Catholic Women's Book Group

Please note: In August, the group will meet on the second Tuesday, August 10,
at the same time and in the same location.

Meeting Time and Location
The book group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 2-3:30pm in the Parish Ministry Center. For more information, contact Sue Andzik (719-359-2471 or sandzik@gmail.com).

2021 Book List

January If Your Mind Wanders at Mass by Thomas Howard
February Live Big, Love Bigger: Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus by Kathryn Whitaker
March Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World by Sally Reed
April Can a Catholic Be a Socialist? by Trent Horn
May Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre
June What Does God Want? by Fr. Michael Scanlan
July Activated Disciple: Taking Your Faith to the Next Level by Jeff Cavins
August The Next Pope: The Office of Peter and a Church in Mission by George Weigel
September Loved as I am: An Invitation to Conversion, Healing, and Freedom Through Jesus by Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T.
October Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within by Taylor Marshall
November True Reformers: Saints of the Reformation by Jerome K Williams
December The True St. Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas by William J. Bennett

2021 Book Reviews
Ratings 1–5 †

July 2021
Activated Disciple - Taking Your Faith to the Next Level by Jeff Cavins (††††)

Synopsis: (Taken from Ascension Press) Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. The Activated Disciple teaches you how to imitate God, so you can become an instrument for him to transform the world. If you yearn for a life that moves beyond believing and practicing, if you yearn to become an "activated" disciple, then this book is for you. The foundation of discipleship is imitation. The Activated Disciple learns to walk in the ways of the Lord. Discipleship requires such a close relationship with God that every area of your life is transformed. It is about opening yourself to God and inviting him to dwell within you, becoming holy as he is holy, loving as he is loving. By imitating God, disciples become the instruments God employs to transform the world.

Some Comments from the Group’s Discussion:

It’s a good book for someone just new to the Catholic Church, someone just on the road to wanting to know more, and yet good for those who have become overwhelmed with day-to-day living. Jeff’s stories were all very relatable and made me think of ways I could live a life closer to Jesus. There were tidbits throughout the book that taught me something new, like Jewish children are taught first with Leviticus and he points out six times in Leviticus where God told the people to be holy as He is holy. It was interesting to learn how early Jews started to follow a Rabbi, and a reminder that Jesus chose ME to follow Him.
Having a group of saints you pray to often is a great idea. It’s your personal posse you can call on to pray FOR you and help you. He also states that life in Christ is not a singular relationship with God, but a community experience. We experience Jesus more fully in community and we are encouraged by and held accountable by each other.
I did not know Cavins talks out loud when he prays. But I can see how this would change the way you talk personally to God…What a great practice and one I think I will start.
I particularly like Chapter 3: Who’s Choosing Whom? “Does my relationship with God begin as a result of my personal initiative?” Or does God call each and every one individually? “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” There is something inspiring about knowing you have a purpose that God has given you---personally!
In the section Practicing His Presence we are reminded again and again that we are not alone, God is always at our side. We are closer than the apostles were to Jesus. We can walk so close to Jesus that we are covered with His dust.

Quote:
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes 4:16-18)

June 2021
What Does God Want? A Practical Guide to Making Decisions by Fr. Michael Scanlan (††††)

Synopsis: In What Does God Want? You are given the tools needed to overcome doubts and make wise choices...all in accordance with God’s will. Developed by Fr. Michael Scanlan during more than thirty years of spiritual direction, counseling, and teaching, his approach to decision-making is grounded in Christian tradition and tested by thousands in the real-life challenges of life direction, love, work, study, service, and relationships. Here Fr. Michael Scanlan, former president of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, lays out for you the five critical questions you must answer as you wrestle with important – but naggingly difficult – decisions that keep you up at night. Over the decades, Fr. Scanlan’s five simple questions have helped generations of his colleagues, students, and friends penetrate to the very heart of countless hard problems like these, leading them to wise solutions...and welcome peace.

Some Comments from the Group’s Discussion:

I could really relate to this book and use Fr. Scanlan’s suggestions because were in the middle of making some big decisions. We applied all the principles he gave, asked the five questions and even my husband agreed and was at peace with our decision. It is true that the more you pray, the more you know God’s will for you.
I thought the book started very slowly, but I did like the wrap-up at the end of each chapter. I would not rate it very high though.
I also thought the book started out slow and was more middle of the road, but it did have some good things at the end I can use. I think my daughter could use this book, but I know she wouldn’t read it.
I liked reading a chapter a night to meditate on. I would read the summary questions at the end of each chapter and try to truthfully answer them. I think others who would get a lot out of this book.
I liked when he said that God uses what you are used to in order to speak to us. He says to look for the fruit of the Spirit as you proceed down the path you’ve chosen. The Lord does not give us special grace before we need it, but He promises sufficient grace when we do.
I thought it good that he mentioned to be careful about signs and wonders because the spiritual realm is populated by evil spirits, too.
I liked and could relate to the examples he gave of different people making decisions. I liked his prayers at the end and his encouragement to pray, pray, pray for the key to obtaining conviction is prayer. The worksheet he supplied at the end of the book is invaluable! And I thought the book was very encouraging, and I would rate it a 5!

Quote from the book:
“We are all after eternal life—that which lasts. We are pursuing that which continues to exist when everything else blows away. To achieve this, Jesus is saying, we need a relationship with God. We don’t pursue eternal life. We pursue the One who is eternal.”

May 2021
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Price (†††††)

Synopsis: (random comments from web page) “Are Catholic teachings on Mary really biblical or are they the “traditions of men”? Should she be called the “Mother of God,” or just the mother of Jesus? Did she actually remain a virgin her whole life or do the “brothers of Jesus” refer to her other children? By praying to Mary, are Catholics worshipping her? And what does Mary have to do with the quest to understand Jesus?” By "combining rich Biblical scholarship with an engaging, easy-to-read style, this highly accessible book offers a fresh look at Mary in the Bible. Pitre clearly and convincingly shows that the Bible reveals much more about Jesus’ mother than is commonly appreciated today.
"A must read for every Christian who takes the Bible seriously and is open to what God’s Word has to say about Mary.” –Edward Sri
"This book is vintage Brant Pitre: clear, persuasive, readable, and above all, inspiring. It causes us not only to know more about the Mother of God, but also to love her more." –Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles

Some Comments from the Group’s Discussion:

I love how the author explains what words mean in the context of the culture of the times. I thought his comparison charts throughout the book were extremely helpful.
I learned so much I had not known before. I never knew that Mary did not suffer birth pains.
He gave a great explanation of the difference between honoring Mary and worshipping God.
I appreciated the references to both early Christian and ancient Jewish writers, as well as the quotes from Protestant scholars.
I spent a lot of time reading and studying this book and watching the related videos on Formed. It was interesting that he noted of all of Mary's titles, "Mother of God" is the most important.
I liked the comparison of the Ark--pure gold and veiled in blue--to Mary.
His writing is incredibly detailed and well-researched. The comparisons of Jesus to Joseph in the OT and Mary to Rachel were new ideas to me.
Pitre’s explanation of why Mary's perpetual virginity matters really helped me understand.

Quotes:

“For ancient Christians...to deny that Mary was the "Mother of God" was in effect to deny the central truth of Christianity: that God himself became fully human while remaining fully divine."
"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it." (like Mary did)
"The essence of worship is sacrifice."
"Jesus came not to take away suffering but to take it on himself."
"Thus, disciples of Jesus who embrace a life of virginity now, not only consecrate their bodies to God, they also begin to live out the future life of the Resurrection in the present. Whereas married life and procreation belong to this world, in which, because of the reality of death, human beings must reproduce, the life of virginity points us to the world to come, in which death will be no more."

April 2021
Can a Catholic Be a Socialist by Trent Horn & Catherine R. Pakaluk (††††)

Synopsis: In ‘Common Sense about the Common Good’ Pope Leo XIII wrote of the "harvest of misery" that socialism brings. Pius XI said it is impossible to be a good Catholic and a good socialist. John Paul II spent his papacy combating socialism's dehumanizing statism. Yet somehow this long-discredited economic philosophy is making a comeback, not only on college campuses and political talk shows but among sincere Catholics. Some think it could be the answer to greed and globalism. Some even argue that it is the best way to obey Christ's command to help the poor. In ‘Can a Catholic Be a Socialist?’, Trent Horn and Catherine R. Pakaluk refute this tempting but false notion. Drawing on Scripture, history, Catholic social teaching, and basic economic reality, they show beyond a doubt that Catholicism and socialism are utterly incompatible.

Comments from the group’s discussion:

I enjoyed the book. I thought it well written and sourced and very reader friendly. I took lots of notes, and I found William Buckley’s assessment compelling: “The problems with socialism are socialism, the problems of capitalism are capitalists.”
The author did a good job of speaking at our level and I think it is a book everyone should read.
It was not the spiritual type of book that I love, but it was very informative. Socialism is NOT social justice. I particularly liked R. Reagan’s comment: “Socialists ignore the side of man that is the spirit. They can provide you shelter, fill your belly with bacon and beans, treat you when you are ill, all the things guaranteed to a prisoner or a slave. They don’t, however, understand that we also dream.”
I thought it was a very good and timely book to read. I would definitely share this with other people, especially people who say they think socialism is good and the way to go. The author did a particularly good job explaining the different systems of government and why they work or don't work in "real life" and how they tie in with, or conflict with, God's natural law, church teachings, and scripture. His examples from history were excellent. I learned so much, especially about the different Popes' viewpoints and writings. I took a lot of notes.
The book gave me pause to look at these two issues in an education way, weighing out the good and bad of each. Jesus said, “the poor will always be with you”. If we don’t have capitalists who can make the money, hire workers who in turn can support their families and keep the economy going and help those who find themselves in bad times and in need, unable to pull themselves up; we will ALL be wanting with no desire to better ourselves or help others because the government will demand we all work for the same wage and will in turn give us just enough to survive. What is there then to strive for?

Quotes:

“Socialism fails to account for the reality of human nature. Human beings are equal in dignity but unequal in talents and life choices.”
“Socialism is wrong because it tries to equalize that which is essentially unequal (e.g. talents and abilities) and prevents human beings from charitably relying on one another because of this natural inequality.”

March 2021
Annunciation: A Call to Faith in a Broken World by Sally Reed (††††)

Synopsis: (from an Amazon review) Sally Read converted from atheism to Catholicism when her daughter, Flo, was only four years old, but it did not take long for the child to become aware that many friends and relatives did not share her mother's newfound faith. This consciousness of "two worlds" led to a great many doubts in Flo, and some rebellion. Two nights before her First Communion she suddenly questioned whether she should receive the Eucharist. Sensing the precarious nature of faith in an overwhelmingly secular world, Read began writing down the compelling reasons for holding on to both God and Church. Taking the Annunciation as her template, she explored common experiences of the spiritual life as she meditated on each part of the story recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Drawing on Scripture, the saints, and the lives of people she has known personally or professionally as a nurse, Read shows how God is with us always—even in suffering, spiritual dryness, and depression. Although inspired by a mother's loving response to a daughter, this book will speak to any believer engaged in the bliss and the bewilderment of a relationship with God.

Comments from the group’s discussion:

Our children look to us for faith and Sally Read was so aware of that. Her book read like poetry sometimes as she wrote the thoughts of her faith down to explain to her daughter the depth of her belief. She would say to “hand God your misery so it doesn’t impede you and define you. And then you can make room for God to dwell.”
I liked her analogy of scripture and the catechism being to us like sheet music is to a symphony: they set down in ink the structure and the beauty of our nature as notes on a staff manifest a beautiful sound.
She told her daughter to just open the door and let God work. The more you know God, the thinner the veil is between us and God and we can see more of His divinity.
The book spoke to me in so many ways, I guess because there are so many things going on in my life. I have to let God be God and let His time take care of everything.
My big takeaway was that I don’t have to be something I’m not…God loves me just the way I am.
I like the second half of the book better. I thought she used too many words and gave too much detail. Her explaining Mary’s childlike nature threw me off and she talked a lot about anxiety.
The author put such great pictures into my brain by her words: “Adoration is not about too many words. It is about silently looking into the eyes of God.” What a picture!!
Beware of the title vs. the content of the book. I thought this book was going to be more about Mary. There were some very good points though: such as when she was explaining the Mass which is there to connect us with heaven, to touch us and allow us moments of communion with the Trinity and all the saints and angels. God did all the thinking for us. He asks only that we come.

Quotes:

“Remember that sometimes true prayer has no words, that is, always remember that words help us, not him.”
“Prayer is practicing the knowledge that God’s eyes are upon you. He is the only one who should act as your mirror.”

February 2021
Love Big, Love Bigger: BBQ, Sweet Tea, and a Whole Lotta Jesus by Kathryn Whitaker (††††)

Synopsis: (Taken from Publishersweekly.com) Catholic blogger and speaker Whitaker invites readers to take her “hell yes” approach to life, faith, and family in this effervescent debut, a blend of memoir, devotional, and pep talk. With wit and more irreverence than is usually found in standard Christian living fare, Whitaker, a former Protestant and mother of six, candidly shares her struggles with postpartum depression, marital miscommunication, scoliosis, and perfectionism. However, it’s the premature birth of her fifth child (resulting in life-threatening medical issues for her infant son, Luke) that’s the catalyst for this book. Whitaker wants readers to say “no” to what is insignificant, so they can love God, others, and themselves more wholeheartedly. Though each of the 10 chapters takes on a different topic that distracts from one’s faith and family (including technology, self-image, and the fear of death) they all relate back to Luke, who was “God’s invitation to detachment.” While themes are weighty, Whitaker throws in humorous asides.

Comments from the group’s discussion:

I thought the author was very real and she approaches everything with a grateful heart. She is a convert to Catholicism and often it seems they have a deeper faith than cradle Catholics have. I listen to her blog and like her “Hell Yes” attitude to her faith.
There are so many things she would do with her kids that I wish I would have done while raising mine—even if just pausing at the name of Jesus while saying the Hail Mary to show him honor.
I appreciated her “get up and move forward” attitude, because no matter what the circumstances are in your life at the moment, that is just what you must do. Her repeated advice from St. Francis de Sales was wonderful: “Don’t sow your desires in someone else’s garden, just cultivate your own as best you can—don’t long to be other than what you are, but desire to be thoroughly what you are.”
There were so many little gems that I underlined: “Let us not be afraid to be silent outside and inside ourselves so that we are able to perceive not only God’s voice but the voices and hearts of others.” (She always had time for others.) Also, “I’m not interested in being bitter—a party of one. Instead, I prefer to be grateful for it all—the pain and suffering as well as the joy and redemption.” “I am this because of THAT” makes so much sense to me now.
It was an easy read and I loved the questions she would pose. Made me think. Also, some of her question were tough: “Am I a minimalist Christian?” hit home. “We need to purge to make room for Jesus.” Since reading the book I ask God to make time for me to find time for Him.
She talked about receiving grace from God in different circumstances. I never thought about grace that way but now I see how I’m receiving God’s grace as a gift through all my physical suffering.
Her comment on “quit praying like a nun” hit close to home. God doesn’t care about perfect prayers.

Quote: “I have made a pact with my tongue, not to speak when my heart is disturbed.” St. Francis de Sales

January 2021
If Your Mind Wanders at Mass by Thomas Howard (††††)

Synopsis: “Distractions, fatigue, boredom at Sunday worship--maybe we experience these because we don't fully appreciate what's going on at Mass. Howard's profound and practical look at the liturgy focuses our wandering minds. It reminds us that at Mass the veil separating earth and heaven lifts, so that we stand with angels and saints in the presence of God Most High.” Scott Hahn. “We are now at a stage where the spiritual depths of the Mass deserve a fresh exposition. Howard’s reflective guidance is just what we need after many years of busy ways of getting into a participatory mode. He does more than probe the meaning of the Mass. He shows us how to pay attention and let the sonder of the Eucharist touch our souls.” Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem.

Comments from the group’s discussion:

I thought this a great overview of the entire Mass. I particularly liked his explanation of the Kyrie said three times. It comes from a profound confidence that God has had mercy, He does have mercy, and He will have mercy on us.
I thought the cover was cleverly done with the different ‘i’ in the word ‘mind’. We are all a little too focused on ourselves. He mentions ‘the Mass is the focal point’ and should be our focus of worshiping God and praising God. I liked his mention of why we stand at the Gospel—giving the reading great anticipation and showing our readiness on hearing the very WORD of God, and why we say “we lift our hearts to the Lord” as it should be.
I had trouble getting into the book and I was disappointed with it. Perhaps expecting too much or maybe too many virtual Masses these days.
Reading this book made me proud to be a Catholic and to be able to see the Mass with all its structure and every little part meaning something.
I thought it was an easy ready with good reminders that the Mass is the central act of Christian worship. Howard said that “Christianity teaches that our inclination to worship is planted in us by the One for whom we were made. It was to God that Abel offered sacrifice, and to God that Noah and Abraham and all of Israel raised altars.”
Latter while explaining the breaking of the bread—“He was led as a lamb to the slaughter”—Howard says that “all tribes and cultures seem to have been aware that expiation or propitiation must occur to reconcile us mortals with the deity. Expiation…to appease; to atone for; to make amends; to purify; to extinguish guilt; to pay the penalty; to make reparation. This, say Scripture and the Church, is what was achieved at Calvary for us.
I enjoyed the book and liked the writer's style. It was worthwhile as a study, but I'm not sure how much it will help my distractedness.