Catholic Spiritual Practices

How did the maestro advise the young violinist?

There is a story of a young violinist who had an audition at Carnegie Hall. As she hurriedly exited the subway, she was momentarily disoriented. To her relief, she saw an old man with a violin under his arm and thought that surely he would know. 

"Sir, can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?" she asked.

"Practice," he said, with a grin.

It's the same way with Catholic spirituality—growing in faith is all about practice. 

This collection by today's most respected Catholic writers offers a compendium of these practices, traditional and contemporary, that can enable us to sustain and grow a vibrant spiritual life. This must-have volume will quickly become a trusted companion for an entire lifetime of engagement with the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith.

Contents:
Catholic Spirituality in Practice / Colleen M. Griffith

Practices of Prayer 

• The Lord's Prayer / N. T. Wright
• Praying with the Saints / Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ
• The Jesus Prayer / Joseph Wong, OSB, CAM
• Intercessory Prayer / Ann Ulanov and Barry Ulanov
• Centering Prayer / Joseph G. Sandman
• The Rosary/ Thomas H. Groome
• Liturgy of the Hours / Elizabeth Collier
• Praying with Images / Colleen M. Griffith
• Everyday Prayers / Compiled by Thomas H. Groome

Practices of Care

• Living the Sacramental Principle / Esther de Waal
• Practicing Hospitality / Ana Maria Pineda, RSM
• Practicing Forgiveness / Marjorie J. Thompson
• Family Life as Spiritual Practice / Wendy M. Wright
• Dia de los Muertos / Alex Garcia-Rivera
• Practicing Care for the Environment / United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Practices of Spiritual Growth

• The Ignatian Examen / Dennis Mamm, SJ
• Spiritual Direction / Kathleen Fischer
• Retreats / Anne Luther
• Lectio Divina / Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM
• Discernment / David Lonsdale
• Eucharistic Adoration / Brian E. Daley, SJ
• The Angelus / Thomas H. Groome
• Stations of the Cross / Thomas H. Groome
• Fasting / Joan Chittister, OSB
• Thanksgiving after Communion / Thomas H. Groome
• Spiritual Practice Goes Digital / Barbara Radtke

Conclusion: Keep on Practicing, You'll Get Better at It / Thomas H. Groome 

Colleen M. Griffith teaches at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry.