An invitation to a conversation about the direction of our worship life.The Anglican colloquium of the North American Academy of Liturgy acknowledged the need for a collection of insights to aid in the liturgical formation of the Episcopal Church as we move into liturgical revision. The volume's contributions have been shaped around the clauses of resolution A068, looking at the ways in which parishes and individuals can live into this time of revision and creativi...

Gold Winner, Lyric Prose or Hybrid Works, Nautilus Book Awards“Within each of us is a divine treasure, and if we hope to discover it, we need to go deep into the heart of who we are.” —Meister EckhartMeister Eckhart has been a huge figure in spirituality for more than eight hundred years—spiritual leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Richard Rohr, and Matthew Fox have all credited Eckhart as being an important influence on their thought.T...

As an overweight child, author Lori M. Sweeney was ridiculed and called a loser by children and even certain family members. Her weight increased over time and cruel treatment continued. She inherited new names, including the name, Fatness. A major car accident resulted in two knee surgeries and a broken heart. She could no longer keep up with her toddler or do simple things such as walk or climb stairs. She couldnt find her size in a store and had to special order large, unflattering clot...

One of the “10 Best Books of 2024” —Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal SentinelA memoir for the bookish-inclined, using personal stories to demonstrate how books have a magical way to move a person from one stage of life to the next.“This is a small gem of a book, tender, humble, loving.” —Mary Gordon“Sweeney makes a charming companion, telling stories in joyful reflection.” —Jeff Deutsch, author of

In this unique and thoughtful collection, a young funeral director—also known as “the internet’s favorite mortician” (CNBC)—explores various aspects of death, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how we determine what matters most while we are alive. This evocative book is for fans of Thomas Lynch, Mary Roach, and Caitlin Doughty.Now Departing explores the science, craft, and mindfulness behind Victor M. Sweeney’s very peculiar skill set. Working...

An introduction to the spiritual legacy of Thomas MertonThomas Merton was a Trappist monk and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. His writing on contemplation, monastic life, mysticism, poetry, and social issues have influenced generations and his legacy of interfaith understanding and social justice endures to this day. Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices offers an exploration of Merton as a m...

Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk (1863—1950) is popularly celebrated for his fascinating spiritual life. How could one man, one deeply spiritual man, serve as both a traditional Oglala Lakota medicine man and a Roman Catholic catechist and mystic? How did these two spiritual and cultural identities enrich his prayer life? How did his commitment to God, understood through his Lakota and Catholic communities, shape his understanding of how to be in the world?To fully understand the ...

Winner of the International Book Award from International Association for the Study of Popular Music (2003)The practice of singing and songwriting in France during the Great War provides an intriguing tool for the exploration of the French cultural politics of the epoch. Responding to the dearth of cultural studies of the First World War, Regina Sweeney's unique cross-disciplinary study illuminates many of the hitherto unexplored corners of an era that many histori...

An introduction to St. Francis's life and his most profound teachings of faithSt. Francis of Assisi is one of the most venerated Christian figures, and his profound teachings, deep love of nature, and commitment to simplicity have resonated with generations of followers. St. Francis of Assisi, the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library, offers a simple and universal introduction to Francis's life, his key teachings, and the spiritual practices that en...

An elegant rendering of the great mystic’s thoughts on the mysteries of the authentic lifeThis is a little book about soul freedom. It is a book about discovering the secret to all the things we most desire: contentment, meaning, peace of mind, and true freedom. This skillfully edited translation of selections from the writings of Meister Eckhart (c. 1260–1328) provides a road map to the spiritual life for contemporary seekers. Eckhart takes us on a journey of discovery, a journey ...

A memoir for the bookish-inclined, using personal stories to demonstrate how books have a magical way to move a person from one stage of life to the next."This is a small gem of a book, tender, humble, loving." —Mary Gordon"Sweeney makes a charming companion, telling stories in joyful reflection." —Jeff Deutsch, author of In Praise of Good BookstoresFormer bookseller, longtime publisher, and author Jon M. S...

Is insecurity positive or negative? Answer: It's both. While fear-based toxic insecurity can undo even the brightest leaders, your strongest position comes from leaning into creative insecurity. This is the mindset of all who run contrary to the crowd and create what has never existed before. It means getting comfortable with discomfort, propelling an off-balance state into forward motion, and mitigating risk.James M. Sweeney is a serial entrepreneur who started multiple companies ...