Catholic Spiritual Practices

How did the maestro advise the young violinist?

There is a story of a young violinist who had an audition at Carnegie Hall. As she hurriedly exited the subway, she was momentarily disoriented. To her relief, she saw an old man with a violin under his arm and thought that surely he would know.

“Sir, can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?” she asked.

“Practice,” he said, with a grin.

It’s the same way with Catholic spirituality–growing in faith is all about practice.

This collection by today’s most respected Catholic writers offers a compendium of these practices, traditional and contemporary, that can enable us to sustain and grow a vibrant spiritual life. This must-have volume will quickly become a trusted companion for an entire lifetime of engagement with the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith.

Contents:

Catholic Spirituality in Practice / Colleen M. Griffith

Practices of Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer / N. T. Wright
Praying with the Saints / Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ The Jesus Prayer / Joseph Wong, OSB, CAM Intercessory Prayer / Ann Ulanov and Barry Ulanov
Centering Prayer / Joseph G. Sandman
The Rosary/ Thomas H. Groome
Liturgy of the Hours / Elizabeth Collier
Praying with Images / Colleen M. Griffith
Everyday Prayers / Compiled by Thomas H. Groome

Practices of Care

Living the Sacramental Principle / Esther de Waal
Practicing Hospitality / Ana María Pineda, RSM Practicing Forgiveness / Marjorie J. Thompson
Family Life as Spiritual Practice / Wendy M. Wright
Día de los Muertos / Alex Garcia-Rivera
Practicing Care for the Environment / United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Practices of Spiritual Growth

The Ignatian Examen / Dennis Mamm, SJ  Spiritual Direction / Kathleen Fischer
Retreats / Anne Luther
Lectio Divina / Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM Discernment / David Lonsdale
Eucharistic Adoration / Brian E. Daley, SJ The Angelus / Thomas H. Groome
Stations of the Cross / Thomas H. Groome
Fasting / Joan Chittister, OSB Thanksgiving after Communion / Thomas H. Groome
Spiritual Practice Goes Digital / Barbara Radtke

Conclusion: Keep on Practicing, You’ll Get Better at It / Thomas H. Groome