Products in Advent & Christmas

Approaching the Mystery of the Nativity with St. Ephrem and the Virgin Mary

The nativity story is one the biggest mysteries of the Catholic faith, as it has us consider even the mysteries of the Trinity. In St. Ephrem’s writings, he contemplates these mysteries through Our Lady, and finding beautifully unique understanding of the meaning of the nativity story through the very human experiences of Mary. Join Dr. Carl Vennerstrom as he explains and answers these important questions about the mystery of the nativity as we approach the Christmas season.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Waiting for the Lord: Patience and Penance in Advent

Advent is a time for patience and awaiting the coming of the Lord. While waiting may be difficult to do, Dr. Prothro explains that it is the best way to prepare and what God truly wants from us during this time.  Patience is the penance that we need in order to fully prepare for God and this holy season. This exciting new talk explores different ways that we can prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord this Advent season.

The Best Advent Ever: Book #3 The Adventures of Nick & Sam (Case of 40)

Share Your Faith this Advent or Christmas: Easy evangelization and gift-giving to in your parish with this case of 40!

Free Shipping! To guarantee Advent delivery, please order by Oct 31, 2020. Buy 3 or more cases and get each book for only $1.50 per copy!

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The Perry family's first Advent in Hope Springs is a mix of drama and comedy as Sam competes with her best friend to be in the Christmas pageant, Nick hopes to play an angel that actually flies, the search for a Christmas tree leads to danger, and family traditions take on a whole new meaning of joy.

It's a time of fun, learning, and wonder that might become the Perry family's best Advent ever.

About the Series

Nicolas (Nick) and Samantha (Sam) Perry are twins in the Perry family. They moved with their parents, their brother Andrew, and their sister Lizzy, to Hope Springs in the summer. Hope Springs is a fictional town in the mountains of Colorado, the setting of the Hope Springs series. Hope Springs is a multi-faceted series of stories that explores living the Catholic faith in the modern world. This series presents the adventures of the twins, their family, their friends, and the people they encounter at school, church, and in town. This series presents Catholic culture easily and normally, and provides opportunities for readers to think about the consequences of words and actions. Centered around the Perry family, Hope Springs was introduced as short stories in the Signs Of Grace catechetical workbooks and now includes novels for First Readers (ages 7+) under the banner The Adventures Of Nick & Sam. The world of Hope Springs also appears in the grown-up novel Blue Christmas. The likeable and engaging characters reflect the sensibilities and struggles of being Catholic in the quirky small town of Hope Springs, playing out their faith at the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and School, with their neighborhood friends and adversaries, and in the many adventures that makes the teachings of the Church come alive. This series is written similarly to the Adventures in Odyssey series and the Magic Tree House Series, and is recommended for readers ages seven and up, but can also be read by parents to younger children.

About the Author

Paul McCusker is best known as a writer for the popular Adventures in Odyssey series and the Hope Springs series which include The Adventures of Nick and Sam and The Virtue Chronicles. He has created the Augustine Institute Radio Theatre Audio Dramas including Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi (2018 Audie Award winner), The Trials of Saint Patrick, Ode to Saint Cecilia and The Legends of Robin Hood.

Product Details

– 221 Pages
– Released 2018
– Paperback

The Best Advent Ever: Book #3 The Adventures of Nick & Sam (Case of 40) CANADA ONLY

Share Your Faith this Advent or Christmas: Easy evangelization and gift-giving to in your parish with this case of 40!

Free Shipping! To guarantee Advent delivery, please order by Oct 31, 2020. Buy 3 or more cases and get each book for only $1.50 per copy!

View Sample

The Perry family's first Advent in Hope Springs is a mix of drama and comedy as Sam competes with her best friend to be in the Christmas pageant, Nick hopes to play an angel that actually flies, the search for a Christmas tree leads to danger, and family traditions take on a whole new meaning of joy.

It's a time of fun, learning, and wonder that might become the Perry family's best Advent ever.

About the Series

Nicolas (Nick) and Samantha (Sam) Perry are twins in the Perry family. They moved with their parents, their brother Andrew, and their sister Lizzy, to Hope Springs in the summer. Hope Springs is a fictional town in the mountains of Colorado, the setting of the Hope Springs series. Hope Springs is a multi-faceted series of stories that explores living the Catholic faith in the modern world. This series presents the adventures of the twins, their family, their friends, and the people they encounter at school, church, and in town. This series presents Catholic culture easily and normally, and provides opportunities for readers to think about the consequences of words and actions. Centered around the Perry family, Hope Springs was introduced as short stories in the Signs Of Grace catechetical workbooks and now includes novels for First Readers (ages 7+) under the banner The Adventures Of Nick & Sam. The world of Hope Springs also appears in the grown-up novel Blue Christmas. The likeable and engaging characters reflect the sensibilities and struggles of being Catholic in the quirky small town of Hope Springs, playing out their faith at the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and School, with their neighborhood friends and adversaries, and in the many adventures that makes the teachings of the Church come alive. This series is written similarly to the Adventures in Odyssey series and the Magic Tree House Series, and is recommended for readers ages seven and up, but can also be read by parents to younger children.

About the Author

Paul McCusker is best known as a writer for the popular Adventures in Odyssey series and the Hope Springs series which include The Adventures of Nick and Sam and The Virtue Chronicles. He has created the Augustine Institute Radio Theatre Audio Dramas including Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi (2018 Audie Award winner), The Trials of Saint Patrick, Ode to Saint Cecilia and The Legends of Robin Hood.

Product Details

– 221 Pages
– Released 2018
– Paperback

Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives

The momentous third and final volume in the Pope's international bestselling Jesus of Nazareth series details the stories of Jesus' infancy and boyhood, and how they are relevant today in the modern world.

As the Pope wrote in volume two of this series, he attempts to "develop a way of observing and listening to the Jesus of the Gospels that can indeed lead to the personal encounter and that, through collective listening with Jesus' disciples across the ages, can indeed attain sure knowledge of the real historical figure of Jesus."

Now, the Pope focuses exclusively on the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking, as demonstrated by the Magi searching for the redemption offered by the birth of a new king. Ultimately, Jesus' life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.

"I can at last consign to the reader the long promised little book on the narratives of Jesus' childhood . . . Here I have sought to interpret, in dialogue with exegetes of the past and of the present, what Matthew and Luke recount at the beginning of their Gospels about the infancy of Jesus."
- Pope Benedict XVI

About the Author

Pope Benedict XVI is widely recognized as one of the most brilliant theologians and spiritual leaders of our age. As Pope he authored the best-selling Jesus of Nazareth; prior to his pontificate, he wrote many influential books that continue to remain important for the contemporary Church, such as Introduction to Christianity and The Spirit of the Liturgy.

Product Details

– 128 Pages
– Released 2018
– Hardcover

Advent: Rethinking the Season

Advent is an odd season. Unlike most other seasons, it’s a season that isn’t about itself, but is instead about preparing for Christmas. But that reality often gets lost in the shuffle and stress of trying to find all the right gifts, decorations, and dinner ingredients. In this talk, Dr. Tim Gray uses storytelling and the readings of the Old Testament to explain that we need to live the ‘pre-season’ of Advent well, so we can be prepared to welcome and receive the greatest gift God the Father wants to give us at Christmas: His Son, Jesus.

The Best Advent Ever: The Adventures of Nick & Sam

More than Candles and Calendars?

The Perry family's first Advent in Hope Springs is a mix of drama and comedy as Sam competes with her best friend to be in the Christmas pageant, Nick hopes to play an angel that actually flies, the search for a Christmas tree leads to danger, and family traditions take on a whole new meaning of joy.

It's a time of fun, learning, and wonder that might become the Perry family's best Advent ever.

About the Series

Nicolas (Nick) and Samantha (Sam) Perry are twins in the Perry family. They moved with their parents, their brother Andrew, and their sister Lizzy, to Hope Springs in the summer. Hope Springs is a fictional town in the mountains of Colorado, the setting of the Hope Springs series. Hope Springs is a multi-faceted series of stories that explores living the Catholic faith in the modern world. This series presents the adventures of the twins, their family, their friends, and the people they encounter at school, church, and in town. This series presents Catholic culture easily and normally, and provides opportunities for readers to think about the consequences of words and actions. Centered around the Perry family, Hope Springs was introduced as short stories in the Signs Of Grace catechetical workbooks and now includes novels for First Readers (ages 7+) under the banner The Adventures Of Nick & Sam. The world of Hope Springs also appears in the grown-up novel Blue Christmas. The likeable and engaging characters reflect the sensibilities and struggles of being Catholic in the quirky small town of Hope Springs, playing out their faith at the St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church and School, with their neighborhood friends and adversaries, and in the many adventures that makes the teachings of the Church come alive. This series is written similarly to the Adventures in Odyssey series and the Magic Tree House Series, and is recommended for readers ages seven and up, but can also be read by parents to younger children.

About the Author

Paul McCusker is an American writer most widely known for Adventures in Odyssey, but he has worked on many other types of writing projects: novels, plays, musicals, radio dramas, and movie scripts. Paul now writes for the Augustine Institute Radio Theatre productions and the Publishing Department. He is a convert to Catholicism, and lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife and children.

Product Details

– 221 Pages
– Released 2018
– Paperback

Waiting for Christ

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Blessed John Henry Newman was one of the most beloved and well-known preachers of his time. Originally an Anglican priest, Newman converted to Catholicism and became a Catholic priest and cardinal. Known for his beautiful prose and exultant preaching, Newman has long been a source of inspiration for those in the Church. In this new and compact compilation of his sermons, you’re invited to journey with Bl. John Henry Newman through Advent into Christmas and Epiphany, meditating on the coming of Christ and the Christian life. Newman’s masterful knowledge of the lives of the saints, Catholic doctrine, and, above all, Sacred Scripture, will help you immerse yourself in these liturgical seasons of waiting, wondering, and joy.

These beautiful meditations guide you through reflections on:
• Preparing for the Lord’s coming at Christmas and the end of time
• Our dependence upon the Lord’s goodness
• What happens when we do not seek truth
• Mary’s role in salvation history
• God’s call for each and every one of us to holiness
• Glorifying God in the world
• True joy
• Martyrdom, affliction, and consolation
• Love as the one thing needful

Waiting for Christ provides an opportunity to spend a few minutes with Bl. John Henry Newman and Christ every day of the Advent and Christmas seasons, preparing for the coming of the Lord.

Praise for Waiting for Christ

“Daily meditation and prayer, much as one spends time with a friend, is an essential practice for any person who desires to have Jesus as an intimate companion. This wonderful selection of Newman’s meditations enables us to draw close to Christ as we await his Nativity each year, that he may recognize us when he returns in glory.”

– Sebastian White, OP, Editor-in-Chief, Magnificat (USA)

“Newman was a prolific and accomplished writer in many and varied genres, but I have always believed that his voice can best be heard through his sermons. Christopher Blum has captured that sweet voice by giving us a rich selection of Newman’s very best sermons for Advent and Christmas to accompany us through these graced seasons.”

– The Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln

“These passages are superbly selected, showing that Newman’s is not simply a voice from the past, but one that speaks to the needs of faith in our day. And the peculiar quality of Newman’s voice is how easily he slips into the background to leave us thinking only of Christ, so that the heart of Christ speaks to our hearts through Newman’s words. This book invites us to spend a few minutes each day with a man of eloquence and holiness—and to be left, not with an impression of Newman, but with a longing for Christ that makes us more ready to welcome him, both in the great feast of Christmas and in the ordinary details of each day.”

– Edward Hogan, Ph.D., Academic Dean, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

About the Author

Blessed John Henry Newman was born in England in 1801. He spent his early adult life as an Anglican priest and academic. Involved in what was known as the Oxford Movement, a movement within Anglicanism that supported the return to some Catholic beliefs and liturgical reform, he later left the Church of England. He converted to Catholicism, was ordained a Catholic priest, and years later was made a cardinal. Newman was widely known as a powerful preacher before and after his conversion to Catholicism, and was an extremely prolific author, writing sermons, essays, poetry, hymns, and an autobiography. He died in 1890 and was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Product Details

• Pages: 160
• Format: Paperback
• Size: 5.25" x 8"
• Release Date: October 2018

The Story of Christmas

An Audio Drama About the First Christmas

Children will enjoy this heart-warming dramatization that recounts the story of the first Christmas. With music, songs, and engaging story-telling, you will experience the wonderful events that led up to the birth of God’s Son and the story of redemption.

Product Details

– Approximate run time: 30 minutes
– Herald Entertainment
– Copyright 2013

The Story of Saint Nicholas

A story of humble generosity.

The Story of Saint Nicholas is the story of a humble priest who showed God’s love through giving. In this book written for children 10 and under, kids will have the chance to discover the magic of the generosity of Saint Nicholas.

Product Details

The Christmas Pageant that Almost Wasn’t

A Brother Francis Storybook.

Brother Francis and his friends are set to put together the Christmas pageant that everyone looks forward to. Everything is working smoothly until rivalry for one of the most important roles nearly topples the production. A last-minute answer to prayer saves the event and teaches its participants a wonderful lesson they will cherish forever.

In this storybook, beautifully illustrated in full color, kids will have the opportunity to enter into this beautiful story of the power of prayer!

Product Details

– Pages: 30
– Copyright: 2017
– Herald Entertainment
– Hardcover

Spanish - El Anillo Es Para Siempre

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For the first time ever, we are excited to offer a Spanish language book that is not a translation of a previously released English title. This book was written in Spanish by a native speaker specifically for the Spanish-speaking world.

A wedding ring is something very special, and we normally wear it at all times because it signifies the most important things in our lives. It symbolizes our marriage relationship, our family, our children, our home, and the blessings of God, as well as many other things. Fr. Ángel asks: “How can such a small object— a ring—signify something so great: love and fidelity?”

In these pages, he offers us the answer. With a simple approach to the marital commitment, and using the visible appearance of the wedding ring, Fr. Ángel teaches us about the profound plan that God has for marriage. In his unique style, he brings us from tears to laughter, oftentimes on the same page, to remind us that, like the ring, marriage is forever.

*In order to qualify for FREE shipping, ensure you are logged in to Parish Access and choose UPS ground shipping at checkout. Free shipping only applies to these promotional products shipped within the Continental United States. If you would like to purchase any other products they must be ordered separately.

About the Author

Fr. Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros Gómez Haro is a Catholic priest who was born in Puebla, México. He has a degree in the Classical Humanities from the Instituto de Estudios Humanísticos de Salamanca in Spain. He studied philosophy in the Pontifical Gregorian University and theology in the Ateneo Regina Apostolorum in Rome from which he received a degree in Moral Theology and another in Bioethics. Since he was ordained as a priest in November 1994, he has worked as a youth counselor and later as a family counselor in Mexico, Colombia, Italy, and France. Fr. Angel has given more than 2000 conferences around the world on the topics of the family, family values, and spirituality. His internet talks have received millions of visits, and he is one of the most popular Catholic speakers in the Spanish-speaking world.

Full of Grace: The Message of the Angel

Renowned speaker, author, and musician Vinny Flynn makes the angel’s message at the Annunciation come alive with meaning and relevance by delving into Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the writings of St. John Paul II. Vinny helps listeners understand the deeper significance of the words of the Hail Mary prayer and the angel’s greeting, offering penetrating insights into the role of our Blessed Mother in God’s plan of salvation.

Joy to the World - Book

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In Joy to the World, Dr. Scott Hahn brings the first Noel to new light through his thought-provoking combination of exciting story-telling and penetrating biblical insight. Christmas, as it appears in the New Testament, is the story of a father, a mother, and a child, their relationships, their interactions, their principles, their individual lives, and their life in common. To see the lives of this “earthly trinity” is to catch a first glimpse of heaven. Dr. Hahn shows Christmas to be the story of a family.

Spanish - 33 Días Hacia Un Glorioso Amanecer - Book (Premium Edition)

Padre Michael Gaitley, MIC, reconocido internacionalmente como autor, conferenciante y guía espiritual, presenta un viaje extraordinario en “33 Días hacia un Glorioso Amanecer” con cuatro gigantes de la espiritualidad Mariana: San Luis María de Montefort, San Maximiliano Kolbe, Beata Madre Teresa de Calcuta, y el San Papa Juan Pablo II. 

Padre Michael magistralmente resume su enseñanza, haciéndolo fácil de entender, y suficientemente posible de poner en práctica.

Pages: 208
Book Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"

Mary: The Indispensable Mother of God

Tim Staples explains the incredible impact that the Church’s understanding of Mary has on our spiritual lives, and the profound way that Marian doctrines and dogmas safeguard what we believe about her Son. Using penetrating insights and humor, Tim shows how correct knowledge of our humble Mother reveals our own identity in Christ, and empowers us to say “Yes” to God!

A Journey Through Advent: Liturgical Cycle C

Get the most out of Advent and Christmas by following along with Bishop Robert Barron's homilies as he unpacks the profound Scripture readings for Liturgical Cycle C. 

The readings that correspond to the homilies on this CD were last heard in Advent 2012.

God Made Man

In this Christmas themed presentation, Fr. Shannon Collins sheds new light on the biblical narratives of the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as the beautiful Christmas traditions of the Church.

Fr. Collins serves as a preacher of parish missions and retreat master. Fr. Collins has appeared on EWTN and has been stationed at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville Alabama.

Mary, The Mother of God - Booklet

“Mary, the Mother of God” covers the four Marian dogmas: Mary as mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her perpetual virginity and her Assumption. Grow in both knowledge and love of your mother in Heaven in this Knights of Columbus booklet.

Mary - Booklet

“How Catholics Pray to Mary” explains why Catholics believe we not only can, but also should, pray to Jesus through the intercessory help of Mary. Whether you’re looking to understand why Catholics pray to Mary, how to pray to Mary, or to be able to defend this foundational Catholic belief to others, you’ll benefit from this Knights of Columbus booklet.

The Mystery of Christmas

In this inspiring talk, renowned preacher and retreat master Fr. Larry Richards illuminates how the true joy of Christmas is found in the greatest gift ever given – the gift of Jesus Christ to the whole world. With humor, compassion, and clarity, Fr. Larry gets to the heart of the true meaning of Christmas and helps us to better appreciate the immensity of God's love for us as His children.

Message of Guadalupe - Booklet

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico, Mother of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn Child.Why, in 1531, did Our Lady appear to an illiterate Mexican worker, Juan Diego? How can interest and devotion to her today be so widespread? Our Lady appeared as an Indian girl, speaking Juan Diego’s own native language, and offered her help to the oppressed and largely pagan people from which he came. The miraculous image, which appeared as a result on Diego’s clothing, can still be seen in Mexico today. This booklet tells the story, and the message Guadalupe has for the modern world. Gillian Rae eloquently shows how Mary’s ‘missionary image’ spans the centuries to combat today’s ‘culture of death.’

The True Meaning of Christmas

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's books, tapes, homilies, retreats, and television series have inspired countless souls all over the world. This digitally-mastered presentation combines classic recordings of his timeless reflections on the meaning of the Incarnation of Jesus, mixed with Gregorian Chant and seasonal music. It is sure to become a family favorite!

Prepare the Way of the King

Dr. Scott Hahn - one of the most eminent Catholic theologians in our country today- reveals what scholars now know about the shepherds, the mysterious Magi, and King Herod. Your Advent journey will take on new meaning as you prepare your heart for the birth of our Lord. This illuminating presentation is sure to help you grow in appreciation of the greatest gift ever given to mankind - Jesus Christ.

Discovering the Biblical Significance of Mary

In one of the most inspiring CDs we have ever offered on the Virgin Mary, Dr. Scott Hahn reveals incredible insights on the Biblical basis for the Catholic teachings regarding Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant. This presentation will help shatter many misconceptions and clearly demonstrate how Catholic teachings are unmistakably rooted in Sacred Scripture.

Confession

Based upon his proven and powerful parish mission presentation, Fr. Larry Richards’ talk on Confession has become the #1 talk in North America dealing with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is riveting, honest, humorous, very human, and often touchingly gentle. Fr. Larry provides listeners with hope for a closer, healing relationship with Jesus Christ.

A Journey Through Advent: Liturgical Cycle A

Get the most out of Advent and Christmas by following along with Bishop Robert Barron's homilies as he unpacks the profound Scripture readings for Liturgical Cycle A.

The homilies presented on this CD will correspond to the Scriptures for Sunday Masses throughout Advent and Christmas 2019.

Journey Through Advent: Liturgical Cycle B

Get the most out of Advent by following along with Bishop Robert Barron's homilies as he unpacks these profound scripture readings. The homilies presented on this CD will correspond to the Scriptures for Sunday Masses throughout Advent and Christmas 2014: