Highlights - December 2015

Christmas

Christmas is only seven days away! Enjoy the holidays with one of our popular DVDs.  

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Courageous: Honor Begins at Home

Fireproof

The Jeweller’s Shop

Joseph of Nazareth: The Story of the Man Closest to Christ

Joshua

The Miracle of Marcelino

The Nativity Story

The Reluctant Saint: The Incredible True Story of St. Joseph of Cupertino

The Way

For information about these resources or any of the materials in the library, please contact us at 905-528-7988 ext. 2270. Or browse all of our titles in our online catalogue

Merry Christmas from the staff of the Bishop Farrell Library & Archives: Anne, Dominy, and Maxine!

Year of Mercy

Year of Mercy

The Year of Mercy was initiated this past Tuesday, December the 8th with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This is the first time it has been opened since the turn of the century.  Pope Francis called for the Year of Mercy as an invitation for Catholics throughout the world to truly connect with the mercy of God. It is a time for us all to show mercy and compassion, to practice works of service, and to focus on forgiveness and reconciliation. The Year of Mercy ends on November 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King. 

“To forgive is God’s joy; the being of God is mercy. For this reason, in this year, we should open our hearts so that this love, this joy of God may fill us with this mercy.”   
Pope Francis

Learn more about the fundamental role of mercy within the Catholic Church and how the tenets of love, compassion, and forgiveness can enrich your life, with our library resources:

Select Library Resources

Full Listing of Year of Mercy Resources

Bishop Crosby will Bless and Open the Holy Doors at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, this Sunday, December 13th at 7:00pm. Discover more about the Year of Mercy in the Diocese of Hamilton.

Advent

Advent

The season of Advent is now upon us.  Take some time to reflect on faith, hope, and love as you prepare for Christmas.  The Bishop Farrell Library has many titles related to Advent including the following: 

Books

Stephen Binz, Advent of the Savior:  A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus (1996) – An accessible guide for the study of the Infancy Narratives. 

Stephen Binz, Advent Light (2010) – A scripture study designed for both personal study and group discussion.

Thomas Hoffman, ed., Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with Caryll Houselander (2000) – A collection of inspirational wisdom and reflections.

Iona Community, Cloth for the Cradle:  Worship Resources and Readings for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany (2000) – A resource for lay and clergy worship planners containing litanies, meditations, monologues, poems, prayers, scripts, and symbolic actions.

Bridget Mary Meehan, Your Prayerful Journal for Advent (1993) – A selection of readings, reflection questions, and prayer exercises.

Orbis Books, Watch for the Light:  Readings for Advent and Christmas (2006) – An anthology of spiritual readings, for everyday of the holiday season, from the world’s best-loved writers.

Patrick Ryan, The Coming of Our God:  Scriptural Reflections for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany (1999) – Reflections on the lectionary readings for the holy seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. 

Judith Sutera, Advent and Christmas:  Wisdom from St. Benedict (2010) – A compilation of wisdom from St. Benedict, scripture readings, prayer, and suggested actions for personal growth. 

Jane Williams, Approaching Christmas (2006) – A reflection on traditional Christmas associations, such as making lists, decorations, Christmas trees, and the spiritual meanings imbued in these elements.

DVDs / CDs

An Advent and Christmas Journey (1992) – An in-depth discussion from Fr. Michael Himes into the spirituality and theology of Advent and Christmas.  This series can be used in adult faith formation, small group discussions, and sermon preparation for any year.

The Infancy Narratives of Jesus (1996) – A scripture study based on four key elements:  daily personal study, weekly small-group sharing, a wrap-up lecture, and prayer.

Madonna House (2001) – A live recording from Our Lady of the Woods chapel in Combermere, Ontario, of the Madonna House community in their musical tribute to the blessed season of Advent, and their celebration of Christmas Vespers.

You can download a full listing of our Advent Resources here or search for titles with our library catalogue.

For more information about these or other items in the library, please contact us by phone at 905-528-7988 ext. 2270.