Messenger- Summer Reading Book Review

Many people have heard of Mattie Stepanek the "Heartsong Boy", been touched by his message of peace, or been inspired by his poetry. Few have heard the incredible story of his life, or seen behind the scenes to know the incredible struggles and joys this young man went through. Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs written by Mattie's mother, Jeni tells the amazing story of Mattie's life and work as a peacemaker.

Even though Mattie passed away just short of his 14th birthday, his impact on the world has been incredible. This book describes Mattie's hopeful and loving outlook on life, in spite of insurmountable obstacles. Jeni Stepanek writes with love and passion about her son's closeness to God and his overwhelming desire to take God's message of peace, love, and playfulness to all people. We read of Mattie's relationships with his family, his friends, and celebrities. What this one boy accomplished with so few material resources and so little time is astonishing and motivating. 

Full of sadness, hilarity, and inspiration Messenger will encourage and inspire you to share your Heartsong with the world.

Unplanned- Summer Reading Book Review

No topic is more notorious for flaring tempers and causing outrage than abortion. Sometimes it seems that people are so entrenched in their beliefs that trying to persuade those on the pro-choice side of the debate to rethink their position and choose life is a lost cause. Abby Johnson's book, Unplanned shows this isn't so.

Johnson was the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic that performed abortions for eight years. A vehement advocate for the pro-choice camp, Abby Johnson seemed like the last person who would have a conversion and become a champion for Life. Unplanned chronicles her journey and her conversion story.

Filled with personality and enthusiasm, Unplanned not only tells Abby's story, but through seeing her conversion, the reader witnesses the power of prayer in the struggle to save lives from abortion, and gives insight into the quiet power of love and dedication.

Full of hope, honesty, forgiveness, and joy, Unplanned pulls no punches. It is a quick and fulfilling read, and one that educates and illuminates, without preaching or shouting on a soapbox.

The Living Mass- Summer Reading Book Review

The Living Mass:Changes to the Roman Missal and How We Worship is a must-have book for understanding the upcoming changes to the liturgy as the Roman Missal, Third Edition is implemented in Mass this fall. Easy to read, informative, and clear, The Living Mass is a fantastic reference to understanding just what changes have been made, and why. This is the perfect book for liturgists, or those looking for a better understanding of the history and future of the Mass.

The book begins with a brief, highly understandable history of the Mass, from the time of the apostles to the present. Never dull or dry, Fr. Lucatero gives even the novice a clear picture of the evolution of the Catholic sacred texts. 

The second half of the book places the current prayers in Mass next to the upcoming changes. The changes are in bold and each has a concise explanation for the reasons for revision. The reader can see at a glance all the changes to the Gloria, Creeds, and more.

In a mere 64 pages, Fr. Lucatero prepares the reader for the upcoming changes, and places them in the rich context of the historical Mass. This book is a great study guide for small groups, parish classes on the Roman Missal, Third Edition, or the curious church-goer.

Heaven Is For Real- Summer Reading Book Review

Looking for a good read this summer? Reilly's will be reviewing a book a week, giving you the low-down on our new releases.

Our first selection has been receiving lots of national attention. Heaven is For Real is the story of a little boy, Colton Burpo, who changed his family's understanding of heaven after a near-tragedy. At the age of four, Colton nearly died from a burst appendix. Heaven is For Real tells of Colton's trip to heaven, and the messages and people he met there. 

Filled with scriptural accounts of heaven, as well as the emotional impact this little boy's experience had on his community, Heaven Is For Real is a feel-good, easy read. Pastor Todd Burpo's writing is light and home-spun, more like a conversation over lunch than a traditional novel. Without getting bogged down in theology, Burpo touches on the effect that his son's vision of heaven had on his ministry, without preaching to the reader. The family's awe and belief in what their son shared with them over the years following his illness is apparent on every page. Heaven is For Real is the Burpos' chance to share their excitement over their son's trip to heaven with the world. 

If you are looking for a short and sweet ray of sunshine, give Heaven is For Real a try.  

August products

It’s hard to believe that August is here! This means that it’s time for back-to-school shopping.

Some things you can cross off your list at Reilly’s:

• Bibles
• Bible highlighters
• Bible covers
• First Reconciliation and First Communion books
• Christian t-shirts

August also brings with it the last of the summer weddings. Need a wedding gift? Visit our wedding section and see our beautiful and memorable gifts for that special couple.

Come into the store and see for yourself. If we don't have what you're looking for, just ask and we'll do everything we can to order it for you!