This collection of perceptive personal essays brings the meaning of the sacraments to life with unflinching realism and compassion. Drawing on his experiences as a priest as well as memories of childhood and adolescence, Patrick Hannon weaves his stories with quirky characters and startling insights into the central actions of Catholic faith in Sacrament: Personal Encounters with Memories, Wounds, Dreams, and Unruly Hearts.

In the tradition of such writers as Anne Lamott, Richard Rodriguez, and Barry Lopez, Patrick Hannon takes his readers on a captivating spiritual journey with unexpected turns and delightful characters. In Sacrament, Hannon guides readers through his own everyday sacramental encounters as living, breathing moments with God. Each essay is a carefully crafted metaphor of one of the sacraments, and Hannon shows moments of deeply human interaction to indeed be encounters with divine grace. The connections between these narratives and the sacraments only come into focus at the very end of each account in a moment of well-earned epiphany. In presenting these beautiful, subtle meditations, Hannon prompts readers to explore their own imaginations and memories for revitalized appreciation for the seven sacraments.

Features & Benefits:

• A popular professor at the University of Portland, Hannon offers numerous retreats, parish missions, reflection days, and workshops, especially in the Northwest.

• Hannon's previous three books have established his reputation as an engaging storyteller with a depth of insight on the spiritual life.

• Hannon's essays have appeared in the Utne Reader and Gold Man magazines as well as in Notre Dame Magazine and US Catholic.

 Bestselling author, speaker, editor, and media personality Bert Ghezzi has been a leading figure in American Catholic life for more than forty years. In The Power of Daily Mass, he reveals how the Eucharist is the center of his daily life and calls him to witness the Real Presence of Christ to others in his work and relationships. Ghezzi shows how frequent participation in the Mass offers participants courage and hope to face everyday challenges, provides direction and encouragement through the scriptures, allows time to reflect and talk to the Lord, and is an opportunity to intercede for family and friends. Using quotations from saints and testimonies from fellow daily Mass attendees, Ghezzi encourages Catholics to grow closer to Jesus and receive Christ's power for daily Christian living through the Eucharist. Ghezzi highlights how more frequent participation in weekday Mass is a wonderful way to grow in love for the Lord and receive the guidance for living that can only come from scripture and the Eucharist. Paperback, 128 pages, 5 1/2"x 8 1/2"

For all who desire a deeper connection to the third person of the Holy Trinity, these prayers and reflections will focus attention and stimulate sensitivity to the Spirit's work. Paperback, 4 1/4" x 6", 64pp.

Helps unmask deep attitudes which lie at the root of sin and offers some soul searching methods on how to begin the process of self-discovery and reconciliation that will lead to more satisfying, meaningful confessions.  4.125" x 5.875", 32pp.