CATHOLIC BOOK CLUB
OUR LADY OF CZĘSTOCHOWA PARISH
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

MISSION STATEMENT:

     We, as practicing Catholics, believe in and strive to follow the mandate to know, love, and serve our Lord. Through the reading and discussion of books and the watching of movies that are true and faithful to the Teachings of the Catholic Church, we will increase in knowledge of our Faith and grow in a loving relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Founder and Head of our religion.

CATHOLIC BOOK CLUB SCHEDULE

     As the year starts to come to an end, the Catholic Book Club will close the year by reading and discussing the 20 Answers book series from Catholic Answers to help us learn more about our Catholic Faith. By reading and discussing these four short books which range from 72-79 pages each, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus as well as learn to defend and evangelize our Faith. 
     The Catholic Book Club meets each Monday from 7:00 - 8:15 pm in the Rectory Basement Meeting Room. The first book we will read from the series is “20 Answers: Bioethics” which reveals what the Catholic Church teaches on modern day biological technologies and procedures such as birth control, in vitro fertilization (IVF), organ donation, and more! 
     If you're interested in joining the Book Club or if you have any questions, please contact Julie by calling or texting her at 508-320-2965. Once you've signed up, she will obtain the four books for you (for a total cost of $5.00) and provide the sections to read for the next Monday meeting. A complete list of upcoming books along with their descriptions is available below.
     We hope you will join us and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to grow in Faith and community here at Our Lady of Częstochowa!

20 Answers: Bioethics

Why do human persons have a right to life? 

What does the Church teach about the morality of in vitro fertilization?

How can technologies like cloning, embryonic stem cells, fetal-tissue vaccines, and designer genetic screening be wrong if they help people?

What can Catholics do to fight the rapidly advancing normalization of euthanasia, eugencis, transhumanism, and other offenses to the dignity of human life?

    With biological technology moving forward at a dizzying - some would say terrifying - rate, it is more important than ever to have a firm grasp on the principles that will safeguard human worth in this brave new world. 20 Answers: Bioethics tackles the topics where life, science, and morality meet, offering solid guidance that combines the wisdom of authentic Catholic anthropology with a shrewd understanding of the medical and political realities.
 

20 Answers: The Old Testament

What kinds of books are in the Old Testament?

Do the laws of the Old Testament still apply to us today?

Who were some of its important priests, prophets, kings, and other major figures?

Now that we have the New Covenant and Gospels, how is the Old Testament still relevant to Christians?

    Even for many believers, the Old Testament can be a dense, daunting collection of exotic names, places, and practices. Its sprawling histories can overwhelm us, its strict rules and rituals even scandalize us. 20 Answers: The Old Testament helps you make sense of it all - not only by breaking down its key themes, figures, and timelines in an easy-to-understand way but also by showing its beautiful continuity with the revelation of Jesus Christ.

20 Answers: The New Testament

How did the New Testament come to be? 

Can we trust what the Gospels tell us about Jesus and his ministry?
  
Who wrote Acts, the epistles, and Revelation, and what are their major events and themes?
   
How can I learn to read and interpret the New Testament in way that's faithful and spiritually beneficial?
 

    God's inspired word about the life, mission, and legacy of his Son is a repository of revealed Christian truth, a worthy object of lifelong reflection and prayerful reverence. Yet many Catholics, out of doubt or confusion about its contents, fail to profit from its rich wisdom. 20 Answers: The New Testament makes the Christian scriptures accessible and alive like never before, with easy-to-understand introductions to the New Testament's books, authors, teachings, and historical background. You'll come away with a fresh enthusiasm for reading the Bible - and a deeper love for Jesus. 

20 Answers: Faith & Works

Does the Bible say we're saved by faith alone?

Is there a difference between justification and sanctification?

How do Catholics understand the cooperative roles of faith and works in our salvation?

If Christ's death on the cross was enough to save us, why does the Church teach that some people go to purgatory and can be saved by "indulgences"?

    Perhaps no issue divides Catholics and Protestants along so many fine lines as the question of salvation: namely, are we saved solely by our faith in Jesus, or do our actions play a part? Is it enough to commit ourselves interiorly to Christ, or do we also need things such as sacraments, sacrifices, and acts of love? 20 Answers: Faith & Works gives a readable explanation of the basic disagreements, provides a compelling case for the traditional Catholic, and holds out hope for unity among all believers on this critical issue.