Synodality calls the Church to listen, understand, and act in a way that embraces people in the spirit and style of Mary, an exemplar for the process of synodality and women's leadership in the Church. This book explores the theme of the Synod on Synodality, "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission," providing an overview of the main documents of the synodal process from a Marian perspective and a vision rooted in Vatican II. Mary, "she who knows the way," shows us how to accompany others, foster greater communion and participation, and renew our focus on our baptismal mission.
"Dr. Lombardi names Mary as a 'synodal way' and 'accompanying witness' to the spirit's guidance of the synodal process. Marian Approaches to Synodality tells us to listen to her son, to the spirit—essential for discerning topics like the role of women in the Church. Engaging in her review of Marian theology." —Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, PhD, DSL (Hon), executive director, Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute and author of Walking Together: A Primer on the New Synodality
Dr. Josephine Lombardi is an award-winning author and educator and a documentary filmmaker who has worked as a parish minister, university campus minister, high school chaplaincy leader, teacher educator, professor of religious education, retreat facilitator, and faith formation consultant. Presently, she is assistant dean of academic affairs and an associate professor of pastoral and systematic theology for St. Augustine's Seminary in Scarborough, Ontario.
Discipleship is a great adventure, but at times we all need to nourish or rejuvenate our spirit. The Heart of a Disciple aims to help uncover the grace that keeps us moving forward in ministry and faith, even as the fire that first burned might become faint. Reflection, discussion prompts, and prayers invite pastoral leaders, faith-sharing groups, or solitary travelers to a renewed life and spirit.
Endorsements
"This is much more than a book about discipleship. It attends to the disciple's life and skillfully provides us with renewal in ways I have not seen before. Restorative. Real."
—Dr. Mike Carotta, author of Teaching for Discipleship
"A trail guide for the spiritual life. Bob's reflections and questions invite you to prayerfully ponder life and ministry, journeying deeper into God's grace."
—Katie Zeigler, coordinator of adult faith formation, Office of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
"Bob has produced a gift for ministry leaders. It is a wonderful tool for spiritual renewal that can be used personally or with a small group."
—Marilyn Santos, Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bob McCarty, DMin, is a pastoral ministry consultant offering retreats, presentations, and training in ministry skills and assisting Catholic ministry organizations in mission assessment and strategic pastoral planning. Bob volunteers in catechetical and adult faith formation at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fulton, Maryland.
Milo, a curious bunny, comes across a leaf that awakens a lot of concerns in him. What follows is a comparison between the life cycle of people—and bunnies—and nature according to the seasons of the year, explained from a tender conversation between mother and son. The story is accompanied by a teaching guide with activities for the classroom or as a family, and guidelines to make the little ones in the house reflect on the passage of time and the natural cycle of life and death, encouraging them to express their concerns and helping them to manage their emotions.
The teaching guide, accessible through a QR code, is focused on early childhood education, with suggestions for activities to do with children. This material, which will help to get the most out of the story, is versatile and can also be used with other ages by adapting or expanding the activities.
Andrea Moreno was born in Barcelona, Spain. She completed a master's degree in early childhood education at the University of Barcelona with a specific focus on diversity.
Juan Carlos Varela was born in MedellÃn, Colombia. He studied graphic design and completed a master's degree in digital illustration.
