The Missing Chalice

The Missing Chalice

The Missing Chalice

by David C. Hanley and illustrated by Richard E. Hanley

In this children’s mystery, an experienced pastor finds his special chalice missing. Senior Server Brian Jacobs has been serving at daily Mass for five years. He understands the importance of the chalice for Mass and for Fr. Leveque, the founding father of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Brian’s own father encourages him to do his part to help the pastor. Where is the 100-year-old chalice?

Forgiveness is the main theme of The Missing Chalice mystery. The search party to find the chalice includes a good priest, an altar server, an organist, other men in the parish, and a police chief. The priest forgives the thief or thieves.

[40 pp with illustrations]

Paperback $7.95 | Kindle $5.95

“I read The Missing Chalice to Nathan who is now 10. He liked it! We finished it last week and this morning he said, out of the blue, ‘Mom, I really liked that book. I wonder if Mr. Hanley will write a sequel?’ The book was especially appealing to Nathan right now because he just started serving at Mass. So, thank you, Dave, for an enjoyable and meaningful way for me to connect with him.” – Heather Parlmer, Grand Rapids, MI

We received the book and read it same day as received it. Many thanks. Well done.” – Louis and Annabelle Harnish, Wayland, MI

“It is truly a beautiful book not only teaching about the Mass and vestments, but also sharing the principle teachings of the Church—compassion and forgiveness. I’m going to share it with our RCIA candidates. – Mary Ann Ryan, Lake Orion, MI

“It’s a pleasure to read: a distinctive and intriguing story, with some Western Michigan flavor. Plus, the cover is an attention grabber. The Lead Server at our parish, Miguel, will be getting his own copy!” – James G. Hanink, Inglewood, CA

“The book will be such a treasure for Catholic families—you intertwined so many Catholic concepts into a mystery that will hold the reader’s attention and curiosity. Having the mystery resolved the way it was, was a lesson to us all. Your portrayal of the priest was such a good balance between showing his humanness while honoring his responsibility of being a Christian witness to us all.” – Peter and Julie Birkeland, Rockford, MI

“Wow! What a nice story. I had to stop what I was doing and read it through all the way when it arrived. I think a lot of parents can use it as an enjoyable teaching tool for their children.” – Jan Luebbe, Ravenwood, MO

For a real-life story about a missing vessel and the miracles that sprung from it, check this out about a Eucharistic miracle in Siena, Italy, back in 1730!

 

INTERVIEW

Interview by Carlos Bersabe of Mary Hanley, wife of Catholic author, David C. Hanley. Recorded on January 16, 2018. Scheduled to air on WCAT Radio on January 25, 2018.

Listen to “Special Guest Host, Carlos Bersabe, interviews Mary Hanley, wife of David C. Hanley, author of The Missing Chalice” on Spreaker.

REPRESENTATIVE ILLUSTRATIONS

   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

David C. Hanley had over 40 years of experience as a clinical social worker and a marriage and family therapist. At age 71, he passed away at home on July 6, 2018. David led a spiritually, emotionally, and physically balanced life and dedicated himself to helping others do the same. With his Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, passion for reading and continuous growth, he served over 40 years as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and family business consultant. David was a founding member of Project Rachel in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. David’s strength was rooted in his Catholic faith. He enjoyed jokes and was quick to laugh. His joyful presence will be greatly missed by Mary Lucia, his wife of 41 years, their four children and spouses, nine grandchildren, and many others.


About the Illustrator:

Richard E. Hanley’s passion for religious art became his career when he established Omnibus Studios, Inc. Richard’s original designs have been used to create beautiful stained glass windows for many churches.

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The Story of Our God and Our Catholic Religion

The Story of Our God and Our Catholic Religion

The Story of Our God and Our Catholic Religion

by Dominic Tarquin

Catholic children should have a basic understanding of their faith before receiving the sacraments of reconciliation and communion. The goal of this book is to help young children to understand the Catholic religion and to prepare them for these sacraments.

Paperback: $7.50 | Kindle $4.95.

THE INTERIOR IMAGES

    

INTERVIEW

http://www.wcatradio.com/uploads/8/1/0/8/81085594/wcat_radio_i_thought_youd_like_to_know_5.1.17.mp3

TESTIMONIALS

Dominic Tarquin has provided a compelling story about God and the love he has for us – God loves us so much that he sent his only Begotten Son to save us from our sins. This is a retelling of the greatest story ever told that every child can understand and every adult delight in reading. – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Bedtime Reader of Children’s Stories

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dominic Tarquin has served in a variety of Catholic Church organizations and volunteer services, including a Christian prison ministry, and has produced various Catholic writings. This is Dominic’s first children’s book.

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Secrets of Siena

Secrets of Siena

Secrets of Siena

by Dianne Ahern

Book 4 of the series!

Even nuns get to take a holiday! After all the investigations Sister Philomena’s conducted this summer, she needs one. In this adventure, Sister Philomena, her niece, Delaney, and nephew, Riley, are invited to Siena, Italy, for the famous Palio horse race and festival.

Their vacation plans abruptly change when they stumble upon mysterious documents while visiting the childhood home of St. Catherine of Siena. It’s possible they have found a centuries-old letter written by Saint Catherine along with a ransom note addressed to the Pope. Of course, they must investigate!

Their search for answers takes them on a fast trip across Europe to Avignon, France, and the famous Palace of the Popes. In the course of their investigation, the children learn about Saint Catherine and the history of the Church in the 1300s when the papacy was forced to flee from Rome to Avignon for safety.

Hardback Gift Edition: $24.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets of Siena is the fourth book in the series, although they need not be read sequentially. The adventure begins when Sr. Philomena announces to her nephew and niece that Mother Superior has given her permission to take them on a holiday and that they will be staying in an apartment right above the main Piazza del Campo in Siena.

On arriving at their destination, the three are greeted by a man dressed as a jester in the spirit of the festival who takes their bags for them. And that’s just the beginning of all the wonderful new sights, sounds and tastes they find in this strange and new city. As they are experiencing Siena, a mystery begins to unfold around them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

 

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

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Curse of the Coins

Curse of the Coins

Curse of the Coins

by Dianne Ahern

Book 3 of the series!

The 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus were found in Israel. The Franciscan monks of Jerusalem sent the coins to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping – but then they disappeared! The Holy Father naturally must call upon his special agent, Sister Philomena, to find them. The search for the coins leads Sister Philomena, Riley, and Delaney on a harrowing ride through Rome with that crazy Sister Lisa Renee at the wheel. In the hunt for the coins, the reader gets to visit some of the great Basilicas of Rome and discover the many relics of the Passion of Jesus that are preserved in the basilicas.

Hardback Gift Edition: $24.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Curse of the Coins is the third book in the series, although they need not be read sequentially. The adventure begins when Franciscan monks in Jerusalem find the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus. The coins are sent to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping, but are stolen by a mysterious thief. The thief leaves clues that lead Sister Philomena, Riley and Delaney on a treasure hunt to recover the coins.

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The clues lead the threesome to some of the great relics and basilicas in Italy. Among the stops are the Sistine Chapel, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Church of Saint Peter in Chains, Scala Santa and Basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Not only is the reader given detailed descriptions of the locations, but also learns about their history and significance to the Catholic faith.
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The beautiful art, from illustrator William Shurtliff, transports the reader to Italy, and the text provides information about the customs and atmosphere in Italy. The glossary of Italian-to-English words and phrases encourages the child’s curiosity, while also teaching adults a thing or two.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

“In this third adventure, Riley and Delaney are on a treasure hunt around Rome searching for the coins that Judas received for betraying Jesus.  Someone has stolen the coins and has stashed them in various churches with mysterious notes!  I love how Aunt Philomena, secret agent to the Pope, allows Riley and Delaney to help her in the most fun ways.  Their antics had me laughing, holding my breath, and breathing sighs of relief, especially when they were being driven by Sister Lisa Renee!  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.” – Sr. Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB, Duluth, Minnesota

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

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Break-In at the Basilica

Break-In at the Basilica

Break-In at the Basilica

by Dianne Ahern

Book 2 of the series! 

Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaks into the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for nightfall. The howl of a wolf breaks the quiet of the night and a burst of warm air sends chills down his spine. Thus begins another adventure with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. Eager to assist their aunt and find clues, Sister Philomena’s niece and nephew explore the basilica, study its frescos, sneak into the tomb of Saint Francis, wander through the hill town of Assisi, and end up in the little church of San Damiano. Every once in a while they spot a wolf, hear its howl or feel its presence. Is it real or a spirit? Good or evil? What is it trying to tell them? Woven into this great tale of adventure are the personal stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and the sights and sounds of Assisi.

Hardback Gift Edition: $24.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Break-In at the Basilica finds Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaking into the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for the right time. The howl of a wolf breaks the quiet of the night and a burst of warm air sends chills down Luigi’s spine. Thus begins this Adventure with Sister Philomena, Special Agent for the Pope. A boy, Riley, and his little sister, Delaney, are sent to Italy to stay with their aunt, Sister Philomena. At first the kids were sure this would be a miserable summer stuck in a convent with a bunch of nuns that do nothing but go to church and pray all day. Boy, were they wrong!

Sister Philomena, the Pope’s private eye, is called upon to go to Assisi to investigate the break-in and theft of the priceless Chartula of Saint Francis and she has no alternative but to take the children with her. Eager to assist their aunt and find clues, Riley and Delaney explore the basilica, study its frescos, sneak into the tomb of Saint Francis, wander through the hill town of Assisi, and end up in the little church of San Damiano. Every once in a while they spot a wolf, hear its howl or feel its presence. Is it real or a spirit? Good or evil? What is it trying to tell them? Woven into this great tale of adventure are the personal stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and the sights and sounds of Assisi. The book also has an appendix of Italian words and phrases that will help young readers become world travelers.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

From Sr. Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB

A theft at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and a mysterious wolf are at the center of Riley and Delaney’s second adventure.  Riley and Delaney learn about St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi, and I was touched by the inclusion of a blessing by St. Francis as well as one of his prayers.  I loved how Riley and Delaney were able to solve the crime by doing what kids do – play!  It was also heartwarming that the main message of the story turned out to be one of forgiveness and mercy. water in baptism, the baptism of Christ, anointing with oil and the baptismal gown. In the back are pages for photographs and “My Baptism Memories.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

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Lost in Peter’s Tomb

Lost in Peter’s Tomb

Lost in Peter’s Tomb

by Dianne Ahern

Book 1 of the series!

Lost in Peter’s Tomb is the first book in a series of mystery adventures designed to present the stories of the saints in an intriguing and educational manner. Set in modern Italy, the stories follow a brother and sister in their adventures with their Aunt, who is a special agent for the Pope. In this first adventure, Sister Philomena and the children track an intruder in St. Peter’s Basilica and help recover the missing relics of St. Peter, all the while learning about St. Peter’s life. Children will be introduced to Italian words and phrases, learn about the Vatican and Italian lifestyles, as well as famous places and works of art in Italy.

Hardback Gift Edition: $24.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Riley and Delaney are supposed to stay with their aunt, Sister Philomena, in her convent near Rome for the summer. Riley expects this to be a horrible summer living with a bunch of nuns with nothing to do but pray and go to church. That attitude starts to change when the secret nature of their aunt’s work begins to unfold.

On their first morning in Italy, Sister Philomena rushes Riley and Delaney to the Vatican to help the Pope with an intruder in the Apostolic Palace.

“The real Pope? How can his aunt know the real Pope? She must be nuts,” thinks Riley. As it turns out, not only does she know the Pope, but Sister Philomena is the Pope’s special agent and private investigator.

In Book One of Adventures with Sister Philomena the children learn about St. Peter, explore the Vatican Gardens, follow a mischievous white cat, make friends with a Swiss Guard, discover the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and fall upon the mystery of Peter’s tomb and relics. Unexpectedly they help the Pope and their aunt solve the mystery of the intruder and the theft of St. Peter’s bones!


Lost in Peter’s Tomb is the first book in a series of mystery adventures designed to present the stories of the saints in an intriging and educational manner. Set in modern Italy, the stories follow a brother and sister in their adventures with their Aunt who is a special agent for the Pope. Children will be introduced to Italian words and phrases, learn about the Vatican and Italian lifestyles, and famous places and works of art in Italy.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book full of adventure.  I felt as though I was actually with Riley and Delaney on their adventure around the Vatican.  It was one surprise after another, as Riley and Delaney explored all around the Papal Palace, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Museum – with the Pope’s blessing, of course – and discovered a few secrets not known to the general public!  No wonder Riley has warmed to the idea of spending quality time with his aunt, Sister Philomena – secret agent to the Pope.  I can’t wait to see what other adventures await Riley and Delaney.” Sister Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB (September 17, 2016)

    


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOKS

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