Books by "Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR "
6 books found
Find hope in God’s promises revealed through the Beatitudes, from the host of the #1 podcast, The Rosary in a Year. In the Gospels, Jesus offers us the good news of salvation. One of the best ways to understand the hope and promises of Christ’s coming is through the Beatitudes. In Eight Promises of God: Discovering Hope Through the Beatitudes, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, invites readers to rediscover the deep and unwavering promises God makes to his people. The Beatitudes are more than a list of sacrifices. They are personal promises of goodness from God to his people. Through prayerful reflection, real-life stories, and the deep well of the Church’s wisdom, Fr. Mark-Mary illuminates how these blessings of Christ are not abstract or out of reach. They are alive, present, and deeply relevant—especially in our moments of greatest need. In these pages, you will: Uncover the divine promises within each Beatitude that often go unnoticed Deepen your relationship with Christ through practical spiritual guidance Encounter an unwavering hope that only God can provide And more! Whether you are in a season of suffering or simply searching for deeper meaning, Eight Promises of God will walk with you—step by step—toward the heart of Christ, where true consolation and lasting peace are found.
Introduction to the Devout Life
by St. Francis De Sales, Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
2022 · Ascension Press
Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church. The first book of the Catholic Classics series, Introduction to the Devout Life is an updated translation of St. Francis de Sales’ original text that makes this key work of Catholic Tradition approachable to modern readers. Written as a letter to St. Francis’ lay cousin, this classic yet relevant text features advice on the questions that members of the Catholic laity often ask themselves, such as: Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? What does spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life? How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? And more! Written by Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales to offer sound preaching and clear instruction for Catholics and translated by Matthew K. Minerd to renew Catholics’ understanding and appreciation of this classic Catholic work, Introduction to the Devout Life promises that “it is possible to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.” This special version includes: The complete English translation of St. Francis de Sales’ 17th century work (which is not available in all translations) Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message Expert commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. introducing each section This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. A message from the Catholic Classics podcast hosts: “St. Francis de Sales preached and wrote with a simple clarity. At the heart of his message is the conviction that God has made us for himself and that our Lord offers himself in prayer and sacrament as we grow in virtue and heal from vice. Like Catholics of the seventeenth century, we who are living in the twenty-first century can look with confidence to God as he applies his grace to our souls. May St. Francis de Sales and his Introduction to the Devout Life encourage you in your pursuit of Christ.” —Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P.
How do you grow closer to sainthood in your daily life? Fr. Mark-Mary, CFR, the Director of Communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and a regular Ascension Presents speaker, answers this question. He takes 800 years of wisdom from the Franciscans and provides small and manageable steps that can lead anyone to great holiness. This book tackles topics that affect Catholics’ everyday life! While reading the book learn how: To live within a family and create a Catholic culture in the family To make prayer the center of your life Contentment is needed for deep joy Closely listening to others pulls you into the mystery of Christ Recreation can foster growth To turn the drudgery of work into the “altar of the desk” And so much more! Giving our lives to the service of Christ is not just for the consecrated. It is the call of every Catholic. Little by little, we can all get heaven. Join Fr. Mark-Mary in Habits for Holiness to take the first small step toward sainthood!
Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful, inspiring book written by Edward and Beth Sri, with contributor Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, that gives anyone confidence in knowing God and building a relationship with him. As an "on-ramp" into understanding the various tools for prayer that the Church offers us, this pocket guide will help Catholics build a fulfilled and deeply satisfying prayer life. This short but complete guide helps Catholics enter into prayer with more consistency and devotion. It empowers anyone on their faith journey to prioritize daily conversation with God. Filled with insight on many facets of prayer, Edward and Beth with Fr. Mark-Mary show Catholics how to: Get started with prayer Understand vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation Learn how to respond to distractions, dryness, and other common struggles experienced in prayer without being discouraged Shape their lives around a habit of prayer Build a life of prayer in the family and the home Understand popular devotions And more! Through practical tips and personal stories, Pocket Guide to Prayer empowers Catholics to approach the Lord in their daily life through prayer each and every day. “Pocket Guide to Prayer is an easy to read introduction to the spiritual life. This informative and practical resource will both inspire and encourage the reader to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through daily prayer.” –Fr. Josh Johnson Director of Vocations, Pastor, Author & Host of the Ask Fr. Josh Podcast “A lot of believers worry that we're missing out on something essential to spiritual growth. Whether it's a teaching we haven't heard of or a practice we haven't incorporated, many of us suspect that we don't know what we don't know and that our life is somehow less holy than it could be. If you've thought along these lines at any point, this book is for you. The Pocket Guide to Prayer is a beautiful introduction to the Church's life of prayer. It provides that reader with the basics of Catholic teaching and the range of Catholic practices. It's a must read for anyone wanting to lay a firm foundation.” –Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. Speaker and Co-host of Catholic Classics Podcast “Prayer is communication with God, a communication that arises from within the depths of our hearts. While we are created with a desire for God, we stumble when it comes to how we should pray. Even the disciples who were walking with Jesus, the Word made flesh, had to ask Jesus how to go about praying. The Lord taught them how to pray, and still today we need to be taught how to pray. Edward and Beth Sri, along with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, are wonderful teachers who demonstrate proper prayer in their daily lives. This Pocket Guide to Prayer will be of great value to you as you, like the disciples, ask Jesus how to pray!” –Jeff and Emily Cavins Catholic Authors and Speakers “This beautiful resource reminds us that prayer is not a task or chore, but an encounter between God's infinite desire for us and our desire for him. Readable and filled with practical tips for individuals and families, this book is a gift from Beth and Dr. Ed Sri, and Fr. Mark-Mary.” –Jackie and Bobby Angel Catholic Authors, Speakers, and Ascension Presenters “The Sris have long been sharing the Gospel with people and leading them into the heart of Christ. But one of the most crucial aspects of conversion and lifelong discipleship is entering deeply into the habit and mystery of prayer—without which our apostolic efforts quickly dry up. This book answers that challenge, drawing the reader into the gift and practice of prayer, offering tools to overcome dryness and the most common obstacles to prayer, such as our apparent lack of time. Read this book and take your prayer to a new level!” –Andrew and Sarah Swafford National speakers and authors of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships
Pray the Rosary in a more meaningful way, using Scripture, Sacred Art, and more to develop a deep and abiding relationship with the Rosary. The Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide is the official guide that takes Catholics through The Rosary in a Year as it dives deeper into the podcast. The Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide helps Catholics develop a lasting love for the Rosary and build a relationship with Jesus and Mary. Every day for 365 days readers will be accompanied through daily reflections, insights, and meditations as they grow in praying the Rosary. The Prayer Guide presents daily content, including: The proprietary Rosary in a Year Reading Plan An introduction from Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR Introductions to each of the 6 phases of the learning method The Scripture passages associated with each mystery of the Rosary Sacred art to reflect on while praying each mystery of the Rosary Reflections associated with specific days of the podcast The full text of the prayers of the Rosary The biblical foundation basis for the prayers of the Rosary It’s the perfect way to help you develop the habit of praying the Rosary and go even deeper into each mystery! Readers will be guided through the learning process with: 2 reflections from holy people on each mystery of the Rosary 3 sacred art images for each mystery of the Rosary to help you imagine the mystery Daily prayer prompts And even more prayerful content In addition to the content that goes along with each day's reflection, readers will find information that helps them get even more out of the Rosary outside of the podcast. Written with an intentional Rosary experience in mind, The Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide will help Catholics to grow in relationship with Christ through the Blessed Mother every day. The Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide is the official guide that takes Catholics through The Rosary in a Year as it dives deeper into the podcast.
Embark on a transformative 30-day retreat deep into the heart of God the Father. In The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads readers through a 30-day journey that unveils the boundless love of God the Father, who has “a plan of sheer goodness” (CCC 1) for each of us. The Father presents thirty inspiring stories of exemplary fathers who reflect God’s paternal love, along with: Relevant quotes from Scripture Reflections and prayers And provided space for readers to write down responses to what they have read. Begin this adventure and claim your dignity as a cherished child of God and as “heir of his blessed life” (CCC 1). "The Father by Fr. Mark-Mary has been a helpful resource for me during my time of prayer. Through the stories, biblical passages and meditations provided in this work, I have perceived the Father’s delight in me as His beloved son. I highly recommend this book!" —Fr. Josh Johnson Director of Vocations, Pastor, Author & Podcast Host of Ask Fr. Josh "Christians often talk about having 'a personal relationship with Jesus' or being 'guided by the Holy Spirit.' But what about God the Father? Do we find our identity in the Father's love and live from that love day-by-day? Thankfully, Fr. Mark Mary's The Father helps us do just that... Through Scripture, the saints and compelling stories of true fatherhood, this book beautifully brings us deeper into the heart of the Father's love. –Edward Sri Author of When You Pray: Trust, Surrender and the Transformation of Your Soul and host of the acclaimed podcast All Things Catholic "Powerful, engaging, and vitally important. Fr. Mark-Mary speaks straight into our hearts with words that help to trust in the goodness and love of God the Father. In a world where so many of us have wounded relationships with earthly fathers and complicated ideas of what it might mean to have a Father in heaven, this book draws us toward the life-giving truth about our dignity and worth in the eyes of a loving God." –Danielle Bean Host of the Girlfriends podcast "Through moving accounts of fatherhood and insightful meditations on Sacred Scripture, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, draws us to a deeper understanding of the merciful and loving heart of our Heavenly Father. This guided retreat will be a source of inspiration and an opportunity for the reader to renew their identity as a beloved son or daughter of God.” –Fr. Michael Bruno, STD Dean of Seminarians, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Professor of Church History St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie "Whether we tend to take God’s fatherhood for granted or ache to believe in the Father’s love, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames’ The Father will gently shake us awake to the most beautiful reality of our lives: we have always been, and always will be, loved." –Claire Dwyer Author This Present Paradise: A Spiritual Journey with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and co-founder, Write These Words