Leonard J. DeLorenzo - Böcker

The saints are good company. They are the heroes of the faith who blazed new and creative paths to holiness; they are the witnesses whose testimonies echo throughout the ages in the memory of the Church. Most Christians, and particularly Catholics, are likely to have their own favorite saints, those who inspire and "speak" to believers as they pray and struggle through the challenges of their own lives. Leonard DeLorenzo's book addresses the idea of the communion of saints, rather than individual saints, with the conviction that what makes the saints holy and what forms them into a communion is one and the same. Work of Love investigates the issue of communication within the communio sanctorum and the fullness of Christian hope in the face of the meaning—or meaninglessness—of death. In an effort to revitalize a theological topic that for much of Catholic history has been an indelible part of the Catholic imaginary, DeLorenzo invokes the ideas of not only many theological figures (Rahner, Ratzinger, Balthasar, and de Lubac, among others) but also historians, philosophers (notably Heidegger and Nietzsche), and literary figures (Rilke and Dante) to create a rich tableau. By working across several disciplines, DeLorenzo argues for a vigorous renewal in the Christian imagination of the theological concept of the communion of saints. He concludes that the embodied witness of the saints themselves, as well as the liturgical and devotional movements of the Church at prayer, testifies to the central importance of the communion of saints as the eschatological hope and fulfillment of the promises of Christ.

2022 Catholic Media Association first place award in pastoral ministry: catechetical2022 Catholic Media Association second place award in faith formationGod calls each of us to a life of goodness, and our yearnings to become more like God invite us to lifelong practices of conversion. The sacrament of confirmation is a pivotal moment anchoring a Catholic’s commitment to God.But do our current sacramental preparation programs really inspire candidates to turn toward the Lord? Leonard J. DeLorenzo demonstrates how preparation for Confirmation can be life-giving for both candidates and those who accompany them. Turn to the Lord: Forming Disciples for Lifelong Conversion empowers parents, confirmation sponsors, and all who contribute to the holistic formation of young people to share the goodness of God in ways that shape hearts, minds, hands, and habits.

God calls each of us to a life of goodness, and our yearnings to become more like God invite us to lifelong practices of conversion. The sacrament of confirmation is a pivotal moment anchoring a Catholic’s commitment to God. But do our current sacramental preparation programs really inspire candidates to turn toward the Lord? Leonard J. DeLorenzo demonstrates how preparation for Confirmation can be life-giving for both candidates and those who accompany them.This book is for those who seek a substantive but accessible presentation of the Catholic faith, and who are willing to grow in their knowledge of Scripture and Church doctrines, all while welcoming God into their lives. Turn to the Lord: An Invitation to Lifelong Conversion presents to young people—or adults with struggles and doubts about their faith—a holistic, coherent presentation of the human and divine drama of Catholicism. This book is ideal for parents of students involved in confirmation preparation, family members of those participating in RCIA, and sponsors and godparents of those preparing for sacramental initiation. Fully initiated Catholics who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith would benefit from this introduction, as would students in Catholic high schools or collegiate ministry centers.

God feeds his people in the most personal and intimate way. When we receive the Eucharist, we are being fed by God and changed in mind and heart by this most wondrous gift. Fed by the Lord provides at-home scriptural formation for children preparing for First Communion. This resource, written for the adults who guide them, nourishes relationships between children and parents as well as the Lord who feeds them. Fed by the Lord focuses on twelve stories of God feeding his people. By studying together the actions of God in Scripture adults can prepare children to connect with the Word of God––Jesus Christ––who reveals himself through this biblical journey and comes to us personally in the Eucharist.