Guide to the Sacraments Collection (7 vols.)

This fundamental work explores the underlying meaning of Christian sacraments and how they function. In a concise and readable way Tad Guzie offers a modern understanding of the sacraments—not as encounters that “give grace” but as opportunities for people already in God’s grace to celebrate that fact. In the process he enriches our understanding of the symbolic aspect of human life and the profound social dimension of the Christian religion.

Fr. Kenan B. Osborne brings contemporary theological insights to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—which together form the introduction to Christian sacramental life. Osborne presents the best biblical, ecumenical, and modern sacramental thinking for creating a post-Vatican II sacramental theology. His work combines theological, spiritual, and liturgical dimensions of sacramental preparation, and is designed for those engaged both in teaching sacraments and in preparing others for their reception.

Thomas Cardinal Collins addresses fundamental elements Christian discipleship—reconciliation, Eucharist, and stewardship—in this collection of three pastoral letters from his tenure as archbishop of Edmonton.

In this volume, Fr. Kenan B. Osborne provides helpful guidelines for anyone preparing classes that deal with the sacraments. In clear and logical order, Osborne lays out the hierarchy of truths involved in sacramental instruction. He identifies which doctrines of the church are “immutable truths” that must be taught. He also discusses statements which are official teachings of the church, but which may change in time. Finally, he describes those areas in sacramental teaching still being debated by reputable Catholic theologians.

Sacramental Guidelines is an indispensable tool for religious education teachers. Parents and pastors will appreciate its straightforward overview of the sacraments and how they function in our faith.

Sacramental Theology is a general introduction to the whole study of sacraments. Author Kenan B. Osborne analyzes them from the perspective of the sacrament that is Christ and the Church.

Ecumenical in its presentation, Sacramental Theology overviews the complete teaching of the Catholic Church and links it to a wide range of Anglican and Protestant thought as well. Osborne masterfully weaves the teaching of Vatican II on the sacraments with the rich tradition of sacramental theology through the centuries.

Sacramental Theology makes an excellent text book for college-level classes, seminary programs, and adult religious studies programs.

In Sacraments Revisited, Liam Kelly takes each of the seven sacraments in turn—baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, matrimony, holy orders, and the sacrament of the sick—and explores their fascinating history, how each sacrament came about and how they have developed within the life of the Church. Throughout each chapter, he poses a series of questions to help us revisit our own experiences, and to explore the richness which lies within the celebration of each sacrament.

As well as being a valuable resource for personal reflection, Sacraments Revisited is ideal for catechists and those involved in adult education, and for use in parishes and RCIA groups.

Dennis C. Smolarski reflects on the changes in liturgy since Vatican II, the quality of worship in our churches, and the degree to which the renewed liturgy has been effective. Smolarski opens by reviewing the continual process of reform in the Church, and reflects on the foundational principals for all liturgical action. He discusses each of the sacraments, with a particular reference to the way they are ritualized in the assembly. Finally he addresses practices that can cloud the experience of mystery during liturgical celebrations and thus inhibit the power of the rite. Clergy and laity who are concerned about the effectiveness of worship will find inspiration for enhancing the quality of their celebration.