Easter is also an exciting time for those who have journeyed to become Catholic.  Can you remember your baptism, confirmation, your first reconciliation, or the first time you received our Lord in His gift of the Eucharist?  Maybe you do, maybe you don’t, but this is a time that newly Catholic Christians will never forget.  We need to make them feel welcomed, pray for their continued conversion (and not to mention our own, ongoing conversions), and give God thanks and praise.

Here is my list of recommended books for new Catholic Christians:

1. The Bible: Chances are they already have a Bible, but one can never have too much of God’s Word in his or her life!

2. Catechism of the Catholic Church (Second Edition): This version of the Catechism is revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Pope John Paul II.

3. The Catholic Source Book: This is a great resource that was given to my wife as a gift when she became Catholic.  It is a vast collection of information to help people of faith learn, renew, teach, and live the risen life of Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.

4.  A Father Who Keeps His Promises – God’s covenant love in Scripture: My cousin bought me this book as a gift and I’ve read it twice now, and will probably read it again.  This is one of Scott Hahn’s earlier books, but don’t let that discourage you from reading or giving this book to someone as a gift.  In this book, Dr. Hahn takes the reader on a journey through Salvation History and reflects upon God’s unchanging, covenantal love.

5. Surprised by Truth (series): Because every convert loves a good conversion story : )  This series features powerful testimonies of others who have made the journey to the Catholic faith.

6. The Catholic How-To (series): These books are not just great for converts, but just as great for cradle Catholics.

7. On The Passion of Christ – Prayers and Meditations: From the author of the well-known, classic “The Imitation of Christ,” Thomas à Kempis prayerfully reflects upon each step of Jesus’ Passion.

I would much rather you support your local Catholic book store, but if you do not have a store near you, you can order these and other books from our online store.  Have a blessed Holy Week and a Joyous Easter season!