Handout for FSSJ Talk on Catholic Literature

 Catholic Literature of the USA

The Catholic Influence on American Literature

Some Recommended Book Lists

Don’t read good books, or else you won’t have time for the great books!   (Fr Raymond Nyquist)

2026-08-03 The Catholic Influence on American Literature (FSSJ Conference on Catholicism in America at 250 years)

 In this talk, we consider why literature is important for all people and especially for Catholics. We then look to American Literature, Catholic Literature, and American Catholic Literature - focusing on such authors as Willa Cather, F Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Walker Percy, and Flannery O'Connor.

The handout of book recommendations is below, and Fr Ryan's series of courses on American Catholic Literature with many handouts can be found [here]!

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, August 2 -- The Case for Miracles

 The miraculous feed of the five thousand from the multiplication of loaves and fish is one of the most prominent miracles of our Lord's public ministry. And still, many modernists try to doubt it, or claim it was only people sharing.

We look at the Catholic approach to miracles, the caution we ought to have when approaching supposed miracles or apparitions, the defense of the miraculous, and answers to common biases of the modern world which try to disavow the possibility of miracles.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 26 -- You Are the Treasure in the Field

 [introductory note on Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, and Solomon's prayer from the first reading in which he asked for wisdom]

We conclude Matthew 13 and this section of parables, hearing today the parables of the buried treasure, of the pearl of great price, and of the net which caught all sorts of fish.

These parables inspire us to seek the kingdom of God before all else.  On the other hand, your soul is the treasure and the pearl which our Lord purchased with his own blood.

Listen online [here]!

Sunday Sermon, July 19 - Parables of the Increase of the Kingdom

 In this portion of Matthew 13, we continue to hear many of our Lord's parables. We consider some of the profound interpretations given by the Church Fathers. The Parable of the Mustard Seed, that of the Yeast and the Dough, and the parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat.

We especially consider the patience and confidence that we must have, for the grace of Christ has triumphed and will triumph over all the earth and within our souls.

Listen online [here]!