit in events great and small.” Profound in its insight, yet warm and accessible in its tone, The Joy of the Gospel is a call to action to live a life motivated by divine love and, in turn, to experience heaven on earth. Includes a foreword by Robert Barron, author of Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith and James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

Practical Ways to Support and Care for Your Pastor Do you pray for your pastors? Do you encourage them? Do you have realistic expectations for them? The office of pastor is simultaneously a rewarding and draining position. Pastors today have immense pressure on their shoulders and they need the support of their congregations. Peter Orr has written Fight for Your Pastor as an exhortation for church members to stand behind their pastors through the difficulties of ministry. Orr specifies ways in which congregations can be intentional in caring for church leaders, including prayer, encouragement, generosity, and forgiveness. Featuring stories from current pastors about their struggles, this book is perfect for thoughtful church members eager to understand the weight of their pastors' positions and support leaders in their important ministry. For Thoughtful Christians: Specifically those wanting to know more about their pastors and how to care for them Current: Features insight from pastors about their personal experiences in ministry Applicable: Gives practical examples of how to love and care for pastors, including specific prayers for church leaders and the best ways to encourage them