Teen Interest

The perfect journaling companion to The Catholic Youth Bible® has arrived: designed for girls to discover who they authentically are! Its inviting pages will make them want to write, color, draw, and doodle in response to the open-ended prompts. It will help them reflect on their gifts, their goals, their self-image, and their mission; and it will encourage prayer. 

From the author:

As a young woman, I often heard that advice. Sometimes I wondered, "What does that really mean?" Other times I thought, "I don't really know who that is yet."

I came to realize that we discover how to "be ourselves" through our relationship with the God who created us. The same awesome God who knew the universe needed a sun and air also knew the world needed you. How amazing is that?

We truly discover our identity when we nourish our relationship with God and learn His will for our life. This journal is designed to help you enjoy learning about God's will for you.

This girl's journal is divided into six sections:

• Who You Really Are
• Peace
• Love
• Prayer
• Talents and Gifts
• Your Life

It is versatile. Some days she may go right to the “Prayer” section; other days she may just want to find a page to color. With this journal, she can choose where she wants to go, when she needs to. The journal is designed to be flexible for her needs, wherever her heart may lead her.

"How can you keep your heart focused on Jesus, our first love?"
"What kind of relationship do you desire to have with Jesus?"
"What gifts has God given you that you can use to glorify him?"

In Breakthrough: The Companion Journal, Fr. Rob Galea's reflections on faith and the lessons he learned and shared in the bestselling Breakthrough are highlighted and paired with questions such as these to assist you in applying these lessons to your own faith. The journal takes you chapter by chapter through Breakthrough, guiding you as you consider your faith, your relationship with God and others, your past, and your future.

Breakthrough shares Fr. Rob Galea's journey from desperation to hope--from a lonely and angry teenager to a passionate priest--while Breakthrough: The Companion Journal invites you to consider your own life and faith in light of the experiences Galea shares and the lessons he learned from his troubled past.

This full-color, visually appealing journal also includes inspirational quotes from the book to contemplate as you write and full-page quotes that you can pull out of the book and post as a daily reminder.

Whether you are reading Galea's book for the first time or the fifth, Breakthrough: The Companion Journal will help you more deeply understand his journey to hope and apply its lessons to your own life.

“How can you keep your heart focused on Jesus, our first love?”

“What kind of relationship do you desire to have with Jesus?”

“What gifts has God given you that you can use to glorify him?”

In Breakthrough: The Companion Journal, Fr. Rob Galea’s reflections on faith and the lessons he learned and shared in the bestselling Breakthrough are highlighted and paired with questions such as these to assist you in applying these lessons to your own faith. The journal takes you chapter by chapter through Breakthrough, guiding you as you consider your faith, your relationship with God and others, your past, and your future.

Breakthrough shares Galea’s journey from desperation to hope—from a lonely and angry teenager to a passionate priest—while Breakthrough: The Companion Journal invites you to consider your own life and faith in light of the experiences Galea shares and the lessons he learned from his troubled past.

This full-color, visually appealing journal also includes inspirational quotes from the book to contemplate as you write and full-page quotes that you can pull out of the book and post as a daily reminder.

Whether you are reading Galea’s book for the first time or the fifth, Breakthrough: The Companion Journal will help you more deeply understand his journey to hope and apply its lessons to your own life.

When a school shooting causes Allie Weaver to join John Paul 2 High, a newly-established parent-run Catholic high school, she and her six fellow students face personality conflicts, problems with the nearby public school, and mysterious threats from a prankster and possibly even the shooter himself.

Lizzie Velasquez recently graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a degree in communications. She is one of only three known people in the world with a medical syndrome that doesn't allow her to gain weight or create muscle. Lizzie, an author of three books, has appeared as a motivational speaker at more than 200 workshops. Her story has been featured in national and international media, including The Today Show, Inside Edition, Katie Couric, Dr. Drew, Australia's Sunday Night, and Germany's Explosiv.

Unofficially known as the patron saint of the internet, Blessed Carlo Acutis is a role model for today's teens and adolescents. An ordinary teenager of the millennial generation, he enjoyed soccer, computers, and video games, but he was also committed to Mass, confession, and prayer. He used his computer savvy to spread devotion to the Eucharist and understanding of Church teachings. He was diagnosed with leukemia and was only 15 years old when he died. He was beatified by Pope Francis in Assisi on October 10, 2020.

This is the second book in the Dear God series in which author, Patti Armstrong, addresses questions that young children face when prayers aren't answered in a time of adversity - and more importantly, the timeless question of: Is He even listening? When Luke, a 5th grader, finds out he's going to be homeschooled with his brothers, he can't believe it and questions whether or not God is listening when he prays to go back to school with his friends. Will Luke end up learning that sometimes God answers our prayers in ways we don't expect?

This one-of-a-kind Bible devotional helps children ages 9-12 pray with God's word and encounter God in his creation in a whole new way! This 40-day journey narrates the story of salvation history through Bible stories that happen at sea. With two days of reflections per story, children learn how God speaks in many ways through a single scripture passage. Dive Deep also includes fun sea facts and trivia, prayer and journaling prompts, and tips for putting faith into practice.

How does parrotfish poop make sand? And what does that have to do with God's promise to Abraham?

Introduce children ages 9-12 to the epic story of salvation history—from Creation, to Christ, to today—through Bible stories that take place at sea, and help them experience the Word of God in a whole new way! This one-of-a-kind devotional by Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck, a Daughter of St. Paul, teaches children how to pray with God’s word and encounter God in his creation through 40 days of Scripture reflections, fun sea facts and trivia, profiles of the saints, prayer and journaling prompts, and practical ways to live the faith in daily life. Dive Deep gives children two different reflections for each Bible story, so they learn how God can speak in many ways through his word. Fun sea facts and trivia shed additional light on the meaning of scripture and celebrate the harmony between faith and science. On the last day of their journey, children can write their own reflection—and begin a new voyage that will last a lifetime! 

Dive Deep includes:

• Vibrant illustrations by watercolor artist Romi Caron

• 40 days of Scripture reflections 

• Fun sea facts and trivia that illuminate the meaning and message of Scripture

• “Seafarer’s Challenges” to help kids live the Word of God in daily life

• “Sailor’s Log” journaling prompts

• Prayer prompts to help kids talk to God

Everyday Justice brings the principles of Catholic social teaching to teens, whether they are using it as a companion for a social justice course, to broaden their personal understanding for justice issues, or as a reflection guide while they are on a service project. But more than that, it inspires them to respond to our Gospel call. Each day begins with a quote from the Scriptures, a Church document, or an advocate of justice and is followed by a reflection, a prayer, and a call to action.

Everyday Justice brings the principles of Catholic social teaching to teens, whether they are using it as a companion for a social justice course, to broaden their personal understanding of justice issues, or as a reflection guide while they are on a service project. But more than that, it inspires them to respond to our Gospel call. Each day begins with a quote from the Scriptures, a Church document, or an advocate of justice and is followed by a reflection, a prayer, and a call to action.

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure tale, The Lord of the Rings.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

"A unique, wholly realized other world, evoked from deep in the well of Time, massively detailed, absorbingly entertaining, profound in meaning."--The New York Times

As a young Christian woman, do you struggle with insecurities and feel bogged down by the pressures and expectations of society? Do you find it challenging to take care of yourself and be a faithful daughter of God?

Emily Wilson Hussem used to feel the same way. In Go Bravely, the Catholic musician and speaker offers twenty bits of advice that will equip you to tackle your deepest concerns about relationships, self-esteem, and dating while strengthening your faith at the same time.

"Sometimes even the smallest acts of living out faith require great bravery."

In Go Bravely, Wilson Hussem offers readers warm and friendly encouragement as she shares her experiences with other young women as their youth minister as well as her own struggles with insecurity, relationships, loving and forgiving herself, and living her faith. You'll feel right at home as she challenges you to be a light in the world while simultaneously offering you easy-to-digest advice on your most pressing questions.

Fresh off figuring out who she is as a daughter of God, how to cultivate healthy friendships, how to save sex for marriage, and how to develop a prayer life, Wilson Hussem gives you advice about what she learned in the midst of becoming a young woman. Aware of the information overload that young people face today, she shares simple wisdom for bravely living your faith, such as:

Always be kind to other women.

Work hard at what you love.

Recognize God's plan for your life.

Remember that nobody is perfect.

Cultivate authentic friendships.

These are basic ideas, Wilson Hussem says, but taking care of yourself and loving others are easy tenets of our faith to forget. A book that can be read in short snippets or in one sitting, Go Bravely offers you the encouragement and tools you need to live out your Christian faith with purpose and zeal.

Discerning your vocation is a process that can take you to unexpected places. As you spend time with God in prayer, you also spend time with yourself, discovering who you are and who you are meant to be. As you follow that universal call to sainthood in whatever direction it takes you, you might feel some resistance. What God is calling you to do may not be easy. You may be afraid. You may wish you were called to do something else.

Throughout this 30-day, self-guided retreat you will be asked to look at yourself, your relationships, and your spirituality as you approach the vocation God has in mind for you. Using Scripture, reflection, activities, and questions, this retreat will help you make time to hear God's call and offer you spiritual strength as you prepare to answer it.

Discerning your vocation is a process that can take you to unexpected places. As you spend time with God in prayer, you also spend time with yourself, discovering who you are and who you are meant to be. As you follow that universal call to sainthood in whatever direction it takes you, you might feel some resistance. What God is calling you to do may not be easy. You may be afraid. You may wish you were called to do something else.

Throughout this 30-day, self-guided retreat you will be asked to look at yourself, your relationships, and your spirituality as you approach the vocation God has in mind for you. Using Scripture, reflection, activities, and questions, this retreat will help you make time to hear God’s call and offer you spiritual strength as you prepare to answer it.

Holiness doesn’t happen by accident. Neither does academic achievement, physical fitness, healthy relationships, or professional success.

We move closer to these goals (and our ultimate goal of heaven) by adopting and practicing the right habits.

Holy Habits for Catholic Teens shares over 200 habits that helped the Saints reject sin, build God’s Church on earth, and become the person God had created them to be. We hope that Catholic Teens can use this resource to understand further the role holy habits will play in their spiritual journey.

These days, virgins may be embarrassed by their lack of "experience" while non-virgins may feel it's too late for them. Men and women of all ages feel compelled to "take their relationships to the next level"--meaning they think it's time to have sex, not try on wedding rings. Chastity author and speaker Jason Evert addresses these issue, and dozens more, in If You Really Loved Me: 100 Questions on Dating, Relationships, and Sexual Purity.

This landmark work features the most common questions Evert is asked when speaking about the virtue of chastity in hundreds of Catholic, Evangelical Christian, and public schools. His humorous, friendly and blunt approach opens hearts and minds to a topic often either rejected out of hand or misunderstood.

Teens will find this book a useful guide to starting a relationship, deciding one's vocation, one day finding a potential spouse, and maintaining purity--without forsaking love. This book will give parents and educators new insights to help teens know the difference between love and lust. They may even look at their own lives differently, because as Evert explains, chastity is not only for singles; married couples must practice this virtue as well.

LifeWork is a unique approach to discovering the presence of God in all that we do. A special emphasis is placed on the unique, personal vocation and mission to which all are called; of special interest to students and young adults.

When Chris Padgett met Linda Dodge for the first time at the end of high school, sparks flew. Or maybe that was just the glare from Chris's mustard-yellow polyester vintage suit, a typical item in his shock-and-awe wardrobe. Linda was impressed if puzzled, but the beautiful cheerleader and Chris, winner of the senior class's Most Unique Personality award, were soon a couple. Even sooner, the two young Christians found themselves involved in a passionate sexual relationship. Certain they should stop but just as certain they couldn't, the relationship began to unravel. When they found the courage, in college, to choose chastity, they discovered a renewed friendship, affection and the self-discipline that would serve as a firm foundation for marriage.

Wondering if you have the resolve to choose sexual purity? Wondering why you should choose it? Read the Padgetts' story for some straight talk about sex and the truth that will set you free.

Sports fans across the nation laud Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers for his myriad franchise and NFL records, but few recognize the love for God, pursuit of virtue, and devotion to faith that have driven not only Philip's career but, in fact, his entire life.

Now comes an opportunity for children ages 6 and up to meet Philip not only as a football star, but also as a spiritual role model"€"and their teammate in holiness! With special photographs and behind-the-scenes stories, God's Quarterback relates how Philip has pursued excellence both at the altar and on the field.

Got God?

Does God really exist?

What does God want from me, anyway?

Prove It! God stands ready to answer teen questions -- the really tough ones -- about God, the Catholic Church, other religions, evolution, good and evil, and a whole bunch of other things you never hear about in religion classes and Sunday Homilies -- or even from your parents.

Newly updated, this no-nonsense book clearly presents the facts in a way that doesn't talk down to you. But don't take our word for it. Read Prove It! God and decide for yourself. What do you have to lose -- other than your doubts.

Got God?

Does God really exist?

What does God want from me, anyway?

Prove It! God stands ready to answer teen questions -- the really tough ones -- about God, the Catholic Church, other religions, evolution, good and evil, and a whole bunch of other things you never hear about in religion classes and Sunday Homilies -- or even from your parents.

Newly updated, this no-nonsense book clearly presents the facts in a way that doesn't talk down to you. But don't take our word for it. Read Prove It! God and decide for yourself. What do you have to lose -- other than your doubts.

Prove It! Jesus gives you the true facts about Jesus, including who He really was, whether the Gospels are reliable historical accounts of His life, what's behind all the miracle stories, evidence for the Resurrection, and most importantly, what it all means for you.

Prove It! Jesus explains all those difficult questions you have about Jesus. His teachings, and most importantly, what His words and His living presence can mean for you today, if you believe.

Brennan Manning shares his joyful message in a powerful new way with his first-ever collection of daily devotions. For every day of the year the beloved author of "Ragamuffin Gospel" and "The Boy Who Cried Abba" offers a verse of scripture, and each day's mediation is completed with a complementary reading from his own writings.

Whether your life has already changed by Brennan Manning's dynamic version of the good news or you are meeting him here for the first time, "Reflections for Ragamuffins" will open your mind and heart to a profound new experience of God's unconditional love.

Do you wonder why, as a Catholic, you do some of the things that you do? Have you ever found yourself unable to answer basic questions about what you believe and why you believe it? The Survival Guide for Young Catholics will tell you a bunch of stuff that you might already know and a lot more that you probably don't. You won't get long, boring answers. Instead you'll get quick-fire, straight-up answers that any parent or pope would be proud to hear. So prepare for an overview of the Catholic faith that is sure to leave you a little smarter, a lot more confident and the envy of your fellow Catholics.

Return to Luke Skywalker’s island from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and discover the fascinating real-life history behind Skellig Michael, an enchanting isle off the coast of Ireland where an ancient Christian monastery continues to inspire those who come there.Learn about the Jedi-like training that occurred on this island according to the traditions of devout Catholic monks.Immerse yourself in an age when warrior monks were on the front line of a spiritual battle against the dark forces of this world.Monks meet Jedi in an engaging read that invites the reader to discover the surprising parallels between fact and fiction and what these heroic men can still teach us over a thousand years later.

Broken families, abortion, AIDS, Internet pornography, sexual abuse scandals, homosexual marriage, our Church and our world are in the midst of a profound sexual crisis. Is there a way out? For such a time as this have we been given Pope John Paul IIs Theology of the Body. Based on the words of Jesus, John Paul II's famous reflections on the body and sex take us to the root of the modern crisis and chart the path to an authentic sexual liberation. Yet the Pope's dense scholarship often intimidates the average person. In his book, Theology of the Body Explained, Christopher West offered a more detailed, six-hundred page commentary on John Paul II's Theology of the Body. Here, he provides a short and popular summary of the Pope's revolutionary teaching. What is the meaning of life? Why did God create us male and female? Why is there evil in the world and how do we overcome it? How do we attain true happiness on earth? What kind of joys await us in heaven? How can we experience the love we long for in the depth of our hearts? The first edition of Theology of the Body for Beginners (2004) quickly became an international best-seller. This freshly revised and expanded edition is based on Dr. Michael Waldsteins much improved translation of John Paul IIs catechesis. New for this edition: All quotations have been updated with the new translation. Key insights discovered through Dr. Waldstein's access to the John Paul II archives have been incorporated. The outline of the text has been substantially reorganized to reflect the newly discovered outline of John Paul's original manuscript. John Paul's hidden and previously untranslated addresses are summarized.

Legendary former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz shared three easy to remember and impossible to forget rules for life during a commencement address at Franciscan University Steubenville.

Do what is right.

Do everything to the best of your ability.

Show people you care.

Now in paperback, Three Rules for Living a Good Life: A Game Plan for after Graduation offers a quick, sometimes humorous, and always practical formula for recent college graduates and other young adults to reach success in their business, personal, and spiritual lives.

Three Rules for Living a Good Life is a great gift book for a young adult looking for a quick read that offers encouragement and concrete advice for transitioning to the workforce and to deeper, more committed relationships.

Holtz, one of the most successful college football coaches of all time, shares a message that is genuine and sensible. Punctuated with examples for keeping and living the three rules each day from his years of working with teams, in business, and with his family, Holtz's book keeps the discussion light, humorous, and real.

Holtz's commencement message is one he often shares with business leaders around the world. He points to the foundation of his Christian faith and the necessity for young adults who have been raised in the faith to take stock of themselves at this crossroads of their life. "Don't ignore God! Don't give up the faith!" he writes.

A sought-after motivational speaker, Holtz annually gives hundreds of presentations on topics having to do with leadership, success, and achieving peak results. Holtz has also given many commencement addresses and been awarded a number of honorary degrees. In Three Rules for Living a Good Life, this iconic Notre Dame football coach sums up his essential graduation message in a way that college grads will find useful as they take their place in the "real world."

Teach Virtue At Home

The Virtues for Catholic Youth is a 12-week virtues study, designed to be used by Catholic children in grades 3-8. The study will be most effective if each child works through it week by week with a parent. 

Over 12 weeks, youth will explore: 

• Humility
• Purity
• Mortification
• Gratitude
• Faith
• Generosity
• Love
• Forgiveness
• Hope
• Zeal for the Mission.

It is important to note, however, that The Virtues for Catholic Youth is so much more than an introduction to the virtues. Instead of telling children about the virtuous life, we strive to help them and their parents experience it. This is accomplished by looking at each virtue in a variety of ways.

Vice, Virtue, Saint, Old Testament, Jesus, Challenge

Each week begins with a look at a common vice, such as pride, lust, gluttony, or envy. Next, we explore God’s antidote to this vice: the corresponding virtue. The following day of the study unpacks this virtue further by discussing a saint who exemplified it. We’ve included a custom portrait of the saint along with the biography. Next, we turn to the Old Testament and hear about a story of people either succeeding or failing to live out this virtue. Finally, we turn to the Gospel and the most excellent model of virtues, Jesus Himself. Each week concludes with a simple yet powerful challenge to help youth apply what they have studied.

The Virtues for Catholic Youth is a full-color printed book. While creating this resource, we strove to produce something that not only communicated the beauty of virtue, but was beautiful in its own right. 

Product Details:

• Full Color, beautifully printed
• Sturdy construction and tabbed pages for easy use
• Metal spiral binding
• 12 original watercolor portraits of the saints, created for us by @jenolsonillustrations
• Content prayerfully created for children ages 9-15, that will also greatly benefit their parents.
• Powerful questions for discussion following each section to build relationships and help parents discuss important topics with their children.
• Manageable lessons, divided into 12 weeks.