Synopses & Reviews
Reverend Hirnes introduces readers to the "depth dimension" of Catholic doctrine. In 10 chapters, Himes offers interesting and provocative reflections on major topics in Catholicism: Trinity--believing in the Trinity is at the core of faith.Grace--helps us appreciate the presence of grace in all that we do.Incarnation--tells us as much about humanity as it tells us about God. Salvation--renews the meaning of this traditional term and shows why social justice is essential to our salvation.Church--questions what it means to be church and how the church continues the presence of Jesus Christ in our world today.Baptism--explores what a baptismal commitment really involves.Eucharist--explores the Eucharist in Scripture and church teaching and the importance of the sacrament for personal growth and building community.Sacraments of Vocation--shows how Matrimony and Holy Orders express the deepest dimension of the God-human relationship.Reconciliation--explores the meaning of sacramental forgiveness in Christian life.Tradition--explains that Catholicism is based on Scripture and Tradition and explores its meaning in the church today.
Synopsis
In his familiar, conversational style, Father Himes invites the reader to consider ten basic truths of Catholicism. Beginning with discussions of Trinity, Grace, the Incarnation and Salvation, Himes moves into an exploration of Church as the continuting presence of Jesus Christ in the world today. After discussing what Baptism and the baptismal commitment really involves, he focuses on Eucharist, showing the importance of the sacrament for personal growth and for the building of community. After discussing the Sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders, Himes explores the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation in the Christian community, and concludes with a discussion of the great gift to the church that we know as tradition.
Based on Father Himes' popular video series, The Mystery of Faith, this book includes questions for reflection and discussion at the conclusion of each chapter. An excellent resource for small groups or parish learning communities seeking to revitalize and deepen their understanding of basic Catholic beliefs.
About the Author
REV. MICHAEL HIMES holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Chicago. He has taught at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception (Huntington, New York) and the University of Notre Dame. Currently he is on the faculty of Boston College.