Veritatis Splendor Thirty Years Later: Pastoral Insights

Edited by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

TESTIMONIALS

“This volume offers a timely and penetrating reflection on Veritatis Splendor, uniting philosophical clarity, pastoral realism, and fidelity to the Catholic moral tradition. It is a work that both instructs the mind and strengthens the conscience.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism

“A common, mistaken assumption is that Church doctrine is a barrier to good pastoral practice. This timely book shows how the doctrine of the moral life in Christ promotes ‘man fully alive,’ as Saint Irenaeus put it. Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical Veritatis Splendor summarizes the beauty of Catholic moral truth and remains an indispensable guide to sound pastoral work, and this book shows why.” – Angela Franks, Saint John’s Seminary, Boston, Massachusetts

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Diaconal Silence: A Guide for Making a Retreat

by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

TESTIMONIALS

“Silent retreats like the ones described by Deacon James Keating in this book have changed my life, and I can’t imagine not doing an eight-day retreat every year. Deacons are required to take an annual retreat. In this short book, Deacons will find great help in entering into a silent retreat, which can at first seem daunting. What one always finds though is a deep encounter with the love of God. If silence is the language of God, then the human words in this small book will assist the heart hearing God speak. I commend the Institute for Diaconate Renewal for pro-viding the diaconate with this invaluable resource for the renewal of the diaconate.” — The Most Rev. Andrew H. Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, MN

“There are all sorts of reasons that people lapse into silence, but the theological reason for silence is ‘affective maturity in the form of joy.’ Silence results after contemplation meets truth, beauty, and goodness face-to-face. Keating masterfully explains first why we do silence, and second how to do silence. A superb and invaluable guide for the deacon.” — Dr. David Fagerberg, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

“In this short text, Deacon James Keating offers advice for entering into a retreat that is both substantial and practical. Whether a man is in formation, is newly ordained, or has been ordained for years, Deacon Keating’s recommendations are sure to deepen the fruitfulness of a man’s experience on retreat. Highly recommended.” — Chris Burgwald, STD, Chancellor for the Diocese of Sioux Falls

“I find this book to be both a practical and spiritual guide to a ‘true’ retreat. As one who prefers to ‘do,’ my first encounter with this format was personally challenging (to say it lightly), but the end results have strengthened my desire to diaconal ministry, and I now look forward to these times of contemplation. As usual, Deacon Keating has touched on the heart of the deacon and gives us practical application and reflection. My hope is that as Directors, we can ensure that all of the deacons under our care find a way to experience this Diaconal Retreat.” — Deacon Jim Grevenites, Director of Deacon Personnel, Diocese of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD)

“Deacon Keating leads the soul into that sacred quiet where God reshapes the heart for service. This guidebook is a luminous companion, drawing deacons into deeper communion so their ministry radiates Christ’s transforming love in the world.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, Lay Dominican of the Province of St. Albert the Great and author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Hundred-Day Guided Journal

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Spiritual Fathers: A Workbook for Priests and Dads

Ed. by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D.

CONTRIBUTORS

• Edward Hogan, PhD is the Director of the Center for Ministry and the Department of Diaconal Formation for the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan.
• Father James Mason, JD is Pastor of St. Lambert Parish in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• Father David Vincent Meconi, SJ, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Theology at St. Louis University.
• Father James Ratherty, STD is an Assistant Professor of Theology at St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Father David Toups, STD is Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Tampa, Florida.
• Father Mark Toups, MDiv is the Director of Seminarian Formation for the Diocese of Houma in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He is also the cofounder and Spiritual Director of ADORE Ministries.

TESTIMONIALS

“As a vocation director, I know that this workbook will produce abundant long-term fruit as it promotes the deepest of relationships in faith between a pastor, the men of his parish, and the sons of these men. A good indication of a healthy parish is the active presence of many men. This workbook is a resource to jump-start, deepen, or broaden that necessary masculine presence in any parish.” – Father Luke Sweeney, Vocation Director, Archdiocese of New York

“This workbook will be invaluable to vocation directors, fathers, and pastors. If used in the way intended by the authors, it will deepen the prayer life of all the readers and create homes and parishes which welcome priestly vocations in their midst.” – Father Andrew Gehringer, Vocation Director, Diocese of Allentown

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