ENFOLDED IN CHRIST: The inner life of a priest
ENFOLDED IN CHRIST: The inner life of a priest
Inspired by the words of St John Vianney, the famous Curé d'Ars, who said, “the priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, I wrote this book to illuminate the ‘being beneath the role’ as a valuable resource for clergy, spiritual directors, ordinands, and those discerning their call. This work is not just about ministry; it focuses on ways to develop a healthy spiritual life, offering insights into religious life that can enrich one’s journey.
Drawing from various spiritualities, including Benedictine, Franciscan, and Ignatian traditions, this book aims to assist priests in cultivating spiritual practices and habits that will deepen their awareness of Christ, sustain holy living, and enhance personal well-being. It serves as an essential addition to the realm of Christian faith books and spiritual resources.
Fr Raymond Avent reflects:
‘I suppose I've read many Christian faith books, booklets, and articles on the ministerial priesthood throughout my life—from those that significantly influenced my vocational formation to more theological treatises. However, I have never encountered one as inspiring and practical as yours. In fact, I believe there hasn't been a resource that supports young neophyte priests in responding to their vocations as effectively as yours.'
https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786220462/enfolded-in-christ
HEART OF MY OWN HEART Deepening Life with Christ
ENFOLDED IN CHRIST: The inner life of a priest
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (and, to an extent, the Heart of Mary) is often not well recognized amongst non-Catholics and may appear as a rather exotic, excessive, and outdated practice of little significance to the ‘modern’ church. However, this insightful book aims to demonstrate why it holds value for all Christians and serves as a notable entry among Christian faith books.
In nine comprehensive chapters, the book highlights the source of divine love, which is fundamental to God’s essence. The heart serves as a universal symbol that resonates with everyone, while also addressing how this imagery can be distorted and the ways to correct that.
Chapters include:
- The Heart of Jesus as an image of God’s love
- Mary’s heart – wonder and joy at the presence of the divine
- The call of the heart – intimacy and vocation
- Change of heart - what conversion means
- Heartfelt – the spirituality of compassion
- Lonely hearts – suffering and emptiness
- The oratory of the heart – the place of prayer and encounter
- The heart of the Eucharist – sacraments and spirituality
- The Cosmic Heart – creation’s divinity
'Heart of my own Heart' serves as a beautifully attentive reminder that God's name is Love. Jesus embodies God’s love made manifest to us and to our hearts. This book encapsulates the Christian life as one of sincere pilgrimage—one that seeks the Love which, in Jesus, sought and found us. This spiritual resource provides profound religious life insights for readers. (The Rev. Canon Jarel Robinson-Brown)
https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786225795/heart-of-my-own-heart
THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: Exploring Christian belief
Concerned with faith formation, this book is intended for individuals or groups seeking to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. Written for the ‘average’ reader, it utilizes the Creed to explore essential elements of Christian belief, including insights on the nature of the Triunity, prayer, the sacraments, and worship. The Foreword is provided by the Bishop of Salisbury. Additionally, Canterbury Press has produced a video: https://youtu.be/k114d_eVzPoBr.
Fr. Carl Turner, Rector of St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue in New York, USA, writes:
'John-Francis draws on a lifetime of reflection as a pilgrim on a faith journey. His own journey has taken him from living in community and encouraging vocations to pastoring a parish. Now, as an experienced spiritual director and retreat conductor, his teachings and pastoral ministry coalesce in this accessible introduction to the Christian faith. In the same spirit as Michael Ramsey’s lovely book ‘Introducing the Christian Faith,’ this work serves as one of the essential Christian faith books, combining simplicity with depth. It allows the reader to immerse in the great traditions of the Church while making meaningful connections to the world around us. As Jesus himself says, “Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”'
For more information, visit: https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786221803/the-mystery-of-faith.
WHAT DO YOU SEEK? The Wisdom of Religious Life
WHAT DO YOU SEEK? The Wisdom of Religious Life
This book explores some of the treasures that Religious Life offers the church and the world, making it one of the essential Christian faith books. Emerging from the 19th century (Anglican) Catholic Revival, the development of this Life was a pastoral response to the terrible slum conditions in many cities, followed by the growth of monastic and contemplative life. This book aims to share valuable religious life insights and the treasures of faith that have been built up over time—insights that are often easily overlooked yet are of vital importance as the church seeks to reach out in today’s world.
The Very Rev. Dr. Frances E F Ward Obl.OSB, former Dean of St Edmundsbury, and author of Like There's No Tomorrow: Climate Crisis, Eco-Anxiety and God, among other spiritual resources, writes:
‘To enter this book is to find oneself in another world soaked by the presence of God; it is to realize that all life, communal and individual, and indeed the natural world around, participates in a greater reality of love and there finds meaning and purpose. In a time of global pandemic, the ancient way chosen by Religious in answer to the deep question ‘What Do You Seek?’ is more relevant than ever, and I firmly predict we shall see a renaissance in vocations to the religious life in coming times. John-Francis Friendship brings all his experience and wisdom to open up the rich hinterland of the religious orders that have contributed so much to church and society in this beautifully written book which will inform and inspire in equal measure.’
DAILY PRAYER AND DIVINE OFFICE
WHAT DO YOU SEEK? The Wisdom of Religious Life
DAILY PRAYER AND DIVINE OFFICE
Whilst Anglican and Roman Catholic clergy, along with most Religious, are required to pray the Daily/Divine Office, and many laity do so as an integral part of their spiritual discipline, it’s likely that only a few have received adequate instruction on its significance within the Christian faith. Although clergy from various church traditions find it beneficial, many lay people may be unaware of this form of prayer or believe it’s not meant for them. This 80-page booklet is crafted for everyone eager to explore the riches of this daily prayer. Authored by an individual with 50 years of experience in the Office in various forms, the booklet employs the structure of hymns, psalms, canticles, readings, and prayers common to most contemporary traditions, appealing to a broad readership, both clerical and lay.
The booklet seeks to illuminate the benefits of this daily prayer, whose primary roots trace back to the Old Testament, and serves as an essential resource for those seeking religious life insights. Beginning with a chapter on the rich treasury of the Psalms and their influence on Jesus’ own prayer, it proceeds to discuss the best practices for praying the Office, connecting us with the rhythm of times and seasons, and how this natural cycle enhances our prayer life. Addressing the roles of Canticles, Hymns, Readings, and Intercessions, it also explores the ways some might 'choose' their formats as well as the relationship between the Office and the Eucharist.
The Very Rev. Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, reflects:
‘Fr. John-Francis Friendship’s book emerges from a similar journey and, through his own engagement with the Office, offers profound reflections that can help us all deepen our understanding of the prayer that lies at the heart of the church, a true gift for those aspiring to know God and follow our Lord Jesus Christ.’
PUBLISHED BY DLT - currently available only from the author: jff2209@yahoo.com
(Copies are priced at £6.75, including p&p - RRP £7.99)
A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS
WHAT DO YOU SEEK? The Wisdom of Religious Life
DAILY PRAYER AND DIVINE OFFICE
“Why you? Why does the world run after you? You’re not a handsome man. You’re not a learned man. You’re not a nobleman. So why is everybody after you?”
That, according to The Little Flowers of Saint Francis, was the question Friar Leo asked St. Francis, and still it might be asked. From Ignatian Pope Francis and Augustinian Pope Leo to English artists like Stanley Spenser and martyrs such as John Bradburne, this humble saint, whose life is so counter-cultural, appeals to many. In a world where powerful men feed on greed and wars consume lives, Francis’ prayerful cry of “My God and All” echoes in people’s hearts.
In Assisi and around the world, there will be celebrations, lectures, and pilgrimages for this Octocentenary year of his Transitus. Already, the first public exposition of his relics since he was interred in the crypt of the Basilica in 1230 has occurred, and Leo XIV has declared this as the ‘Year of St. Francis’ with the theme ‘Saint Francis Lives’, emphasizing his messages of peace, poverty, and environmental stewardship. Interest in him as a figure in Christian faith books is likely to be great.
For that reason, the Third Order has commissioned a new book,
A Saint for All Seasons,
exploring what Francis might be saying to us today. It’s not only addressed to Anglicans but to a wider ecumenical audience and contains a brief biography for any who may not know much about him. This book, which serves as a valuable spiritual resource, focuses primarily on the major themes of Francis’ life along with his words and exhortations as recorded in various original texts. His attitudes towards Poverty and Penance, Creation and Contemplation, Evangelism, the Eucharist, and the Virtues—together with Hope for a New World and Perfect Joy—are thoroughly examined, each accompanied by the resonant question: What is Francis saying to us (and to me) today?
Written by John-Francis Friendship TSSF with the help of other Tertiaries, it’s a book that could enrich both groups and individuals and would be of interest to churches or communities connected with our holy Father Francis, offered as a meaningful contribution to the celebrations.
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Available for £12 plus p&p from jff2209@yahoo.com
CRUX PAMPHLETS - TRACTS FOR OUR TIMES (Exploring Christian Faith)
1. I Believe in God (YouTube: https://youtu.be/F-DG9Z_MnDQ) - A resource for understanding the core of Christian faith books.
2. I Believe in Jesus (YouTube: https://youtu.be/1QRmD-IdO78) - Insights into the foundation of our beliefs in the religious life.
3. I Believe in the Holy Spirit (YouTube: https://youtu.be/T8OVQobYyqc) - Explore the profound aspects of spiritual resources in your journey.
4. Deepening Prayer (YouTube: https://youtu.be/RS06Sro6bK8) - Techniques to enhance your prayer life with religious life insights.
5. The Ministry of Healing (YouTube: https://youtu.be/C3pPPsA7r2Q) - Discover spiritual resources that support healing within the community.
6. The Sacrament of Confession (YouTube: https://youtu.be/Je3BvuUr6qs) - A vital part of the Christian faith books that guide our path to forgiveness.
6a. Reconciliation of a Penitent - Confession card, provides a structure for personal reflection.
7. Praying for the Departed (YouTube: https://youtu.be/qM-gyh5ruR8) - Engaging in prayers, a profound insight into the religious life.
8. The Longest Journey – Preparing for Death - Guidance on navigating grief through spiritual resources.
9. Dealing with the Death of One We Love - Supportive insights from Christian faith books for those in mourning.
10. Is this a Catholic Church? - Understanding the beliefs that shape the religious life.
11. Holy Baptism - The significance of initiation in the Christian faith.
12. The Eucharist - A central theme in Christian faith books reflecting community and worship.
13. First Holy Communion - A beautiful milestone in the spiritual journey.
14. Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament - Highlighting how this practice supports our faith.
15. Let There Be Light - A call to embrace guidance from spiritual resources.
16. A Selection of Prayers and Devotions - Essential tools for enhanced religious life insights.
17. The Use of the Body in Prayer - Connecting physicality with spirituality in religious practices.
18. The Use of Incense - Uncovering the sensory aspects of prayer and devotion.
19. Mary and the Saints (YouTube: https://youtu.be/FR1v5oEjVbo) - Understanding their role through Christian faith books and insights.
20. The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary - A spiritual resource for devotion and reflection.
21. Lent, Holy Week and Easter - Exploring traditions that enrich the religious life.
22. Traditional Customs and Devotions - Practices that connect us to spiritual resources across generations.
23. The Eucharist and St. Francis of Assisi - writings and letters, blending faith with insights.
24. The Real Presence - A foundational belief in Christian faith books that resonates with believers.
25. Parish Mass Booklet - with Commentary, an insightful guide to participating in Mass services.
26. What to Expect from a Retreat - Useful religious life insights for those looking to deepen their faith.
27. A Prayer for Use During an Interregnum - Spiritual support during transitional moments in faith.
28. Great and Ancient Christmas Proclamation - A rich tradition available in spiritual resources.
29. Instructions for Benediction - Guidance for reverent worship practices.
30. GOOD FRIDAY - Liturgy for Descent of Christ into Hell - Reflecting on beliefs found within the Christian faith.
TO CELEBRATE THE OCTOCENTENARY OF THE TRANSITUS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - A SAINT FOR ALL SEASONS
For 800 years the life of one man, one saint, has inspired that of countless others and, as we celebrate that Octocentenary on October 4th, this book is concerned with looking at him and the insights he offers us today. Aided by others it was written by a member of the (Anglican) Franciscan Third Order who spent 25 years in the First and draws on Francis’ insights revealed through his writings and those of some contemporaries.
It delves into poverty in times of plenty; penitence in an age of self-centredness; praise, prayer, and solitude; the world as sacrament; renewal and tradition; the place the virtues play in God’s new creation, and hope in an age of fear and anger.
It isn’t a complete biography but the last in a trilogy of books published by the Third Order of the Society of St Francis to refresh our encounter with Francis. Each chapter contains three parts: The call to Francis, looking at aspects of his life; Francis’ call today, exploring insights applicable to today’s Church and world, and Francis’ call to me which offers questions suitable for individual reflection or group discussion. Beginning with his death – his Transitus – it concludes by considering our own and what Francis can teach us as we prepare for that.
