Books for Church Leaders and for Everyone.
Hope for the Holidays
When the holidays become too much,
God still provides glimmers of hope.
Hope for the Holidays is a practical guide for anyone looking for light at the darkest time of the year, during the religious and secular holiday seasons. As the days grow shorter and the nights get longer, Paul provides readers with some creative ways to reconnect with family, revive their charity, rekindle their joy, recommit to faith, and refresh their soul. Using the popular story, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, this book is thoughtful, accessible, and even a little fun.
Buy the book from Paulist Press, Amazon, or your favorite seller.
“Hope for the Holidays reminds us that we are never alone. Paul Jarzembowski skillfully guides those who might feel overwhelmed by the holidays on a pilgrimage toward a renewed sense of true joy and community celebration.”
— His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan,
Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of New YorkWhat People Are Saying about Hope for the Holidays
“With his signature wisdom and insights, Paul Jarzembowski helps us to recognize the joy of the Church’s life and traditions at a time when the rest of the world only seems to care about presents. Hope for the Holidays gives us resources to celebrate.”
— Katie Prejean McGrady, speaker, author, and host of The Katie McGrady Show on The Catholic Channel Sirius XM“Hope for the Holidays is a truly inspiring reflection that invites us to pause, breathe, and celebrate the holidays with utmost hope! Many in our society treat these holidays as signposts in a marathon. Paul Jarzembowski invites us to enjoy them as oases of joy in the pilgrimage of life.”
— Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Professor of Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education and Chair of the Department of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, Boston College
Hope from the Ashes
Our churches are filled with hope on Ash Wednesday.
So, what comes next?
Hope from the Ashes is a tool for church leaders who are looking for new and innovative ways to welcome, engage, and accompany our Lenten guests. Recognizing the phenomenon where record numbers of people reconnect with faith on Ash Wednesday and during Lent, Paul offers readers with a number of practical ideas to be able to respond in a pastoral tone and revitalize our visitors’ spirituality and relationship with God and the Church in creative ways.
Buy the book from Paulist Press, Amazon, or your favorite seller.
What People Are Saying about Hope from the Ashes
“Hope from the Ashes contains historical, spiritual, and pastoral reflection on this Christian symbol and ritual—so mysterious and inspiring to so many people—and is certainly a gift to priests and ministers. The clear message is that there is grace, blessing, amazing opportunity, and yes, hope, in the ashes!”
— His Excellency Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez,
Catholic Archbishop of Philadelphia“This book offers our hearts to hope. Paul’s personal witness and reflection reveal the deeper meaning not only of Lent, but also of all the ‘ashes’ we experience in our lives.”
— Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Vatican General Secretariat of the Synod in Rome“A timely, insightful, and practical book that challenges and inspires us to welcome and accompany all who are attracted to the faith because of the Lenten ashes. A powerful resource for the new evangelization!”
— Rev. Rafael Capó, Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Saint Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FloridaPaul’s Contributions to Other Books
20s/30s Ministry: A Guide for Parishes
written by Nicholas E. Lombardo, O.P.
Paulist Press, 2016
Paul wrote the foreword for this guidebook for starting ministries for young adults in Catholic parishes.
Available online here.
Exploring Christus Vivit: Making Room for the Young Church
edited by Gerard Gallagher
Veritas Publications, 2020
Paul wrote the book’s seventh chapter on reimagining ministry with young people.
Available online here.
Moving Boldly into the Future: Pope Francis, Young Adults, Ministry Leaders, and Bishops in Dialogue
USCCB Publishing, 2022
Paul, along with Mar Munoz-Visoso, edited the book and wrote its conclusion.
Available online here.
The Path of Discernment:
Hearing God’s Call
written by Matt Kresich
Paulist Press, 2026
Paul wrote the foreword for this book on exploring vocation and meaning in life.
Available online here.
Paul Jarzembowski invites both readers and pastoral planners to take inventory of those who enter their churches during Lent and Advent and prioritize their welcome and engagement. In a creative way, he weaves story and prayer practices into a thoughtful design that gives parishes practical tools to engage newcomers who show up in large numbers at these crucial times of the year.
- Deacon Mike Hayes, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland