At its annual convention in late May, the Catholic Press Association presented its awards to books judged superior in various categories. This week, The Tidings presents those books which earned honors, with judges' comments on first place winners.

Popular presentation of the Catholic faith
First Place: A Jesuit Off Broadway, by James Martin, SJ, Loyola Press, Chicago.
What more popular presentation of the faith can there be than an engaging story such as this by one of America's best Catholic writers about his experience as adviser to (and then invited to be a member of) a Broadway company doing a play about Jesus and Judas? This is a charming, highly readable book about our faith in our modern world, very well presented, brightened by humor and warmed by the author's connection with and keen understanding of the lives we Catholics lead in the world we inhabit.
Second: A Faith That Frees, by Richard Malloy, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, N.Y.
Third (tie): Created for Joy, by Sidney Callahan, Crossroad Publishing, New York; Broken Trust, by Patrick Fleming, et. al., Crossroad; A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II, by Edward P. Hahnenberg, St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati.

Spirituality/soft cover
First: Teilhard de Chardin, The Divine Milieu Explained: A Spirituality for the 21st Century, by Louis M. Savary, Paulist Press, Mahwah, N.J.
Stating that most traditional spiritualities are based on an image of the earth as flat, Savary points out that the past century has seen paradigm shifts in our understanding of ourselves and of the world in which we live. Teilhard realized that these new understandings necessitate a radically new spirituality that could integrate the important scientific facts of our existence into itself. Savary explains the thoughts of Teilhard and includes practical spiritual exercises that aid the reader to put into practice the spiritual insights of Teilhard. Those who read this book, which is written in an engaging style, will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of the spirituality of Teilhard and a strong mandate to apply this spirituality to their lives. Savary has made a major contribution to the appreciation of a spirituality that encompasses the cosmos.
Second: Finding Francis, Following Christ, by Michael Crosby, Orbis.
Third: The Developing Christian: Spiritual Growth Through the Life Cycle, by Peter Feldmeier, Paulist Press.

Spirituality/hard cover
First: Welcome to the Wisdom of the World, by Joan Chittister, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Joan Chittister seeks to engage the wisdom of all people as they grapple with life's core questions. She explores this wisdom in five major religious traditions, demonstrating her understanding of each tradition and showing how the spiritual insights of each have sought to answer questions common to all persons. This book is a major contribution to the breaking down of walls between major religious traditions. The realization that each tradition holds valuable insights makes for a deeper understanding that each person, no matter of what religious tradition, is seeking answers to universal questions. This is a rewarding discovery!
Second: Broken Trust, by Patrick Fleming et. al., Crossroad.
Third: Crossing the Desert, Learning to Let Go, See Clearly and Live Simply, by Robert J. Wicks, Sorin Books (an imprint of Ave Maria Press), Notre Dame, Ind.

Theology
First: The Quest for the Living God, by Elizabeth Johnson, Continuum, New York.
"Gracious mystery, ever greater and ever nearer," the second chapter of this wonderful book, focuses the reader clearly on the task ahead: coming to a fuller understanding of the many faces and manifestations of the divine in the world in which we live. With each image of God that is presented Johnson offers us the necessary context, the reasoning, and the challenge which animates the believer's devotion and commitment. This is a wonderful text, comprehensive and unflinching when such critique is required, but perhaps even more encouraging and appreciative of the presence of the sacred and the mysterious in our midst.
Second: Faith and Force: A Christian Debate About War, by David L. Clough & Brian Stiltner, Georgetown University Press, Washington, D.C
Third: Gathered for the Journey, by David Matzko McCarthy & M. Therese Lysaught, Wm. B. Eerdmans.

Scripture
First: Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels, by Pheme Perkins, Wm. B. Eerdmans.
Perkins fills the recognized need for a clear, fresh, informed and very readable introduction to the Gospels. This introduction will provide a much-needed resource for teachers and students, for college and adult classes and for independent study. This work is chosen especially for its contribution to the largest audience, because it plumbs the depths and background of contemporary biblical scholarship and translates it into language people understand, because it is fascinating to read, rooted in Perkins' personal experience as a teacher, and because it is the product of a really keen intellect. Highly recommended and will be highly valued by teachers and students alike.
Second (tie): Biblical Human Failures, by Walter Vogels, Novalis, Ottawa, Ontario; Sacra Pagina Series: Hebrews, by Alan C. Mitchell, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minn.
Third: The One Who is to Come, by Joseph A. Fitzmeyer, Wm. B. Eerdmans.

Liturgy
First: A Commentary on the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, by Ed Foley, et. al., Liturgical Press.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2002) has arguably been the most significant liturgical document for the universal Latin Rite Church since the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963). The GIRM has set forth, for the foreseeable future the directives that determine the ritual praxis of the Church's worship and restated to a large extent, the liturgical theology embedded in the constitution. The introduction of the directives and guidelines for the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, and their implementation did not come without hesitation and even resistance in local Churches. Some of the actual changes in ritual practice were questioned, the underlying liturgical and ecclesial theology was challenged. The Commentary, a joint project of the North American Academy of Liturgy (NAAL) and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) is a superbly written resource and lives up to its claim of providing a "thoughtful analysis of the theological, pastoral and ecclesial implications" of the
Second: Sacred Music and Liturgical Reform: Treasures and Transformations, by Anthony Ruff, OSB, Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago.
Third: Liturgy: Sacrosanctum Concilium, by Rita Ferrone, Paulist Press.

Pastoral ministry
First: Turning the Wheel, by Jonathan Bengtson & Gabrielle Earnshaw, Orbis.
It would be tragic to miss the wonderful contribution of so many scholarly, engaging and deeply spiritual reflections gathered together by Bengtson and Earnshaw as they flowed from a major international gathering in 2006 called "...to explore the search for God...that Henri [Nouwen] had worked with during his lifetime and that still resonates for Christians today." To open the pages of this beautifully written book is to become engaged with writers whose breath of knowledge and expanse of interests expose even the light reader of Nouwen to the depth of his passionate search for God and the multi-layered legacy of the same holy path held out to all of humankind. It is indeed a tribute to the man they celebrate. So, too, is it a tribute to editors and contributors.
Second: Mexican American Catholics, by Eduardo C. Fernandez, Paulist Press.
Third: Mission Driven Parish, by Patrick Brennan, Orbis.

Professional books
First: Keeping the Covenant, by Thomas Sweetser, SJ, Crossroad.
This very necessary and useful book is pastorally sensitive, theologically comprehensive, dynamic and challenging, and accessible and practical. Sweetser is obviously a capable and sensitive leader and he seems to have the ability to also clearly articulate his understanding of parish ministry in a manner that will be very helpful to others. This is a book that can be used fruitfully by pastors, pastoral councils, and others who are invested in renewing parish ministry.
Second (tie): The Emerging Diaconate, by William T. Ditewig, Paulist Press; Welcoming the Word in Year A: Building on a Rock, by Verna Holyhead, S.G.S., Liturgical Press.
Third: Battle for Rights in the United States Catholic Church, by Kevin E. McKenna, Paulist Press.

Educational books
First: Bendecidos, RCL Benziger, Allen, Texas
This is a publication whose time has come! Because of the large number of Spanish speaking children who are enrolled religious education programs in the United States, this series offers many advantages to catechists. The format of the text books and the manuals for the catechists place information in Spanish on one side of the book and in English on the opposite page. The advantages of such a publication are many. English-speaking catechists, as well as Spanish-speaking and bilingual catechists, will find this series to be a valuable asset in their instruction efforts. Spanish speaking parents and guardians will find the task of teaching their children easier as they help them with their lessons. The inclusion of DVD and CD-Rom components makes the series especially relevant.
Second: Love That Does Justice, by Thomas Schubeck, Orbis.
Third: From Sand to Solid Ground, by Michael Morwood, Crossroad.

Children's books
First: He Said Yes, by Kelly Ann Lynch, Paulist Press.
This is an inspiring true story of a modern-day hero, his remarkable life and untimely death on 9/11. He was an ordinary boy from Brooklyn who became an extraordinary Franciscan priest and beloved New York City Fire Department chaplain. The story is told in a most engaging way that continually leads us to read on. The illustrations represent the text in a wonderful way, soft and colorful, painting a picture of Fr. Mychal's heart and soul. The text itself, gentle yet strong, truly conveys the character of Father Mychal and his love for the Lord.
Second (tie): Easter Swallows, by Vicki Howie, Pauline Books and Media, Boston; Living the 10 Commandments for Children, by Rosemarie Gortler & Donna Piscitelli, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, Huntington, Ind.
Third: More Saints, Lives and Illuminations, by Ruth Sanderson, Wm. B. Eerdmans.

First time author
First: Wake Up to God's Word: Exercises for Spiritual Transformation, by Mary Reaman, St. Anthony Messenger.
This is an appealing, scripturally based spiritual reading/meditation/contemplation book - a lectio divina - for all ages. Each chapter ends with a practical direction: Ego Identification Exercise, which does just that to get you out of yourself and into contemplation; Contemplation, a thought and/or a Scripture quote for you to contemplate; Prayer, a very brief one regarding the particular meditative point; Action of loving-kindness, suggesting a specific act you can do for someone else that brings the point you are contemplating back to reality. This book is truly a wake up call.
Second: Make Room for God: Clearing Out the Clutter, by Susan K. Rowland, St. Anthony Messenger.
Third: Jesus of Israel: Finding Christ in the Old Testament, by Fr. Richard Veras, Servant Books, Cincinnati.

Family life
First: Jesus in the House: Gospel Reflections on Christ's Presence in the Home, by Allan F. Wright, St. Anthony Messenger.
Knock, knock. Who's there?... "Jesus in the House" fosters the challenge of what it is like to invite everyone around the table of Life, a place where no one is left outside the scope of God's love. Wright invites readers to consider the fidelity of providing a place within each household, where Jesus can dwell. He suggests that readers not just read about the stories of homes where Jesus has been invited, but also to sense the ambience, enter in, and become part of the story. Small group discussions, prayers, reflection questions, and "chapter challenges" round out this wonderful book.
Second: Christian Marriage: The New Challenge, by David Thomas, Liturgical Press.
Third: Good Discipline, Great Teens, by Dr. Ray Guarsendi, Servant Books.

History
First: As it was in the Beginning, by Robert McClory, Crossroad.
The respected Catholic journalist and scholar cites occasions in history when lay people have influenced the direction and mission of the church. He then shows how today's church is already moving toward greater democratization and away from the centralization of power, and how such action is not a radical new direction but a faithful adherence to the longstanding traditions of the church.
Second: Voices of the Faithful, by D'Antonio & Pogorelc, Crossroad.
Third: The Great Catholic Reformers, by C. Colt Anderson, Paulist Press.

Biography
First: Mother Teresa, by Brian Kolodiejchuk M.C. & Trace Murphy, Doubleday Religious Publishing Group, New York.
A well-edited and highly publicized collection of the private writings of the "Saint of Calcutta," including her letters and diary entries, where she admits to suffering through periods of skepticism and weakening of faith on her spiritual journey. An enormously important work in biography and Church history. The editor, Fr. Brian, is director of the Mother Teresa Center and postulator of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Second: A Life Poured Out, by Jean Jacques Perennes, Orbis.
Third: Women in Church History: 21 Stories for 21 Centuries, by Joanne Turpin, St. Anthony Messenger.

Gender issues
First: Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology, by Sarah McFarland Taylor, Harvard University Press, Evanston, Ill.
Many people believe that the most important issue for the 21st century is climate change, and as author Sarah McFarland Taylor shows, Catholic religious sisters are faithfully and steadfastly taking up the mission to heal and restore the life systems of the planet. Popularly referred to as "green nuns" or "green sisters" this book captures their stories. This book deserves first place because it imaginatively addresses one of the most important topics currently facing human beings; because it is clearly and interestingly written, capturing both the activities and the personalities of these green sisters; and because it is a beautifully produced hardcover with twelve black and white photographs that introduce the concepts of the book and the women who are creating this revolution.
Second: Created in God's Image, by Michelle Gonzalez, Orbis.
Third: Women in Mission, by Susan Smith, Orbis.

Reference books
First: An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies, by Orlando O. Espin & James B. Nickoloff, Liturgical Press.
Designed as a supplement for undergraduate students, the book "intends to provide basic definitions and background information on concepts, persons, objects, and events that seem to be important or useful for the academic study of the world's major religions." The 1500-page book is noteworthy for its inclusion of a wide array of non-Euro-American theologians (e.g., Leonardo Boff, John Mbiti) and topics (e.g., Whirling Dervishes, Feng-Shui). Figures from other disciplines who have had an impact on theology and religious studies are also included. A most valuable reference for student and teacher alike.
Second: A New Dictionary of Saint: East and West, by Michael Walsh, Liturgical Press.
Third: St. Joseph Atlas of the Bible, by Tim Dowley, Catholic Book Publishing Corp, Totowa, N.J.

Best book by a small publisher
First: One Hundred Great Catholic Books, by Don Brophy, Bluebridge, New York, N.Y.
All formal education is an introduction to the world of knowledge. Having been introduced, it is incumbent upon each of us to bring the relationship to the next level. What is available for the advancement of our Catholic (maybe we should say "catholic") education is so vast and rich that it would be daunting to approach the task without a guide or mentor. That is what Don Brophy offers in this book, a guide, a sampling, a small taste of the banquet available. With each sampling, the reader will find him or herself hungry for more of each author. This is a much needed book, beautifully written and very inviting.
Second: Wise Choices, by Margaret Silf, Bluebridge, New York, N.Y.
Third: Journey to Holiness, by Edward Foley, Province of St. Joseph, Chicago.

Social concerns
First: Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology, by Sarah McFarland Taylor, Harvard University Press.
Second: Solidarity Will Transform the World, by Jeffry Korgen, Orbis.
Third: Catholicism at the Crossroads, by Paul Lakeland, Continuum.