This cassette program provides the basis for a new foundational human formation and spirituality, a bridge between modern sciences and Christian principles. Among the highlights of this series: Fr. Van Kaam outlines the basic principles underlying his work, and he and Dr. Muto respond to various questions from their audience. This is an excellent introduction to the valuable work being done by the Institute of Formative Spirituality.

These talks cover several aspects of spiritual direction, from the principles of journey, basic goals, focus, levels, to spiritual direction and theology - theology of God, of Jesus, of Church, of mission, of ministry, of growth in understanding and pluralism, to the practical aspects: agenda, frequency, listening, and other instruments of growth, concluding with spiritual direction and global spirituality - dangers of privatization, failure in transcendence and eschatology, importance of interdependence, the call for faith that does justice, the pitfalls of compassion, fatigue and rust-out, and putting on the garment of God - the seamless garment.

As stewards we are called to live to the fullest. To do this, Bishop Morneau points out, we must receive God's gifts graciously, cultivate them, share them generously and make a return to the Lord. This requires that we live our lives with gratitude, responsibility, generosity, and accountability. This sense of stewardship helps us to be stewards of creation - caring, cultivating, protecting, preserving, respecting, and developing it. We are stewards of vocation and stewards of the Church.

This program is an excellent kick-off for any stewardship program. Good for clarifying basic doctrinal, pastoral, spiritual, and social principles underlying the concept of stewardship. Indispensable for Pastors, Parish Council Members and Stewardship Committees. Excellent meditation material.

Msgr. Joseph M. Champlin, noted lecturer, author, pastor, and liturgist, tackles the New Catechism of the Catholic Church from a Pastor's point of view. He draws specific pastoral suggestions from the richness of the New Catechism. Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

Msgr. Champlin observes how the catechism holds the middle of the road and avoids the extremes; how it can be helpful in harmonizing divergent theologies, spiritualities, and pastoral approaches as well as all the tensions found in a parish today; and also those certain elements of the catechism that will face opposition by some.

These talks will certainly help pastors understand those important pastoral aspects of the catechism. They will clarify those sticky points and will enable the pastor to practically apply the catechism to his Parish's life and activity. This outstanding practical and pastoral look at the New Catechism is must listening for every pastor and those associated in any way to parish ministry.

This five cassette, down-to-earth conversation with priests glows with Fr. Groeschel's wit and psychological and spiritual insights into priests' lives. He blends humor with rock-hard insights in his analysis of the present situation of the world, church, and priesthood. He gives wise and prudent advice on how to live the priesthood in the confusion and chaos of today's world and Church.

Fr. Groeschel shows how important it is for a priest to reduce and control his rational prejudices, so that he could more easily contemplate the mysterious workings of God in the sacraments, nature, self, etc. He admonishes priests to balance admonitions with mercy and avoid being a pharisee. The priest is to take the Gospels and the teachings of the Church seriously. "We must pray," he says, "and not just recite prayers like a Churchman." He states that the priest must escape from the secularism of the modern world exemplified by TV, nurture his spiritual and sacramental life, and care for the poor and marginalized. Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

Fr. Groeschel holds that out of the present chaos can emerge a great challenge for the Church - and it will be a time to believe, a time to struggle and a time of humiliation.

Bro. Loughlin Sofield, a Trinitarian, author and experienced psychologist, shares his insights on three topics that will certainly enrich a priest's life and ministry.

Excellent for priests who are searching for ways of handling and understanding their own and others' anger and hostility. This program will most certainly point the way to healthy intimacy and give the ins and outs of a very practical spirituality.

Bro. Loughlin Sofield, a Trinitarian, author and experienced psychologist, shares his insights on three topics that will certainly enrich a priest's life and ministry.

Excellent for priests who are searching for ways of handling and understanding their own and others' anger and hostility. This program will most certainly point the way to healthy intimacy and give the ins and outs of a very practical spirituality.

In coordination with the National Institute of Clergy Formation - Seton Hall, Alba House Communications presents Cardinal O'Connor's lively and provocative comments on Pope John Paul II's Pastoral Letter to Priests, Pastores Dabo Vobis.

The Holy Father was certainly inspired to take this title and theme from the book of Jeremiah, since he knew that this was exactly how many priests feel today. Yet the priest, like Jeremiah, must feel the fire burning within himself.

Inspired by Cardinal Suhard's Priest Among Men, Cardinal O'Connor takes a very pragmatic and practical look at Pastores Dabo Vobis. A priest cannot stand on the sidelines watching the wars, abortions, the abuse of drugs, promiscuity, etc. He has to bring his priesthood to all these situations. The priest, in a sense, has to get his hands dirty. The priesthood is vital not only to the Church, but to society and the world itself.

Often we get all torn up because of sin in the ranks, and we become embarrassed. We must also keep in mind that the Body of Christ, the Church, is no longer young and beautiful, but old and stooped over. But at the same time it is our Church - our mother. We have to love her not in spite of what she is, but because of what she is.

This pragmatic and down to earth two talk program is extremely informative and inspiring. It will help to clearly focus each priest's vision and support him in his ministry.

Fr. Avery Dulles, S.J.

Dulles praises Vatican II's middle course between clericalism and laicism. It balances the role of the community and the priest in a most profound and authentic manner.

Fr. Adrian van Kaam, C.S.Sp.

Fr. Adrian van Kaam and Dr. Susan Muto, co-founders of the Epiphany Association, guide us through an awakening of the spirit in this four-part audio-cassette program, and answer some of the questions that may be foremost in our minds as we strive to uncover God's will in our lives:

These programs will be helpful to all people in any and all aspects of ongoing Christian formation- in parishes, religious houses, vocational centers, schools, at home and in the workplace.

The world today faces greater and greater challenges to live according to the Gospel of Christ. Never before in human history have we been exposed to such epidemic and consequential occasions to succumb to temptation and moral disintegration. These problems of our modern society create the need for pastoral counselors who are informed and ready to act in the face of new and demanding difficulties.

Fr. Groeschel, in this four part workshop for priests, outlines many current issues and offers solutions and practical methodology for dealing with the situations that face the priest in his capacity as counselor, confessor, shepherd, and guide. In his unique and refreshing style, Fr. Groeschel tackles the difficult situations that have become an integral part of pastoral ministry, reminding the priest that if he doesn't know what he's doing, he won't survive. As his time becomes more and more premium, the parish priest may be less able to handle the new demands that the age may place on him. This resource material will be invaluable to all priests, and will help them be more effective in counseling ministries. Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

In this conference for priests developed on the themes of Pastores Dabo Vobis, the pastoral letter of Pope John Paul II, Msgr. Cusack examines some contemporary concerns facing and shaping the priesthood today. His message begins at the very foundation of ministry, which is communion - a love story which is fueled by reconciliation, the ability to recognize one's own faults and seek out and expect forgiveness. Anger and fear are the negative effects of stress and overwork, and tend to overshadow love when they are not properly addressed. Msgr. Cusack leads the listener to an understanding of how these negative feelings enter into the complex and often overtaxed agenda of the parish priest, dampening spirit and effectiveness.

Msgr. Cusack demonstrates how to restructure the personal journey toward the whole dimension of love, directing the listener through the "4 T's": Time - Talk - Tenderness - Trust. Developing the God event in oneself allows the priest to lead others to a profound understanding of God's love as well.

In this three part audio cassette series delivered as a conference for priests, Fr. LaVerdiere examines the priesthood from the perspective of Scripture, and brings to light several engaging realities that will help to enliven the ministerial efforts of today's priests.

A stimulating program that can help to enliven the priesthood and reanimate pastoral ministries with solid scriptural credentials.

In this two part presentation delivered as a conference for priests, Fr. McNamara uncovers the realities of what it takes to maintain one's effectiveness as a priest. He shows that this effectiveness can be measured by how much a priest is able to get others to live, to lift others up, and become a living sacrifice of God's love. The priest must be able to teach others to pray and to open the doors to meditation. If the priest is available to God, then God will be able to send him forth to the people.

Fr. McNamara demonstrates how to make oneself available to God, the first step toward increasing individual effectiveness. Using the Our Father as a petition to God will allow the priest to become an instrument of God's will. From here the move into intimate union can begin. He discusses the nature of sin, and the negative effects that it brings into our relationship with God and thence with others. The importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is then addressed, calling for a revitalization of this important practice. Reliable and inspiring material for priests or other ministers desiring a spiritual uplift.

The Gospels are rich in imagery. None is so sublime as the Eucharist symbolized in the many appearances of bread, both at meals and in the depiction of the miracles of Jesus when he feeds the multitudes from an apparent deficiency.

Join Fr. LaVerdiere as he presents some new insights into the meaning and relevance of the appearances of bread in the Gospels. In his refreshing style, Fr. Eugene reveals some of the hidden meaning of the "multiplication" of the loaves, the blessing of the bread at meals, even the significance of the barley loaves. His stimulating thoughts are sure to lead the listener to new pathways of understanding and interpreting the Gospels. This presentation is uplifting material for a quiet mini retreat, or is excellent as a source of detailed study into this aspect of the Gospels.

In this three-cassette program delivered for priests, Bro. Loughlan Sofield addresses several of the contemporary issues which face the clergy as they attempt to live out their mission to the people of God. As models of that life-giving witness, clergy must be able to exemplify that ideal and challenge others to live it as well. In so doing, the priest must look to the source of his expectations within the community, the diocese, and in the individual parishioner. Bro. Loughlan looks at the issues of clergy morale, feelings, the critical stages in the life of the priest, and discusses leadership issues as they affect ministry and values. Greatly informative material for personal renewal or meditation.Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

In this two-part lecture delivered as a conference for priests, Fr. Benedict Groeschel takes a look at some of the changes in the Church resulting from Vatican II, and identifies how some of these changes have produced drastic effects in religious life and the life of the faithful. The shift in thought away from objective truth has resulted in a faith which is platitudinous and shallow. According to Fr. Groeschel, history had been written on ancient documents, but shockingly none is left. We must reclaim the sense of faith as mystery to dispel the trends toward minimalism, skepticism and rationalism. The priest is challenged today to live in this way so that his pastoral activity can result in the careful formation of the faithful's consciences. Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

In this audio cassette series, taped at a workshop for priests at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, Sulpician Fr. Ronald Witherup focuses on the essential dimensions of spirituality in the priesthood today. Contemporary pressures experienced in the priesthood demand a commitment to a solid spiritual life. But what are the contours of such a spirituality? What nourishes the priest spiritually today, and what does the Church expect of its ministers of Word and Sacrament? The current challenges require a deep and honest reappraisal of the spiritual journey of priests. Fr. Witherup helps clarify the relationship between personality and prayer, priestly identity and the life of the Spirit, the role of the Bible in spirituality, the spiritual vision of Vatican II, and practical tips for ongoing spiritual growth.

Within the contemporary Church there exists the need for a stable and developed clergy. But with the personnel crises of the current generation the resources of the priesthood have been strained in an attempt to meet the needs of the Christian community. It has become vitally important that the clergy of these times be thoroughly formed and spiritually stable in order to fulfill the tasks at hand. Fr. Canice Connors, in this three-part series of talks delivered to the clergy, identifies some of the contemporary issues facing the priesthood and offers his suggestions toward dealing with them in a pastoral way. When we are able to identify the issues that bring us grief, then effective solutions can be developed that refocus us toward our goal-- and the ultimate fulfillment of our personal cross and resurrection experience. Excellent material for a personal retreat or reflection.

Produced in collaboration with the National Institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.

This audio-cassette series, delivered at a clergy formation seminar, addresses the need to reaffirm the fully formed, fully affective, and authentic priesthood. Msgr. Cusack, in his inimitable style, delves into many contemporary issues facing the priesthood today as they attempt to live out not only their baptismal promises, but their call to ministry as well. And contemporary priesthood requires a humanity of wholeness more so than at any other time. He addresses the spiritual, the psychological, the social issues and aspects of community that have significant impacts on the authenticity of religious life. The clergy today face issues in parish ministry that require them to be thoroughly formed and informed in order to minister in effective, authentic ways. Great material for personal refection, renewal, retreat, or someone looking for a boost in their ministerial life.

A phenomenon of contemporary priesthood is reflected in the fact that fewer and fewer priests are serving more and more people, even though the expectations of parishioners seem to multiply. Dealing with more work and greater demands with fewer priests can result in the tragic perception that ministry has become all expectation with no affirmation. To handle this increase in demands requires the establishment of priorities in the midst of a busy ministry. Understanding the delicate balance between effective, caring ministry and the need at times to say no, requires a deep sense of integration and organization. Unexpected appointments and other interruptions can come at the wrong moment and upset this tenuous stability. As one who understands the importance of priorities in ministry, Fr. Champlin develops, in this audio-cassette program, effective methods to deal with prioritizing personal, pastoral, and ministerial expectations at a time when time itself seems to be extended to the breaking point. This is excellent material for personal and group retreats, or to use as a gift for the parish priest who may be in need of affirmation. Produced in collaboration with the institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.