“Father Waters has gathered together articles written over the past 40 years reflecting on his experiences of dealing with couples preparing for marriage, couples experiencing prayerful families, couples struggling with marriage, laypersons evangelizing in ordinary ways, struggles of being a pastor in the modern world and the influence Pope Francis has had on his ministry. I find all of this that rare combination of both inspiring and useful!” – Fr. James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone
“In this new collection of articles, Father William Waters, OSA offers a number of blessed insights into some of the recurring challenges priests encounter in pastoral ministry. His understanding of human nature and appreciation of the ordinary daily struggles make his reflections real and realistic for both laity and priests. If you are looking for practical approaches, tinged with self-deprecating humor, for some of today’s problems, I encourage you to pick up and enjoy these essays.” – Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans, and co-author with Dcn. Larry Oney of A Gospel Path for Racial Healing
“Marriage preparation, building projects, separately celebrating the seasons of Advent and Christmas in a society where celebrating Christmas usually begins immediately after Thanksgiving and ends before a new year begins, are among the many challenges that priests face in their ministries. Exploring these, and many other topics, the author shares the realities, as well as the frustrations, of being a priest and pastor today. People sometimes think that priests are knowledgeable about every aspect of their ministry. While Fr Waters admits: ‘I do not pretend to have the answers, but I know some of the challenges,’ he also has plenty of practical wisdom, acquired from serving over fifty-three years of ordained ministry, to convey to priests of all age groups. It is evident that Fr Waters understands priesthood with its many hats to wear. This book is a refreshing read and priests, particularly pastors, will readily identify with his experiences and benefit from his insights.” – Bishop Timothy Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg
“This book is the revelation of a pastor’s heart. Anyone who reads this work will be rewarded with both the wisdom of its author and the inspiration of his faithful witness. He is a priest who abides in fidelity to mercy, compassion, patience, and gentleness. May it come into the hands of many other priests.” – Dcn. James Keating, PhD, Professor, Kenrick Glennon Seminary, St Louis, MO
“When Fr Bill left our wedding reception, we told him not to change his process of helping engaged couples prepare for marriage. Under his guidance, completing our Marriage inventory forced us to ask the tough questions, ensuring we understood each other’s values. Creating our Marriage Gameplan gave us the confidence to face any rough waters together, knowing we’d never abandon ship.” – Mark and Marisyl Alvino
Fr. Bill Waters, OSA, was born in Philadelphia in 1943. After graduating from St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire he joined the Augustinian Community. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Education (Villanova University, 1968) and a Master’s Degree in Theology (Washington Theological Union, 1971) he was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on August 28, 1971.
His first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Augustine Parish in Lawrence, MA (1971-75). He then served as Vocation Director for the East Coast Augustinians (1975-79), and then Director of Students at Augustinian College in Washington., D.C. for the Augustinians who were preparing for Solemn Vows and/or Ordination. He returned to Lawrence as pastor of St. Augustine Parish (1984-93). He was the Vicar for the Lawrence Vicariate from 1991 to 1993. He then served as pastor of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Jamaica, New York (1993-97) and then pastor of St. Mary-Inmaculada Concepcion Parish in Lawrence (1997-2004). While pastor at St. Mary’s, the parish in 2001 was named one of the 300 excellent parishes in the country by The Parish Congregation Study team led by Paul Wilkes. On August 6, 2004 Father Waters became pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Methuen and Lawrence, a position which he held until June of 2008 when he became a member of the Campus Ministry team at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. In August of 2014 he became Pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Philadelphia, a position he held until July 1, 2024. He is presently residing at St. Thomas Monastery at Villanova University.
He served as a member of the Council of Priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and as Chaplain for the Philadelphia Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Before he came to Philadelphia, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Mary Immaculate Health Care Services, a member of Cardinal Sean O’Malley’s Presbyteral Council in the Archdiocese of Boston, Chaplain of both the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 8 and the Massachusetts State Chaplain for the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was the former chaplain of the Lawrence Police Department, a past member of the Board of St. Anne Home in Methuen and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Lawrence Public Library. He was named Irishman of the Year in 2004 by the Hibernians and named the Grand Marshall of Lawrence‘s 2006 St. Patrick Day Parade. In October of 2012 he received “The Catholic Leadership Award” from his alma mater, St. Anselm College. In March of 2014 he received “The Cardinal Cushing Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
He has authored the eight published articles that comprise this book: “Spiritual Guidance in Family Settings” (The Priest, March 1981), “Marriage Preparation Comes Too Late” (Today’s Parish, Nov. /Dec. 1990), “Helping Couples Avoid Divorce” (Today’s Parish, April/May 1994), “Ministry of the Laity: Evangelization—Hearing the Word and Keeping It” (The Priest July, 2016.), “What the Bishop Never Told Us at Ordination” (The Priest June, 2018), “If Pope Francis Confuses People, He is in Good Company” (The Priest, March 2019), “Christmas, a Holy Night, a Joyful Day—But is it a Glorious Season for Priests?” (The Priest, December 2023). “Why Wait ‘Till Marriage? It Is So Old Fashion!” (The Priest, January 2025)
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Feel passionate about defending unborn life, but intimidated by loud pro-choice arguments? This guidebook has over 125 responses to both common and rare pro-choice objections. Read either front to back or by individual chapter, for a quick answer. Specifically, it examines: the historical and legal perspectives, life’s intrinsic value, when human life begins, fetal development, abortion procedures, adoption, how to find common ground, and many pro-choice talking points.
TBA
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The book is structured in three parts: God, You, and Both, guiding readers to understand divine power, personal responsibility, and mutual partnership. Grover illustrates these themes with vivid stories, such as David’s triumph over Goliath, personal encounters with faith, and everyday interactions showcasing divine providence. Each chapter emphasizes practical lessons: relying on God, overcoming fear and failure, and discovering joy in service.
Fr. Grover draws from his experiences as a priest and scholar, blending humor, wisdom, and biblical insights. He encourages readers to align their talents with God’s will, emphasizing that imperfections do not diminish value or potential. Ultimately, the book inspires readers to trust in God’s plan, embrace their unique roles, and strive for a life of purpose and gratitude.
Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99
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Fr. Peter Grover, OMV is a religious priest with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Presently he is the director of St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston. He also teaches classical languages and biblical studies at St. John Seminary, the Theological Institute of Boston, and Pope St. John XXIII Seminary. He is an avid fly-fisherman and enjoys wreaking havoc in the kitchen.
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Check out Nicole’s appearance on the Universal Sister Podcast from back when she was still seeking a publisher!
Uncover the power of the Rosary and Mary’s intercession: how the scripture-based mysteries of the Rosary can be a compass in directing your steps and navigating the highs and lows, in order for you to listen for God’s voice and live like Jesus. So many people talk about discernment and listening to the Lord, but how do we do it and how does it play out? Through personal accounts about navigating life shifts, secondary infertility, marital struggles, career changes and physical challenges, Nicole Berlucchi invites you into her love story to learn from her mistakes and to be encouraged by her transformation when she started leaning on God and listening to the Holy Spirit. Discover what it means to Magnify Love when you open your heart to what the Rosary has to teach us.
Paperback: $17.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“I often reflect on the encouraging reality that so long as we’re still breathing, there’s not yet a period at the end of our story. Nicole’s transparent and vulnerable sharing of how God worked in her life, and in her marriage, is a powerful testimony to His grace made perfect in our weakness, and of the reasons to always have hope.” – Father John Riccardo, ACTS XXIX Executive Director
“Nicole Berlucchi’s writing is a gift of the Spirit to anyone seeking to transform their marriage and deepen their walk with Jesus Christ. With disarming humility and profound faith, Nicole invites readers into her personal journey of suffering, redemption, and grace. This book is a treasure for those seeking to navigate the joys and struggles of marriage with the wisdom of the Rosary and the intercession of Mary. Whether you’re in a season of heartache or renewal, Nicole’s story and practical reflections will remind you that God’s plans for your life and marriage are nothing less than a miraculous love story. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and deeply moved.” -Christopher Reed, Ph.D. author of Sacred Conversations: How God Wants us to Communicate
Nicole Berlucchi is a writer and speaker. You can find her on her personal website: www.nicoleberlucchi.com and on social media: @berlucchiwriting. She serves as a regular contributor to www.CatholicMom.com and Diocesan.com (Gospel Reflections for 2025). She has occasionally contributed to other Catholic outlets such as SpiritualDirection.com and FamilyRosary.org. She is a proud member of the PraiseWriters Community as well as Catholic Writers Guild.
Nicole has worked in a number of roles in the nonprofit world from fundraising to research, but helping people realize their vision and make an impact, whether in business or in life, seems to be the sweet spot. She now owns her own marketing and nonprofit consulting business, Coley B. Creative, where she works with a variety of clients on their strategy and marketing needs.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, she has been married to her husband, Joe, since 2006. They now reside in the Nashville area with their four children where they are members of Catholic Church of the Nativity. She’s a big fan of brilliant skies, coffee, salted caramel with chocolate, books and more books. She loves sharing her journey with Jesus so that others might: Come and see.
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This book examines how childhood experiences impact faith development in religious individuals. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 80 consecrated persons, the book reveals that early experiences, whether positive or adverse, can deeply influence adult behavior, especially in religious life. Guided by theories like Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development and James Fowler’s faith development, Ogbuji explores how formative experiences shape adult attitudes toward faith, relationships, and authority.
The book highlights challenges faced by consecrated persons, including lingering effects of childhood trauma, which can manifest as emotional instability, attachment issues, or even aggressive behavior in community settings. Ogbuji advocates for a holistic formation process, suggesting that therapeutic interventions and ongoing psychological and spiritual support can help religious individuals achieve wholeness. She also calls for well-trained formators who understand the complex emotional needs of candidates.
Ultimately, the book emphasizes the importance of addressing personal histories to foster emotional and spiritual maturity, creating healthier, more joyful communities. The work serves as a valuable resource for religious formators, superiors, and all those interested in understanding how early life influences vocational development and overall well-being in religious life.
Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“This book is an idea whose time has come! I highly recommend it to religious men and women, superiors and formators, clergy and lay persons, and all those who wish to understand how their childhood experiences affect the way they behave as adults” — Dr. Stephen Asatsa, Lecturer, Department of Counselling Psychology, CUEA
“Sr. Helen’s book is a must read for formators of religious congregations and Institutes of Consecrated and Apostolic Life. Superiors of the same communities will find it insightful and positive about the universal need for therapy. Pastors of souls can benefit much from this distilled text about reconciliation with oneself and one’s story of joy and suffering. All consecrated persons will find delight in discovering the wide range of possibilities in the helping professions. Finally, believers with strong scientific background will rejoice in the continuous line between faith and the human sciences. In short, this book will help any reader to feel more comfortable with the concept of psychological health” —Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Foro, SJ, Provincial Delegate for Formation, Cameroon
“This piece of work is profound, full of insights, and a noteworthy contribution towards the formation and ongoing formation of consecrated Men and Women. Above all, it is well-written. I am pleased to grant the Imprimatur for its publication.” —Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, DD, Bishop of Umuahia Diocese.
Sister Adaku Helen (Helena) Ogbuji, CCVI, PhD, belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, Texas. She is an author of several books. She holds a master’s in Theology, Divinity and Psychology and a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Presently, she is the Formation Director and the Novice Director in their formation house in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
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“An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral! Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm.” – Evangelii Gaudium, 10
This book explores the critical role of affability in contemporary outreach, aiming to bring this often-overlooked virtue into the spotlight. The author engages the writings of Pope Francis and selected saints expressing that affability is a virtue which impacts human relations for the good of the world, propelling evangelization efforts to the fullest level. The reason for its effectiveness is because friendly interactions influence the lives of both the giver and the receiver, which offers encouragement and produces joy. Evidence of this rests not only on the tenets of the Gospels and of the teachings of the Church but also on modern studies concerning the neuroscience of emotion and other areas of psychology.
Paperback: $24.95 | Kindle: $9.99
Andrew Likoudis (January 11, 2025), “Affability: The Antidote to the Culture of Despair,” Where Peter Is. Click here to read the review.
“Living the Truth in Love is challenging. The demands of the Gospel are difficult enough without making it undesirable by our misery. One’s first encounter with Christ is through the members of His Body, and Dr. Anne DeSantis has rightfully emphasized the importance of not distorting the image of our loving, just, and merciful God.” – Fr. Matthew Phelan, Vicar Provincial of the Mercedarian Friars, USA
Drawing upon contemporary papal writings, most especially that of Pope Francis, sacred scripture, the Church Fathers and the lives of the saints, Dr. Anne DeSantis has skillfully created a framework for Pastoral Care based on the virtue of affability. The need for healing is great, and affability is a choice we must make in our dealings with others, if we are to bring Jesus to those we meet each day. This book is a roadmap for missional mercy offered in Christ’s name.” – Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director, Mayslake Ministries
“In such a divided world, division that also affects the Church, the virtue of affability in the practice of evangelization is essential to credibility of the faithful. DeSantis shows us that now is the time to hone this virtue and gives stunning examples of the saints for us to follow.” – Carmina Chapp, Ph.D., Dean, School of Theological Studies, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
“Anne DeSantis’ The Virtue of Affability offers a profound exploration of how kindness and approachable demeanor can transform modern evangelization. This timely guide emphasizes affability as essential for healing divisions and fostering meaningful connections, drawing from scripture, saints’ lives, and Pope Francis’ teachings. DeSantis inspires readers to embody compassion, highlighting how affability bridges gaps and renews faith in today’s complex world. A must-read for fostering genuine love and mercy in everyday life.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists
“Dr. Anne DeSantis, in this important work, contributes much to the theological study on the virtue of affability and provides valuable insight and practical wisdom on why it is necessary for all to Christians to practice and employ along their journey of faith.” – Bill Snyder, Founder and CEO, Patchwork Heart Ministry
Dr. Anne DeSantis is a Catholic author and speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area. Her primary mission and tagline is: Prayer, Perseverance, and Positivity.
She is wife, mother, and grandmother who values family and treasures her Catholic faith. Her speaking events focus on the value of living the faith with joy as “Missionary Disciples” for Christ.
Dr. Anne DeSantis is the Executive Director for the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. The foundation makes pastoral outreach to families in crisis. She has been working with the foundation helping families to find needed healing since 2017, and this is her main profession.
Anne is honored to have been awarded as “Catholic Woman of the Year 2023” from the Knights of Columbus Philadelphia Chapter. Additionally, Anne has received recognition and honors from: the Pennsylvania Knights of Columbus; the Philadelphia City Council, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in connection with this award.
She is a former homeschooling parent for fifteen-plus years successfully schooling her daughters from PreK through high school. Spending quality time with family as a stay-at-home mom was one of the best decisions she has ever made. A teacher by trade with a BS in Secondary Education, Anne earned an MA in Theology in 2021 from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, and she holds a doctorate in theology (ThD) from Pontifex University (completed in 2024).
In 2015, Anne began to pursue a new career after years of devoting herself to her family full-time.
She became involved in commercial modeling/acting, hosting, and writing. As a hobby, Anne continues to accept jobs as a model/actress. She has learned a great deal about the broadcasting world through this work. Some of her work in commercials includes working with national and local companies for TV and online ads, skin care progressionals, and as a host and presenter.
Anne hosts the online TV program called Journeys in Faith with Anne DeSantis which airs on the Anne DeSantis YouTube Channel. She also co-hosts the Sewing Hope Podcast with Bill Snyder, Founder of Patchwork Heart Ministry. Previous to hosting these programs, Anne was the host of the online TV show The Positive Side on RVNTV in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Dr. Anne DeSantis is a Catholic Speaker with Catholic Speakers Organization. She has spoken at churches and organizations, and she is currently booking speaking engagements both locally and nationally. To learn more, visit Anne’s Speaking Events Page. She is also a writer for three online publications: CatholicMom.com, Catholic365, and EpicPew.
Anne’s life mission includes educating others on the importance of making outreach to the marginalized of our world as Christ has instructed his followers. They are in our families, our friends, neighbors, co-workers, those we go to church with, and various others. She empathizes and understands the pain of isolation and confusion that comes with marginalization, and she does her best to teach others how to become more compassionate as essential in living out the faith.
Anne invites you to learn more about her work by considering booking her for a speaking engagement for your church or organization.
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