Prayer fascinates us. Studies show that even atheists and agnostics sometimes pray. But what precisely is prayer? How does it work? And what are some of the time-tested ways to practice it?

An Introduction to Prayer offers a collection of rich yet brief reflections on prayer in the Catholic spiritual tradition from acclaimed author, speaker, and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. This book explores the answers to questions like:

• Why should I pray?
• What should I say or do when I'm praying?
• Who exactly am I praying to?
• Are there different types of prayer?
• What do the spiritual masters say about prayer?
• How can I establish a solid routine of prayer?
• And many more

Perfect for beginners but filled with profound insights for those looking to further their spiritual life, An Introduction to Prayer will inspire you to seek out more frequent conversation--and a deeper communion--with God.

Tolkien described The Lord of the Rings as a fundamentally religious and Catholic work and declared, I am a Christian (which can be deduced from my stories). Yet he insisted his writings were not allegories, and Middle-earth is loved by millions who do not share his religious beliefs. How were his faith and his fiction related? Holly Ordway answers that question biographically, focusing on Tolkien's spiritual development, a dramatic story that previous accounts of his life have left largely unexplored. Here we find that Tolkien's faith was hard won. His Anglican upbringing was overturned when his mother converted to Catholicism. Soon afterward, she died, leaving Tolkien under the guardianship of a Catholic priest, who forbade him to see his Protestant girlfriend, whom nonetheless he eventually married. The Great War, in which most of his close friends were killed, deepened Tolkien's reliance on his faith, but then for a decade he almost ceased to practise his religion. Friendship with C.S. Lewis and success with The Hobbit were followed by another war and by turmoil in the Church that sternly tested Tolkien's commitments. The challenges and triumphs in his religious life are reflected in his masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, that epic tale of endurance against the odds. As Ordway shows in her expertly researched and richly illustrated study, Tolkien's faith and Tolkien's fiction are intimately related, though in subtle and complex ways. This long-overdue spiritual biography gives new insight into his works by shedding fresh light on their author's deepest-held convictions.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the four Gospels surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history, allowing the story of Jesus Christ to shine with new clarity. You'll discover insights from John Chrysostom, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Henry Newman, G.K. Chesterton, Thérèse of Lisieux, Fulton Sheen, John Paul II, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

Vatican II called the Bible the support and energy of the Church, the pure and everlasting source of spiritual life, and the food of the soul. Yet, for many Catholics, their engagement with Scripture is often limited to what they hear at Mass. In Food for the Soul (Cycle C), the third book in a riveting three-part series, celebrated philosopher Peter Kreeft invites the faithful--clergy and laity alike--to a heart-to-heart relationship with Christ the Word through the Word of the Scriptures.

Moving through the first reading, second reading, and Gospel reading for each Sunday and other major liturgical celebrations throughout the three-year lectionary cycle, Kreeft brings the Mass readings to life with his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, challenging readers to plant their souls in the rich soil of Scripture and sharpen their minds with the Sword of the Spirit. Whether you are a layperson looking for additional insight on the readings at Mass, or a priest or deacon looking for inspiration for a homily, Food for the Soul is a gift to the whole Church from one of today's greatest Christian writers.

Discover the exciting tales of God's creatures and the holy men and women they encountered! You'll read about an enormous dog who protected a French priest from an ambush, a tiger who shared his cave with persecuted Korean Christians, a dangerous wolf who was tamed by an Italian friar, a boar who was rescued from hunters by a wise Irish abbess, and many more. Each of these fourteen tales shows the heroic virtue of the saints and inspires young readers to faithfully follow Jesus. With breathtaking full-color illustrations, this storybook will become a beloved family read-aloud. A perfect gift from parents, grandparents, or godparents to introduce the young reader to the saints!

Fulton Sheen once wrote that the purpose of the Holy Hour--a sustained, uninterrupted hour of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament--is to encourage a deep personal encounter with Christ. Looking at the Eucharistic Lord for an hour, he wrote, transforms the heart in a mysterious way. Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis all joined Sheen in recommending Eucharistic Adoration as a foundational spiritual practice.

Today, however, the hidden power of the Holy Hour radiates with special urgency--both for the Church and for the culture. Many Catholics no longer believe in or even understand the doctrine of the Real Presence; many Protestants are disconnected from the historical reality, and centrality, of the Eucharist; and people of all backgrounds, overwhelmed by the noise and speed of postmodern life, seek refuge in various forms of meditation and mindfulness. To all of these groups, the Holy Hour offers a life-changing opportunity: the silence and simplicity of being in the presence of God.

The Holy Hour is a unique collection of hymns, poetry, prayers, and reflections for Adoration from across two thousand years of Catholic tradition. Structured around Bishop Robert Barron's threefold classification of Real Presence, Holy Sacrifice, and Sacred Meal, readers will explore the Eucharistic hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas, key passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, verses from both saints and lesser-known poets, and reflections from Bishop Barron and the great heroes of the Word on Fire movement. The Holy Hour is designed to inspire readers to stay close to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, guide their prayer and contemplation in his presence, and spark the revival of silent Adoration that the world so desperately craves.

Socrates once said that a good person does not worry much about the little things, like whether he lives or dies, but only about the one big thing: whether he is a good person or a bad one.

In Ethics for Beginners, celebrated philosopher Peter Kreeft reclaims the importance of ethical study in answering life's big questions: What is the meaning of life? How should I live? How should I treat other people? Unlike many modern texts on the subject, this one asserts that ethics is real, that good and evil are knowable, and that we can learn to act well and so become better and happier people.

Surveying the big ideas of the thirty-two most important ethical philosophers, Ethics for Beginners is an apprenticeship to the greatest minds in history. With expert analysis and reflection from Kreeft, it offers a challenging and unforgettable treatment that is suitable for classroom and individual use alike.

Among the many masterpieces of G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man is his crowning achievement. It was the book that set a young atheist named C.S. Lewis on the path toward Christianity. Evelyn Waugh called it a permanent monument that needs no elucidation. And its lively prose and compelling defense of Christianity have dazzled readers ever since.

But a little elucidation, it turns out, is needed. Chesterton's presentation of the story of humanity and religion is filled with obscure literary, historical, mythological, philosophical, and theological references--most of which are largely lost on today's readers. And Chesterton's paradoxical and apparently wandering style proves, at times, disorienting to newcomers.

In this groundbreaking guide--the first of its kind--one of the world's leading authorities on Chesterton walks readers through the entirety of this great apologist's text. Complete with an introduction, footnotes, and running commentary, Dale Ahlquist's tour through Chesterton's classic will draw new readers into his literary world--and old readers even deeper into his literary genius.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy--surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You'll discover insights from Origen, Teresa of Kolkata, Thomas Merton, Jerome, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

The Rosary is one of the most widely recognized prayers of Catholicism--and also one of the most misunderstood. What is it all about? How do you pray it? And what is it meant to accomplish?

Join one of the world's leading Catholic evangelists, Bishop Robert Barron, in exploring the meditative depth, rhythmic beauty, and spiritual power of this ancient prayer. Informative, intuitive, and beautifully designed, The Rosary with Bishop Barron is an essential book for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of the Rosary, a stronger commitment to praying it, and a deeper appreciation of its power.

More than a hundred Catholic schools have closed annually for the last six decades across the United States. Enrollment is now around a quarter of what it was at its peak in 1965. Based on the data, one may conclude that the end of Catholic schools is near.

Yet hundreds of Catholic schools are thriving with increasing enrollment, delighted parents, and students who are well formed and full of wonder. Many have waitlists of students eager to attend. What is their secret? What sets great Catholic schools apart from mediocre ones?

The Catholic School Playbook by Michael Ortner and Kimberly Begg documents how these successful schools are bucking the trend by focusing on their rich Catholic heritage and cultivating strong communities of students, families, and educators. In seven concise and easy-to-read chapters exploring how these schools approach their mission, hiring, teachers, finances, and more, this book offers a practical gameplan for renewing Catholic education in America.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the Acts of the Apostles, the Letters, and the book of Revelation surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You'll discover insights from Irenaeus, Ambrose, Francis of Assisi, Dante, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, Edith Stein, Flannery O'Connor, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

Volume IV of The Word on Fire Bible features the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings, surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary. Accompanying the text of Scripture, you'll find over 75 commentaries from Bishop Robert Barron and over 175 commentaries from mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. This volume also includes 40 works of art with commentary, 8 word studies of the original Hebrew, and introductions written by Peter Kreeft, Sally Read, Katie Prejean McGrady, Richard DeClue, and more.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy--surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You'll discover insights from Origen, Teresa of Kolkata, Thomas Merton, Jerome, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

Poetry is the language of Catholicism. From the songs of Scripture to the hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Church has always used metaphor and image, meter and rhyme, and the music of language to illuminate and inculcate the faith.

Yet, when it comes to Catholic poetry itself, the song too often remains unsung. Many devout believers recoil from poetry, even when it is deeply Catholic. Many poetry lovers overlook Catholic poetry, even when it is truly great. And passionate readers are left with few resources from which to draw inspiration--even as the number of great Catholic poems continues to grow.

This groundbreaking collection is designed to change that. Edited by acclaimed poet and author Sally Read, it includes a carefully curated collection of poetry with brief essays to introduce each selection; a detailed introduction and glossary of poetic terms; and a wide range of poetic voices--from giants like Dante and Shakespeare, to mystical saints like Hildegard of Bingen and John of the Cross, to modern masters like Gerard Manley Hopkins and Oscar Wilde, to contemporary female poets like Denise Levertov and Anne Porter. What emerges is truly universal: an unparalleled collection spanning twenty countries and twenty centuries.

Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, a poetry skeptic or a poetry lover, readers will glean from these pages a deepened appreciation of the history of poetry, the life of the Church, and the powerful ways in which each strengthens the other.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the Acts of the Apostles, the Letters, and the book of Revelation surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You'll discover insights from Irenaeus, Ambrose, Francis of Assisi, Dante, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, Edith Stein, Flannery O'Connor, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

The Word on Fire Bible is a groundbreaking series introducing readers to the strange, colorful world of the Bible. It was designed to appeal not just to Christians, but to nonbelievers, searchers, and those with far more questions than answers. It doesn't presume any experience with the Bible; in fact, it was created for people reading the Bible seriously for the first time, who may be unsure of what to make of its many events and characters.

Inside this volume, you'll find the Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy--surrounded by illuminating artwork and helpful commentary from Bishop Robert Barron, the Church Fathers, and some of the greatest saints, mystics, artists, and scholars throughout history. You'll discover insights from Origen, Teresa of Kolkata, Thomas Merton, Jerome, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and many other teachers in the way of the Spirit.

The translation used in The Word on Fire Bible is the New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), which has received wide acclaim from academics and Church leaders. It stands out because of its accuracy and readability, being as literal as possible yet as free as necessary to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It's a wonderful translation--both for those who have never read the Bible and for those who have studied it for years.

Burke Masters had the perfect game plan for his life: he was going to become a Major League Baseball player. As a star infielder for Mississippi State with a game-winning grand slam to help his team reach the College World Series, he was well on his way to the career of his dreams. But little did he know that his life-changing call would not be from a recruiter to join the Major Leagues--it would be from God to become a priest.

In this page-turning memoir, Fr. Burke takes readers on an intimate personal journey--from his childhood outside of Chicago, to his success in baseball, to his conversion to Catholicism, and finally, to his acceptance of his vocation. Amid severe doubt and personal loss, he learned to embrace his fundamental identity--not as an athlete, but as a beloved son of God and a spiritual father to God's people. Fr. Burke's story is a powerful reminder that God's plan for us is so much greater than our own; that it fulfills our dreams in ways greater than we could have imagined; and that if we only have the courage to say yes, every moment is an opportunity for a grand slam for God.

A recent Pew Forum survey revealed the startling statistic that 69% of Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For the majority of Catholics today, the Eucharist is merely a symbol of Christ, and the Mass is merely a collectivity of like-minded individuals gathering to remember his life.

This indicates a spiritual disaster, for the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. In response to this crisis, Bishop Robert Barron, then the Chair of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, began working with his brother bishops on a solution. From these conversations, the National Eucharistic Revival was born.

This Is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival is designed to accompany that revival. In this brief but illuminating text, Bishop Barron offers a threefold analysis of the Eucharist as sacred meal, sacrifice, and Real Presence, helping readers to understand the sacrament of Jesus' Body and Blood more thoroughly so that they might fall in love with him more completely.

Discover the profound truth flowing out of Jesus' words at the Last Supper: Take, eat; this is my body. . . . Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant.

The Catholic anthropologist René Girard (1923-2015) has emerged as one of the most important thinkers of the past century. His sweeping mimetic theory changed the landscape of both the social sciences and Christian theology. And with the rise of social media, political polarization, and globalized conflict, Girard's ideas have only proven increasingly prophetic with every passing year.

But where to begin with this new Darwin of the human sciences? His massive body of work remains daunting and disorienting, and secondary literature either academic in tone or limited in scope. General readers--if Girard shows up on their radar at all--face a high barrier of entry to understanding his theory and applying it to daily life.

I Came to Cast Fire offers a timely solution: a comprehensive but accessible introduction to the thought of René Girard. In short and digestible chapters, Fr. Elias Carr takes readers through the basics of mimetic theory and how it plays out through history--from the violent origins of religion and culture to the radical revelation that unfolds in Christ--weaving in compelling personal anecdotes along the way. The perfect first step for those new to Girard, I Came to Cast Fire will not only inspire readers to see the world in a new light--the fire of the Paraclete proclaiming the innocence of the victim--but more importantly, to enter into it.