This first critical biography of Msgr. Nelson Baker (Father Baker) places him within the rich context of American Catholic life between 1840 and 1940. Through his devotion to Mary under her title Our Lady of Victory he supervised an orphanage and Protectory for boys and an infant home for unwed mothers and their babies. As a result of more than 50 years of ministry, both as superintendent of these institutions and pastor of St. Patrick's/Our Lady of Victory Parish, Baker became an almost iconic figure in western New York. Additionally, he was integrally involved in the Diocese of Buffalo, both as vicar general and twice administrator when the See was vacant. Nelson Baker's work to date is relatively unknown outside western New York. This biography will broaden the base of people who know of his work and significant accomplishments for the betterment of children. His significant work in the institutions, and most especially his rather unique work with unwed mothers and their children, merits a precise, complete, and historically accurate account of his life.

Cardinal Humberto Medeiros served the Church as priest and bishop in Texas and Massachusetts. An immigrant from the Azores he utilized his superior intelligence, administrative ability, and language skills to move up rapidly in Church ranks. His work with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, both nationally and internationally, especially with migrant workers, was notable. Medeiros faced a perfect storm of social, political and religious issues in Boston. The author argues that despite the challenges he faced in Boston, Medeiros was true to the Church and his personal moral code, seeking always to serve others rather than be served by them in imitation of Christ.

The New Testament epistles offer us a unique look at some of the struggles faced by the early church, and how those first-century Christians worked through some of the theological and pastoral issues that divided them. In this anthology of insightful sermons based on the second readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers explore the epistles and show that their lessons on life and faith still offer valuable guidance for today's complex challenges. This volume includes messages for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, and is filled with compelling stories and wisdom. It's a preaching, teaching, and meditation resource that will be a welcome addition to any library.This essential resource is useful for: Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters Understanding scripture passages Adult study and discussion groups Personal devotions and Bible studySome of the captivating sermons included in this collection are: Jesus - The Leader of Our Team Learning the Recipe for Life Show Me Your Credentials The iPod vs. the Larynx All in God's Time God's Chain Reaction Freedom Calling Killing What Is Already Dead Guarding the Treasure Living in Chains A New Resolve ...and many more

When building anything of lasting value, it's important to lay a solid foundation -- and the foundation of our Christian faith lies in the Hebrew scriptures. In this collection of inspirational messages based on the First Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five outstanding practitioners of the homiletic art explore passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts. These ancient texts chronicle God's intervention in the lives of ordinary people throughout history, and the messages in this volume show how the stories of God's chosen people offer many lessons to guide us in our spiritual journey today. Drawing on diverse backgrounds and perspectives, this set of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year inspire us to see God's influence -- not only in our own lives, but also throughout all humanity.
This essential resource is useful for:
- Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
- Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters
- Understanding scripture passages
- Bible study and discussion groups
- Personal devotions and inspirational reading
Richard Gribble, CSC is an associate professor of religious studies at Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts. Gribble holds a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America, and he has also earned degrees from the University of Southern California and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.
Ken Lentz presently serves as a transition pastor for congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Grand Canyon Synod. Lentz holds degrees from Capital University, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where he earned a Th.D. in church history.
William J. Carl III is the president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh (Ph.D.).
Donna E. Schaper has had a varied career as a writer, pastor, denominational executive, college chaplain, and community organizer. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Seminary, and the University of Chicago.
Robert A. Hausman is the pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (ELCA) in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Paul and the other writers of the epistles were entrepreneurs for early Christianity ? and not only did they tirelessly spread the Good News, but their pastoral letters are also a marvelous guidebook full of practical wisdom. Because their writers were called on to assist the early faith communities in coping with a variety of problems, the New Testament epistles are chock-full of timeless lessons on living the Christian faith. In this extensive anthology of enlightening sermons, five eminent preachers apply the nourishing teachings of the epistles to today's complex challenges. With messages included for the entire church year, there's a wealth of ideas and illustrative stories helpful for preaching, teaching, and meditation. These biblically grounded sermons shine the light of Christ on our often confusing world and proclaim the richness of God's truth, offering readers comfort and hope while challenging them to a more intense faith relationship with the Almighty.

Filled with insight, imagination and inspiration, this anthology provides a treasure trove of spiritual guidance to help you meet the demanding call of proclaiming the Good News to today's materialistic world. Based on Cycle A Gospel texts for the entire church year, these powerful messages by five distinguished preachers from a variety of denominations and ministry settings portray the abundant transforming power of God's Word in our lives.

Packed with inspiring illustrations that enlighten the mind and warm the heart, this complete collection of thoughtful sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year is a gold mine of creative preaching ideas -- and an invaluable source of insight into faithful Christian living amidst the challenges of today's secular world. Five outstanding preachers from diverse ministry settings reflect on the events of Jesus' life and their contemporary meaning in messages based on Gospel passages from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. Combining a strong foundation in the scriptural text with a deep understanding of vital current issues, these sermons passionately proclaim the Good News while pointing readers toward a strengthened and renewed spiritual relationship with Christ, the rock of our salvation.
This essential resource is useful for:
- Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
- Preaching illustrations
- Understanding scripture passages
- Adult study and discussion groups
- Personal devotions and Bible study

The parable is the most well-known literary form presented in the gospels. And since narrative or story sermons are such a prominent element in the contemporary pulpit, pastors are preaching on the parable texts more frequently than ever.
Richard Gribble thoroughly examines each of the parables appearing in Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Each analysis includes:
- discussion of the theme
- spiritual food for the journey
- application of the parable to contemporary life
- openings for preaching
- points of challenge and questions to ponder
- exegesis and explanation of the parable
- context of the parable
These studies will be a classic resource for preaching... or useful for Bible study and inspiration.
The author of eight books and over 100 articles, Richard Gribble, CSC, is the acting superior at Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame. Father Gribble earned his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America and has also earned degrees from the United States Naval Academy, the University of Southern California, and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.

This book of sermons moves from the desert of Ash Wednesday to the cross of Calvary on Good Friday, to the empty tomb on Easter, and finally to Jesus' return to the Father. Richard Gribble's preaching style is vibrant and relevant to the person in the pew. The deeply spiritual content is punctuated by poignant story illustrations that illustrate the scriptural text and enlighten the listener.
Preachers will find this book inspiring for their own sermons, while lay readers will discover rich insights to the Bible for their personal study and devotions.
Contents include:
Ash Wednesday: The Journey to Freedom Begins
First Sunday in Lent: Greed Leads to Destruction
Fourth Sunday in Lent: Looking to the Heart
Maundy Thursday: Carrying on the Tradition
Easter Sunday: Our Need to Talk With the Son
Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Community of Life
Ascension Sunday: Completing the Master's Work
... and others.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
B.S., United States Naval Academy
M.S., System Management, University of Southern California
M.Div., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
S.T.M., Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
Ph.D., Church History, The Catholic University of America
A Roman Catholic priest, Richard Gribble is a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross and serves as assistant professor of history at Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachusetts.

Author Richard Gribble has the great gift of telling a story that reveals the meaning of a scriptural text. Most of these sermons begin with a story that captures the reader's or listener's attention. While the story illustrations are fascinating, they do not detract from the thrust of the gospel text, but rather enhance it and provide cogent reasons for applying the lesson to one's own life.
Sermon titles include:
The Most Important Thing in Life
Set Your Goal on Jesus
The Responsibility of Belief
The Challenge of Tough Love It's Never Too Late
... and more
Richard Gribble, CSC, is Assistant Professor of History at Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachusetts. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, he earned the M.S. degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. In addition to M.Div. and S.T.M. degrees, he has earned a Ph.D. in Church History from the Catholic University of America.

Narrative or story preaching has called attention to Jesus' parables, since many of those parables are stories. Is there a preacher -- especially one who uses the lectionary for preaching -- who does not preach on a parable from time to time?

This book conducts an exegesis of scripture, provides context for each passage, suggests contemporary applications -- with questions that challenge -- and gives preachers sample openings for the composition of a sermon/homily.

Navy Priest is a compelling biography of the Jesuit priest and Navy chaplain John Francis (Jake) Laboon. Father Jake made a significant contribution to the United States Navy, both as a World War II submarine officer and, most prominently, during a 22-year career as a chaplain. Laboon served as the first chaplain for the Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Program, but also served as chaplain at his alma mater the United States Naval Academy, undertook a tour of duty with the US Marines in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit, and later served as Fleet Chaplain of the United States Atlantic Fleet. Father Jake Laboon was born on April 11, 1921- in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The third of nine children, he was raised in a faith-filled family. He attended Catholic schools until his matriculation to the United States Naval Academy in June 1940. A tight end for the USNA football team and an All American in lacrosse, Laboon graduated with his classmates in June 1943. He served with distinction in the Pacific submarine force, winning the Silver Star for gallantry aboard USS Peto (SS 265). Laboon left the Navy in 1946 and immediately entered formation for the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was ordained a priest in 1956. Two years later he reentered the Navy as a chaplain, where he stayed until 1980. He then joined the pastoral staff serving at Manresa Retreat Center, in Annapolis, and was for four years the pastor of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Parish in Woodstock, Maryland. He died on August 1, 1988 a victim of esophageal cancer. In 1995, the destroyer USS Laboon was commissioned in his honor. Loved by all with whom he had contact, Father Jake was a model of Christian fidelity, faith and complete dedication to God and country.