OCIA Recommended Reading

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BIBLES
There are many Christian Bibles.  We recommend a full edition that contains footnotes and cross-references.  Catholic Bibles include the seven books in the Old Testament that Protestant Bibles omit, called “deuterocanonical” by Catholics and “the apocrypha” books by Protestants.  
 
The New American Bible has become the standard American Catholic edition of the Bible for worship, study and private reading.   The revised edition of the NAB reflects the most recent scholarship.   The New Revised Standard Version is a faithful and accurate Bible translation suitable for study and private prayer.   There is a Catholic edition available for the NRSV.  The New Jerusalem Bible is a popular translation because of its elegant style and excellent footnotes.
 
​Study Bibles
We recommend a Study Bible.  Two good ones are:

• Senior, Donald, et al. The Catholic Study Bible. Oxford University Press, 2016.*
• Upchurch, Catherine, Irene Nowell, Ronald D. Witherup, and Mary Elsbernd. Little Rock  Catholic Study Bible. Liturgical Press, 2011.*

Other Bibles

• A Prayer Bible (Lectio Divina Edition) is helpful in that offers the opportunity to read, reflect, pray and act with specific scripture verses. The Catholic Prayer Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Paulist Press, 2010.*
• The Saint Joseph’s Edition: Includes articles about learning about the Bible and Catholic Life (various prayers and devotions).  It also includes charts, maps, photos, extensive footnotes and cross-references. Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible Translated from the Original Languages with Critical Use of All the Ancient Sources. Catholic Book Pub. Corp., 2011.*
  

Introductions to the Bible and Commentaries
There are many books that offer a good introduction to the fundamentals of scriptures.  These books explain the Bible as God’s Self-Revelation; the inspired Word of God; the Word of God in Christian Life today; the collection and formation of the Bible.  We use an recommend the following:

• Binz, Stephen J. Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture. Liturgical Press, 2007.
• Dear, John.  The Gospel of Peace. A Commentary on Matthew, Mark and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence.   Orbis Books, 2024.
• Feldmeier, Peter.  Living Christ. A Spiritual Reading of the Gospels.  Liturgical Press, 2023.
• Moloney, Francis J. Reading the New Testament in the Church: A Primer for Pastors, Religious Educators, and Believers. Baker Academic, 2015. 

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
We do not have a textbook in OCIA.  We are guided by the Sunday Gospels each week through the seasons of the liturgical year.  Henri Nouwen says to “Speak often about the life of Jesus.  That is where the spiritual life starts.”   Three of his books are the basis of our retreats.  We regularly reflect on Pope Francis’ Exhortation.  Paula Huston describes what the Christian life might look like at Mass on Sundays.

• Francis. Evangelii Gaudium.   The Joy of the Gospel: Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 2013.*
• Huston, Paula.  One Ordinary Sunday: A Meditation on the Mystery of the Mass; Ave Maria Press, 2016.*
• Nouwen, Henri J. M. Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World.  Crossroad, 1992.*
• Nouwen, Henri J. M. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming.  Doubleday, 1994.*
• Nouwen, Henri J.M.  Can You Drink of the Cup? Tenth Anniversary Ed.  Ave Marie Press, 2006.*

 
Many books are excellent in addressing the various topics that we discuss in OCIA.  James Martin’s books on Jesus and the Saints are readable and provide profound insight.  His new book on prayer is suitable for everyone: catechumens, candidates, sponsors and team members. Ronald Rolheiser shares the many dimensions of Eucharist and the nonnegotiable essentials of our faith. Macrina Wiederkehr’s Abide contains reflections that penetrate one’s heart, great to bring to one’s personal prayer.

• Martin, James. My Life with the Saints.  Loyola, 2006.*
• Martin, James. Jesus: A Pilgrimage; HarperCollins, 2014.*
• Martin, James. Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone. HarperLuxe, 2021.*
• Rolheiser, Ronald. The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality. Doubleday, 1999.*
• Rolheiser, Ronald. Our One Great Act of Fidelity: Waiting for Christ in the Eucharist. Doubleday, 2011.*
• Wiederkehr, Macrina. Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God.  Liturgical Press, 2011.*

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CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Catholic Social Teaching is not ancillary to the OCIA process; rather, it strikes at the core of who we are called to be.  There are many important books.  James Cone exposes the evil of racism and offers a path for redemption.  Pope Francis’ Encyclical calls for interior conversion, a change of heart, in order to heal our planet’s wounds.   Linda Dakin-Grimm brilliantly applies the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to the issues of migration.  Bryan Stevenson deals with the web of God’s love and mercy in the context of those innocently condemned to death.  Yes - Catholic Social Teaching informs our response to racism, climate change, migration and incarceration as well as many other complex issues in our world.
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• Cone, James H. The Cross and the Lynching Tree. Orbis Books, 2011.*
• Dakin-Grimm, Linda. Dignity and Justice: Welcoming the Stranger at Our Border. Orbis Books 2020.*
• Francis. Laudato Si.  On Care for Our Common Home: Encyclical Letter.  USCCB, 2015.*
• Stevenson, Bryan.  Just Mercy – A Story of Justice and Redemption. Spiegel & Grau, 2014.*

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SOURCES FOR OUR MONDAY NIGHT GATHERINGS

• ​Athans, Mary Christine.  In Quest of the Jewish Mary.  Orbis, 2013.
• Benders, Alison M.  Reading, Praying, Living the US Bishop’s Open Wide Our Hearts. Liturgical Press, 2020.
• Benedict XVI. Caritas in Veritate.  Charity in Truth: Encyclical Letter.  Pauline Books, 2009.
• Benedict XVI.  Deus Caritas Est.  God is Love: Encyclical Letter.  Pauline Books, 2006.
• Benedict XVI.  Spe Salvi. Saved in Hope:  Encyclical Letter.  Pauline Books, 2007.
• Benedict. Verbum Domini: The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.  Word Among Us, 2010.
• Boselli, Goffredo.  The Spiritual Meaning of the Liturgy.  Liturgical Press, 2014.
• Boyle, Gregory.  Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times. Avid Reader Press, 2024.
• Burrows, Ruth. To Believe In Jesus.  Hidden Spring, 2010.
• Cantalamessa, Raniero. The Gaze of Mercy.  Word Among Us, 2019.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Ascension Publishing, 2022.
• Chowning, Daniel, OCD.  Healed by Love.  Contemplation as a Path of Healing according to St. John of the
• Cross.  Liturgical Press, 2025
• Edwards, Cliff. Van Gogh and God: A Creative Spiritual Quest. Loyola UP, 1989.
• Edwards, Cliff. The Shoes of Van Gogh: A Spiritual and Artistic Journey to the Ordinary. Crossroad, 2004.
• Ferrone, Rita. Rediscovering Vatican II- Liturgy. Paulist Press, 2007.
• Flannery, Austin, O.P.  editor.   Vatican Council II:  The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents Study  Edition; Liturgical Press, 1992.
• Forest, James H. Praying with Icons. Orbis, 2008.
• Francis.   Evangelii Gaudium.   The Joy of the Gospel: Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 2013.
• Francis.  Gaudete Et Exsultate.  Rejoice and Be Glad:  Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 2018.
• Francis.   Laudato Si.  On Care for Our Common Home: Encyclical Letter.  USCCB, 2015.
• Francis.  Dilexit Nos:  On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ: Encyclical Letter.  Our Sunday Visitor, 2024.
• Griffins, Bede.   The Golden String.  Templegate Publishers, 1980.
• Healy, Mary.  Men & Women are from Eden, A Study Guide to John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Servant, 2005.
• Hjelmstad, Megan.  Offer It Up.  Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering. Emmaus Road, 2025.
• John XXIII.  Peace on Earth: Encyclical Letter. USCCB Pub, 2003.
• John Paul II. Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae. United States Catholic Conference, 1995.
• John Paul II.  Man and Women He Created Them.  A Theology of the Body.  Pauline Press, 2006.
• John Paul II.  Salvifici Doloris. On the Meaning of Salvific Suffering: Apostolic Letter. Catholic Truth Society, 1984.
• John Paul II.  Veritatis Splendor: Encyclical Letter. United States Catholic Conference, 1993.
• Kreeft, Peter.  The Mystery of Joy. Ignatus Press, 2025.
• Leo XIV.  Dilexi Te  Apostolic Exhortation on Love for the Poor.  New City Press, 2025.
• Leo XIV.  Magnificent Humanity.  Ascension Press, 2026.
• Lohfink, Gerhard. The Our Father, A New Reading.  Liturgical Press, 2019.
• Lohfink, Gerhard.  The Forty Parables of Jesus.  Liturgical Press, 2021.
• Matera, Frank J.  Praying the Psalms in the Voice of Christ.  A Christological Reading of the Psalms in theLiturgy of the Hours.   Liturgical Press, 2023.
• Merton, Thomas.  No Man is an Island. HarperOne, 2002.
• Moloney J. Francis, SDB.  Eucharist as a Celebration of Forgiveness. Paulist Press, 2017.
• Nouwen Henri J, and Carolyn Whitney-Brown.  Flying, Falling, Catching:  An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom.  Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2022.
• O’Collins, Gerald, SJ.   The Spirituality of the Second Vatican Council.  Paulist Press, 2014.
• O'Malley, John W. What Happened at Vatican II. Belknap of Harvard UP, 2008.
• Paul VI.  Ecclesiam Suam.  The Gift of Dialogue, Encyclical Letter from 1964.  Catholic Truth Society, 2014.
• Pitchford, Susan, R.  The Sacred Gaze. Contemplation and the Healing of the Self.   Liturgical Press, 2014.
• Pitchford, Susan R.  The Paradox of Poverty.  Why are the Poor in Spirit ‘” Blessed?” Liturgical Press, 2025.
• Rohr, Richard.  The Tears of Things.  Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage.   Convergent Press, 2025.
• Rolheiser, Ronald. Our One Great Act of Fidelity: Waiting for Christ in the Eucharist. Doubleday, 2011.
• Slater, Isaac, OCSO.  “De Not Judge Anyone.  Deseret Wisdom for a Polarized World.  Liturgical Press, 2025.
• Soupa, Anne and Landrivon, Sylvaine.  Mary As You’ve Never Seen Her Before.  A Woman from Scripture. Paulist Press, 2026.
• Swetnam, Susan.  Everyday Annunciations.  On Learning to Say Yes. Liturgical Press, 2024.
• Thurston, Bonnie.  O Taste and See. A Biblical Reflection on Experiencing God.  Paraclete Press, 2014.
• Wiederkehr, Macrina.  A Tree Full of Angels.  Seeing Holy in the Ordinary. Harper, 1988.