Author-to-Author

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home (April 30, 2024)Keeping a faithful prayer life with your family isn't easy. From herding distracted children to managing the seemingly endless litany of prayers and devotions, our spiritual life all too often feels frantic and burdensome.This isn't the way it should be. Our prayer life, our family life, and our work life should--and can!--be in harmony. When they are, our family is a powerhouse of grace, and Our Lord transforms our home into a little Eden--a little bit of heaven on earth.With simplicity and holy wisdom, authors David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawler show you how to bring peace to your home by integrating your family into the calm, truly joyful way of Mother Church. Her feasts and seasons, prayers and devotions are gifts that draw us closer to God and unfold before us His marvelous plan of salvation.To help you live the Liturgical Life of the Church more fully, David and Leila reclaim here an almost lost tradition that families used for centuries to build a beautiful bridge between home and church: the little oratory.Consisting of a modest table and icons, the little oratory is a visible sign of spiritual awareness and devotion. It extends the Eucharistic worship of the Mass into the heart of your home, spiritually nourishing your family and preparing them to transform the world through prayer and charity.Building your own little oratory is simple, and in these pages you'll discover just how easy it is. In fact, you likely have most of the pieces in your home already except, perhaps, the sacred art. That s why we've included here seven full-colored icons that are ready for framing, enabling you to get started right away!By following the wise advice in this book, you'll discover the peace and love that flows from a home that is focused on Christ. You'll also learn . . .How to use sacred art to strengthen your prayer life.How to extend Catholic beliefs and devotions into every room of the house.Why the Liturgy of the Hours is important and how it can make your family holy.How to pray the Rosary with children and keep the rowdiest of them calm and reverent.The active role children can and should play in the prayer life of the family.What to do when only one parent takes the spiritual life seriously.How to overcome the feeling that you're too busy to pray.Practical ways to extend the liturgical life into your workplace.And countless other tips to help you practice your faith in the heart of your home.The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home: David Clayton, Leila Marie Lawler: 9781622821761: Amazon.com: BooksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book The Vision For You: How to Discover the Life You Were Made For.The Vision for You is the name of a process by which we, who have been through it, discovered our true calling in life – what we call our ‘personal vocation.’ Through this process we discovered the Great Fact – that we have a choice in life. We can choose to be happy or to be miserable. The goal is to be happy and to become, more and more, the people we were meant to be. We aim to lead a life that is a good, true, and beautiful path to a better life. We call this path the Way of Beauty. I believe that anyone who has a sense that their lives ought to be more fulfilled can benefit from this book if they are prepared to follow its directions as best they can. This book is a description of the transformation of life through a set of spiritual exercises called the Vision for You – it is a structured ‘process,’ or ‘program,’ of prayer, reflection, and good works. You don’t have to be Catholic, or even Christian for this process to work – you just need to be open-minded enough to do what is suggested. The principles in this book come from the ancient tradition of Western spirituality going right back to the Church Fathers. You don't need to accept the Christian understanding of why it works in order for it to work. You just need to take the actions it describes and be willing to believe that there is a God. In other words, act as though he exists regardless of whether you believe it. https://www.amazon.com/Vision-You-Discover-Life-Were/dp/1980665230Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Joseph P. Michael, Th.D., on his book Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church), Book 1 (April 15, 2024)The author offers the Church something that the Church does not currently possess, namely a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment of the subject of Maria, Mater Ecclesiae, arguing that Mary was divinely predestined to be Mother of the Church from the dawn of creation. The book is both persuasive and provocative, potentially troublesome for those who remain indifferent to the Virgin Mother’s participation in Christ’s mission of redemption. The inquiry spans the intellectual spectrum, on one hand clarifying terminology for the purposes of catechetical and ecumenical dialogue, on the other hand providing voluminous authoritative references that call upon various theologians, philosophers, Saints, Doctors of the Church and scripture passages that are seemingly difficult to refute.At the heart of this investigation lies the existential reality of Mary’s maternal charity and the understanding of love as a reciprocal relationship between Mary and her adopted children. It is the mutual nature of love that spawns the idea that this Marian doctrine may benefit ecumenical dialogue and evangelization by appealing both to the heart and the importance of loving one another. But perhaps the most potentially contentious aspect of this investigation lies in the argument that as the doctrine relies on the principle of mutual love for one another, it becomes abundantly clear that love and devotion for the Virgin Mother becomes necessary if one aspires to eternal happiness.Apologia Pro Sancta Maria Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis: Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae), Book I | En Route Books and MediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Maria Riley on her book Saint John Bosco: The Juggling Saint (April 14, 2024)Summer is over, and Joshua is about to start at his brand-new school. He feels so nervous about starting somewhere new, and he’s not sure if he’ll get lost or if he will make any friends. Luke, Becca, and Joshua go on a special journey and meet Saint John Bosco - a priest who juggles and does acrobatics! What could this quirky priest be able to teach the kids? Will Joshua be ok on his first day?https://www.amazon.com/Saint-John-Bosco-Juggling-Adventures/dp/1959607030/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Allison Gingras on her book Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (April 12, 2024)After a friend gave Allison Gingras a Miraculous Medal, she began to incorporate it and other sacramentals into her personal prayer time and family devotions. She soon discovered that these tangible signs—which Catholics believe prepare us to receive the grace of the sacraments—helped both her and her profoundly deaf daughter connect with God and the spiritual motherhood of Mary, who is intimately connected to so many of these practices.Blessings, prayers, devotions, and objects such as rosaries and scapulars are forms of sacramentals. In Encountering Signs of Faith, Gingras—founder of Reconciled to You ministries—shares the story of how these helped her discern the adoption of her daughter from China, strengthened her faith as she waited to meet her, helped her bond with the toddler, and taught her daughter about her faith.Gingras offers examples of saints who inspired and embraced sacramentals, including Juan Diego, Faustina, Bernadette, and Venerable Patrick Peyton. You will also learn about the spiritual benefits of incorporating sacramentals such as sacred images, novenas, prayer cards, lectio divina (sacred reading), and holy water into daily life. Reflection questions and grace-building activities are included with each chapter.Gingras will guide you and your family to experience these sacred signs in a new way and to connect you more meaningfully to Jesus, Mary, and the saints.Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God: Gingras, Allison, Wahlquist, Kelly M.: 9781646801411: Amazon.com: BooksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Terry Modica on her book My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) (April 11, 2024)This easy-to-understand study guide explains in ordinary language how to understand the very important Church document, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) an encyclical by Pope Saint John Paul II. You’ll be able to apply it to your everyday life in today’s world. You’ll discover how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You’ll learn why Catholicism teaches that the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life.” You’ll find out—with clarity—what Catholics believe and do not believe about the Eucharist. And you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the reason why only Catholic priests can consecrate the communion elements alongside the important role you have, with the whole community, in the Eucharistic celebration. My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia by Terry Modica | En Route Books and MediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Cathy Gilmore, creator of VirtueHeroes.com.For more on this series, visit https://www.virtueheroes.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews L. Thane Belan on his book Help Me Lord, I Need YOU (April 3, 2024)Their cries for help and their discovery of how God leads us to freedom is an inspiration to us all. Help Me Lord, I Need YOU is a composition of true stories illustrating people’s life struggles and demonstrating the many ways God can help us in our similar struggles. This book leads us on a path of Discovery, forgiveness, Healing, and Faith, hope and Love to “The Help.” Come journey with these real people in their stories to real Help and learn how their lessons could help you too. The lessons learned in these stories are worth noting and reflecting on. Space is provided throughout this book that allow you to do that.Help Me Lord, I Need YOU: Belen, L. Thane: 9798694656290: Amazon.com: BooksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Grace Bourget on her novel Ad Maré: Song of the Pleiades (April 3, 2024)A kingdom living in the shadow of a five-hundred year curse.A people banished for protecting their home against it.Seven stars gliding westward.One ancient city has already fallen to the sea.  The only hope to save Celae and her people lies in the sky overhead; in the star on one girl’s brow; and a haunting voice calling her over the sea.  Only her worst nightmares could prepare her for what lurked in the ancient mist.“For only the broken souls may shine with starlight.”Ad Maré: Song of the Pleiades by Grace Bourget | En Route Books and MediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Karina Fabian and Dcn. Steve Lumbert on their book There You Are God! (April 1, 2024)Far too often, we expect God to show Himself in grand ways yet ignore when He makes His presence known in the day to day. Neither Deacon Steve nor Karina had dramatic conversions. Rather, God led them into deeper faith through the seemingly minor details of life: pot of rice, a habit of prayer, a frustrating flight home, or a barefooted stranger. This father-daughter team have written a delightful, quick book about finding God in the day-to-day. With thought-provoking quotes, heartwarming stories, Bible verses, passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and simple exercises the reader can fit into his or her daily routine, they help others recognize God's presence. Great for the casual or converting Catholic longing for something more in their relationship with God, or the "advanced" Catholic wanting light spiritual exercise.https://www.amazon.com/There-You-Deacon-Steven-Lumbert/dp/1956489169Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Lisa Wroble on her book Starving: Can We Feed Everyone? (March 27, 2024)Starving: Can We Feed Everyone delves into the critical issue of global food security and explores whether we can provide sustenance for the entire world population.Amazon.com: Starving: Can We Feed Everyone? (The End of Life As We Know It): 9780766073746: Wroble, Lisa: BooksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Maria Gallagher on her book Glorious Encounters with Mary (March 26, 2024)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Jane Lebak on her book Carrying to Term: A Guide for Parents After a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis.Every year, thousands of expecting parents start prenatal testing to find out if it’s a boy or a girl…and instead learn the baby is going to die. Anencephaly. Trisomy 18. Potter’s sequence. They’re called “incompatible with life.” But they’re not incompatible with love. Many doctors recommend immediate termination, but more parents are carrying their babies for as long as possible, often without guidance. Carrying to Term: A Guide for Parents after a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis addresses every aspect of the longest (and shortest) months of your life. From emotional issues to spiritual struggles to funeral-dress shopping while you’re still seven months pregnant, Carrying to Term offers strategies for parents struggling just to make it through the day. You can forge a best-case scenario out of a worst-case scenario. You can bond with a baby who hasn’t yet been born. Parents have learned to make memories in brief windows of time, and you can too. Author Jane Lebak carried to term with Emily Rose, diagnosed with anencephaly at 22 weeks, and has been active in the infant loss community ever since. Based on her experiences and those of the CTT forum she moderated, the guide offers practical options for doing what parents do best: loving their babies. https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Term-Devastating-Prenatal-Diagnosis-ebook/dp/B076L2M8K8Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Hope Johnson on her book Catholic Prayers for Children (March 24, 2024)Why we pray, how we pray, to Whom we pray... Catholic Prayers for Children presents classic Catholic prayers to children in an engaging format complemented by the stunning illustrations of Tracey Taylor Arvidson. Children, parents, and grandparents alike will delight in reading about prayer and praying together the beautiful words which lift our minds and hearts to God. Designed to be read by the 6 to 10 year-old child or read to the 3 to 6 year-old child, Catholic Prayers for Children encourages everyone to converse joyfully with our great and loving God! The perfect gift for First Communion, Baptism, Christmas, birthdays, or other special occasions. Hardcover picture book. 36 pages. For children of all ages!https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Prayers-Children-Hope-Johnson/dp/0692992995/https://hopejohnsonauthor.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Paula Veloso Babadi on her book Everywhere Hope (March 23, 2024)Everywhere Hope awakens readers with uplifting and insightful stories and poems to rekindle the power and presence of hope in their daily lives. Eloquently written, this collection is a journey to be experienced more than once. Book #1 in the "Everywhere..." book series is disarmingly honest, emotionally accessible, and meant to be savored in all ages of life. Everywhere Hope delivers on its promise.Everywhere Hope by Paula Veloso Babadi, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)Everywhere Hope Today - Search. Strengthen. ShareBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Carmela Martino on her book Playing by Heart (March 21, 2024)Emilia Salvini dreams of marrying a man who loves music as much as she does. But in 18th-century Milan, being the "second sister" means she'll likely be sent to a convent instead. Emilia's only hope is to prove her musical talents crucial to her father's quest for nobility. First, though, she must win over her music tutor, who disdains her simply for being a girl. But before she can carry out her plan, a tragedy sends the family into mourning. In her sorrow, Emilia composes a heartrending sonata that causes the maestro to finally recognize her talent. He begins teaching her music theory alongside Antonio Bellini, the arrogant great-nephew of a wealthy marquis. Emilia's feelings toward her rival gradually change as she strives to outdo him. But just when her dreams seem within reach, Emilia learns that her success could destroy not only her future but her sister's very life. Readers are calling this beautifully crafted novel inspired by the lives of composer Maria Teresa Agnesi and mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi the "Italian version of Pride and Prejudice." https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Heart-Martino-Carmela/dp/0997173297Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Fr. Nicholas Gregoris on his book A Concise History of a Hundred Years of Papal Teaching on Catholic Education (March 18, 2024)Fr. Gregoris, who served as the major translator of a book entitled The Mission of Catholic Schools: A Century of Reflection and Direction, has provided in this short volume a full introduction to the thousand-page collection of magisterial teachings on primary and secondary Catholic education over the past hundred years.A Concise History of a Hundred Years of Papal Teaching on Catholic Education | En Route Books and MediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Kathleen Vincenz on her book Papa and the Little Queen: A Walk with St. Therese and her Papa (March 17, 2024)Four-year-old Thérèse skipped to the garden to tell her papa she has learned to read her first word, Heaven. After a make-believe tea party, they head for a walk through the city of Lisieux to celebrate. Along the way, Thérèse and Papa meet many people and share their simple, joyous love for God and each other. When it begins to rain, they hurry home but not before Thérèse learns that God and Heaven are always near.Based on the stories St. Thérèse of Lisieux told about her many walks with her beloved papa, St. Louis Martin, in her autobiography, The Story of A Soul, Papa and the Little Queen brings to life St. Thérèse and her papa with much love and a bit of humor.A delightful story that illustrates the joy and faith exuded by St. Thérèse, Michelle Buckman, award-winning writer and editor.Good for independent readers or as a read-aloud for younger audiences.Papa and the Little Queen: A Walk with St. Therese and her Papa: Vincenz, Kathleen, Vincenz, Daniel: 9780996757348: Amazon.com: BooksBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Helena Signore on her book I AM: The Mystery of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist for Children (March 11, 2024)I AM was written because there was no resource specifically unwrapping the mystery of the Real Presence for children, which is a challenging topic for First Communion preparation. Presented in English and Spanish in a teasing question, prediction and answer format and illustrated with engaging watercolor and ink, I AM is designed to take the reader on an active journey of thinking and responding. It is packed with visual imagery of hidden surprises in nature and tied to biblical miracles of the burning bush of Moses, the divinity of Jesus, as well as the wedding at Cana and the multiplication of loaves and fishes. As the story progresses the narrator voice drops out and the child, who has been predicting answers, begins asking the questions, to which God answers, "I AM". This leads to a touching conclusion at the altar.https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/722555-i-amhttps://catholicschools4u.org/blog/teacher-feature-helena-signore-holy-trinity-schoolhttps://www.youtube.com/@helpimacatechist6482Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-to-author--4129285/support.In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews John and Laura Ruberto on their book The Gulf of Mexico: A Rhyming Animal Adventure and their website The Hallowed Way (March 10, 2024)Young children will embark on a wildlife adventure in the Gulf of Mexico as seen ALL IN ONE DAY. Inspired by actual sightings from just one day on the water in sunny Southwest Florida, you will behold charming vibrant hand-drawn illustrations including a colorful sea star as the day dawns, a magnificent osprey clutching its prey, a frolicking dolphin, an alligator cruising by on the way home, and much more -- seventeen creatures in all.A vocabulary-rich treat to be read with Mom or Dad or for a young reader to enjoy on their own, simple rhymes with a refrain encourage even the littlest ones to chime in. The extensive glossary is a bonus. So much to be seen beneath the turquoise waves, in the sapphire sky and on the sandy shore in this debut book of the ALL IN ONE DAY series.The Gulf of Mexico: Ruberto, Laura, Ruberto, Laura: 9798989380909: Amazon.com: BooksThe Hallowed Way - The Hallowed Way