The Catholic Catalogue by Melissa Musick & Ann Keating

We are all curious. As humans it is in our nature to wonder about things. We are always yearning to learn new things and to add knowledge to the things we already know. We inquire about the known and unknown alike. The Catholic Catalogue is a go- to place for everything Catholic. It is a fountain of knowledge of the known and unknown. 

   The authors a three part book or catalogue of everything Catholic. The 3 sections include : Smells and Bells, Seasons of the Church Year and Seasons of Life. This layout lends itself to those who are completely unfamiliar to Catholicism as well as the old pros. In each section you will find practical information and helps on :

-church history

- the saints

-the liturgical calendar

- holidays, feast days and holy days

- prayer

-the sacraments 

And so much more.

   Keating and Musick also educate the reader on lesser known Catholic practices such as planting a Mary garden, keeping Lent, blessing a child, keeping a name day, confirmation gift giving and Eucharistic Adoration. The authors do not try and "push"their faith on the reader. They deal with education and information only. 

   I am a cradle catholic, born and was baptized into my faith and I have chosen to keep it into my adult years. When it comes to Catholicism, I like to say that I know my stuff. However, as I began to read The Catholic Catalogue, I soon realized that there was many many things that I had absolutely no idea about. I really enjoyed this book for that exact reason. Because I now possess this wonderful well of Catholic data I can now make a home altar, shrine or prayer corner for my family, make real beeswax candles with my children, teach my catechesis students about first Friday and Saturday practices and with my husband, bless my children and every room in my home. See, there are things to learn for even the most seasoned Catholic. 

   I would rate this book 5/5. There is so much to be gained by reading The Catholic Catalogue. Anyone with a little human curiosity can benefit greatly from the books contents. I would recommend this book to literally anyone that may want to learn about Catholicism in an informal setting. Believers and non alike will learn something. Go out and get it- you will be glad you did. 

Notice of Material Disclosure:

I received this book free from Net Galley c/o Crown Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I only review products that I have personally used myself. My opinions are my own and did not promise to give a positive review.