Five Books to Help You Rediscover the Church this Lent

Lent is a penitential season, made for rooting out our evils, purifying them, and replacing them with goods.  It is a sad truth that many Catholics have become confused about what their faith even means, distracted by a misunderstanding of social justice and an emphasis on things which are not central to our faith.  This season offers the opportunity to dig deep and assess our understanding of what it means to be Catholic, then to make the effort to strengthen or grow our devotion to and knowledge of the Church. Here are five books that will help you rediscover Catholicism this Lent and fall in love with the beauty of the Church:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

This book is much more than a dry outline of the rules and beliefs of our Church: it is a beautifully written exposition of human nature, salvation history, and the Church’s unique design which meets humanity where it is and perfectly provides for all its needs and desires.  Yes, it is large and can be intimidating, so start small.  Browse the topics and choose one that speaks to either your personal needs (such as topics in the Prayer section) or that addresses an area you are not well versed in the Church’s teachings.  Skip around and just read sections here or there if tackling the whole thing intimidates you.  Or, commit to reading five minutes a day.  You will be surprised how deep and rich the Church is, and how easy to read the Catechism is!

The Seven Secrets of the Holy Eucharist by Vinny Flynn

This small book is life-changing, and that is not an exaggeration.  As a sacrament which we in America (prior to the pandemic) were able to access easily and often, the Eucharist can become commonplace to us.  We can take it for granted, and the lockdowns and dispensations of the past year have not helped.  The excuses keeping us from Church are now backed by permission from our bishops not to come, and many of us are struggling to remember Mass’s supreme importance.  Consider this book a wake-up call.  The theological reflections will give you a newfound appreciation for the gift that the sacrament contains and encourage you to prioritize both Mass and Adoration, even spiritual communion or Adoration via YouTube if that is all that is available to you.  It will also make your reunion with the Eucharist if it has been limited in these times more powerful.

Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly

You may have picked this book up at your parish during recent Lenten seasons then forgotten to read it.  However, this books simple, daily reflections and questions are a great starting point for reconsidering the state of your spiritual life and what needs to change to make it better.  Matthew Kelly is skilled at providing easy reads that can completely disrupt your life with just the right sentence or reframed concept.  Though this book was designed as a Lenten companion, it can be picked up and started any time.  Through rediscovering Jesus, you will also be led on a journey to rediscover His presence in the Catholic Church.  If you are not a fan of small reflections, his book Rediscover Catholicism is also one that will shake up your status quo while being easy to digest.  Since both are free, you have no reason not to dive into one of them!  They would also be great for teenagers.

A Book by or about Your Confirmation or Favorite Saint

Sometimes during our teenage years, we have more time to focus on discerning our vocations and growing our spiritual lives than we do once adulthood’s responsibilities distract us.  This can help us choose Confirmation saints that are very well-suited to our spiritual needs or weaknesses, but after our Confirmation, we can forget to keep coming back to them.  Use this Lent to reconnect with your Confirmation saint by reading their writings or biographies!  If it better suits this time of your life, you could also spend time learning more or meditation on your favorite saint.  Through the online world, there are many options for surrounding ourselves with reminders of the saints, including movies, stickers, prints, paintings, books, and devotionals.  Dive in and grow closer to a friend and role model in the Church Triumphant!

Mr. Blue by Myles Connolly

This book is short, simply written, and not hard to understand, yet it has life-changing potential.  It follows the life of a “modern-day St. Francis” who is a deeply religious person and chooses to live in poverty.  He is filled with a child-like joy and wonder at the world, though at times in the novel the reader catches glimpses of an intense soul hidden within this happy-go-lucky creature.  His reflections on life and on spirituality, whether expressed by his words or actions, will shift your perspective on the simplest things but also open your eyes to the grand importance of the sacraments.  It is a fantastic novel to reflect on during the season of Lent. By choosing one or several of the books on this list to guide the remainder of your Lent and beyond, it will help you reacquaint yourself with the beauty and wisdom of the Catholic Church.  May that, in turn, help your Easter be the great climax it is intended to be, even in the face of the current event’s limitations.