March 2019 Newsletter

Patrons in the Spotlight

This month we are pleased to share some articles on our patrons that have appeared in various publications across the country!  

Xavier Society Provides Free Catholic Materials for the Visually Impaired from

 Chicago Catholic

Thank you to Joyce Duriga, Michelle Martin, and all at Chicago Catholic, the diocesan newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, for this great piece detailing the materials we provide to clients in Chicago and beyond. Also, thanks to Pam Provost, who was our Chicago ambassador! There's a great quote in this article about how we want to serve more people, and it's all about getting the word out about our mission and what we do. We think this article does a pretty good job of that! Read the article by clicking here.

Blind Father, Deaf Daughter Share Lectoring Ministry from

The Catholic Spirit

Justin McDevitt is a braille patron of Xavier Society for the Blind, and like many of our patrons, he uses his Propers of the Sunday Mass to lector. Amazingly, his sighted daughter Maeve lectors right alongside him - she just so happens to be deaf and signs for other hearing impaired parishioners. Thanks to Joe Ruff and all at The Catholic Spirit, the diocesan newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, for this incredible story. Read the article by clicking here.

Bill McCann - An inspiration to those with and without sight

Last but certainly not least is a video of our patron Bill McCann. As you may remember, Bill participated in our St. Lucy Mass last December and made this video explaining his history with XSB and how he has learned about, developed, and practiced his Faith using our braille materials. Bill is the founder of Dancing Dots, a company dedicated to access and literacy for blind musicians, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and is also on our Advisory Group. If you missed his video, or want to watch it again click here!

We are excited to announce that inspired by our past sessions on awareness and meditations and due to popular demand, we launched our interactive Lenten de Mello Reflections earlier this month!

Each of these sessions is inspired by the content of the Gospel for the preceding Sunday in Lent. The combination of de Mello guided meditations, exercises and discussion is fertile ground for new, liberating, insightful understanding of the Lenten Liturgical themes. All links to the Sunday readings are from the website of The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Upcoming sessions:

Session 4 - Wednesday, April 3rd at 3 PM Eastern
“Your brother was dead and has come to life again....He was lost and has been found.” Sunday, March 31st Reading 

Session 5 - Wednesday, April 10th at 3 PM Eastern
“Woman, has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir.” “Then neither will I,” said Jesus. Sunday, April 7th Reading 

Session 6 - Wednesday, April 17th at 3 PM Eastern
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup away.... Still, not my will but yours be done.” Sunday, April 14th Reading 

For those joining us by telephone:
Dial-in number (US): (712) 770-5253
Access code: 942796#
International dial-in numbers: https://fccdl.in/i/xaviersociety

For those joining us by computer:
Go to https://join.freeconferencecall.com/xaviersociety and click "Join Online Meeting" which may prompt you to enter your name and e-mail address, or this might just pop up automatically!

For anyone who missed our first three sessions, we have recorded them and you can access the playback here:

Session One Playback:

 Lenten Liturgical Theme: “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.” Lk. 4:1-13

From the web - https://fccdl.in/stZtLveX09

 From your phone - (712) 770-4752

Access code: 942796#

Reference #29

Session Two Playback:

Lenten Liturgical Theme: “Master it is good that we are here.” Lk. 9:23b-36

From the web - https://fccdl.in/stZtLveX09

From your phone - (712) 770-4752

Access code: 942796#

Reference #33

Session Three Playback:

Lenten Liturgical Theme: “Unless you repent you too will perish.” Lk. 13:1-9

From the web - https://fccdl.in/QsrEj42f6V

From your phone - (712) 770-4752

Access code: 942796#

Reference #36

If you have any questions please contact demello@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org. We hope you can join us! Thank you for your interest in this new offering from the Xavier Society for the Blind. 

Authors with their #GoodReads

Check out this photo of Sister Rose Pacatte with braille copies of her books Martin Sheen: Pilgrim on the Way and Corita Kent: Gentle Revolutionary of the Heart. Both of these books are available for patrons in braille! Sister Rose is a film buff and has a popular Facebook page and Twitter feed on movies she reviews. You can check her out at @SrRoseMovies

Professor Massimo Faggioli also received a braille copy of a book he wrote. Professor Faggioli teaches at Villanova and is a contributing writer with Commonweal, among others. In case you don't read Italian, his tweet says "Of all the books I have published, nothing has touched me more than to see my book about John XXIII published in Braille." His book John XXIII: The Medicine of Mercy is also available from our braille library.

The Catholic Review  

Three times a year we produce The Catholic Review – a compilation of articles from various Catholic magazines that may be of interest to our readers. The Catholic Review is sent out on request to our braille clients on a free subscription basis but it is also available for download from our website in BRF and audio! Below are some of the articles that are featured in our most recent Catholic Review, and an archive in either format can be found by clicking here. Many of our clients already download materials in audio and BRF from our website. If you need your log-in details please get in touch. We would be happy to assist you!

Articles from Human Development

• A Conversation with the Universe by Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ

Articles from Commonweal

• No Mercy? We Need Courage, Not Toughness by Stephen J. Pope
• He Does Not Forget by Jerry Ryan
• Hold Out for Joy: Pope Francis Spirituality Theology Editorial by the Editors of Commonweal

Articles from America

• Asking the Right Question: Who is the Cause of Society's Polarization? All of Us. by Matt Malone, SJ
• I Joined the Jesuit Volunteer Elder Corps at 68 - and Never Looked Back by Helen Donnelly Goehring
• Real-Life Stories Help Change Views on Immigration by J.D. Long García

Articles from Catholic Digest

• Keeping the Fast by Father David J. Endres
• Imaging the Holy by Father David J. Endres

Article from Spirit and Life

• Fire, Flame, and Sparks: Symbols of God Among Us by Sr. Jeanette von Hermann, OSB

Articles from St. Anthony Messenger

• Mysticism of the Mass by Richard B. Patterson
  

Articles from U.S. Catholic

• Love Thy Neighbor: The Saintliness of Fred Rogers by Danny Duncan Collum
• The Organization That Puts on Retreats for the Homeless by Jeff Parrott

Did You Know...?

Although we do not have the entire New American Bible in braille to send out anymore, we do have individual books in stock that can be sent. Let us know if you'd like to order any of the following one-volume books (please note there is limited stock of some volumes, so it is strictly on a first come first serve basis):

• Book of Isaiah
• Book of Jeremiah
• Books of Lamentations, Baruch, and Ezekiel
• Books of Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah and Jonah
• Book of Micah
• Book of James
• Various volumes of notes and Cross References

Large Print Materials

We would like to remind our readers that we still provide the monthly Propers of the Sunday Mass in large print, available to download from our website. These are the readings, responses and prayers for the Mass on Sundays, 1st Friday and Saturday, and special feast days and Solemnities. It is very easy to download and if you need your log-in information to access these files, and many other downloadable materials, we would be more than happy to assist you.

If you're interested in a large print catalog of our audio library on Mp3 disc please let us know and we would be happy to send that out to you. As always, all of our reading materials are provided at no cost to our patrons. Call us at (800) 637-9193 or (212) 473-7800 or e-mail us at clientservices@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org 

Father Hank's Homilies

Father Hank Hilton serves on Xavier Society for the Blind's Board of Directors and, as his title suggests, he is also a priest at St. Joseph's Church in Hillsborough, NJ. Each week his homilies are recorded and uploaded to the parish website. Please click this link to listen to his words of wisdom! In case you missed our profile on Father Hank that originally appeared in our May 2017 newsletter, please click here to check it out.

Top 10 Titles in March

Braille:
1. Holy Week Triduum (B6019, 1 volume)

2. Divine Mercy Novena and Chaplet (B0928, 1 volume)

3. The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity: How Modern Culture Is Robbing Billions of People of Happiness (B1690, 2 volumes) by Matthew Kelly

4. The Light Is On For You: The Life-Changing Power of Confession (B1349, 3 volumes) by Cardinal Donald Wuerl

5. True Devotion to Mary (B1689, 2 volumes) by Eddie Doherty

6. The Proverbs Explained: A Blueprint for Christian Living (B1661, 2 volumes) by Mitch Pacwa

7. Think Right, Live Well: Daily Reflections with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (B1669, 2 volumes) by Bert Ghezzi 

8. Nadine, My Funny and Trusty Guide Dog (B1702, 1 volume) by Carol Fleischmann

9. Touched by Christ: 12 Stories About Lesser Known People in the Bible (B1686, 1 volume) by Louis G. Miller, C.S.S.R

10. Between Heaven And Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life (B1335, 4 volumes) by James Martin, S.J.

Audio:
1. Praying the Rosary (D6015)

2. As Bread that is Broken (D0024) by Peter J. Van Breeman, SJ

3. Arctic Wings (D0023) by William A. Leising, O.M.I.

4. Christ the King: Lord of History (D0075) by Anne W. Carroll

5. Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines (D1100) by Tim Staples

6. Collected Writings of Pope Francis (D1101) by Pope Francis

7. Daily Gospel Meditations for Lent: the Christian Dilemma (D6007) by Isaias Powers, C.P.

8. Catechism of the Catholic Church (D6022) by Flann Lynch, O.F.M.

9. The Way of the Cross (D6026) by Alphonsus Liguori

10. Christ Lives in Me: A Pastoral Reflection on Jesus and His Meaning for Christian Life (D0012) by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin

Hot Off the Shelves!

For patrons interested in some of our most recent titles, we have braille and audio materials to meet your every need! Don't forget to check out our Facebook page and Twitter feed for all our newest additions and daily suggested reading! 

BRAILLE - Please let us know if you would like any of these braille titles in BRF, as we can make them available to download from the website as requested! It saves on the cost of braille paper and is not as labor intensive. Thank you in advance!

- John XXIII: The Medicine of Mercy by Massimo Faggioli (B1707, 2 volumes): The canonization of Pope John XXIII and the fiftieth anniversary of Vatican II call for a fresh look at this remarkable man. Faggioli offers a rich and insightful portrait, sourcing the complete edition of the private diaries of the future John XXIII, published recently in ten volumes, much of which is unavailable in English. Faggioli's use of this treasure of personal notes of the future pope means this biography offers a more complete and nuanced understanding of Angelo Roncalli than is available anywhere else in English at this time. The result is both unforgettable and inspiring.

- A Call to Souls: Words of Our Lord from The Way of Divine Love by Sister Josefa Menendez (B1712, 1 volume): Striking words of Our Lord awaken the slumbering human heart to the mysteries of God's love and mercy. Shows how to return His love each day and how we can help save many souls from Hell. Beautiful and sublime, these words of Our Lord will move you to serve Him ever more faithfully. Excellent for meditation, spiritual reading, or retreats.

- Joseph Bernardin: Seeking Common Ground by Steven P. Millies (B1713, 2 volumes): Explores Bernardin's controversial "seamless garment" approach to life issues, his founding of the Catholic Common Ground Initiative, the disturbing abuse allegations against him that were later recanted, and his experience of cancer that prompted him to write the bestselling book "The Gift of Peace" and that ultimately took his life. Millies offers a fresh new portrait of one of the most remarkable Catholic leaders of the twentieth century.

- Francis: Bishop of Rome by Father Michael Collins (B1714, 2 volumes): Fr. Michael Collins introduced readers to the pope who has grabbed the attention and the spiritual imaginations of Catholics and others around the world. Now, in this second edition, Collins takes account of the most important events and development of his remarkable pontificate. With a focus on compassion, Francis has challenged world leaders to be more attentive to the poor, begun important reforms of the Curia and the Vatican Bank, and called for two synods of bishops to discuss pastoral challenges that face modern families.

- Knight of the Holy Ghost: A Short History of G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist (B1715, 3 volumes): Ahlquist's history of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, is an excellent portrait of the man and what he stood for. There is a short biography of Chesterton, followed by a chapter that reviews some of his most memorable books, and a final section discussing the difference that Chesterton made to the world. Ahlquist demonstrates that Chesterton was a good man who gave the world common sense and wisdom - two things it desperately needed and still needs.

- Dorothy Day: Love in Action by Patrick Jordan (B1716, 2 volumes): In this title, Patrick Jordan - who knew her personally - conveys some of the hallmarks of Day's fascinating life and the spirit her adventure inspires. She was a journalist, activist, single mother, convert, Catholic laywoman, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. A lifelong radical who took the gospels at their word, Day lived among the poor as one of them, challenging both church and state to build a better world for all people. Steeped in prayer, the liturgy, and the spiritual life, she was jailed repeatedly for protesting poverty, injustice, and war. Through it all, she created a sense of community and remained down-to-earth and humanly approachable.

- My Badass Book of Saints: Courageous Women Who Showed Me How to Live by Maria Morera Johnson (B1717, 3 volumes): This edgy, honest, and often audacious book of Catholic spirituality explores the qualities of twenty-four holy women who lived lives of virtue in unexpected and often difficult circumstances and demonstrates how their bravery, integrity and hope helped the author through difficult times and can inspire others to reach for a closer connection to God.

AUDIO

**As we transition to Digital Talking Book format, we have added some new books on Mp3 books. Thank you for your patience as we convert our audio library to Digital Talking Book format. If any braille clients would like a braille, large print, or Mp3 CD catalog of our current audio library please let us know. We would be happy to send it out to you. 

- A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in Conversation with John L. Allen Jr. by John L. Allen Jr. (D1239): Draws out a picture of future trends by exploring where Dolan wants to lead, and how will a Church that increasingly bears his imprint look and feel?  Allen frames questions in a way that allows Dolan to expand on the topic himself as much as possible. The result is a book more "with" Dolan than a book "about" him, which is indeed the best way to understand the man. At the end, one can agree or disagree with Dolan's outlook, but one may at least be better equipped to understand why thoughtful modern women and men might still believe there's something worth considering in the Catholic message.

- Along the Way: Real Life Moments Touched by God by various authors (D1240): A collection of over 60 stories describing people going through everyday life's ups and downs, to realize that Jesus was with them along the way and that their lives have been changed.

- Encountering Truth: Meeting God in the Everyday by Pope Francis and edited by Antonio Spadaro (D1241): This book is a collection of over 185 daily homilies  Pope Francis gave between March 2013 and May 2014 taken directly from the Pope's small Mass that he celebrates daily with in front of an audience that is always different: gardeners, office workers, nuns and priests, as well as a growing group of journalists. They are all based on the days scriptures, and are transformed to explain how they are equal to what is happening in everyday life today.

- Heartstorming: The Way to a Purposeful Life by Father Paul Keenan (D1242): Heartstorming is both a method and a way of living that Keenan, a celebrated Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of New York, devised as a path to lasting inner peace and fulfillment. The simple three-tiered process includes the heart's reaction to an experience, the mind's reflection on the reaction, and the soul's synthesis of the experience, resulting in a new sense of purposefulness. More than a recipe book of techniques, this work facilitates a lifestyle of abundant and joyful living.

- The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus by Brennan Manning (D1243): In a powerful exploration of the mind of Christ, Manning reveals how our obsession with security, pleasure, and power prevents us from living rich and meaningful lives. Our endless struggle to acquire money, good feelings, and prestige yields a rich harvest of worry, frustration, and resentment. Manning explores what Christ's mind was truly focused on: finding the Father, compassion for others, a heart of forgiveness, and the work of the kingdom. A refreshing reminder of the radical call of Jesus and the transforming love of God.

...more to come next month!

 
Next month we celebrate the Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena as well as the Resurrection of the Lord and Divine Mercy Sunday. Here are some books for these and other special occasions!

BRAILLE

 - The Day Christ Died by Jim Bishop (B1301, 5 volumes): A you-are-there account of Jesus' last hours tracing the route from Gethsemane to Golgotha.

- Daily Gospel Meditations for Lent: The Christian Dilemma by Father Isaias Powers, C.P. (B1171, 1 volume): Useful guide on how to implement the words of the Gospels into daily Lenten meditations.

- The Wilderness Within You: A Lenten Journey With Jesus, Deep In Conversation by Penelope Wilcock (B1633, 2 volumes): Imaginative, original, fresh and fast-paced the author approaches the spiritual journey like a jungle explorer, and documents it with the sparkling prose of a good travel writer. Wilcock trades doctrine for delight and religion for relationship in a narrative peppered with the kinds of insights that only come when the imagination is engaged.

- The Doctors of the Church: Thirty-three Men and Women Who Shaped Christianity by Bernard McGinn (B1052, 1 volume): An in-depth, college level text on Doctors of the Church including St. Catherine of Siena.

- Easter Vigil and Other Poems by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) (B1448, 1 volume): Poetry written before he was Pope by Saint Pope John Paul the II.

- Discovery at Dawn: Gospel Time Trekkers #6 by Maria Grace Dateno, FSP (B1407, 1 volume) : The sixth book of the Gospel Time Trekkers series for children and young adults takes the three children back to the time of Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection.

- The Rush to Resurrection by Donald X. Burt (B1610, 2 volumes): Uplifting book for Lent with prayers and devotional literature.

AUDIO

- Easter Vigil and Other Poems by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) (D0113): Poetry written before he was Pope by Saint Pope John Paul II.

- Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, From the Entrance Into Jerusalem to the Resurrection by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) (D0936): Holy Week from the entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, written by Pope Benedict XVI.

- Lent with the Saints: Daily Reflections by Greg Firedman, O.F.M. (D0925): Daily Lenten reflections connected with the story of various saints.

- Lent, Holy Week, and Easter by Fr. John F. Baldovin (D0981): Father Baldovin explains the liturgical seasons and their vital importance to Catholics.

- The Life of Christ by The Most Reverend Fulton J. Sheen (D1162): Filled with compassion and brilliant scholarship, Fulton Sheen's recounting of the Birth, Life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Christ is as dramatic and moving as the subject Himself.

- Second Greatest Story Ever Told by Father Michael Gaitley (D0948): Father Michael Gaitley discusses Divine Mercy Sunday and the Rich in Mercy Encyclical of Pope John Paul II.

Ways You Can Help!

Since 1900 we have been providing religious and spiritual materials to blind and visually impaired people in their required formats in order for them to be able to learn about, understand, and practice their Faith. Some of our braille books in particular can often cost upwards of $500, taking up to 6 months to produce. Yet on a weekly basis, Xavier Society for the Blind ships reading materials to people all over the United States and throughout the world. Please help us continue this important ministry by sending your gift today.  

Donate securely on our website by clicking here. If you wish to donate, but prefer to do it over the phone you can always call our office at (212) 473-7800 or (800) 637-9193. Our Coordinator of Communications and Fundraising, Aisling Redican, will be happy to assist you.

Masses may be said at your request not only when someone dies but also to celebrate a special event. And the stipend for the Mass card helps support the work of Xavier Society for the Blind. If you are a client or would like to send one to someone who reads braille, we can also do a braille overlay on the Mass card. Call us at (212) 473-7800 or email us at info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org for more information.

If you use Amazon.com for any of your purchases, help out Xavier Society for the Blind at the same time. Go to www.smile.amazon.com and sign up. Or use the direct link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/13-5563026

There is no charge to you, and when they ask you what charity you wish to support, type in Xavier Society for the Blind. Any time after that, if you go to Amazon through the smile entry, a percentage of whatever you spend comes to us.

Upcoming Calendar

April 28, 2019 - Divine Mercy Sunday

April 29, 2019 - Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

If you missed any of our previous newsletters which feature patron stories, Board Member profiles, and other news, here are some links to keep you up to date:

February 2019

January 2019

December 2018

November 2018

Xavier Society for the Blind
248 W. 35th Street, Suite 1502,
New York, NY 10001
(800) 637-9193
info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org


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