What are you reading for Lent? Local Eucharistic Revival team members weigh in

The Central Minnesota Catholic asked members of the local Eucharistic Revival teams to weigh in on what they will be reading this Lenten season. Here is a sampling of their responses.

Father Tom Knoblach, Revival core team and education team, pastor of Sacred Heart, Sauk Rapids, and Annunciation, Mayhew Lake

• Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. II: Lent and Holy Week by Pope Benedict XVI

“I re-read this occasionally because the scriptural roots and insights are always enlightening.”

• Start with Jesus by Julianne Stanz

“Our pastoral councils are doing this as a book study around our discipleship goal.”

• The Eucharistic Miracles of the World by The Real Presence Eucharistic Education Association

“This is the catalog of the Vatican International Exhibition on the Eucharistic Miracles.”

Sara Van Beck, education team, Sacred Heart, Freeport

• “This Lent, I will be reading Restore, a guided Lenten journal written by one of my favorite religious sisters, Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT. This book really brings you through the desert, and you will be forever changed. You go to a place where your heart is pierced as you see how your brokenness is part of God’s plan and with Jesus’s death, your heart is restored.

“The Scripture, reflection questions and prayer are so beautifully written as Sister Miriam speaks to our hearts and brokenness in way not many can do! It truly is a way to deeper conversation during Lent.”

Father Todd Schneider, Revival core team and prayer team, pastor, Assumption Parish, Morris

“I am leading a book study at Assumption Parish in Morris on Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the dates of Feb. 16 and 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 31. We will be studying The Eucharist and Covenant in John’s Last Supper Account by Monsignor Anthony A. La Femina, S.T.L., J.C.D. from New Hope Publications.”

Janet Dusek, core team, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud

• Jesus, Companion in My Suffering: Reflections for the Lenten Journey by Joyce Rupp

• The Ignatian Workout for Lent: 40 Days of Prayer, Reflection, and Action by Tim Muldoon

“Due to a recent tragedy in my family, I was particularly drawn to Rupp’s book. By reflecting on the sufferings, actions and teachings of Jesus each day, I hope to gain new wisdom on how to navigate my life going forward. I’ve been meaning to purchase a book on Ignatian spirituality, so Muldoon’s book will serve as my ‘typical’ Lenten practice of reading, reflection and prayer.”

Benedictine Sister Julie Schleper, core team, St. Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph

• “I would strongly recommend the book Eucharistic Adoration After Vatican II by Edward Foley. It is a small book with four very readable and meaningful chapters. It places Eucharistic adoration in the theology and spirituality in the history of Vatican II. This could be a wonderful parish study book.”

The Poor Clare Sisters, prayer partners, St. Clare’s Monastery, Sauk Rapids

 • “We will be reading a variety of materials that generous people share with us. We also read the Magnificat and Give Us This Day from Liturgical Press.”

Jean Zwilling, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Church Commission

• “I’m reading Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly, an easy but insightful read. Also, The Memorare Moment by Rev. Francis Hoffman (Fr. Rocky) from Relevant Radio and the Manual for Eucharistic Adoration by the Poor Clare’s of Perpetual Adoration, which encourages you to seek out the Eucharistic Lord and provides you with prayers and other devotional resources that draw you closer to Him. Also, quotes from saints and their stories.”

Father Rick Aubol, Revival consultant, parochial vicar of the parishes of St. Mary, Alexandria; St. Nicholas, Belle River; and Immaculate Conception, Osakis

• Definitely, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Petre. It is one of the best books on this Eucharist I have ever read, And, of course, no list would be complete without Dr. Scott Hahn’s books, The Lamb’s Supper and The Fourth Cup.

Rita Vanderwerf, core team and prayer team, St. Mary, Alexandria

• “I’ve already started listening to the Bible in a Year podcast by Father Mike Schmitz. He has really helped me understand the Old Testament better.

• I also plan to start the book You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado. It’s not necessarily a Lenten book but a book about God’s presence and power which will help me with my Lenten journey.”

Jill Svihel, prayer team, Immaculate Conception, Rockville

• “I am reading Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly now and will be doing the three-minute devotions Messages for Healing by Michael White and Tom Corcoran.”

Sister Jeanne Wiest, OP, core team, diocesan director of the Office of Worship

• “I’m re-reading Real Presence: The Work of Eucharist by Nathan Mitchell. I appreciate Nathan’s scholarship and find his writing opens me to fresh perspectives.”

Michael Haney, core team and education team, Holy Trinity, Royalton

• “I am taking a course called Reform Online. It is a 12-week course that teaches best practices for physical and spiritual wellness. It centers around Christ and the Eucharist. I am also working through No Regrets by Matthew Kelly and the workbook that goes along with it. Both of these are aimed at refocusing my life around what matters most and what matters least and where God is calling me to in this current season.”

Author: Kristi Anderson

Kristi Anderson is the editor of The Central Minnesota Catholic Magazine for the Diocese of St. Cloud.

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