In 2011, we had the wild idea to give every person in the pew at Christmas Mass a book.   Since then, we have distributed  12 titles (over 15,000 books) and started “The Parish Book Program”.    The Parish Book Program has changed people lives!   Small groups to discuss the books are formed following the distribution of the Christmas and Easter book.   Our experience has shown that these small groups foster close relationships, create the space for sharing, and encourage learning and thus helping us live our Parish Priority Plan vision of “Creating Disciples and Living Stewardship Way of Life”.

I am pleased to share with you our 2017 Christmas book, Joy to the World, by Scott Hahn. What could be more familiar than the Christmas story--and yet what could be more extraordinary? The cast of characters is strange and exotic: shepherds, an emperor and a despot, angels, and a baby who is Almighty God. The strangeness calls for an explanation, and this book provides it by examining the characters and the story in light of the biblical and historical context.  Learn how Christ’s coming changed everything (and still does).

How can you be a part of the Parish Book Program?   Join a book club.  Be a facilitator. I invite you to prayerfully consider facilitating a book study or  joining a four-week small group book study.   Sign-ups sheets will be made available the weekends of December 31st, January 7th & 14th in the back of church, online or by calling the parish office at 316-682-4557.

In prayerful gratitude,

C.Y. Suellentrop 

Parish Life Coordinator

 Parish Book Program at The Church of the Blessed Sacrament 

Christmas 2011, Rediscover  Catholicism by Matthew Kelly 

Easter 2012, A Father Who Keeps His Promises, by Scott Hahn

Christmas 2012 4 Signs of a Dynamic Catholic by Matthew Kelly 

Easter 2013, Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Father Jacques Philippe 

Christmas 2013, Nine Words by Allen Hunt

Easter 2014, Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn 

Christmas 2014, Pope John Paul II 

Easter 2015, New Testament 

Christmas 2015, A Biblical Walk through the Mass, by Edward Sri

Easter 2016, Consoling the Heart of Jesus, Michael Gaitley, MIC

Christmas 2016,  Prayer for Beginners by Peter Kreeft 

Easter 2017, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, by Leo Mausburg