Table of Contents
Prologue: Imagine This... 13
Introduction: Where to From Here? 17
Part 1 We Become What We Celebrate 27
Chapter 1 Our Universal Hunger 29
Appearance vs. the Authentic
Why Has Christianity Been Rejected?
The Cry for Help
Chapter 2 The Prevailing Philosophy 35
Individualism
Hedonism
Minimalism
Chapter 3 Is Jesus Still Relevant? 41
Our Quest for Happiness
God and Happiness
The Attitude of Christ
The Role of Discipline
Jesus in History
Chapter 4 Searching for Identity 49
The Mission
The Adventure of Salvation
Catholics Today
Catholicism Is a Lifestyle
Identity Crisis
Chapter 5 What are We Celebrating? 59
The Future of Catholicism
The Solution
Let the Celebration Begin
Part 2 The Authentic Life 67
Chapter 6 What is the Authentic Life? 69
Fostering the Inner Life
Modern Despair
Our Essential Purpose
What Is Holiness?
The- Best- Version- of- Yourself
Vatican II
The Great Depression
Chapter 7 The Path is Well Trodden 83
In Search of Excellence
The Saints
Common Objections
The Pedestal Syndrome
The Rejection of Discipline
Keeping the Goal in Sight
Chapter 8 Even a Blind Man Knows... 93
Francis of Assisi
Mother Teresa
John Vianney
Thomas More
John Paul II
Taking the Gospel Seriously
Chapter 9 What Sets Them Apart? 119
Singleness of Purpose
The Will of God
How Would You Like Your Life to Change?
Chapter 10 Their Attraction and Influence 129
Friendship
Spiritual Friends and Loneliness
Foster This Spirit
Bright Lights
Chapter 11 Who Will Be Next? 135
To Whom Does the Future Belong?
Shame on Us
What Are You Willing to Give Your Life For?
Finding Your Place
Where Do We Start?
Part 3 The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality 145
Chapter 12 Confession 149
Turning to God
I Am a Sinner
The Drama of Life
A Sacred Encounter
Common Objections
Behold the Beauty
Self-Knowledge
A New Habit
Temptation
The Touch of the Master's Hand
Chapter 13 Daily Prayer 175
Why Pray?
Thought Determines Action
The Classroom of Silence
Getting Started
Do I Have to Go to Church to Pray?
Begin Today
Cast Into the Deep
Chapter 14 The Mass 205
Prepare Yourself
Get Yourself a Mass Journal
A Quick Journey Through the Mass
Spiritual Game Changer
My Favorite Prayer
Beyond You & Me
Embrace the Gift
Chapter 15 The Bible 229
Where Did the Bible Come From?
Jesus: The Turning Point in Human History
Where Should You Start?
Beyond the Gospels
Stories, Questions and Prayers
77 Years
Chapter 16 Fasting 247
In Search of a Vision
Body and Soul
The Death of Discipline
Fasting in the Scriptures
The History of Christian Fasting
Lenten Fasting
Fasting and You
The Universe and You
Always a Means, Never an End
Where, When, and for How Long?
Chapter 17 Spiritual Reading 265
An Ancient Tradition
What Should We Read?
When, Where, and for How Long?
Adult Education
Keeping the Star in Sight
Chapter 18 The Rosary 270
Why Have We Abandoned the Rosary?
Benefits
Growth in Virtue
Twenty Lessons
More Than One Way
The Real Objection
Mary
Part 4 Now Is Our Time 285
Chapter 19 Time for a Change 287
Are We Willing to Change?
What Should We Focus On?
Education
Evangelization
Vocations
Chapter 20 Leadership 309
Paralyzed by Fear
Courage
Bold Leadership
Servant Leadership
Chapter 21 Return to Virtue 317
The World Needs the Church
Something Wonderful is About to Happen
