Books by James Tolhurst

Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman is recognized as one of the greatest spiritual writers of the last two hundred years. Here are his words of consolation for all who are bereaved.Cardinal Manning spoke of John Henry Newman as a 'preacher of justice, of piety and of compassion'. Nowhere can this be seen more clearly than in his letters to those who were mourning the death of a loved one. This selection links his correspondence with words of comfort from his sermons and other writings. In his lifetime, many found strength and consolation from Newman's sympathy. These words can be used in times of personal grief as well as to bring consolation to others.

Edith Stein admitted that there was time when she 'consciously and deliberately lost the habit of praying'. She tells us this because she re-discovered it during the journey which brought her to Carmel. We all need to make our own spiritual way through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, with guides who help us to see the pitfalls and inspire us to persevere. The journey of prayer is one of the great adventures which we should all undertake because it leads us to the mountain which is God himself. In this book we find a sure companion for this journey, showing us how to begin to pray, exploring the many sources of prayer that we may encounter, and sharing the experience of the saints and other spiritual writers from both Eastern and Western Christianity. The great variety of prayer, meditation and mystical experience in the Christian tradition is expertly treated, as well as the many stumbling blocks and obstacles that may come our way. Christian prayer needs to be discovered, or in many cases, rediscovered - it is that mountain waiting to be climbed.It is essential for us today to realize that life is more than the frenzied bustle of activity in which all sometimes find ourselves. We must begin with the interior life ... This is a fine book, drawing from many rich sources in the lives of great spiritual leaders. I commend it to those who are undertaking a serious prayer life for the first time and to those who are looking for a fresh beginning in their own lives of prayer. ¿ John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark

Pope Benedict XVI has announced a special "Year of Faith," dedicated to rousing a "new impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead men out of the desert in which they often find themselves, to the place of life, of friendship with Christ." The Year of Faith will begin on October 11, 2012: a date that marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Vatican II. Pope Benedict notes that the date is also the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which he describes as "a precious and indispensable tool" for the task of evangelization. The Year of Faith will have to see a concerted effort to rediscover and study the fundamental content of the faith that receives its systematic and organic synthesis in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here, in fact, we see the wealth of teaching that the Church has received, safeguarded and proposed in her two thousand years of history. From Sacred Scripture to the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a permanent record of the many ways in which the Church has meditated on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers in their lives of faith ...In this Year, then, the Catechism of the Catholic Church will serve as a tool providing real support for the faith, especially for those concerned with the formation of Christians, so crucial in our cultural context. Pope Benedict XVI Porta FideiThe Year of Faith offers a special opportunity for all believers to deepen their study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this useful book Fr James Tolhurst provides a paragraph by paragraph exposition of this key text, supplemented by a wealth of information and an extensive prayer section which is intended to aid reflection on the teaching of the Catechism itself. Also included is a thematic preface which lays out the major concepts contained in the work, a full index, and extensive cross references to other Church documents.Drawing out its doctrinal richness, this is an ideal tool for catechists, groups of faithful, schools and families, for educators in centres of theological studies, seminaries and Catholic universities, for those concerned with the continuing education of the clergy and for priests studying the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a resource for the pastoral care of their parishes - catechesis, preaching, Sacramental preparation. Dr James Tolhurst studied at Fribourg and Salamanca Universities. He has served as Theology Tutor at the English College, Valladolid, and as Dean of Studies for the Permanent Diaconate of the Southern English Dioceses. He is Series Editor of the Newman Millennium Edition, and his many books include the bestselling A Concise Catechism for Catholics.

"Father Tolhurst does a fine job of leading the faithful in reflecting upon Sacred Scripture. He draws on many excellent, diverse and rich resources from our Catholic heritage. The reflections are wonderful starting points to a deeper understanding of the Faith. They are supported by the teaching of the Church, as well as from the writings of the many holy men and women down through the ages.These reflections are yet another fine way of growing in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. What better way than through a daily commitment to the Scriptures. I recommend this great work to the faithful who wish to increase their faith and use well the seasons of the church year to grow in holiness".+ Most Reverend John J. MyersArchbishop of NewarkHere are timeless reflections for each day of Advent to help us prepare in mind and heart for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus. We need this special time to pause in our hectic rush and realize that we are waiting for him who is First and Last, our Beginning and our End.The Gospel is given for each day (in the case of Sundays, a choice has been made from the A, B and C cycles of readings), while short commentaries chosen from the writings of one of the Saints or Fathers connect us in our reflection directly to the Early Church, further aided by biographical notes on each writer and by concluding prayers, also from the Saints and Fathers to focus our thoughts more deeply.Pope Benedict XVI, when he writes about Advent, says that there are two main figures which dominate this liturgical time: John the Baptist and Mary. In a very special way this book helps us join with them in awaiting the coming of the Messiah.Dr James Tolhurst is the Series Editor of the Newman Millennium Edition, and his many books include A Concise Catechism for Catholics, as well studies on John Henry Newman and selections from his writings, all also published by Gracewing.