Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie

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Take 2 Resources

Books

Writings

Novenas

Websites

Books

  • The Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul This book records St. Faustina’s life experience – the journey of her soul. She was graced by a special communion with Jesus, and the diary expresses her conviction that communion with God should be the center of our lives. This is the source of the Divine Mercy devotion. 
  • Catholics in the Public Square (Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted) This handy booklet brings you the current teaching of Bishops and Cardinals on vital topics facing the Catholic Church today. Also, Bishop Thomas Olmsted explains the responsibilities and duties of Catholics living in the modern world and their authentic role in our nation’s political process.
  • Eucharistic Miracles (Joan Carroll Cruz) Joan Carroll Cruz covers a wide historical range of Eucharistic miracles, the first miracle described is in the 8th century and the last is in 1970. The author details the official investigations made into these remarkable events, and in many cases tells where the miraculous Hosts or Blood can still be seen today. Cruz describes a total of 36 miracles.

  • The Incorruptibles (Joan Carroll Cruz) A Study of the Incorruption of the Bodies of Various Catholic Saints and Beati, by Joan Carol Cruz. This book has remained popular since its first publication in 1977. It is acknowledged as the classic on the bodies of Saints that did not undergo decomposition after death – many staying fresh and flexible for years, or even centuries.
  • Angels and Devils (Joan Carroll Cruz) Joan Carroll Cruz covers the traditional definitions of the angels, asking and answering virtually every conceivable question about them, such as – What are they? How do we know they exist? When were they created? Then Cruz discusses the bad angels… the devils. She covers witchcraft, the occult, the New Age, Scientology and more.

  • Angels and Demons (Peter Kreeft) In response to actual questions many people have asked him about angels and demons, well-known author and philosophy professor Peter Kreeft separates fact from fantasy and myth from reality as he answers 100 common questions about these spiritual beings. Based on a very popular college course he teaches on this subject, this book responds to the incredible amount of interest in angelic beings and attempts to clear up some of the misinformation abounding in the numerous books today on what we know about these mysterious spirits.
  • All About the Angels (Fr. Paul O’Sullivan) A wonderful book showing how the angels have visited people innumerable times in the past, how they do so today, and would do even more if we asked them. Also, how they prevent accidents, comfort us, help us, and protect us from the devils. Contains many beautiful stories about St. Michael, St. Raphael and St. Gabriel; plus, angel stories from St. Gemma Galgani, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John Bosco, etc. One of our 3 most popular titles!
  • Behold Your Mother (Tim Staples) Tim Staples takes you through the Church’s teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary, showing their firm Scriptural and historical roots and dismantling the objections of those who mistakenly believe that Mary competes for the attention due Christ alone. Combining the best recent scholarship with a convert’s in-depth knowledge of the arguments, Staples has assembled the most thorough and useful Marian apologetic you’ll find anywhere. He also shows how all of the Marian doctrines are relevant – even essential – to a salvific faith in Jesus.
  • Consecration to St. Joseph (Fr. Donald Calloway) Drawing on the wealth of the Church’s living tradition, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, calls on all of us to turn to St. Joseph, entrust ourselves, our Church, and our world to our spiritual father’s loving care, and then watch for wonders when the Universal Patron of the Church opens the floodgates of Heaven to pour out graces into our lives today. Definitely a book for our time, Consecration to St. Joseph is dedicated to meeting the challenges of the present moment and restoring order to our Church and our world, all through the potent paternal intercession and care of St. Joseph. This book has everything you need to take your love and devotion to St. Joseph to a whole different level: a thorough program of consecration to St. Joseph; information on the 10 wonders of St. Joseph; and prayers and devotions to St. Joseph. Accessible, motivating, this book will kick off a great movement of consecration to our spiritual father and change the world.
  • Resisting Happiness (Matthew Kelly) Discover how to recognize and conquer resistance in your life so you can become the-best-version-of-yourself and experience true happiness
  • Rediscover Catholicism (Matthew Kelly) We all need to rediscover Catholicism. Central to the beauty and richness of the faith is that it is constantly in need of being rediscovered. Not because it changes, because we change. Who we are and the circumstances of our lives are constantly evolving and so a truth that we passed over a year ago may prove to be completely transformative today. At Dynamic Catholic we are passionate about helping people rediscover Catholicism.
  • Arise from Darkness (Fr. Benedict Groeschel) Fr. Benedict Groeschel a well-known priest and psychologist offers help and guidance for any Christian troubled by fear, loss, anxiety, grief and anything else anything that makes life difficult or the road through it dark. Fr. Benedict offers practical suggestions on how to keep going and even grow with the help of God’s grace, even when this help seems remote
  • Behold The Man (Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers)A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality, by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Lucid and inspiring, this is a unique exploration of Catholic spirituality for men. Much of the literature written for Catholic men focuses on topical issues such as fatherhood and sexuality. While this book also includes these subjects, it is the first to present a COMPREHENSIVE picture of Catholic male spirituality. Drawing from Scripture and Church teaching, the author roots Catholic male spirituality in a covenant relationship with God and the cross of Jesus Christ. He demonstrates how the key is in embracing the cross. 
  • Faith Hope and Clarity (Gary Zimak) Gary Zimak looks at tried-and-true methods for discovering God?s will for our lives: prayer, Scripture, the lives of the saints, the teachings of the Church, seeking counsel from trusted friends and mentors, and St. Ignatius? rules for discernment. This book addresses the big, life-changing decisions and the many small, day-to-day choices that influence the course of our lives. It offers practical advice on accepting difficult circumstances and truly embracing God’s will, even in challenging circumstances. It will help you answer the question all sincere Christians ask: What does God want me to do?
  • Give Up Worry for Lent (Gary Zimak) Catholic author and self-described “recovering worrier” Gary Zimak combines practical spirituality, daily scripture readings, and simple action steps to help you kick the worry habit as part of your Lenten renewal. He shows you how to let go of the anxiety-producing areas of life in order to find the lasting peace that comes from trusting God.
  • During the season of Lent, Catholics and other Christians frequently give up something they enjoy as a measure of penance or self-discipline—and often fall back into old habits at the first “Alleluia!” In Give Up Worry for Lent!, Zimak offers fellow worriers practical, scripture-centered advice on how to relinquish the need to control the uncontrollable—not just for Lent but for good—and how to find peace in Christ.
  • Stop Worrying & Start Living (Gary Zimak) As someone who struggled with anxiety for many years, author Gary Zimak knows just how painful worry can be. After years of panic attacks, digestive problems, heart palpitations, and sleepless nights, he discovered that a personal relationship with Jesus keeps his worrying under control and fills him with peace. And he believes that what works for him can work for you, too.
  • Whether you’re facing financial hardships, health issues, personal insecurities, or the million and one little things that keep you up at night, God doesn’t want you to worry. Even though it sometimes can be tough to believe, God wants you to know that he has a plan for your happiness and peace. He can see you through anything– even your anxiety! By listening to God’s voice in the Bible, speaking to him in prayer, and spending time in his presence, your life will change. These daily reflections will help you along the way. It’s time to stop worrying and start living!

  • 33 Days to Morning Glory (Fr. Michael Gaitley) A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration, by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC. With four giants of Marian spirituality: St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Blessed Pope John Paul II, Fr. Michael masterfully summarizes their teaching, making it easy to grasp, and simple enough to put into practice. More specifically, he weaves their thought into a user-friendly, do-it-yourself retreat that will bless even the busiest of people!

Writings

Into the Breach (Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted)
Complete My Joy (Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted)

Novenas

Jesus, You Take Over- The Surrender Novena

Jesus to the soul:

Why are you upset and agitated? Leave your cares to Me and all will be fine. I tell you honestly, every act of true and blind reliance on Me results in what you desire and will resolve all your difficulties.

Abandonment in Me does not mean being frustrated, becoming anxious and desperate, offering Me your anxious prayer, that I may follow you and have your anxiety be a prayer. Abandonment means to shut the eyes of your soul in peace, moving your thoughts away from your troubles, and instead of thinking about your worries and pain, let Me take over your troubles. Simply say: Jesus, You take over. To be worried, restless, and to think of the consequences of an event is the opposite of reliance, it is really contrary to it.

It is like a child, who wants his mom to take care his needs, but in the way he wants: and with his whims and childish ideas he hampers her work. Shut your eyes and go with the flow of My grace. Do not ponder over your present moment and put away thoughts of your future as a temptation; rest in Me, believe in My goodness and I swear on My Love, that if you think like this: Jesus, You take over, I indeed will do it for you, I will comfort you, free you, and guide you. If I have to take you in a different direction from the one you are looking at, I will train you, I pick you up in my arms, and you will find yourself, like a baby sleeping in his mother’s arms, on the other shore. What gives you immense stress and hurts you, is your reasoning over it, your thoughts and the pains it gives you; it is wanting at all costs to take care by yourself of what is afflicting you.

How many things I can do, be it a material or a spiritual need, when the soul turns to Me, looks at Me and says to Me: Jesus, You take over, and close its eyes and rests in Me! You do not receive many graces because you insist on getting them by yourself; but instead you will receive numberless graces, when your prayer is in full reliance on Me. When you are in pain, and you pray that I may act, you want Me to act as you believe I should… you do not turn to Me; instead you want Me to submit to your ideas; you are like a sick person who does not ask the doctor for the cure but tells him what the cure is to be. Don’t be like this, but pray as I taught you in the Our Father: Hallowed be your name, which means, may You be glorified in this need of mine; Your kingdom come, which means, everything may work toward Your Kingdom in us and in the world; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, which means, You direct it as it seems best to You for the good of our eternal and temporal life.

When you truly tell me: Your will be done, which is the same then to say: Jesus, You take over, then I do intervene with all My omnipotence, and I will resolve every situation, even if there is no way out. For example, do you see your sickness becoming worse instead of improving? Don’t become anxious, close your eyes and tell Me with trust: Your will be done, Jesus, You take over. I repeat it, I do take care, I intervene like a doctor, and even do a miracle if it is necessary. Does a patient become worse? Don’t be frightened, close your eyes and say: Jesus, You take over. I tell you again: I will indeed do it for you, and there is no medicine more powerful than my loving intervention. I take over only when you close your eyes. You never sleep, you want to appraise everything, to think, to delve into everything; you choose to rely on human power, or, worse, on men, trusting their intervention. This is what hampers My words and My will. Oh how much I long for this reliance in order to assist you, and how much I grieve to see your anxiety. Satan does just this: he gives you anxiety to remove Me from you and throw you into human initiative.

Trust only in Me instead, rest in Me, rely on Me in everything. I do miracles in proportion to your complete reliance on Me, with no thought of yourself. I spread treasures of graces when you are in the most squalid poverty. If you have your own resources, even a few, or if you seek them, you are at the natural level, thus you follow the natural way of things, which often are dominated by Satan. Never a thinker or a philosopher has done any miracle, not even among the
Saints; only he who relies on God does divine work.

When you see that things become complicated, say with your eyes closed: Jesus, I abandon myself to You; Jesus, You take over, and stop worrying about it, because your mind is sharp and for you it is difficult to distinguish evil; but trust in Me, and let your mind wander away from your thoughts. Do this for all your needs; all of you, do this, and you shall see great things, endless and silent miracles. I swear it on My Love. I shall indeed take over, you can be sure of it. Pray always with this loving confidence and you shall have great peace and great fruits, even when I choose for you the grace of immolating yourself for reparation and the love that entails suffering. Do you believe it is impossible? Shut your eyes and say with all your soul: Jesus, You take over. Don’t be afraid, I indeed will take care of you, and you shall bless My Name, in humility. A thousand prayers do not equal only one act of abandonment; don’t ever forget it. There is no better novena than this: Oh Jesus I abandon myself to You, Jesus, You take over.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena

For Full Novena click here

1. Make the sign of the cross
2. Say the Act of Contrition. Ask pardon for your sins and make a firm promise not to commit them again.
Oh my God I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell. But most of all, because I offended you, oh my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen
3. Say the first 3 decades of the Rosary.
4. Make the meditation of the day (to be posted each day)
5. Say the last 2 decades of the rosary
6. Finish with the Prayer to Our Lady the Undoer of Knots

Meditation for Day 1
Dearest Holy Mother, Most Holy Mary, you undo the knots that suffocate your children, extend your merciful hands to me. I entrust to You today this knot….and all the negative consequences that it provokes in my life. I give you this knot that torments me and makes me unhappy and so impedes me from uniting myself to You and Your Son Jesus, my Savior.
I run to You, Mary, Undoer of Knots because I trust you and I know that you never despise a sinning child who comes to ask you for help. I believe that you can undo this knot because Jesus grants you everything. I believe that you want to undo this knot because you are my Mother. I believe that You will do this because you love me with eternal love.
Thank you, Dear Mother.
Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.The one who seeks grace, finds it in Mary’s hands.

Express Novena- Flying Novena (Mother Teresa)

For full Novena Click Here

When needing an answer to prayers quickly and without delay, Mother Teresa of Calcutta famously prayed a “Flying” novena. This is a simple and quick way to pray a ‘novena’ when you don’t have the full nine days! How do you pray this novena? Well, Mother Teresa would pray the Memorare prayer nine times in a row rather than praying it once a day for 9 days. Her religious sisters, the Missionaries of Charity, continue this practice today. Of course, you can pray it either way.

Day 1 Join in praying the Memorare Novena – “Flying Novena” of Mother Teresa

Pray this prayer 9 times today.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your clemency hear and answer me. Amen.