New Releases by Patti Maguire Armstrong

Hope and healing for those with a loved one who has left the Faith. St. Monica was the loving mother of St. Augustine, Catholic theologian and Doctor of the Church. While St. Augustine became one of the most influential theologians of the Catholic Faith, he spent a period of time running from God. During this period, his mother prayed continuously for his conversion. God answered her prayers! In What Would Monica Do?, two mothers, authors, and lovers of St. Monica offer guidance, practical advice, and prayers for navigating the difficulty of losing a loved one to the world through their reflections on St. Monica. With this resource of inspiration and consolation, readers will learn: The story of St. Monica’s faithfulness to God and selfless love for her child. How to navigate the grief of watching a loved one leave the Faith. Prayers to offer for the conversion of children and grandchildren living contrary to the Catholic Faith. How to let go of anger and unforgiveness to allow your heart to be filled with peace and comfort. How to set an example of faith that draws non-believers to Catholicism. And more! What Would Monica Do? is the friend and guide that you need to find peace and consolation in a relationship with your heavenly Father even while experiencing tremendous grief and disappointment. St. Monica, pray for us! “This book delivers potent Catholic wisdom, inspiration, and hope! The authors beautifully connect St. Monica’s life and spirituality to this present time when so many lament the loss of faith by loved ones. With practical, personal testimonies, this timely work encourages readers to arise with trust and prayer. St. Monica, rather than pondering, “What did I do wrong?”, prayed in courageous hope motivated by ardent love for God and family. Please give yourself and loved ones the gift of this book.” –Kathleen Beckman Author of A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare and Praying for Priests “What family with children who have drifted from the faith doesn’t need encouragement, wisdom and hope? This book provides it. Well written with lots of stories and examples. Highly recommended.” –Ralph Martin S.T.D. Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Archdiocese of Detroit “While the world attacks our loved ones, this book is a blueprint for building a fortress of hope! It’s loaded with practical instructions for managing emotions, finding powerful support in some surprising places, and how to fill your arsenal with a few secret weapons! Take heart, dear reader, ''fallen-away'' is not the end!” –Rose Sweet Catholic Life and Relationship Coach

Do you wish there was a more practical way to live your faith in the midst of a busy life? Bestselling author and National Catholic Register columnist Patti Maguire Armstrong created what she calls “holy hacks” to help. This fun and fast-paced resource is full of concrete tips for living the faith right where you are. With about two-hundred simple and creative ways to grow in holiness, you can find something to help you engage your faith and grow in Christ every day. The idea for Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live Your Faith and Get to Heaven came from three popular columns Armstrong wrote in the National Catholic Register. The book provides fun and simple tips that make holiness attainable by everyday Catholics in everyday ways: Humility—Do good deeds in secret. Relationships—Consider how much you want God to bless you, and pray for that same blessing on the people you find difficult or who have hurt you. Gossip—Nurture good habits to prevent gossip by appreciating family, friends, and people who serve you. Prayer—Spend time thinking of all the ways Jesus has shown his love to you. Practitioners of Holy Hacks will discover that holiness is less about doing big things than about making use of countless and simple ways for us to love God and our neighbors. The book also includes hacks from notable and high-profile Catholic writers and speakers, including Rev. Donald Calloway, MIC; Fr. Mitch Pacwa; and Kathryn Jean Lopez.

This new Catholic fiction novel introduces us to Aaron, a 6th grader who experiences a crisis in faith when his family moves. Author Patti Maguire Armstrong addresses those questions that young adults face when prayers aren''t answered in a time of adversity--most importantly, "Is He even listening?" When Aaron shows compassion to an unlikely kid and risks losing his newfound friends'' acceptance, he experiences the reality that being a real hero sometimes means that others will turn against you. Will God be there to save Aaron and his faltering faith?

Big Hearted gives you an inside look into the triumphs, struggles, joys and sorrows of ordinary families with generous hearts. It invites you to witness extraordinary love in ordinary moments like the simple cooking of a meal or the hug between a teenaged brother and his baby sister. Just like your family, these families experience pain, setbacks, and challenges. And just like your family, they also experience love and immeasurable blessing through their commitment and care for each other.

Stories for the Homeschool Heart will wrap you warmly in a blanket of faith, love and inspiration. Through these stories of trials and triumphs, you will be lifted closer to heaven and feel a unity with families from across the country who have taken seriously the awesome privilege of teaching their children. At times you will be amazed, moved to tears and laugh, but most of all you will come away recommitted to following God s call to you as a parent to lead your children to Him. In this book you will: - Read how Rachel experienced healing and hope after abuse and an abortion - Share the joy of a military family who brought home two precious sons from Russia - Read how Mary s family struggled to discern God s will and went happily from riches to rags - Travel with a couple who struggles with birth control and being open to life - Laugh when you see how a wayward duckling led the way for Patti and her family - See how Luke chased butterflies all the way to Guatemala and what the ramifications were - Discover how a little hamster helped save his young owner - Learn how God led Theresa through the experience of cancer, with renewed hope and a new baby Contributors include: Elizabeth Foss, Dr. Ray Guarendi, Mary Kochan of Catholic Exchange, Nancy Carpentier Brown, podcaster for the American Chesteron Society, Rachel Watkins creator of the Little Flower s Girls Club and many, many more. Stories for the Homeschool Heart is the perfect gift for parents teaching their children to live for God and reach for eternity. It is an instant pick-me-up wherever they may be on the journey that we all walk together.Patti Armstrong and Theresa Thomas have put together an uplifting gem for homeschoolers or any dad or mom who wants to parent with wisdom and wit. Whether you are discerning becoming a homeschooling family or have already been there and done that, Stories for the Homeschool Heart will inspire about the wonderful world of homeschooling. Through the real-life struggles, joys, and the life-changing lessons in the book, you will come away renewed in your commitment as your children''s primary teacher, even if you don''t teach full time in the home. - Matthew Pinto, Author, Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?; Stories for the Homeschool Heart is a beautiful sharing of life experiences and lessons learned. Through personal stories, it provides encouragement to all parents as we make the journey together, helping each other to lead our children to God. Through humor, love, trials and triumph, this book will touch your heart and lift you up. - Jeff Cavins, Author of The Great Adventure Bible Study and Emily Cavins, Author of the Great Adventure Bible Study for Kids