Family        

If you have questions about any of these resources click here.  Please include the Reference Number listed.

Publisher Information

1)      About Preparing for Marriage.  South Deerfield, Massachusetts:  Channing L. Bete Co., Inc., 1986.

      Reference Number:  00319

2)      Amendolara, Lorraine P. and Longo Mary.  Good Beginnings (Leader’s Guide).  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1990.

      Reference Number:  A-00015

3)      Beecham, Jahnna and Hillgartner, Malcolm.  I'm Counting to 10...Hope and Humor for Frazzled Parents. Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2001.

    “Parents in the trenches, driving minivans filled with Happy-Meal containers, one tennis shoe, and melted crayons, will love these stories because they hit a very familiar nerve—or funny bone.  Told in the voice of Jahnna, the mom, these forty-five stories chronicle a year in the life of a slightly offbeat couple and their two kids.  Jahnna and Malcolm are not perfect parents, and that’s the best part.  Readers will be relieved to find that they’re not alone.  Everyone has kids who melt down and do embarrassing things at restaurants, on plane, and in front of grandparents.  If laughter is the best medicine, stressed-out parents will feel a lot better after each reading.”

     Reference Number:  B-00073

4)      Benson, Peter L., Ph.D., Galbraith, Judy, M.A. & Espeland, Pamela.  What Kids Need to Succeed:  Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Free Spirit Publishing, 1998.

 “Kids who succeed have specific assets in their lives-not financial assets, but developmental assets including family support, a caring neighborhood, self-esteem, and resistance skills.  The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to lose their way and get into trouble.  Based on groundbreaking nationwide studies, What Kids Need to Succeed spells out 40 assets-good things every young person needs.”

 Reference Number:  B-00255

5)  Bernardin, Cardinal Joseph.  Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace:  A Guide for Parents in the Religious Education of their Children.  New York, New York:  William H. Sadlier, Inc., 1997.

      Reference Number:  B-00234

6)      Breidenbach, Monica E. and Hover, Margot K.  Sacred Times for Christian Families.  Morristown, New Jersey:  Silver Burdett Company, 1980.

    “Family experience is an important factor in the religious formation of children.  Sacred Times for Christian Families offers a variety of suggestions to help you make these experiences ever more meaningful through discussion and celebration.”

      Reference Number:  B-00074

7)      Brinkmann, William R. and Ditewig, William T.  Leading our Children To God:  A Faith Guide for Catholic Parents.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1984.

    “Presents the essential elements of the Catholic faith in an easy-to-read, narrative form.  Stressing the leadership role of parents in family spiritual development, the authors show how parents (and teachers too) can effectively relate religious truths to their children through everyday experiences.  And in so doing they offer both parents and children the opportunity to grow in God’s love.  The first part of the book deals with God’s loving call to humankind and traces the development and content of God’s revelation from his covenant with the ancient Jewish nation to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  The second part deals with the human response to God’s call with chapters on prayer, the church, and on love.  Throughout the book the authors draw on scripture, the documents of Vatican II and the National Catechetical Directory of the American bishops, introducing readers to three valuable resources for faith development.”

      Reference Number:  B-00075

8)      Bete, Tim.  In the Beginning…There Were No Diapers:  Laughing and Learning in the First Years of Fatherhood.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2005.

“If you can change a diaper in an airplane lavatory…If you can recite The Cat in the Hat by heart…If you find cookie crumbs in your pocket…Then you're a dad who'll get a good laugh-and inspiration-from In the Beginning…There Were No Diaper's.  Tim Bete understands that in the midst of the challenges of parenting there's always a chance to smile and recognize the miracle of the young life that is yours to care for.  His real life stories will make you laugh out loud and they'll fill you with a sense of gratitude to God for this marvelous calling.  Drawn from his beloved column,  "Where I Live," each story is an insightful and uplifting lesson in parenting.  With self-effacing humor and a playful sense of fun, Bete helps you to smile and relax, to enjoy parenting a little more, and to worry a little less.  Permeated by a sense of faith but never preachy, In the Beginning…There Were No Diaper's will open your eyes to the little miracles of daily life-when your child finally goes potty in the toilet, eats a vegetable, or finds first base.  And once your eyes are open, the lessons begin to arrive every day.  Whether you're doing the 3 a.m. feeding or taking the training wheels of a bike, Tim Bete will remind you why you're doing it.  He'll keep you on track.  And he'll make you laugh!”

9)      Cavnar, Cindy.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Mary.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  C-00057

10)      Chesto, Kathleen O’Connell.  Family Prayer for Family Times, Traditions, Celebrations, and Rituals.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1995.

    “In a perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary, Kathleen Chesto Shows Catholic families how to begin prayer habits that can enrich their lives and yet be passed on for generations.  Chesto believes in celebrating the spiritual aspects of everyday events:  The first day of school…learning to ride a bike…Getting a driver’s license…a new baby in the family…She also offers prayers for celebrating the great feasts of the church year:  Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.  Woven throughout are familiar prayers like the rosary, the stations, the Angelus, and novenas—prayers that parents remember from childhood and want to share now with their families.”

      Reference Number:  C-00058

11)  Coffey, Kathy.  God Knows Parenting it a wild Ride:  9 Things to Hold on to.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2002.

    "From late nights with testy babies to late nights waiting for tardy teens...Kathy Coffey knows parenting. She knows the years we have children in our homes can be wild, and after raising four kids, she knows what works and what doesn't. Coffey also knows that slick gimmicks and quick fixes don't raise children--parenting takes all the skills and energy a person can muster. In God Knows Parenting is a Wild Ride, Coffey shares her knowledge and experience, coupling warm, entertaining stories with numerous bright and practical ideas to help you hold on for the ride of your life!"

      Reference Number:  C-00179

12)      Cook, Bernard, Carte, Betty, McGoldrick, Monica…(see cover for rest).  Growing in Faith:  A Catholic Family Sourcebook.  New Rochelle, New York:  Don Bosco Multimedia, 1990.

      Reference Number:  C-00059

13)  Curran, Dolores.  Family a Church Challenge for the 80’s.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Winston Press, Inc., 1980.

    “Where are the models of successful family-centered programs?  What makes up the family?  What Constitutes family catechesis?  What are the major reasons for success or failure in family-centered programs?  Commissioned by the National Conference of Diocesan Directors (NCDD), Family:  A Church Challenge for the 80’s calls us all to a shared pastoral vision and an integrated catechetical ministry.”

      Reference Number:  C-00060

14)  Curran, Dolores and others.  Family Ministry.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Winston Press, Inc., 1980.

    “The editors have amassed an insightful, powerful, and timely collection of original essays on family ministry.  You’ll find solid theory, background information, and a wealth of practical suggestions on making family ministry work.  The contributors to Family Ministry realistically explore the problems and opportunities which face today’s diversely structured families and the Church which serves them.”

      Reference Number:  C-00061

15)  Curran, Dolores.  Family Prayer.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1978.

    “Parents who are deeply concerned about their children’s moral and spiritual formation and who desire the best in values and motivation for their sons and daughters often overlook the fundamental teaching method at their fingertips—prayer.  The child who can pray will grow securely in the ability to deal with the problems and anxieties of adult life.  Moreover, the child who can pray will discover more quickly that life can be hope-filled, positive and rewarding.  Prayer brings meaning to life.”

      Reference Number:  C-00062

16)  Curran, Dolores.  In the Beginning There were the Parents.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Winston Press, 1978.

    “Dolores Curran explores with wit and wisdom those issues which concern most Christian parents:  monitoring TV, acting as sex educators, celebrating and praying together.  She challenges parents to reclaim their place as the primary religious educators of their children.”

      Reference Number:  C-00063

17)  Curran, Dolores.  Tired of Arguing with Your Kids?  Wisdom from Parents Who have Been There.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 1999.

    “Children argue.  Good children argue with good parents. One might even suggest that arguing is part of a child’s job description.  But arguing with your kids can be draining, unproductive, and downright tiring.  There’s got to be a better way.  But knowing on the spot how to respond to an argumentative child isn’t all that easy.  Help is here.  For many years now parents have been sharing with Dolores Curran responses that worked when their kids started arguing.  Now she shares them with you.  In this wise—and often very funny—book you will find not only the right words, but the right attitude.  Arguing with kids may be inevitable.  But now it doesn’t have to be exhausting.”

      Reference Number:  C-00064

18)  Curran, Dolores.  Traits of a Healthy Family.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  Winston Press, 1983.

      Reference Number:  C-00066

19)  Davitz, Lois Leiderman, Ph.D. & Davitz, Joel R., Ph.D.  Getting Along Almost with Your Adult Kids:  A Decade-By-Decade Guide.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2003.

    "This upbeat, positive guide for parents of adult children approaches parenting as a lifelong process--one that continues through adulthood. Psychologists Lois and Joel Davitz have studied child, adult, and family behavior for forty years and value loving family relationships. In Getting Along Almost With Your Adult Kids: A Decade-By-Decade Guide, they tell parents about the development that generally occurs during the life of an adult child and offer positive and constructive solutions to common difficulties and conflicts that arise between parents and their adult children. Whether you are tackling specific conflicts with your adult children, want to cultivate a great relationships that last a lifetime, or just want to gain some perspective on adult family interactions, this book will help you every step of the way."

      Reference Number:  D-00108

20)  DeGidio, Sandra, OSM.  A Guide to Ritual and Catechesis:  Sharing Faith in the Family.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1980.

    “Highlights the importance of ritual in family catechesis and provides many models and actual family celebrations for both home and parish settings."

      Reference Number:  D-00040   

21)  Dixon, Dorothy A., Ph.D.  The Formative Years.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publications, 1977.

    “In the Formative Years Dorothy Dixon, Ph.D., nationally respected childhood educator, outlines and explains the 4 facets of preschool development—intellectual, socio-emotional, spiritual, and physical growth.  Dr. Dixon shares her years of experience in an easily readable style filled with information and healthy recommendations for dealing with preschool children.  If you are a teacher, a concerned parent, or are in any way dealing with young children, you will find yourself going back to this book again and again.”

      Reference Number:  D-00041

22)  Doherty, William J.  Take Back Your Kids.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2000.

      Reference Number:  D-00042

23)      Driscoll, Daniel W.  Daddyhood:  This Changes Everything!.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2002.

 “Daddyhood is about the opportunity to have fun, to remember ones own childhood, to explore the possibilities found in marriage, to play and to run and to dive on the floor with abandon.  It is about experiencing with your child the wonder of the world, the ups and downs of living with others, the joy-filled discoveries of something new.  Unique among books on fatherhood.  Daniel Driscoll's vision goes beyond warm fuzzy feelings to his conviction that daddyhood is also about the future.  It is about hope, a belief that your child and all the other children will make a difference.  It is about the opportunity for his four children-and all children-to change the world.  It is this combination of warmth, humor, and vision that makes this book a very special gift for every father-and mother-of young children.”

 Reference Number:  D-00126

24)  Emswiler, James P.  Family Prayer Book.  Morristown, New Jersey:  Silver Burdett & Ginn, 1988.

      Reference Number:  E-00029

25)  Families, Bless the Lord, a Book of Family Prayer.  New York, New York:  William H. Sadlier, Inc., 1976.

      Reference Number:  00320

26)  Family Guide for Using Media.  Washington D.C.:  United States Catholic Conference, 1999.

      Reference Number:  00321

27)  Finnley, Mitch.  Your Family in Focus.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1993.

    “Hooray for family life, warts and all,” declares Mitch Finley in this positive, upbeat source of strength an enrichment for families.  Your Family in Focus is a book for all manner of families no matter what size, shape or description—large or small, young or older, single or two parents, traditional or blended.  With a strong focus on putting one’s faith into practice in family life.  This down-to-earth guide presents practical ways for families to enrich and nourish their life together.  Whether discussing parenting, family prayer or keeping a marriage healthy and happy, this book will give you ideas to talk about and help your unique family become even more a community of love than it already is.”

      Reference Number:  F-00022

28)  Fitzpatrick, Kathryn, O.S.F.  Commandments 28 Family Times to Respond in Love.  Cincinnati, Ohio:  St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1982.

    “Religion can be taught in many ways, but faith is caught in the home.  The growing conviction that family is the first and most effective “catechism” has inspired parents and educators alike to closer cooperation in the effort to guide the faith-growth of children.  Family Time/Faith Time is a tested and proven tool for total family involvement.  Designed as a parish-supported, family-centered approach to religious education, it enables busy families to make time for sharing and building faith at the pace most comfortable to them, and offers a course of study that, though carefully structured, allows for fun, flexibility and creative adaptation.”

      Reference Number:  F-00023

29)  Follow the way of Love.  Washington D.C.:  National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1993.

      Reference Number:  00322

30)  For Families Under Stress, Good News from God’s Word.  New York, New York:  American Bible Society, 1976.

      Reference Number:  00323

31)    Garascia, Anthony.  Rekindle the Passion While Raising Your Kids.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2001

 “Remember the dreams you had for your life together?  You dreamed of being lovers, partners, companions, and friends.  The passion of that dream may have been lost in too-busy days with so many work pressures, the harried pace of caring for a growing family, and the ups and downs of the daily routine.  But it can be restored.  Most books about marriage say the answer is improved communication and problem-solving skills.  Tony Garascia says skills help but the real answer is in learning to dream those dreams again.  These four images-lover, partner, companion, and friend-re-imagined and re-dreamed are a core around which you can restore energy to your marriage.  They can sustain you when the going gets tough and your dreams are tested.  They can propel you back into the future you once dreamed.  Staying in love takes more than a set of life-skills.  It is an act of the imagination...”

 Reference Number:  G-00108

32)  God’s Gift for Mothers.  Dallas, Texas:  World Publishing, 1995.

      Reference Number:  00324

33)  Goodwin, Lawrence J.  Christian Family Celebrations Prayer Services for Special Moments.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1992.

    “The family unit, as the basic locus of faith experience, is a fundamental building block of the Christian community.  The home environment is crucial for infusing values and beliefs.  We are fond of saying that the family that prays together, stays together.  It is often referred to as the primary cell of the church.  A major priority within the Christian community should be to provide resources which enable the family to discover and articulate itself as a vibrant source of faith experience and spirituality.  Creative tools are needed to develop that potential.  First and foremost is the need to treat the family as a formal faith unit in itself, deserving significant attention as a focal paint for education and worship.”

      Reference Number:  G-00019

34)  Hamlon, John S.  A Call to Families.  Collegeville, Minnesota:  The Human Life Center, 1984.

    "At last, a study guide and commentary for Pope John Paul II's beautiful and challenging document on the family, Familiaris Consortio! The reader can use A Call to Families for privet or small group study and come away with a better understanding of the importnace of the Christian family's role in today's difficult and often bewildering world."

      Reference Number:  H-00329

35)  Hater, Robert J.  Holy Family:  Christian Families in a Changing World.  Allen, Texas:  Tabor Publishing, 1988.

      “For centuries, the Church has used the Holy Family as a model for family spirituality.  Does this model serve the needs of today’s changing families?  Father Bob Hater answers with a resounding yes.  Offering fresh insights into the Holy Family, Father Hater helps Christians reflect on how the family’s journey through life includes both happiness and pain.  A healthy family knows how to celebrate the good times and struggle through the bad times, trusting in God’s care.  As a sign of God’s presence in the world, the family has something to offer the Church.  The Church, in turn, must be sensitive to the needs and challenges confronting today’s families.  Both the individual reader and groups of adults will profit form this book.  Each chapter includes discussion questions, suggestions for family activity, and prayer.  This book is for parents, catechists, and ministers who wand to enhance their understanding of the family’s role in society and in the Church.”

      Reference Number:  H-00028 

36)      Havlik, Sheree Whitters.  Because We Love Them:  Fostering a Christian Sexuality in Our Children.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2004.

 “An often difficult subject for parents is their children's understanding of sexuality-parents want to keep kids pure and innocent for as long as they can.  It's hard to know how to talk about sexuality with them when the time comes, especially from a Christian point of view.  Parents are often unsure:  When is the right time?  What does God say?  Drawing from years of experience as both a parent and teen counselor, Sheree Havlik can help.  She reminds parents that they must raise their children to share their Christian approach to sexuality and all that this encompasses.  In a friendly, conversation style, Havlik convinces parents that they can be their children's primary source of information on sexuality.  With understanding, Havlik helps parents  relax and find their own answers to the questions of when and how.  Parents already know why:  Because we love them.”

 Reference Number:  H-00370

37)  Healing Family Hurts.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1979. 

    “Essays and actions suggestions on assessing family problems, addictions, single parent families, poverty, the handicapped, the retarded, sexuality, physical abuse, death, economic problems, and healing through prayer.”

      Reference Number:  00325

38)  Hendricks, Kathy.  Faith:  Family Style:  Home is Where God’s Heart is Leader’s Manual.  Allen, Texas:  Resources for Christian Living, 1997.

      Reference Number:  H-00029

39)  Hover, Margot, D. Min.  A Happier Family:  Facing Ten Common Causes of Family Failure.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publication, 1978.

    “There is no longer any reason for us to be victims.  The Mother/Father/Dick/Jane/Spot family of past-generation schoolbooks does not exist.  Contemporary couples and family members realize this and know that they require healthy, growth-producing relationships in order to survive in today’s society.  Pious platitudes and habit are not enough to hold families together.  We are all social, psychological, physical, emotional and moral beings with individual approaches to life.  All these elements go to make up “family” and to ignore them is to court serious problems.  In each chapter of this book Dr. Hover presents an authentic family-problem case study followed by provocative questions which focus on the central aspect of the study.  She then sets forth the theory for analyzing and dealing with the specific problem and follows this with a Familylab—the concrete, practical coping method which family members can employ.”

      Reference Number:  H-00030

40)  Hover, Margot, D. Min.  A Happier Family 2:  Facing Ten More Common Causes of Family Failure.  Mystic, Connecticut:  Twenty-Third Publication, 1979.

      Reference Number:  H-0031

41)  Jarvis, Thea.  The Gift of Grandparenting.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2003.

    "A spirituality of grandparenting, a wise and intimate tribute to the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Each of the ten reflections in The Gift Of Grandparenting focuses on opportunities for sharing the gifts that each generation holds for the other--opportunities to play, to teach, to grow, to trust, to serve, to limit, to heal, to remember, to love, to dance."

      Reference Number:  J-00034

42)  Jeep, Elizabeth McMahon and Huck, Gabe.  Celebrate Summer!  A Guidebook for Congregations.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1973.

    “Planners for activities and worship services will find this Guidebook an invaluable aid for family-oriented celebrations and liturgies during the summer months.  Here are ideas for adults, children—and both together in group activities, revolving around specific summer dates and themes.  The program begins with Memorial Day and concludes on Labor Day; includes such themes as:  Fire, Family, Summer Creatures, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Friends, Mary, Food, etc.  This is a practical guidebook filled with suggestions, scriptural references, reading, songs.  The program is designed to lead people into experiences and enjoyment, Celebration and appreciation.” 

      Reference Number:  J-00009 

43)  Jeep, Elizabeth McMahon and Huck, Gabe.  Celebrate Summer!  A Guidebook for Families.  New York, New York:  Paulist Press, 1973.

      Reference Number:  J-00010

44)  Keating, Kathleen.  The Hug Therapy Book.  Minneapolis, Minnesota:  CompCare Publications, 1983.

    “Hug Therapy is not just for the lonely of hurting ones.  Hug Therapy can make the healthy healthier, the happy happier, and the most secure among us feel even more so.  Hugging is for everybody.  Anyone can be a Hug Therapist.  But if you master the Types of Hugs and the Advanced Techniques presented in this book, you will develop further skills and confidence in your natural ability to share wonderful hugs.”

      Reference Number:  K-00013

45)  Kehrwald, Leif.  Family Spirituality:  The Raw Ingredients of Faith.  Chicago, Illinois:  Assisting Christians to Act Publications, 1994.

    “The raw ingredients of faith are woven into the unexpected patterns that make up the fabric of our lives.  From daily rituals at meal times to the joys of parenting, this book reveals how God can be fully present in our family life.  The author believes families have what it takes to make their faith come alive in a home atmosphere that says yes to faith as a need and not a should.  What is inviting as well as intriguing about this book is its ability to inspire families to reflect on their own styles of growing in faith and holiness as “domestic church.”  This discovery can only lead deeper appreciation of their rightful place within the larger parish church when it comes to celebrating God’s gift alive and well in their households.”

      Reference Number:  K-00014

46)  Knickerbocker, Lynne, Pike, Maggie, Figlion, Mary Ann, CSJ & Sheehan, Eleanor, CSJ.  Parent-Child Retreats:  Spiritual Experiences for Children Ages 3-6 and Their Parents.  Denver, Colorado:  Living the Good News Inc., 1997.

    "This book focuses on the power of shared faith between child and parent of care giver. Contains an overview, 10 thematic children's retreats (ready to go with script, materials list and step-by-step instructions) and materials for talks with parents that will alleviate anxieties about "doing right.""

      Reference Number:  K-00058

47)  Knickerbocker, Lynne, Pike, Maggie, Figlion, Mary Ann, CSJ & Sheehan, Eleanor, CSJ.  Parent-Child Retreats:  Spiritual Experiences for Children Ages 7-10 and Their Parents.  Denver, Colorado:  Living the Good News Inc., 1998.

    "This book can be used in a variety of settings: with 7-10 year old children in a classroom, or with their parents, or with parents and younger siblings for a family retreat. It contains all the directions needed to give 9 children's retreats, and 5 retreats for parents. Parent-child retreats for Eucharist and Reconciliation may be used in the process of sacramental preparation."

      Reference Number:  K-00057

48)  Koehler, Michael, Ph.D.  Coaching Character at Home:  Strategies for Raising Responsible Teens.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2003.

    "Parents everywhere struggle to instill character in their kids--seeking ways to counteract the negative influences of our insensitive, self-indulgent, materialistic society. Here's help from Michael Koehler, who has spent a lifetime raising, educating, and coaching kids. Koehler knows that parents are the most important coaches kids will ever have. And he knows what successful coaches know--that character is at the core of every winner and consistency is the key to character. Koehler reinforces and affirms the role of parents as character builders and shares the Seven C's of Character--strategies for success that Koehler learned as a young athlete and has used for thirty years as a parent, educator and coach."

      Reference Number:  K-00064

49)  Kreeft, Peter.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Being Catholic.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  K-00015 

50)  Kreeft, Peter, Ghezzi, Bert, Libersat, Henry, Thomas, David, etc.  Talking to Your Children About Being Catholic.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1995.

    “When your children ask questions about the Catholic Faith, you want to have the right answers.  But how do you talk about subjects like staying Catholic and the importance of the Eucharist without sounding preachy?  This collection of nine essays by well-known Catholic authors provides a solid explanation of the Church’s teaching on the Mass, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Prayer, Being Catholic, and more.  But that’s not all.  These concepts are explained in language your children will relate to.  Sample conversations are provides to help you get started!  Written for Catholic parents by Catholic parents, this is the ideal book to help you answer the difficult questions all children ask sooner of later.  It’s one guide book no parent should be without.”

      Reference Number:  K-00016

51)  Kuharski, Mary Ann.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Prayer.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  00326

52)  Libersat, Henry.  How to Talk to Your Children About…The Mass.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  00327

53)  Marx, Eileen.  Weaving Faith & Family When You're Hanging on by a Thread!.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1999.

    "This warm and witty collection of reflections on family life provides parents and catechists with easy and practical ways to help their kids connect faith and family. A popular columnist and experienced mom, Eileen Marx knows what it's really like around the dinner table and provides simple steps to help children understand that family life and spiritual life can be one and the same."

      Reference Number:  00352

54)  Nordhagen, Lynn.  When Only One Converts.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor, 2001.

    "What happens when the two most important relationships in your life seem to be on a collision course? How can you be obedient to God when obedience threatens your marriage vows? Can you love God if it means hurting the one you love most on earth? Many couples have walked this path. Fifteen of them share their stories in When Only One Converts. Author Lynn Nordhagen offers stories, not only to the Catholic (or soon-to-be Catholic), but also to the spouses who are not becoming Catholic, praying that they may gain insight and hope, recognizing that this can be, for them also, a time of discovery and growth in the Christian life. When Only One Converts is not just for those in mixed marriages. This book is for every Christian, Catholic of Protestant, for whom answering the call of Christ has wounded a close relationship."

      Reference Number:  01112

55)  Odell, William.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Confirmation.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  O-00013

56)  Pennock, Michael Francis.  Off to College.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1997.

    “Provides the nuts an bolts for first-time college students:  how to say good-bye to mom and dad, ways to plan and maintain finances, which supplies to bring and which to leave at home, tips for registering for first-semester courses, how to avoid the pitfalls of dorm living, what to do about the common cold, how to prepare for and take test, and much more.  Also, Off to College provides a spiritual dimension encouraging college students to develop an ongoing relationship with Jesus though the practice of their faith and to maintain a spiritual fitness based on the values taught by their families and church.”

            Reference Number:  P-00055

57)      Pennock, Michael.  Ready for College:  Everything You Need to Know.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2005.

“With everything from how to say good-by to Mom and Dad, to tips for getting along with a difficult roommate, Ready for College gives first-time college students what they need to succeed.  Michael Pennock offers some wise advice and proven tips to lead students trough an easy transition from high school to college in these and other areas:  Doing laundry, writing papers, keeping the faith, passing exams, avoiding alcohol, making friends, managing time going on dates eating healthy, staying safe.  More than just the nuts an bolts, Ready for College shows students that college is a time to develop a sense of self, not bound by previous ties, yet intimately connected with the love and lessons of family life.  Ready for College provides a spiritual dimension, encouraging college students to develop an ongoing relationship with God through the practice of their faith.  This book is a must read before first-time students more to college and register for the first semester of classes.”

      58)  Powell, John, S.J.  Families.  Allen, Texas:  Argus Communications, 1985.

            Reference Number:  P-00056

     59) Power, Paul W., Sc.D. & Orto, Arthur Dell, Ph.D.  The Resilient Family:  Living with Your Child's Illness or Disability.  Notre     Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2003.

            "Finally, practical advice and hope for families with a child who has a serious illness of disability. You and your family need to do more than survive this crisis. You need to thrive and grow. The Resilient Family will show you how to identify the strengths that already exist in your family and then use those strengths to enable your family to flourish--even in the face of burdens that feel unbearable. With the guidance of The Resilient Family, you will: Recognize the current needs of the family and its individual members--Understand and support the siblings of the ill or disabled child--Acknowledge the burden that has been placed upon the family. Know what to expect--Manage stress and develop coping and self-assessment skills--Establish reasonable expectations from the health care team--Develop effective relationships wit health professionals."

            Reference Number:  P-00115

60)  The Rosary for Parents.  Redemptorist Publications, 1996.

      Reference Number:  00328

61)  Saso, Patt and Steve.  10 Best Gifts for Your Teen:  Raising Teens with Love and Understanding.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 1999.

      “Raising teens with love and understanding is perhaps more challenging today than ever.  While adolescence can sometimes be a frightening and challenging for parents at it is for their children, a strong parent-teen relationship can be both influential and rewarding.  Patt and Steve Saso combine their expertise as a counselor and high school teacher with hard-knock wisdom from the parenting trenches to offer practical and engaging guidance.  They stress that parents are the only ones who can offer the ten gifts that make all the difference for their teens.  Respect, Receptivity, Responsibility, Recognition, Room, Reconciliation, Role-Modeling, Revelation of Self, Resolve, Release.  Here are both the encouragement and skills parents need to build strong relationships with their teens.”

      Reference Number:  S-00067

62)  Savitskas, Charles and Margaret.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Reconciliation.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  00329

63)  Sellner, Edward.  Father and Son:  Time Lost, Love Recovered.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1995.

      Reference Number:  00330

64)      Smith, Charles A.  Raising Courageous Kids:  Eight Steps to Practical Heroism.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2004.

“Our children's lives are filled with countless opportunities, both big and small, to make a difference in the world.  Perhaps there will be a bully to deal with at school, an offer of drugs, or a life-threatening accident.  Eventually, life will demand that our children face fear, make choices, and take action.  In this ground breaking guide for parents, Dr. Smith shows how to nurture the virtue of everyday courage in children.  He explains how courage develops in eight stages from birth to early adolescence.  He offers solid information and practical ideas to nurture courage for each stage.  With inspiring stories of real life heroes, Dr. Smith shows parents that while we can't protect our children from every peril, we can prepare them to face challenges with courage.”

65)      Smith, John F.  Raising a Good Kid (Chances Are You’re Doing Just Fine)  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2002.

 “Raising a good kid-even knowing what makes a "good" kid-can be terrifying because it is so important to us and because so many thing can go wrong.  John Smith has spent decades with kids and their parents.  He knows what it takes to raise a good kid.  He knows there isn't an owner's manual.  Most important-and reassuring-he knows, too, that despite all your worries, chances are you're doing just fine raising a good kid.”

 Reference Number:  S-00216

66)  Smith, Michael, S.J.  Between Fathers & Sons.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Ave Maria Press, 1997. 

    “The relationship between fathers and sons is among the most wounded in society today.  Helping to heal it is one of the most urgent tasks facing families, church, and society.   Between Fathers and Sons is a six-week program that provides opportunities for open communication between fathers and their adolescent sons and offers assistance to fathers in fostering their sons’ growth into mature manhood.  Because spiritual transformation is at the heart of an adolescent male’s transition into manhood, each session is rooted in a gospel teaching.”

      Reference Number:  S-00068

67)      Smith, Shirlee.  They’re Your Kids Not Your Friends.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books, 2001.

 “Shirlee Smith has worked hard to give her kids not what they wanted, but what they needed.  And what they needed most was not a friend, but a mother with real love and principles to last a lifetime.  "I have been determined," she says, "to raise them to be responsible, productive citizens not caught up by the trappings of society flaunting violence and materialism."  There's nothing theoretical or ambiguous about her parenting.  Everything is important, including the music her kids listen to, the clothes they ache for, and the friends they keep.  For her, there's nothing trivial about parenting.  Now she shares what she has learned and what she has fostered in a highly readable, unusually down-to-earth book marked not just by practical wisdom, but by wit, warmth, and encouragement.”

Reference Number:  S-00217

68)  Thomas, David.  How to Talk to Your Children About…Jesus.  Huntington, Indiana:  Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1993.

      Reference Number:  T-00014

69)  Thompson, Gretchen.  God Knows Caregiving Can Pull You Apart:  12 Ways to Keep it all Together.  Notre Dame, Indiana:  Sorin Books,  2002.

    "Boomers, Gen-Xers, and Seniors all find themselves caring for others in need--Children, aging and ill parents, ill or disabled spouses and companions. The burden is enormous, and caregivers can be too overwhelmed to even find help. But help is here. Writing for the exhausted reader, Gretchen Thompson extends a helping hand, sharing both her professional experiences as a chaplain and educator and her personal experiences as a mother and caregiver to her own ailing family memebers. In a format designed for quick reading in stolen moments, Thompson offers practical "how to" and "where to" information--essential care for the caregiver. But Thompson also consoles and encourages, with her own understanding heart and many rich stories."

        Reference Number:  T-00040

70)  Wallis, Charles and Betty.  Our Christian Home and Family.  San Francisco, California:  Harper & Row, Publishers, 1982.

      Reference Number:  W-00016

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