Join Chris on his Pope Francis blog tour as he, and the featured bloggers below, discuss Pope Francis and the “other-centered” leadership style of a man whose passion is to be with people rather than set apart.

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In Under the Influence of Jesus, best-selling author Joe Paprocki explains complex spiritual concepts with engaging discussion so that “everyday” Catholics can integrate and articulate their faith and live the Gospel in a way that is simple, compelling, contemporary, liberating, and life-changing.

Told in Joe’s direct, relatable language and signature style, Under the Influence of Jesus posits that through conversion and the full embrace of New Evangelization, we are able to unleash the potency of an encounter with Jesus and his life-changing message and enable ourselves to truly know Jesus and not just know about him.

More information about Under the Influence of Jesus can be found online at www.loyolapress.com/undertheinfluence.

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The Catholic faith formation series, “Finding God,” is now available as a bilingual edition for grades 1-6 from Loyola Press.

Inspired by the life and work of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Ignatian approach of Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts invites all who experience the program to recognize the presence of God in the sacraments, in their communities of faith, and in their lives as people for others.

Finding God Bilingual is a direct response to the needs of parishes across the country who celebrate and worship in a multicultural community. This faith formation program invites children and their parents into a new way of living in relationship with God, family, community, and the world.

Incorporating sound doctrine, Scripture, Tradition, and prayer through experiential activities make these essential lessons part of a lifelong practice of faith. Some activities, for example, within the “If Time Allows” activities, have cultural adaptations to help children and families make stronger connections to their lived faith.

Finding God Bilingual employs games, reviews, study guides, parent resources, e-newsletters, and other pieces in Spanish and English that help foster and encourage children and families of diverse backgrounds to explore their faith and relationship with God as a family.

Loyola Press continues to grow and adapt to the needs and desires of ministries across the country. We welcome you to explore all the materials and resources available through Loyola Press.  Visit our Web site www.FindingGod.com for more information and materials that support and assist you in your daily mission to do God’s work.

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Ignatius of Loyola and his “friends in the Lord” dreamt of serving God together in what became the Society of Jesus. Two of his most trusted companions were Peter Faber and Francis Xavier. While Francis Xavier is widely known for his world travels and missionary zeal, Peter Faber worked quietly toward internal reform of the Church and became a pioneer of ecumenism. As a companion of Ignatius and founding member of the Jesuits, Faber helped create an order of priests that would ultimately change the world.

By canonizing one of the earliest Jesuits, Pope Francis is showing the world how to live in service of others. In support, Loyola Press is releasing The Quiet Companion, the authoritative biography about Peter Faber and his role in founding and shaping the Society of Jesus. Known for being extremely hard on himself but gentle with others, Faber spent his life working for the renewal of the Church—one person at a time.  As presented by noted Irish historian Mary Purcell, Peter Faber’s story inspires us to lives of service. He had a reputation as someone with a simple piety, careful interior discernment, and willingness to dialogue with all, including his opponents. Pope Francis has held him up as a model for spirituality and priestly life.

The Quiet Companion includes a new foreword by James Martin, SJ.
More information about Peter Faber can be found online at www.loyolapress.com/faber.

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There’s a constant hunger in the world for books that explore the spiritual aspects of life, but writing about spirituality is far more complex than simply sharing personal reflections about God and the life of faith. Incorporating her 20+ years of publishing and writing experience, Vinita Hampton Wright provides a practical and straightforward look at spiritual writing for a broader audience in The Art of Spiritual Writing.

Join Vinita on a blog tour showcasing The Art of Spiritual Writing as she discusses spiritual writing through interviews, guest blog posts, reviews, and have the chance to win a copy of the book in one of the giveaways!

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These are a few of the fascinating stories presented in Loyola Press’s Food and Faith, a new series that celebrates the inspiring ways Catholics express their faith through the culinary arts. Hosted at LoyolaPress.com, this collection of stories examines food and faith just in time for Thanksgiving.

The connection between food and faith has always been present, from Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding at Cana to today’s celebration of the Eucharist at Mass. We continue this tradition of nourishing our soul as well as our body with every food drive and pancake breakfast shared in the parish hall. Loyola Press is excited to illuminate all the ways we feed our souls at the intersection of food and faith.

As part of the popular Arts and Faith series, Food and Faith delves into the stories and lives of people who use the culinary arts to find God. The series will begin the second week of November and lead up to Thanksgiving, a time when families break bread together and reflect on the good God has brought into their lives. Like the many other stories in the Arts and Faith series, the Food and Faith collection will remain online for readers to enjoy and share season after season.

The series captures the personal and public ways faith is explored, expressed, shared, and celebrated in our families, parishes, and culture. Loyola Press hopes these 30+ stories inspire readers to tap their own talents to express their faith through cooking, baking, gardening, harvesting memories, or simply enjoying good food with great company.

Whether you’re a chef de cuisine or can barely make toast, Food and Faith shows there’s always a place at God’s table. Jump in, explore the stories, and share the creative ways you’re expressing your faith at http://www.loyolapress.com/arts-and-faith.htm.

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The Blue Ribbon Award honors high-level performing schools or schools where students are making large steps in academic achievement. The schools may be public or private and include elementary, middle, and high schools.

St. Francis Xavier utilizes Loyola Press’ Voyages in English and Finding God programs as part of their award-winning curriculum; the programs instruct their 600 students from preschool through eighth grade. This year, SFX is part of 50 schools nationwide to be recognized, specifically in the Exemplary High Performing category.

To be placed in the high-performing group, a school must be in the top 15 percent in the state for reading and mathematics skills, which are measured by a national or state exam. Teachers must hold high standards for students while also demonstrating a commitment to excellence in their instruction. Schools must submit a written nomination from a top education official.

SFX held an awards ceremony on Friday, Oct. 4, at which principals from St. Ignatius College Prep, Lyons Township, Nazareth Academy, Fenwick, and Benet attended. The village president of LaGrange and two trustees were also present. The event received over 1,000 views via its online streaming presentation. SFX principal Deb Rodde will accept a Blue Ribbon plaque and a flag at the official awards ceremony on Nov. 18–19 in Washington D.C.

Click here to learn more about Voyages in English, and here to learn about Finding God programs.

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The Loyola Press Opening Doors Award honors a parish community that demonstrates inclusion and engagement practices that facilitate the meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of the parish community and the life of the Catholic Church. The award will be presented by NCPD and Loyola Press at the Where Faith & Disability Meet Conference in Houston, Texas, November 1-3, 2013.

The Where Faith & Disability Meet Conference serves to highlight the innovative efforts of hundreds of parishes who are opening doors for the full and active participation of all their members. Attendees will enjoy a variety of learning sessions and addresses that cover a diverse selection of important topics, including but not limited to bioethics, mental illness, autism, sacramental preparation, family support in a multi-cultural environment, and much more. All learning sessions will be available in both English and Spanish, and numerous exhibitors will be on hand to share innovative products and services.

Join keynote speakers Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and John Foppe, Executive Director of St. Vincent DePaul of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, as NCPD continues to foster an environment in which parishioners with disabilities are engaged and serve in parish life.

Click here for more information on the mission of the NCPD and to learn how to attend the Where Faith & Disability Meet Conference.

Click here to learn more about the Loyola Press products that serve individuals with special needs.

The post Leading by Example, St. Joseph’s Parish and All Saints Parish Win Opening Doors Award! appeared first on Loyola Press-Newsroom.

Join Karen Beattie on her Rock-Bottom Blessings blog tour as she discusses the true meaning of abundance through interviews, guest blog posts, reviews, and have the chance to win a copy of the book in one of the giveaways!

9/17/2013 — Ginny Moyer
9/18/2013 — Elizabeth Esther
9/19/2013 — Lisa Hendey
9/20/2013 — Heather Kopp
9/21/2013 — Margaret Feinberg
9/23/2013 — Integrated Catholic Life
9/24/2013 — Sarah Reinhard
9/25/2013 — Becky Eldredge
9/26/2013 — Jamie Calloway Hanauer
9/27/2013 — Jennifer Grant

Karen Beattie has a master’s degree in journalism and has written about women’s issues, the arts, and spirituality for several publications, including Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Woman, and Midwest Living. She currently works as writing director for a digital creative agency. She lives with her husband, daughter and geriatric cat on the north side of Chicago. Karen’s newest book is Rock-Bottom Blessings from Loyola Press

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Petra Alexander, and Terri Locke, President, Loyola Press at the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry.

CHICAGO, IL – Together with the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry, Loyola Press congratulates Petra Alexander, winner of the 2013 Outstanding Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry.

“Loyola Press is privileged to partner with NCADDHM in honoring diocesan directors of Hispanic Ministry through this award and through the financial support for orientation scholarships for years to come,” says Fr. Paul Campbell, SJ, Publisher of Loyola Press.

As director for the Office of Hispanic Affairs for the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, this year’s honoree Petra Alexander has shown continued dedication and innovation in shepherding resources for spiritual fulfillment to her diocese.  In the 12 years she has served as director, Petra has been a devoted supporter and inspiring advocate of Latino/Hispanic traditions and the advancement of Hispanic ministry.

Petra received the award at the annual convention of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 28. The award was presented by Fr. Hector Madrigal, President of NCADDHM, and Fr. Paul Campbell, SJ, at the closing banquet of the 2013 conference, “Pastoral hispana de conjunto a la luz de la Nueva Evangelización.” This historical meeting gathered, for the first time, national, regional, and diocesan leaders from NCADDHM, the National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM), and the Federation of Pastoral Institutes (FIP), as well as bishops and staff from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The award includes a $2,000 gift from Loyola Press, most of which will benefit the Hispanic Affairs Ministry of the diocese. Loyola Press is honored to recognize Petra as an invaluable advisor and liaison to the Hispanic community in the San Bernardino Diocese and congratulates her on this landmark achievement. Felicidades!

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