Barrett's book consists of a complete revision of the four chapters, of the Didsbury Lectures, given at the British Isles Nazarene College, Manchester. The chapter titles indicate the content: From Jesus to the Church; Ministry; Sacraments; and The Developing Community. Barrett properly points out that "the church is at the same time central and peripheral." Likewise, the church is provisional, temporary, penultimate-an interim solution for the time between the resurrection/ ascension of Jesus and the heaven of the church. He also correctly notes the possibility and danger of an ecclesiological as well as christological Apollinarianism. Consequently, he emphasizes the human nature of Christ and human dimensions of the church.

General Principles of Sacramental Theology addresses a current lacuna in English-language theological literature. Bernard Leeming's highly respected book Principles of Sacramental Theology was published more than sixty years ago. Since that time, there has been a noted decrease, especially in English-language sacramental theology, in treatments of the basic topics and principles-such as the nature of the sacraments of signs, sacramental grace, sacramental character, sacramental causality, sacramental intention, the necessity and number of the sacraments, sacramental matter and form, inter alia-which apply to all of the sacraments. Rather than deconstruct the Church's tradition, as many recent books on the sacraments do, Roger Nutt offers a vibrant presentation of these principles as a sound foundation for a renewed appreciation of each of the seven sacraments in the Christian life as the divinely willed means of communion and friendship between God and humanity. The sacraments bestow and nourish the personal communion with Jesus Christ that is the true source of human happiness. Recourse to the patrimony of Catholic wisdom, especially St. Thomas Aquinas, can help to highlight the sacraments and their significance within the plan of salvation. This book will be of use in seminary, graduate, and undergraduate courses. It is further offered as a source of hope to all those seeking deeper intimacy with God amidst the confusion, alienation, and disappointment that accompanies life in a fallen world. The sacraments play an irreplaceable role in pursuing a Universal Call to Holiness that is so central to Vatican II's teaching.

Someone has decided to become a Catholic and you have been invited to be the person's sponsor during the journey of conversion.

What does a sponsor do during the process of Christian initiation?

In When You Are an RCIA Sponsor Rita Burns Senseman reflects on the responsibility and significance of being chosen to share your faith and personal experience with someone less familiar with the path than you. She explains clearly and briefly the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Her explanation includes a description of the rituals involved in the initiation process as well as a description of the theology of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. She offers suggestions for being a companion and witness on the RCIA journey, for introducing and welcoming the new Catholic into the parish faith community, and for praying and worshiping together. Each chapter provides questions for reflection or discussion, and passages from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church for prayerful meditation. The author also includes guidance for sponsoring families.

A short, full-colour gift book which explains the baptism service for parents. Aimed at those not familiar with church, this book explains what baptism is and is structured around the service itself. It includes questions to think about and follow-up activities for parents and children.

Von Allmen's essay on the central sacrament of the Christian faith examining from within the Reformed Tradition the truths enshrined in the Lord's Supper, seeing the act as not only a "sign", "symbol" or "memorial", but as the real presence of Christ. Von Allmen's essay on the central sacrament of the Christian faith examining from within the Reformed Tradition the truths enshrined in the Lord's Supper, seeing the act as not only a 'sign', 'symbol' or 'memorial', but as the real presence of Christ.

'This resource provides careful teaching in the very best traditions of SPCK. It is both detailed and readable, and provides a comprehensive introduction to the Christian faith as lived out through the Church. I commend it to all those seeking to establish deep foundations on which to build their faith.' John Sentamu, Archbishop of York 'One of the joys of being a bishop is to preside at a confirmation. The joy is greater when the candidates have been well prepared and are full of expectancy and a desire to grow in faith. Faith Confirmed will help produce confirmands like that. It is a wonderful resource. ' Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester and President of Affirming Catholicism Faith Confirmed is an introduction to what Anglican Christians believe. It is written for those preparing for confirmation in the Anglican Church and for all those who want to know more about the essentials of the Christian faith. This revised edition has been completely updated for the twenty-first century.

"The perfect guidebook for curious parents, enthusiastic newcomers, and confused cradle Catholics. Frankly, this is the best book on baptism I've ever read." --James Martin, S.J. author of the New York Times Bestseller, "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything"
Baptism is the beginning of one's life in the community of the church, and the "gateway" to the rest of the sacraments.
- Isn't it better to get baptized when you're older, and can understand what you're doing?
- Does my baby have to be baptized immediately?
- Will my child go to hell, limbo or purgatory if--God forbid--he or she dies before baptism?
- Why are so many baptisms done during the Mass these days?
- What's the role of the godparents? Do they have to be Catholics? Christians? Believers?
These are questions from good Catholics that deserve good answers. If people remain confused about baptism, they will be confused about the sacramental life of the church, and, by extension, their faith.
"Thomas Scirghi has written a fine book on baptism for the 21st century church. Rooted deeply in Scripture, the authoritative teaching of the Catholic Church, and the living tradition of sacramental practice, Scirghi's book is laced with literary, cultural, and everyday examples that allow readers to grasp (or grasp anew) the continuing significance of baptism in the life of the Church and in their own lives." -Timothy Brunk, Assistant Professor of Theology, Villanova University
"From the foreword by James Martin, SJ:
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Frankly, this is the best book on baptism I've ever read. It's wise without being overly academic; inviting without being overly informal; and concise without being slapdash. Fr.
Scirghi, a distinguished scholar, compassionate pastor, and popular teacher at Fordham University, is the perfect guide to the history, theology, and application of the sacrament.
Father Scirghi's book could easily become a standard introduction to the sacrament, and is the perfect guidebook for curious parents, enthusiastic newcomers, and confused cradle Catholics. After reading it, you'll understand why we invite parents to have their children baptized, and also why we baptize adults at the Easter Vigil Mass. You'll know the significance of the oil (and the candle) in the rite. And the next time you see a priest or deacon pour water over a child's head and pronounce the ancient baptismal formula, you'll have a richer appreciation for his words and his actions.