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Whatever happened to the Second Vatican Council? Has the Catholic Church backed away from its teachings? What, exactly, were those teachings? Did the Council stand for the renewal of the liturgy, for example, or its destruction? Did it bring the Church into the world, or has it allowed the world to infiltrate the Church? On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the closing of Vatican II, Alan Schreck discusses the key documents of the Council and their meaning for Catholics today. He also takes a close look at the ferment and criticism Vatican II left in its wake. What he finds will surprise some Catholics but encourage all to lean into the task of renewing and strengthening the Church for the twenty-first century.
The Holy Spirit is the secret to the Church's growth and vitality—her "fountain of youth"! The Spirit is constantly renewing the Church, and the current age is no exception. In this book, theologian and author Dr. Alan Schreck writes a historical appreciation of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, now celebrating its fiftieth year—a renewal that has touched millions of Catholics throughout the world. Tracing the origins of the Renewal, Schreck outlines its characteristics, how it spread, what is meant by the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the charisms that are associated with it, and the communities that grew out of it. This book is for those who were involved in the Renewal and for those who want to know how the Spirit has moved so mightily in our own time and age.
Who is God? How does the Church help me to know God better? What is the connection between faith and reason, between the spiritual life and "real life?" Does it really matter what I believe, so long as I'm a good person? These questions and many others are answered simply and with clarity by the bestselling author Dr. Schreck. This book will give you a basic introduction to the Catholic faith that is both theologically sound and readily understandable.
What do Catholics really believe about Jesus? Dr. Alan Schreck offers a thorough answer to this question. Jesus is central to everything the Church believes and teaches, yet few people really understand the significance of who Jesus is in their own lives. Dr. Schreck explains when and how Jesus lived, what he taught, his human and divine nature, and how the Risen Jesus continues to act today in the sacraments, through the Holy Spirit, and in his people and ministers. Written in an engaging, straightforward style, this is a book for anyone wanting to know more about Jesus.
This book offers a popular and comprehensive explanation of the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian Life. Readers will learn how to renew theirlife in the Holy Spirit, understand and receive spiritual gifts, and grow in love, joy,peace and other fruits that are the sign that the Spirit dwells in us.
How can we--as St. Francis and so many of the saints have done--hear and obey God's call to 'Rebuild My Church'? --From chapter seven Authentic renewal of the Church isn't an issue for the hierarchy alone. Church renewal depends on every Catholic, including you--your personal growth in holiness, your readiness to use the gifts God has given you, your willingness to learn how to discern and support authentic renewal. In straightforward, engaging language, Dr. Schreck examines the meaning and nature of renewal, the challenges and pitfalls that can divert it, historical examples of renewal, the impact of repentance and prayer, the influence of saints and other notable figures, the role of those in ecclesial office, renewal in the twenty-first century, and more. Informative and inspiring, Rebuild My Church underscores the critical importance of renewal throughout history and equips us to participate in God's plan for the Church in these challenging times.
An essential guide to the sensitive topic of cousin marriage, examining its social, medical, political and legal connotations.
Popes are the Church's chief shepherds. While some focused on governing the Church and addressing challenges from the world, others recognized their primary responsibility to proclaim and teach the Gospel. Author Alan Schreck calls these the "teaching popes" and John Paul II was such a pope, leading the Church and impacting the world with his witness and his teaching. The encyclical letter has been, in modern times, the instrument for popes to express their most important teaching teachings that have lasting value for the Church, and often for the whole world. Dr. Schreck invites the reader to become familiar with the encyclical letters of Pope John Paul II. In The Legacy of Pope John Paul II, Dr. Schreck breaks down more scholarly writing into accessible language. The reflection questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter help facilitate a systematic study of the central teachings of this brilliant but pastoral pope, who conveyed the truth in love.