“I am happy to endorse Eric Gilhooly’s book To a Younger Brother. In an easy-to-read style, it offers practical wisdom to men in the earlier years of formation. Born of his own spiritual journey and with the love of a wise older brother, Eric shares real-life insights to encourage others as they seek to know the Lord’s will and prepare for ordination. This book would also be an excellent resource for someone considering the priesthood or religious life.” – Most Reverend Robert J. Fisher, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, Michigan
“Even challenging journeys can be found enjoyable when there is a good companion to guide you – someone who knows the struggles and the pitfalls along the way – and the journey of seminary formation is no exception. Through sharing his own reflections on his years in formation, Father Gilhooly is this welcome companion. A helpful ‘older brother’ to any seminarian, he provides insights in this book that are both wise and relatable.” – Deacon Paul Gardner, Fourth-Year Seminarian Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Eric Gilhooly was born on August 12, 1986, in Syracuse, New York. He entered the minor seminary in 1999. His major seminary formation took him to Ireland, Connecticut, and Rome. He studied in the Pontifical Athenum Regina Apostolorum, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in philosophy as well as his bachelor’s degree in theology. He was ordained to the diaconate in Syracuse on May 19, 2018, and was sent to Bogotá, Colombia to begin his ministry. He was ordained a priest on May 4, 2019.
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All proceeds support the mission trips to Jamaica.
This book recounts the founding of a grassroots nonprofit delivering health services to underserved Jamaican communities, beginning in Mount Prospect. Sparked by Mahfood’s nursing career and deep family ties, the organization launched a health fair in June 2025 despite major funding and logistical challenges. Through faith, volunteers, and community support, Miadibes Cares provided screenings, supplies, and education. The book offers both inspiration and a practical guide for replicating the effort, aiming to expand care and advocacy in rural Jamaica.
Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99
“Miadibes Cares is a radiant witness to faith in action. Kelly Mahfood’s mission embodies the Gospel call to serve the least among us with dignity and compassion. This inspiring journey from vision to impact is a masterclass in perseverance, love, and community upliftment. It deserves our full support and prayers.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Archbishop Richard Henning of Missionary Priests in the Homeland: Our Call to Receive
Kelly Mahfood is a seasoned nurse, dedicated caregiver, and the passionate founder of Miadibes Cares, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving healthcare access in underserved communities—starting with her beloved Jamaica in the town her grandmother resides, Mount Prospect.
With over 25 years of experience in nursing, Kelly has worked across various healthcare settings, bringing compassion, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose to every role. Her deep roots in Maryland, New York, Georgia and Jamaica inspired her to launch Miadibes Cares, blending her clinical expertise with a lifelong mission of service.
Kelly is more than a nurse, she’s a visionary. Her commitment to uplifting others through health, education, and community empowerment came to life during the Miadibes Cares inaugural mission trip to Mount Prospect, Jamaica in June 2025. This book is a reflection of that journey: the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the powerful connections made along the way.
When she’s not coordinating health fairs or mentoring future healthcare leaders, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, tackling one of her many DIY projects, traveling, and dreaming up new ways to serve those who need it most.
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Wendy Forest presenting Currents of Water at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, July 20, 2025
Currents of Water is a deeply personal and spiritual reflection on grief, faith, and healing. Following her husband’s death, the author embarks on a transformative journey, rediscovering her Christian faith and ultimately converting to Catholicism. Through devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, she finds comfort, strength, and renewed purpose. The book intertwines personal experiences with scriptural reflections, Catholic traditions, and historical perspectives on Mary’s role, offering a heartfelt guide for widows and others navigating loss through faith.
Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“Currents of Water is a beautifully written, deeply moving journey of grief, faith, and healing. A must-read for anyone seeking comfort and spiritual renewal through devotion to Mary.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists
“Currents of Water is a beautifully written poignant spiritual book. Get it for yourself if you are a widow and for other widows.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Catholic philosophy professor, TV presenter and author of many books
“As a widow I have read many books by widows about their journey. I can honestly say Currents of Water is one of the best! A beautiful story of faith, healing and hope.” – Pam Bates, co-author The Most Amazing Harvest – The Man Behind the Story, Founder Braving Widowhood ministry.
“Currents of Water is a beautifully written journey of faith. The author’s honest, vulnerable and creative story is inspirational.” – Paula Patty, Co-Author The Most Amazing Harvest – The Man Behind the Story and Missionary in Spirit
“A heartfelt rendering of a Christian woman’s spiritual journey from grief and dislocation to hope and healing. What spoke to me was the affinity that bloomed within Ms. Forest, mother and widow, for the Virgin Mary, mother and widow.” – Jim Swinehart, Co-Founder of the Western Springs Writers Society
After losing her husband to cancer, Wendy Forest embarked upon a journey with an external itinerary full of challenges, changes, and new directions. In her spiritual journey with Jesus and Mary, she found peace and hope.
Ms. Forest now enjoys accompanying widows on their journey, Parish ministries, time with family and friends, and travel.
May every widow find her new destination.
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In a world that often equates fulfillment with marriage and family, Going Solo: Encouraging Single Catholics offers a refreshing and faith-centered perspective on the joys, challenges, and spiritual purpose of living as a dedicated single Catholic.
Drawing from her personal journey, Anne Stokes shares heartfelt reflections, scriptural insights, and practical wisdom to uplift those navigating life outside the traditional expectations of marriage.With warmth and honesty, she explores themes of faith, purpose, loneliness, and devotion, providing encouragement for those who have chosen—by circumstance or by calling—to embrace a life of singleness in Christ.
Through a combination of theological discussion and real-life experiences, Stokes challenges the notion that singleness is a lesser path. Instead, she illuminates how this unique vocation can lead to a deeper relationship with God, a richer understanding of self-worth, and a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
Whether you are single by choice, waiting for God’s plan to unfold, or seeking to understand the single life from a faith perspective, Going Solo serves as an inspiring guide to finding contentment, strength, and spiritual fulfillment in every season of life.
Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“Going Solo is a heartfelt and inspiring guide for single Catholics seeking purpose and faith. Anne Stokes beautifully affirms that a dedicated single life is a path of joy, strength, and spiritual fulfillment.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists
Anne Stokes is a retired Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Finance Executive turned free-lance writer. She has written over eighty articles for Catholic365.com and is the author of Will the Real Church Please Stand! and St. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage: A Synopsis of His Complete Works by Anne Stokes (En Route Books and Media). She holds a BA (history) from California State University, Fullerton, CA, an MBA from the University of Redlands, Redlands, CA and a Master of Arts in Theology (concentration in Church History) from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, CT. Ms. Stokes is an adult convert to Roman Catholicism from Fundamentalist Baptist.
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Chapter 1 introduces the vocational synthesis stage of priestly formation, focusing on the role of the parish pastor as the primary formator (mentor) of transitional deacons. It examines the nature of the formative relationship between mentor and deacon, particularly addressing the crucial distinction between internal and external forum communication. The chapter emphasizes that while respecting the internal forum’s sanctity, meaningful formation requires appropriate transparency and trust in the external forum, allowing mentors to effectively evaluate a deacon’s readiness for priesthood.
Chapter 2 provides a framework for pastoral mentorship in the vocational synthesis stage, focusing on the practical and spiritual aspects of accompanying transitional deacons. Drawing from Church documents and Jesus’s model of formation, it outlines specific guidance for mentors on creating effective formation environments, establishing relationships, and coordinating with parish staff. The chapter bridges theoretical understanding with practical implementation, offering detailed instructions for day-to-day mentoring while maintaining focus on the ultimate goal of preparing deacons for priesthood.
Chapter 3 provides a framework for effective formative dialogue between mentors and transitional deacons. It explores six essential communication skills: reflective listening, open-ended questions, mirroring, summarizing responses, empathy, and affirmation. The chapter addresses the psychological dynamics of ambivalence and resistance in formation meetings and concludes with a detailed practical scenario demonstrating the application of these skills in a realistic mentoring situation.
Chapter 4 examines the crucial dynamics of transference and countertransference in the context of priestly formation and ministry. It distinguishes between therapeutic and pastoral relationships, explores the unique challenges of dual relationships in parish ministry, and provides practical guidelines for managing these psychological dynamics. The chapter emphasizes the distinct nature of priestly ministry compared to therapeutic relationships, particularly focusing on how priests must navigate multiple roles while maintaining appropriate boundaries in pastoral relationships.
Chapter 5 examines the crucial concept of affective maturity in priestly formation, particularly during the vocational synthesis stage. It builds on Saint John Paul II’s theological anthropology, especially his work on Person and Act, to explain how affective maturity develops through the integration of emotions, cognition, and willed actions. The chapter presents a comprehensive framework for understanding affective maturity’s development through three stages: self-knowledge, self-possession, and self-gift.
Chapter 6 presents the Church’s benchmarks for evaluating process in formation, offering these not merely as assessment tools but as living markers embodying the Church’s understanding of formation as a unified journey of discipleship toward priesthood. A template is also provided for the mentor’s use when ready to offer a narrative summary of each transitional deacon’s integration of formation.
“This edition of The Art of Accompaniment arrives at a critical moment in the Church’s ongoing renewal of priestly formation. As we implement the vision of the new Ratio Fundamentalis and Program of Priestly Formation (6th edition), formators need both theological depth and practical guidance. Sister Marysia provides a framework that integrates the four dimensions of formation while remaining deeply practical.” – from the Foreword, authored by the Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston
“The art of accompaniment finds its deepest expression in the vocational synthesis stage, where formators are called to guide transitional deacons in becoming shepherds with the smell of the sheep, who are deeply in love with Christ and ready to bring His mercy to His people. Sister Marysia’s work beautifully captures this vision, showing how genuine accompaniment flows from the formator’s own intimate relationship with Christ and commitment to ongoing conversion. Her emphasis on affective maturity as the foundation for authentic pastoral relationships speaks directly to our mission of forming missionary disciples. Drawing especially from Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Ratio Fundamentalis, and Program for Priestly Formation (6th ed.), this work provides formators with both the theological framework and practical tools needed for authentic accompaniment. Having served in seminary formation for many years, I particularly appreciate how Sister Marysia emphasizes the parish as a vital community of formation where pastoral mentors and staff collaborate in forming priests who can serve effectively in our contemporary world. This book will prove invaluable for those entrusted with forming shepherds after the Heart of Christ.” – Bishop David Toups, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas
“In the Gospel of John, we witness St. Andrew’s profound example of leading others to Christ – a model of missionary discipleship that resonates deeply with the vision presented in this edition of The Art of Accompaniment. This masterful work illuminates the sacred journey of vocational synthesis, where the pastoral mentor, like Andrew, helps transitional deacons integrate their friendship with Christ into authentic pastoral charity. Sister Marysia has crafted an invaluable resource that beautifully reflects the Church’s program of formation while offering practical guidance for those charged with forming tomorrow’s priests. The book’s emphasis on integral formation and affective maturity provides concrete tools for helping candidates discover and embrace their priestly identity as spiritual husbands and fathers who will, in turn, lead others to friendship with God.” – Bishop Christopher Cooke, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
“In his great work The Wellspring of Worship, the theologian Fr. Jean Corbon teaches us “that the most fruitful human activity is to receive God.” In her contemporary masterpiece The Art of Accompaniment, Sr. Marysia Weber, R.S.M., shows us how to cultivate and strengthen our abilities and a heartfelt readiness to be more receptive to the transforming power of Jesus’ Spirit. Evangelization in the parish and beyond is made immensely fruitful by appropriating their wisdom.” – Fr. John Horn, S.J., Co-Founder of the Seminary Formation Council and the Institute for Priestly Formation, Faculty for Pastoral Theology at St. Vincent DePaul Seminary, FL
Sister Marysia Weber is a Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma, MI. She is a physician, certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She received the Howard P. Rome, MD Writing and Clinical Research Award- Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology. She holds a master’s degree in theology from Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana. She practiced psychiatry at her religious institute’s multidisciplinary medical clinic, Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center in Alma, MI from 1988-2014. She has served as a psychological expert consultant for the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, USCCB and the Ad Hoc Sexual Abuse Committee. She became the Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in 2014. She served as facilitator for Rachel’s Vineyard, and as an executive board member of the Saint Louis Guild Catholic Medical Association. She served on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Review Board and Safe Environment Board. She also served as Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri. She continues her work as chair of the board of directors of MyCatholicDoctor and with the Seminary Formation Council forming seminary formators and pastoral mentors in the Art of Accompaniment. She was recently missioned to Tulsa, OK and serves as vice president of mission and ministry and co-chair of the ethics committee for San Francis Health System.
Dr. Weber offers workshops on a variety of topics including human attachment, boundaries and character development, depression and anxiety, dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as on social media and its effects on the brain for clergy, seminarians, women’s and men’s religious communities, parents, teachers and students. She presents on Internet pornography addiction—a Catholic approach to treatment to bishops, clergy, seminarians, religious communities, and laity throughout the United States and Europe. She presented to the U.S. Bishops in Dallas TX in 1992 on “Pedophilia and Other Addictions”. She was a member of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse in 1994-1995. Dr. Weber has presented to the Curia, Vatican City State on “Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clergy in North America” in 2002.
Dr. Weber’s publications include: The Art of Accompaniment: Practical Steps for the Pastoral Mentor offering formators a comprehensive framework for accompanying transitional deacons in their final preparation for priesthood (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/practicalsteps/). She published a second edition of her book: The Art of Accompaniment: Practical Steps for the Seminary Formator which incorporates aspects of the transformational focus of the Program for Priestly Formation, 6th edition (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/artofaccompaniment/).
Her book Screen Addiction: Why You Can’t Put that Phone Down, now also available in Spanish (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/screenaddiction/) describes how excess screen time alters the brain and offers many practicals to address these effects. She also has two chapters in Spiritual Husband-Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century including: “Guideposts for the Seminary Formator in Understanding and Assessing Levels of Preoccupation with Use of Internet Pornography and a Formative Process for Moving from Vice to Virtue” https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/).
Her other publications include “Medical Aspects of Addiction”; “The Roman Catholic Church and the Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests and Religious in the United States and Canada: What Have We Learned? Where Are We Going?”; “Pornography, Electronic Media and Priestly Formation” in Homiletic and Pastoral Review. Her publications in Seminary Journal include: “Significant Markers of Human Maturation Applied to the Selection and Formation of Seminarians”; “The Discernment of a Priestly Vocation and the Expertise of Psychiatry and Psychology”; and “Internet Pornography and Priestly Formation: Medium and Content Collide with the Human Brain”.
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This book is a collection of homilies crafted for Sundays, solemnities, and significant feasts in the liturgical calendar’s Year C cycle. The book begins with an exploration of the Christology of the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing Jesus as the universal and compassionate Savior, deeply rooted in the fulfillment of God’s promises. It outlines themes central to Luke’s Gospel, such as Jesus’ outreach to the marginalized, His Spirit-filled mission, and the role of prayer in His ministry.
The homilies span various liturgical occasions, from Advent through the Solemnity of Christ the King, offering reflections on scripture readings and their applications to contemporary Christian life. Each homily emphasizes theological insights, pastoral care, and practical spirituality. For instance, during Advent, Cush urges believers to rekindle an eschatological focus, while Christmas homilies highlight the paradox of God’s incarnation as a vulnerable child. Themes of mercy, humility, and discipleship pervade, inviting readers to deepen their faith and emulate Christ’s compassion.
This work integrates historical, scriptural, and doctrinal elements, making it a rich resource for clergy and laity alike. Its reflections encourage a vibrant, prayerful engagement with the liturgical year, inspiring Christians to live out their faith authentically in daily life.
Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99
Fr. Denis Nakkeeran (August 2025), Homiletic & Pastoral Review. Click here to read the review.
“The homilies of Fr. Cush are a wonderful resource for deacons and priests as a starting point of thought and prayer for new homilies. They are also a good form of study for those religious and laity looking for deeper understandings of the liturgical Sunday 3-Year cycle readings.” – Kiki Latimer, author of Home for the Homily and host of WCAT Radio’s “The Catholic Bookworm”
“Fr. John Cush has assembled a collection of homilies that are short, succinct, catechetical, and firmly based in Scripture. In addition to referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he often intertwines the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Summa Theologiae. Cush pushes preachers to step outside their comfort zone and “put out into the deep” by adding Magisterial teachings and encyclicals to their preaching.” – Deacon Steve Kramer, D.Min., Director of Homiletics, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology
Father John P. Cush, STD, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is the Editor-in-Chief of Homiletic and Pastoral Review. Fr. Cush serves as a full-time Professor of Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology, Director of Seminarian Admissions and Recruitment, and Formation Advisor at Saint Joseph’s Seminary and College in New York. Before that, he served in parochial work and in full-time high school teaching in the Diocese of Brooklyn and had served as Academic Dean/Assistant Vice-Rector and Formation Advisor at the Pontifical North American College Rome, Italy. Fr. Cush has taught theology and Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum), and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce), all in Rome, Italy.
Fr. Cush holds the pontifical doctorate in sacred theology (STD) from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy in the field of fundamental theology, He had also studied dogmatic theology at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum), Rome, Italy, on the graduate level. Fr. Cush is the author of The How-to-Book of Theology (OSV Press, 2020) and Theology as Prayer: a Primer for Diocesan Priests (with Msgr. Walter Oxley), as well as being a contributor to the festschrift Intellect, Affect, and God (Marquette University Press, 2021). He is also the author of Nothing But You: Reflections on the Priesthood and Priestly Formation through the Lens of Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire, July 2024).
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