Book review: The Heart of Catholicism by Bert Ghezzi

Last year, Eileen Ponder, Editor of Pastoral Ministry Resources at at Ave Maria Press asked the Roncalli Center to consider an endorsement for Bert Ghezzi's newest book The Heart of Catholism - Practicing the Everyday Habits that Shape Us, I agreed to read the manuscript and gave the book a hearty endorsement along with quite a few trusted names in Catholic church life. The book appealed to me on several levels:

1. Cradle Catholics who may want to refresh and invigorate their faith will find the book engaging in its enthusiasm for Catholicism's rich heritage, tradition and putting Catholic faith into practice. The first chapter opens with a question: "What does being Catholic mean to you?" 

2. New Catholics Christians will find a compendium of core practices and treatment of particular terms that are particular to Catholic faith life. Like any neophyte, new practices can be pretty confusing. I found the Notes and Glossary section helpful in regard to what seasoned Catholics may describe as basic terminology. Not so basic if it's all new to you! This will help. 

3.Inquirers who may find Catholicism appealing but mysterious will find some of the veil of obscurity lifted in Ghezzi's accessible writing. Readers are free to read and dwell, discover more, put aside for anothe time or uncover more by reading and sitting with the sections that really make you think and pray. 

4. People who may be searching for a book that is grounded in solid Catholic principles for group discussion will enjoy exploring the chapters on the foundations of Catholic faith followed by the question and discussion sections at the end of each chapter, followed by an action plan and a section for further study.

However readers decide to use the book, The Heart of Catholicism serves as a refreshing reminder that our habits shape, define and ground us in our Catholic faith. Sacramental and liturgical life, private prayer, scripture study, community service on behalf of social justice and exploring the lives of the communion of saints remind us all of who we are as baptized Christians - ordinary people called to be extraordinary human beings as we enter more deeply into the mysteries of our Catholic faith and life lived in Christ Jesus. 

The Heart of Catholicism is invitatory and practical. Ghezzi's organic enthusiasm for Catholic faith life directs readers to the mercy of God, not the judgment of God, to the love of Catholic faith rather than the duty and rubrics of Catholic faith. For seasoned Catholics, for persons who who may for one reason or another be away from active faith life and want to take that first step to return or for the person seeking a faith life but not quite sure where to turn, Give The Heart of Catholicism a try. Good habits take practice, one step at at time. Bert Ghezzi's book may be a good place to begin to practice everyday habits that shape us into what God dreams for us - joy, beauty and peace lived within a hearty faith life. That's how we change the world, one good habit at a time.