Being Catholic Today: Your Personal Guide

In 1994, the Catechism of the Catholic Church became a national bestseller. In the wake of this publishing phenomenon, many books explored what Catholics believe, but few offered insights into how Catholics practice their faith. Ghezzi, v-p and editorial director of Servant Books, offers what he calls a ""primer on putting the Catholic faith into practice."" The first section of the book explores ""Being Catholic"" and provides brief reflections on conversion, discipleship and faith. He also offers a brief overview of the history of the Catholic church. The second section, ""Receiving Daily Graces,"" describes in some detail the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist as well as the structure of the Mass. Ghezzi's third section focuses on ""Opening to God"" and meditates on the spirituality of Mary and the saints, the work of the Holy Spirit and the importance of daily Bible reading and prayer. The final two sections explore ethical living in daily life and politics, as well as participation in Christian community and family life. Each chapter contains suggestions for further reading, ideas for individual or group study and questions for reflection and discussion. Ghezzi's humorous anecdotes and pastoral prose offer a useful introduction to Catholic practice. (Mar.)