The Nativity Story: Contemplating Mary’s Journeys of Faith
Compiling Editor: Rose Pacatte, FSP

Although she is the Mother of God, Mary was a woman who experienced the full range of human emotions: amazement and confusion, fear and exhaustion, tenderness and wonder, tranquility and joy. In this inspiring book, contemporary women ponder Mary’s journeys—both spiritual and physical—and contemplate her growth as a person, a woman, a wife, a mother, a child of God.

Each of these authors has made a journey of faith that has been enriched or guided by Mary’s example, and they show us how—through our roles and women and men, daughters and sons, wives and husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, professionals and religious—we can find in Mary both a role model and source of insight and encouragement for our own “journeys of faith.”  Includes photos from the movie. Paperback / 160 pages / Dimensions: 8 1/2" x 11" (Item #84762) $16.95

The Nativity Story: A Film Study Guide for Catholics
By Rose Pacatte, FSP

The Nativity Story tells a story that has captivated and inspired Christians for centuries. In its human, evocative portrayal of Mary, Joseph, and the other characters of the story, it awakens our hearts and our imaginations in an entirely new way.

The Nativity Story invites us to explore our faith and to listen for God’s Word in our daily lives, and this film study guide is a wonderful roadmap for the journey. Complete with sections for personal study, for group study, and for whole community catechesis, The Nativity Story: A Film Study Guide for Catholics is a practical guide for delving prayerfully into the mystery of our Savior’s birth.

Key Features:

• Personal study includes thought-provoking questions on Scripture passages and the movie for reflection on God’s Word and on one’s own life.
• Group study features questions focusing on themes including: Journeying; Seeking; Prayer; Values and Virtues; and Story and Symbols.
• Whole community catechesis works as a springboard for weekly gatherings from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany, including questions that integrate the weekly Gospel reading and the movie for children, for teens, for adults, and for households of faith.

Pamphlet / 32 pages / Dimensions:6" x 9 " (Item #84763) $4.95

A Christmas Sourcebook
compiled by Mary Ann Simcoe
This book houses a beautiful compilation of scriptures, prayers, hymns, poems and writings of many kinds that express the depth and many facets of Christmastime. It is an ideal resource for homilists, musicians and liturgists. It is also a wonderful book for all people who love the days from Chriakes a great gift for any individual or family. Printed on fine paper and specially bound to open fully for easy reading and display. Paperback, 6 x 9, 157 pages. (Item #83021) $18.00

Advent and Christmas Wisdom is ideal for those who want to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's Incarnation as they prepare room in their hearts for his birth. During this joyous season readers can experience the special closeness to God that Padre Pio felt. 112-page paperback • 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 (Item #87386) $9.95

Paperback. 128 pages. (Item #85502) $14.95

Cloth for the Cradle: Worship resources and readings for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

This book contains a wealth of worship resources: litanies, meditations, monologs, poems, prayers, readings, scripts, and symbolic actions. Its prime purpose is to allow the adult world to rediscover the stories of Christ's birth as speaking from and to adult experience, rather than merely gaze from a distance at children reenacting the Nativity.

Drawn from the work of the Wild Goose Worship Group, whose innovative and highly participatory style of worship is widely admired and imitated, Cloth for the Cradle's range and diversity offer a unique source of elements for lay and clerical worship planners and enablers. (Item #80508) $15.95

Christmas is enchanting. And the heart of the Christmas Gospel story possesses the captivating magic to endlessly reproduce itself over the centuries in new stories and legends. Creative storyteller Edward Hays, author of numerous books of stories and parables, has once again been enchanted by the power and charm of Christmas and has gifted us with fresh stories for the season.

Each of the tales of this trilogy is beautifully illustrated with full-color paintings by the author himself, helping to awaken us to the magic and grace of the Christmas message. Moving and inspiring, these stories for the young and young at heart contain hidden insights into the rich and varied mystery of God enfleshed in our human reality. Little Orphan Angela deals with the power of childlike innocence, "Mikel, Son of the Magi" with the capacity of love to enlighten and "The Carol of the Candles " with what is essential in order to be a light to the world.

These stories can be read aloud with the family around the Christmas tree, in classrooms and study groups. It can be used in the pulpit as well as for personal reflection. Strikingly attractive and inviting, Little Orphan Angela makes a welcome coffee-table gift or a Christmas present for staff members that will resurface in their homes each holiday season. Hardcover. 64 pages. (Item #95205) $17.95

Joy
Sung by the Daughters of St. Paul
Share the Joy of Christmas with the Daughters of St. Paul! For the past ten years, the Daughters of St. Paul have performed a Christmas concert in Staten Island, New York. In 2004, director Chaz Palminteri invited them to appear in his new Christmas film: in Noel, the Daughters appear in the opening scene as an outdoor choir singing to passersby in the middle of Manhattan. Joy, combining traditional Christmas music with contemporary carols, is sure to become a holiday classic in every home!
1. Joy (to the World)
2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. The New Twelve Days of Christmas
5. Sing to the King
6. All Alone on Christmas
7. Jingle Bell Rock
8. Perfect Christmas Night
9. Happy Christmas
10. Angels We Have Heard on High

CD (Item #77128) $16.95

CD (Item #70074) $15.95

CD (Item #77135) $16.95

A Cappella Carols For Sidewalk Carolers

A warm collection of 15 of the best-known sacred carols and traditional secular Christmas songs-from "Joy to the World" to "Jingle Bells"-in an attractive, compact book. Designed especially for the choir that goes caroling, whether it be from door-to-door, at the shopping mall, in hospitals and nursing homes, or even at an office party. All selections are arranged for unaccompanied singing, in unison or parts, and every one a favorite. Best of all, the price! It won't strain your group's budget to make this "extracurricular" purchase. (Item #71546) $2.95

Joy to the World A Jazz Christmas by Rick Modlin and Friends Nothing gets people in the Christmas spirit quite like hearing their favorite Christmas songs. We’ve put a new twist on the old standards in Joy to the World, a collection of traditional Christmas songs arranged and played in a jazz or jazz-influenced style. Pianist Rick Modlin leads a group of talented musicians in jazzing up a number of well-known songs with instruments ranging from solo piano to 7-piece jazz ensemble. Upbeat and reflective, this music is sure to kick your Christmas spirit into high gear. It makes an excellent gift for jazz lovers of all ages.

Contents Angels We Have Heard on High God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Good Christian Men, Rejoice Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Joy to the World Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming O Come, Little Children O Little Town of Bethlehem Silent Night What Child Is This

CD (Item #92042) $15.95

Cassette (Item #92041) $10.95

On Christmas Night by Colin Mawby Internationally known composer Colin Mawby makes his American recording debut with On Christmas Night, a collection of traditional Christmas carols and anthems composed with a subtle Irish twist. Colin’s primary focus is on the inner meaning of the verses; he uses the music to paint the images evoked by the text. They are beautifully written, striking and effective. Each of the carols and anthems in this collection is a unique addition to the standard Christmas repertoire, ideal for seasonal liturgical use, enlivening Christmas concerts or for simply enjoying at home.

Contents A Modern Medieval Carol Adam Lay Ybounden For Christmas Day How Far Is It to Bethlehem I Wonder as I Wander Lullaby My Dancing Day On Christmas Night On Christmas Night All Christians Sing Sing Lullaby The Christ Child Lay on Mary’s Lap The Holly and the Ivy When Christ Was Born of Mary Free

CD (Item #73811) $15.95
Cassette (Item #72810) $10.95

Like Winter Waiting by John Foley, S.J. Like Winter Waiting is a thought-provoking musical play that tells the Advent story with humor, poignancy and joy. It celebrates the anticipation of Christmas the way an expectant mother joyously awaits the birth of her child — the waiting is a sacred time of reflection, preparation and hope. Present the play as a choral concert with some spoken parts or as a complete musical play with characters, costumes, a minimal set and even dance. The choral arrangements are accessible to most parishes and can be conveniently rehearsed using the cassette or CD with voice lead-ins. The audience participates by singing the recurring theme song printed in the assembly edition.

Contents Annunciations Another Annunciation Farewell from Gabriel Heart of the World Innkeeper Like Winter Waiting Mary and Joseph O Mary, Tell Us Soon the Beginning Stars Summer of Flowers The Promise of the Lord Unless You Lead Me On We Have Searched We Remember Welcome from Gabriel Who Is This Woman Zechariah and Simon

CD (Item #92040) $16.95 
Directors Book (Item #70305) $30.95

The Word Is Born
Among the many liturgical composers who have shared their talents with us over the past few decades, Fran O'Brien consistently captures the wants, needs, and capacity of the Sunday morning choir beautifully! The Word Is Born is a marvelous collection of Christmas offerings, with ideal pieces for children's choir, ensemble, and of course, adult choir. Song after song is highly useable during the season, from Advent through the Baptism of the Lord.

This new recording is an exceptional demonstration of how these new pieces may be performed and will whet your appetite for the music collection in preparation. We are so excited about this new music that we chose God's Beloved One to be included in our choral reading sessions this summer! This octavo is available now.

Filled with tastefully crafted and highly singable music for all types of choirs, The Word Is Born is sure to become a Christmas standard for years to come.

CONTENTS: Welcome All (G-5922) • Wood of the Cradle (G-5923) • All the Ends of the Earth (G-5908) • Epiphany Carol (G-5909) • God of Surprises (G-5910) • God’s Beloved One (G-5911) • God’s Delight at Bethlehem (G-5912) • Hodie Christus Natus Est (G-5913) • Journey On (G-5914) • Nova, Nova (G-5915) • Of Woman Born (G-5916) • Song of the Baptist (G-5917) • Song of the Innocents (G-5918) • The Word Is Born (G-5919) • Today Is Born a Savior (G-5920) • ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (G-5921).

CD (Item #72015) $16.95

God Comes Tomorrow
Those familiar with the music of John Bell know of his insightful and thought-provoking texts. Here, John provides us with a fresh look into the very familiar seasons of Advent and Christmas, and through song tells of the Savior's coming to the poor, to the downtrodden and to the older folk. From "Lift Up Your Heads,Ó a traditional Advent hymn, to "Give Us, This Year,Ó a prayer for Christmas to be a time of depth and spiritual significance, John Bell asks us to sing a different song during this holy season.

The collection includes original work as well as new arrangements of traditional tunes, all highly accessible and satisfying for any size choir!

Sing a Different Song

Contents: Let Mortal Flesh Keep Silence • O Come, O Come, Emmanuel • Why Don't You Tear Apart the Heavens? • Comfort, Comfort Now My People • Lift Up Your Heads • Advent Lullaby • A Voice Proclaims • Cloth for the Cradle • He Will Come • Voces Angelorum • Good News for Everyone • Poor Folk Hear Him Gladly • Sing Gloria • Fae Heichts o' Heiven (From Heights of Heaven) • The Word • He Came Down • It Was to Older Folk • Folly and Love • Give Us, This Year • Sing a Different Song

CD (Item #72017) $16.95

Music Collection (Item #72019) $19.95

Wonderworker: The True Story of How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus
by Vincent A. Yzermans
Discover the magic inherent in the true story of a man who overcame relative obscurity in a small Mediterranean city and became a cultural icon the world over. In Wonderworker: The True Story of How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus, Msgr. Vincent Yzermans writes a book for his grandnephew that explains the evolution of St. Nicholas into Santa Claus.

Nicholas quickly made a name for himself with his eloquence, intelligence and generosity. Recognized as a miracle worker during his lifetime, he became known for helping children in need, mothers in labor, and sailors as they traversed the Mediterranean. The modern incarnation of Santa Claus, however, became popularized in the mid-19th century through a poem by Clement Clark Moore called "A Visit from St. Nicholas"-better known as "The Night Before Christmas"-in the Frank Church editorial, "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus," and in the artwork of Thomas Nast and Haddon Sundblom.

This book will appeal to children from the age of nine to ninety-nine. Anyone who celebrates Christmas-regardless of whether or not they still believe in the existence of a Santa Claus who brings gifts to children around the world-will welcome this informative and eloquent explanation of the true story behind how a humble bishop from Asia became "jolly old St. Nick." 64 pages. Paperback (Item #87578) $12.95

The book tells the story of a young boy Christopher, who no longer wants to hear fairytales; he only wants real bedtime stories. So his mother tells the amazing and miraculous story of Jesus' birth. Along the way, Christopher learns the answers to some challenging questions about the Christmas story. And all the answers are right from the Bible.

This book makes a wonderful gift for children, families, and friends. 32 pages. (Item #80317) $15.49

From the moment He was born and placed in a worn wooden manger for a cradle, to the day He surrendered His life on a wooden cross, an arboreal theme followed Jesus throughout His time on earth. This lyrical Christmas book reminds us how often Jesus was touched by this theme and how, in the end, we really needed a tree for Christmas. 32 pages. (Item #83986) $12.99

This picture book presents a shortened, somewhat fictionalized version of the life of Saint Nicholas, explaining that Nicholas was a servant of God and that, through him, God’s love was reflected to others. The story touches on the ministry of Nicholas and his generous gift of a dowry to three young girls as a response to God's love in Jesus. And it brings application to our own lives as we, too, respond with grateful hearts to God’s great gift of love to us.

Combining museum-quality artwork and family friendly language, this book clearly articulates how God showered His love upon us through Christ and helps children see that our own gift-giving is a grateful response to the sacrificial gift of God’s Son. 32 pages. (Item #88116) $13.49