Recommended Reading

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.*

An Easy-to-Read Contemporary Translation
  • Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition: The Bible in Contemporary Language. ACTA Publications, 2013.* 

Introductions to the Bible:   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.  Two excellent introductions are:
  • Binz, Stephen J. Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture. Liturgical Press, 2007.*
  • Moloney, Francis J. Reading the New Testament in the Church: A Primer for Pastors, Religious Educators, and Believers. Baker Academic, 2015.* 
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
We do not have a textbook in RCIA.  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 RCIA.  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.*
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
Catholic Social Teaching is not ancillary to the RCIA 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.
​ 
  • 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.*
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
There are many other books that we draw upon in the RCIA process.    We have organized them using the following categories:   Spirituality, Transformation, Family Life, Social Justice, Vatican II, Scripture, and Papal Encyclicals & Pastoral Letters. 
Spirituality
  • Athans, Mary Christine.  In Quest of the Jewish Mary.  Orbis, 2013.*
  • Barron, Robert.  Word on Fire: Proclaiming the Power of Christ.  Crossroad, 2008.
  • Bevans, Stephen & Schroeder, Roger. Prophetic Dialogue: Reflections on Christian Mission Today. Orbis, 2011.
  • Boselli, Goffredo.  The Spiritual Meaning of the Liturgy.  Liturgical Press, 2014.*
  • Burrows, Ruth. To Believe In Jesus.  Hidden Spring, 2010.*
  • Chittister, Joan. Following the Path: The Search for a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Joy. Image, 2012.  
  • Coutinho, Paul. Just as You Are: Opening Your Life to the Infinite Love of God.  Loyola, 2009.*
  • Coffey, Kathy.  When the Saints Came Marching In - Exploring the Frontier of Grace in America. Liturgical Press, 2015.
  • Day, Dorothy.  The Long Loneliness; Harper and Row, 1981.
  • Day, Dorothy, and Robert Ellsberg. The Duty of Delight: The Diaries of Dorothy Day. Image, 2011.
  • Day, Dorothy, and Robert Ellsberg. All the Way to Heaven: The Selected Letters of Dorothy Day. Image, 2012.*
  • Dimock, Giles, OP.  101 Questions & Answers on the Eucharist.  Paulist, 2006.*
  • Ellsberg, Robert. A Living Gospel, Reading God’s Stories in Holy Lives. Orbis, 2019.*
  • Ferder, Fran.  Enter the Story – Biblical Metaphors for our Lives.  Orbis, 2010.*
  • Forest, James H. Praying with Icons. Orbis, 2008.*
  • Gittins, Anthony J.  Called to be Sent: Co-Missioned as Disciples Today; Liguori, 2008.*
  • Gittins, Anthony J. The Way of Discipleship.  Liturgical Press, 2016.*
  • Glen, Genevieve. Sauntering through Scripture: A Book of Reflections. Liturgical Press, 2018.
  • Greeley, Andrew. Jesus: A Meditation on His Stories and His Relationships with Women. Forge, 2008.
  • Hennessy, Kate.  Dorothy Day, The World Will Be Saved by Beauty. In Intimate Portrait of my Grandmother. Scribner.  2017.
  • Horan, Daniel P.  God is Not Fair and Other Reasons for Gratitude.   Francisco Media, 2016.
  • Hahn, Scott.  The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth.  Double Day, 1999.*
  • Harrington, Daniel J. Who Is Jesus? Why Is He Important?  An Invitation to the New Testament. Sheed & Ward, 1999.
  • Huston, Paula.  One Ordinary Sunday: A Meditation on the Mystery of the Mass; Ave Maria Press, 2016.*
  • Hughes, Kathleen. Becoming the Sign: Sacramental Living in a Post-conciliar Church. Paulist, 2013.*
  • Johnson, Elizabeth. Ask the Beasts: Darwin and the God of Love. Bloomsbury, 2014.*
  • Johnson, Elizabeth.  Creation and the Cross, The Mercy of God for a Planet in Peril. Orbis, 2018.*
  • Lohfink, Gerhard, and Linda M. Maloney. Jesus of Nazareth: What He Wanted, Who He Was. Liturgical Press, 2012.*
  • Lohfink, Gerhard. The Our Father, A New Reading.  Liturgical Press, 2019.*
  • Martin, James. My Life with the Saints.  Loyola, 2006.*
  • Martin, James. Jesus: A Pilgrimage; HarperCollins, 2014.*
  • Malloy, Richard, M.  Being on Fire.  The Top Ten Essentials of Catholic Faith.   Orbis, 2014.*
  • Moloney J. Francis, SDB.  Eucharist as a Celebration of Forgiveness. Paulist Press, 2017.*
  • Nouwen, Henri J. M. Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith. Harper, 1997.*
  • Nowell, Irene.  Wisdom: The Good Life:  Wisdom Literature and the Rule of Benedict.  Liturgical Press, 2017.*
  • O’Connor, Flannery.  A Prayer Journal.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2013.*
  • Oelrich, Anthony.  Feeding on the Bread of Life – Peaching and Praying John 6. Liturgical Press, 2014.*
  • Oliver, Mary.  Felicity. Poems.  Penguin Press, 2016.*
  • Oliver, Mary.  Thirst – Poems.  Beacon Press, 2006.*
  • Otto, Andy.  God Moments – Unexpected Encounters in the Ordinary.  Ave Maria Press,  2017.*
  • Pitchford, Susan.  Following Francis – The Franciscan Way for Everyone.  Morehouse Publishing, 2006.
  • Rohr, Richard. Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality. St. Anthony Messenger, 2007.*
  • Rohr, Richard.  Eager to Love.  Franciscan Media, 2014.
  • Rutter, Jane E.  Seasons of the Spirit: Reflections on Finding God in Daily Life; Liturgical Press, 2013.*
  • Shea, John.  Seeing Haloes.  Christmas Poems to Open the Heart. Liturgical Press, 2017.*
  • Svoboda, Melannie. The Grace of Beauty: Its Mystery, Power, and Delight in Daily Life. Twenty-Third Publications, 2020.
  • Van Parys, Johan.  What’s the Smoke For?  And Other Burning Questions about the Liturgy. Liturgical Press, 2014.
  • Van Parys, John.  Symbols that Surround Us – Faithful Reflections.  Liguori, 2012.
  • Welch, Sally. Walking the Labyrinth: A Spiritual and Practical Guide. Canterbury Press, 2010.*
  • Wiederkehr, Macrina.  Seven Sacred Pauses.  Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day.  Sorin Books, 2008.
  • Wiederkehr, Macrina.  A Tree Full of Angels.  Seeing Holy in the Ordinary. Harper, 1988.
  • Witherup, Ronald. Saint Paul and the New Evangelization. Liturgical Press, 2013.*

Transformation
  • Casey, Karen. Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow: 12 Simple Principles. Conari, 2005. 
  • Chödrön, Pema.  Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change. Shambhala Publications, 2012.
  • D'Arcy, Paula. Gift of the Red Bird: A Spiritual Encounter: With a Guide for Reflection. Crossroad Pub., 2003. 
  • D'Arcy, Paula. Waking up to This Day: Seeing the Beauty Right before Us. Orbis, 2009.
  • 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 Pub., 2004.*
  • Funk, Mary Margaret.  Humility Matters.  Liturgical Press, 2013.
  • Higgins, Michael W & Kevin Burns. Genius Born of Anguish: The Life & Legacy of Henri Nouwen.  Paulist 2012.*
  • Horan, Daniel P.  Dating God.  Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis.  St Anthony Messenger, 2012.
  • Horan, Daniel P.  The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton.  Ave Maria Press, 2014.
  • Merton, Thomas. The Seven Storey Mountain; Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990.
  • Metz, Johannes.  Poverty of Spirit.  Paulist Press, 1998.
  • Nouwen, Henri J. M. The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society. Image, 1990.
  • Paprocki, Joe.  Under the Influence of Jesus.   Loyola Press, 2014.*
  • Rohr, Richard.  The Divine Dance:  The Trinity and Your Transformation. Whitaker House, 2016.*
  • Sanders, Annmarie.  Spiritual Leadership for Challenging Times:  Presidential Addresses from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.   Orbis, 2014.
  • Scalia, Elizabeth. Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life; Ave Maria Press, 2013.*
  • Stanz, Julianne. Start with Jesus: How Everyday Disciples Will Renew the Church. Loyola Press, 2019.*
  • Thurston, Bonnie B.  Shaped by the End You Live For.  Thomas Merton’s Monastic Spirituality. Liturgical Press, 2020.*
  • Weddell, Sherry A.  Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. Our Sunday Visitor, 2012.*
 
On Family Life
  • Gaillardetz, Richard R.   A Daring Promise, A Spirituality of Christian Marriage. Liguori, 2007.
  • McGrath, Tom. Raising Faith-filled Kids: Ordinary Opportunities to Nurture Spirituality at Home. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2000.
  • Mogel, Wendy. The Blessings of a Skinned Knee. Simon & Schuster, 2001.
  • Schultz, Valerie.  Musings on Intimacy, Marriage & God.  Ave Marie Press, 2008.

Social Justice and Books that Touch the Heart or Speak about Mission
  • Batstone, David B. Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade-- and How We Can Fight It. Harper, San Francisco, 2007. 
  • Benders, Alison M.  Reading, Praying, Living the US Bishop’s Open Wide Our Hearts. Liturgical Press, 2020.*
  • Boyle, Greg. Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.  Free Press, 2010.*
  • Cahill, Thomas. A Saint on Death Row: The Story of Dominique Green. Doubleday, 2009. 
  • Cornell, Deirdre. Jesus Was a Migrant. Orbis, 2014.*
  • Dorr, Donal.  Option for the Poor and for the Earth: From Leo XIII to Pope Francis; Orbis, 2016.*
  • Gittens, Anthony J.  The Way of Discipleship – Women, Men, and Today’s Call to Mission. Liturgical Press, 2016.*
  • Haugen. Gary A.  The Locust Effect – Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence.  Oxford UP, 2014.
  • Horan, Daniel P. A White Catholic's Guide to Racism and Privilege. Ave Maria Press, 2021.*
  • McCarthy, David Matzko. The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching: Its Origins and Contemporary Significance. Brazos Press, 2009.*
  • Massingale, Byran.  Racial Justice and the Catholic Church.  Orbis, 2010.*
  • McGee, Martin.  Christian Martyrs for a Muslim People.  Paulist Press, 2008.*
  • Romero, Oscar and Kurtz, Carolyn.  The Scandal of Redemption: When God Liberates the Poor, Saves Sinners, and Heals Nations. Plough Publishing House, 2018.
  • Scott, Margaret.  The Eucharist and Social Justice. Paulist Press, 2009.*
  • Schieber, Vicki, Conway, Trudy D., McCarthy, David Matzko, editors.  Where Justice and Mercy Meet: Catholic Opposition to the Death Penalty; Liturgical Press, 2013.*
  • Schroeder, Roger. What Is the Mission of the Church?: A Guide for Catholics, Revised and Expanded Edition.  Orbis, 2018.*
  • Schultz, Valerie.  Overdue: A Dewey Decimal System of Grace.  Liturgical Press, 2019.
  • Söring, Jens. The Church of the Second Chance – A Faith Based Approach to Prison Reform.    Lantern, 2008.
  • Söring, Jens. The Convict Christ: What the Gospel Says about Criminal Justice.  Orbis, 2006.
  • Zenner, Christiana.  Just Water. Theology, Ethics, and the Global Water Crisis, Revised Edition. Orbis, 2018.*

​The 20th Century & Vatican II
  • Ciszek, Walter J, S.J. with Flaherty, Daniel.  With God in Russia; Doubleday, 1986.
  • Flannery, Austin, O.P.  editor.   Vatican Council II:  The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents Study Edition; Liturgical Press, 1992.*
  • Ferrone, Rita. Liturgy: Sacrosanctum Concilium. New York: Paulist, 2007.*
  • Forest, Jim.  The Root of War is Fear – Thomas Merton’s Advice to Peacemakers.  Orbis, 2017.*
  • Gaillardetz, Richard R., and Catherine E. Clifford. Keys to the Council: Unlocking the Teaching of Vatican II. Liturgical Press, 2012.* 
  • Huddock, Barry.  Struggle, Condemnation, Vindication:  John Courtney Murray’s Journey toward Vatican II; Liturgical Press, 2015.*
  • John XXIII and Jeanne Kun. My Heart Speaks: Wisdom from Pope John XXIII. Word Among Us, 2000.*
  • 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.*
  • Sullivan, Maureen. 101 Questions and Answers on Vatican II. Paulist Press, 2002.*
  • Witherup, Ronald. Scripture: Dei Verbum. New York: Paulist, 2006.*

Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council
  • Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Sacrosanctum Concilium. Solemnly Promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on December 4, 1963.*
  • Dogmatic Constitution on the Church: Lumen Gentium, Solemnly Promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on November 21, 1964.*
  • Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation: Dei Verbum. Solemnly Promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on November 18, 1965.*
  • Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Gaudium et spes.  Solemnly Promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on December 7, 1965.*

On Scripture, Daily Mass Readings, Subscriptions, Online Resources
  • “America Magazine” - A Catholic weekly magazine:  http://americamagazine.org/*
  • Bergant, Dianne. A New Heaven, A New Earth: The Bible and Catholicity. Orbis, 2016.*
  • Bergant, Dianne. O Lord, Open My Lips: The Psalms in the Liturgy. Liturgy Training Publications, 2018.*
  • Binz, Stephen J.  Introduction to the Bible – A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture.  Liturgical Press, 2007.*
  • Binz, Stephen.  Lectio Divina Bible Study - The Mass in Scripture.  Our Sunday Visitor, 2011.*
  • Binz, Stephen.  Lectio Divina Bible Study – Learning to Pray in Scripture.  Our Sunday Visitor, 2011.*
  • "Give Us This Day." Daily reading and reflections:   http://www.giveusthisday.org/*
  • Huyck, Justin.  Baptism, Alive in Christ.  Little Rock Scripture Study.  Liturgical Press, 2019.*
  • iMissal, A app that makes readings for the day available on mobile devices:  http://www.imissal.com/.
  • The Living Faith – Daily Catholic Devotions:  www.livingfaith.com.
  • Macnamara, Luke OSB & Browne, Martin, OSB.  The Glenstal Companion to the Readings of the Easter Vigil. Liturgical Press, 2019.*
  • The Psalms of Mercy: Pastoral Resources for Living the Jubilee. Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, 2015.
  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:  Lots of resources here including the readings for the day: http://www.usccb.org/.
  • Ward-Lev, Nahum.  The Liberating Path of the Hebrew Prophets, Then and Now. Orbis, 2019.*
  • "The Word Among Us.” Daily readings, reflections, and articles:   http://www.wau.org/ *

Encyclicals and Pastoral Letters:
  • 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. Sacramentum Caritatis. The Sacrament of Charity. Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2007.*
  • Benedict. The Word of the Lord - Verbum Domini: Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 2010.*
  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Office for Pub. and Promotion Services, USCCB, 1993.*
  • Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy: A Pastoral Message of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Tenth Anniversary of the Economic Pastoral. USCCB, 1997.*
  • Global Climate Change, A plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good:  Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. USCCB, 2001.*
  • The Harvest of Justice is Sown in Peace - Reflection of US Catholic Bishops. USCCB, 1997.*
  • Francis.   Amoris Laetitia.  The Joy of Love, On Love in the Family: Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 2016.*
  • 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.  Querida Amazonia: The Beloved Amazon: Apostolic Exhortation. Our Sunday Visitor, 2020.*
  • John XXIII. Peace on Earth: Encyclical Letter.  April 11, 1963.  USCCB, 2003.*
  • John Paul II, and Joseph G. Donders. John Paul II: The Encyclicals in Everyday Language: Definitive Edition of All Fourteen Encyclicals. Orbis, 2005.*
  • John Paul II.  Familiaris Consortio, The Role of the Family in the Modern World: Apostolic Exhortation.  USCCB, 1981.*
  • John Paul II.  Redemptoris Missio.  Mission of the Redeemer:  Encyclical Letter.  Pauline Books, 1990.*
  • Paul VI.  Populorum Progressio. The Development of the Peoples: Encyclical Letter.  USCCB, 1967.
  • Paul VI.  Humanae Vitae, Encyclical Letter.  USCCB, 1968.
  • Principles, Prophecy, and a Pastoral Response.  An Overview of Modern Catholic Social Teaching.  USCCB, 2003.*
  • Open Wide our Hearts:  The Enduring Call to Love, a Pastoral Letter Against Racism.  USCCB, 2018.*
  • Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice. USCCB, 2000.
  • Seitz, Mark.  Bishop of El Paso.  Sorrow and Mourning Flee Away – A Pastoral Letter on Migration to the People of God in the Diocese of El Paso.   http://www.bordermigrant.org/   2017.*
  • Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.  A Pastoral Letter on Stewardship.  Tenth Anniversary Edition; USCCB, 2012.
  • Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope:  A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States.  USCCB, 2008.*
  • Teaching the Spirit of Mission, Ad Gentes.  Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops.  USCCB, 2005.

*Denotes resource for RCIA