10 More Books for a Catholic Mother’s Bookshelf

The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy.

You’ll find books all over my house and filling up my Kindle app in my iPad. We listen to audiobooks in the car, at lunchtime and even when I run.

Need a list of great Catholic books to add to your summer must-read list? Here are some authors that I’ve read recently or plan to peruse by the pool in the next few months.

1. Kate Wicker

I honestly don’t know any woman on the planet who hasn’t struggled with her body image at some point in her life. As the mother of girls, I’m especially aware of trying to be more positive about my own body. I don’t want to pass any negativity on to my daughters.

In Weightless,Kate bravely shares her story of battling bulimia, along with how popular culture and today’s media can negatively affect our body image. I’m looking forward to reading this book and sharing insights with other girl moms.

2. Sarah Reinhard

I’ve been a fan of Sarah for years and was excited to work with her over the past year to promote two of her books.

A Catholic Mother’s Companion Guide to Pregnancy arrived in my hands shortly after Maeve was born, but I was still able to benefit from reading the beautiful section on baptism. I passed my copies on to my friends Colleen and Leanne to savor during their pregnancies.

If you have children or grandchildren in your home,Catholic Family Fun needs to be on your shelf. Sarah has compiled a wide variety of activities for us to enjoy our families and have FUN while living the tenets of our faith.

3. Father Leo Patalinghug
Family dinnertime at my house can be a challenge — my boys don’t like to sit still and the baby throws more food than she eats.

I keep trying, because I know the importance of connecting with my family. Father Leo encourages families to strengthen their relationships around the dinner table with his Grace Before Meals ministry.

My friend and fellow CMO writer Kathryn Whitaker was blessed to catch up with Father Leo in Austin. She got to hear first hand about Father Leo’s latest book, Spice Up Your Marriage

I’m looking forward to celebrating some of my own month-a-versaries soon.

4. Cheryl Dickow

With the help of Teresa Tomeo, Cheryl brings us another healthy alternative to the negative messages from today’s secular media with her book Wrapped Up. She explores the beauty of the Old Testament to examine God’s gifts for us.

There’s also a companion journal to help you delve deeper.

5. Teresa Tomeo

Young women today have been assaulted by messages from popular culture. Teresa breaks down the damage from radical feminism, abortion and the ‘free sex’ mentality in her book Extreme Makeover.

6. Sister Helena Burns

During a recent trip to Peoria, I was blessed to meet up with Sister Helena during a talk on Authentic Friendship.

Her daily devotional, He Speaks to You is easy to read, with daily Martha moments (things to do) along with Mary moments (things to write or contemplate).

7. Holly Pierlot

Does your home run as smooth as silk?

Mine certainly doesn’t.

In her book A Mother’s Rule of Life , Holly helps us with practical tips to create our own Mother’s Rule of Life and bring order to our days.

8. Father Oscar Lukefahr

During this Year of Faith, I’ve set a goal for studying more about our rich Catholic heritage.

A few years ago, I ran across a FREE resource in Catholic Home Study Service. Simply go to the site, choose a book and you’re on your way to more knowledge and a better understanding of our Church’s teaching and traditions.

Right now, I’m working on We Worship, planning to finish the book before Easter.

9. Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle

As Catholic mothers, we are called to be the heart of our home and create our own domestic church.

Surely I’m not the only one who’s scratched her head and think, “How in the world do I do that?” Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers us support and a game plan in her book The Domestic Church .

Be sure and check out some of her other books like Embracing Motherhood and
Rooted in Love

10. Karen Edmestin

Most of us have had friends who have miscarried a baby, or even experienced that painful loss ourselves. Karen Edmestin offers hope and healing with her book After Miscarriage. Here, you’ll find stories from Karen and other Catholic mothers who have walked this sorrowful path.

Need more ideas for Catholic reading? You’ll find ten more books here, and don’t miss these tips for building more time for reading into your days.

Despite being the mother of five beautiful children, Dianna still finds time to read over at The Kennedy Adventures. You’ll find her on the treadmill, learning her faith while she runs. Follow her on Facebook, talk to her on Twitter or peruse her Catholic boards on Pinterest.

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