James J. Bacik

Drawing on his long experience of having lectured, written on and taught the topic, Kenneth Himes has gathered here some of the most frequently asked questions on Catholic social teaching. Using the always popular Responses to 101 Questions format, he introduces this important part of the Catholic tradition to students as well as inquiring believers. Some of the topics covered in the questions are: human dignity and human rights; the kinds of justice; family and social structures; justice and political life; the meaning of human work; labor unions and the rights of labor; the just wage; capitalism, socialism and communism; the just war tradition; pacifism; the arms race; debt forgiveness; women in society; racism; immigration and the death penalty." Jim Bacik knows both his theological material and his flock. He has not simply written a book about Catholic social teaching; he has written a book that urges readers to reflect for themselves upon that tradition and to do so in the pastoral settings in which they live and work as American Catholics. The theologian and the pastor have both been at work in crafting this brief yet rewarding book."—from the foreword"This book illuminates the Catholic social tradition anew, situating its documents and themes in key historical, social, and cultural contexts and inviting readers into its moral and spiritual implications. This accessible yet substantive volume offers valuable insights for urgent signs of our times."—Kristin E. Heyer, Joseph Chair in Theology, Boston College"Catholic Social Teaching crosses the gaps existing for many Catholics between faith today and Catholic social tradition. Bacik sharpens that tradition's key themes, then engages it with U. S. life and politics. This work will be an enriching discovery for teachers, pastors, students, and every Catholic who wonders how their Church can speak effectively to the dilemmas and rifts we now face, both ecclesially and socially."—Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan, SJ, Professor of Theology, Boston CollegeFr. Jim Bacik is a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, ordained in 1962, and is the former pastor of Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo. He has his doctorate in theology from the University of Oxford and has published numerous articles and fifteen books. Fr. Bacik has taught graduate theology courses at Notre Dame University, Fordham University, the University of San Francisco, and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He has also lectured widely around the United States and internationally.†

"In this post-pandemic world, reliance upon our Catholic traditions provides both comfort and challenge in daily living. Father Bacik is skilled at presenting the richness of our faith perspective in a manner that is accessible to all... Each chapter distills the essence of Catholic belief, a refreshing return to the heart of our faith."—from the forewordThrough the lens of "spirituality," and more specifically the idea of "spiritual journey," the Nicene Creed, the theological and moral virtues, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes, major liturgical feasts, and holy people, The Catholic Spiritual Journey explores how the Catholic spiritual tradition offers hope in challenging times." Fr. Bacik fuses a classical and contemporary pathway toward spiritual enlightenment. This catechetical masterpiece offers a rich meditation for anyone looking for a fresh interpretation of Catholic Christian teachings."—Rev. Richard S. Vosko, Hon. AIA, author of Art and Architecture for Congregational Worship: A Search for a Common GroundFr. James Bacik is a priest of the Diocese of Toledo and is the former pastor of Corpus Christi University Parish in Toledo. He has a doctorate in theology from the University of Oxford and has published numerous articles and more than fifteen books. Fr. Bacik has taught graduate theology courses at the University of Notre Dame, Fordham University, the University of San Francisco, and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He has also lectured widely in the United States and internationally.†

Informed by the theology of the German Jesuit Karl Rahner and almost six decades of the author's pastoral ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, this collection of saints is inspired by Pope Francis and his Exhortation, On the Call to Holiness in Today's World. Each chapter includes two stories: one, a celebrated saint, like Saints Augustine and Th r se of Lisieux; the other, an "unsung saint."

Pope Francis and His Critics offers a broad assessment of Francis and his pontificate, keeping in mind important criticisms mounted by his detractors. †

Pope Francis and Campus Ministry sets up a dialogue between Pope Francis and the history of Catholic campus ministry over the last three decades since the publication of the bishops' pastoral letter Empowered by the Spirit. It includes articles that the author has written on campus ministry during that period, preceded by a brief explanation of the context of the article and followed by specific ways Pope Francis would guide campus ministry into the future. †

In this book James Bacik provides spiritual seekers with a one-of-a-kind overview of how spirituality and theology nourish each other in the life of the Church. Part One is a fresh and informative look at the influence of theology on spirituality from a historical perspective, from the first millennium of the Christian era up until the present. Part Two contains a series of essays that explores practical links between spirituality and theology. Topics include: —prayer. —Jesus Christ. —authority and freedom in the Church. —lay ministry. —death and the afterlife. The book is: —-timely and engaging. —will enlighten those serious about a spiritual search. —perfect for studying spirituality in a group or independently. †