As spring evolves into summer, school students go on break and are always looking for the most fun way to spend their time. While they’ll spend much of it dreading their assigned summer reading, it behooves parents and other adults to spend some free time relaxing with a good book as well.
Books can help us learn about the world around us, but they can also help us grow in our Catholic faith in extraordinary ways.
In the spirit of the Church’s mission to incorporate reading in the lives of her people, some parishes in the Diocese of Allentown sponsor library collections and encourage parishioners and guests alike to make use of them for their spiritual growth.
“We strive to make certain that all books present are fully in line with the authoritative teaching of the Catholic Church,” said Father John Maria, Pastor of St. Mary, Kutztown. The library at St. Mary is in the corridor between the main church and the religious education center.
Susan Teaford, Parish Secretary of St. Benedict, Mohnton, gave a brief history about the library of her parish.
“The idea for the library came from former pastor, Monsignor Edward Domin, who started a similar library at his previous parish of St. Catharine of Siena in Reading,” she said. “Eight 6-foot-tall bookshelves were donated by our Knights of Columbus Council #14654 and are currently near capacity.”
Irene Milligan, who helped found the library at St. Benedict, echoes a similar statement regarding the growth of her parish library. “It has just kept growing through parishioners’ donations,” she said. “Father Stan Moczydlowski, Pastor recently donated four very large boxes filled to the brim with hundreds of books covering every Church subject.”
The library at St. Benedict is in the hall leading to the education wing, accessible near either entrance to the church.
What was once a small Bible study group evolved into a library of hundreds of books at St. Catharine of Siena, Reading. Deanna Stratton, parishioner and co-chair of a parish council subcommittee, recommends families make use of the large selection of Faith, Family, and Children’s books available at her parish.
“I’m interested in promoting happy families and supporting them in any way I can, even the small ways,” she said. “The library at St. Catharine is in the cry room and features comfortable amenities for families.”
St. Joseph, Limeport features a library in their parish meeting room next to the vestibule. They sponsor a collection of spiritual books for adults, including lives of the saints, Church history and doctrine, prayer books, and even Catholic fiction.
They also house a small children’s section and multimedia section, which might be expanded in the future, according to Parish Librarian Amy Yanak, who helped found the library. The materials in the library are catalogued on the parish website.
St. Thomas More, Allentown boasts a library collection of over 4,000 books, mostly donated by parishioners, said Kevin Damitz, Director of Religious Education. Built in 2002 and located around the corner from the entrance, the library is open most days from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m., and until 1 p.m. on Sundays.
The St. Thomas More library features many sections, including Popes & Persons of Faith, Vocations, Pro-Life issues, Inspiration, Humor, Women, Motherhood, Marriage, and Family Life. The library also includes a teen section and a children’s section.
The library frequently recommends titles like “He Leadeth Me” by Father Walter Ciszek, “The Reed of God” by Caryll Houselander, and “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn.
Kate Brubaker, librarian of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, shared her thoughts about the collection of books her parish offers.
“We have everything from encyclicals to biographies and some fiction. We have Bibles and Bible commentaries, and resources for Advent and Lent. We also have a shelf of books to help with grief,” said Brubaker. “When I check the shelves, I always find something new that I want to read.”
Along with these collections, she also recommends her favorite authors: Scott Hahn, Matthew Kelly, and Peter Kreeft.
For more information regarding your parish library, please consult your parish website or bulletin.
“Do not neglect your reading. Reading has made many saints” – St. Josemaria Escriva.
Header photo is Jared Rabold and his daughters Mary and Bridget in the library at St. Thomas More, Allentown. Rabold is Director of Parish Life and Safe Environment Coordinator.
Photos below are Irene (Renee) Milligan, parish librarian at St. Benedict, Mohnton and the library at St. Mary, Kutztown.
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