Demonstrating how the seven sacraments are both powerful encounters with the Living Christ and a marvelous blueprint for rich and joyous living—from birth through confirmation, marriage, and the end of life—this guidebook provides Catholic parents fun and dynamic ways in which to learn and experience each core value. By providing instructive ways for strengthening the family unit through Christ, Elizabeth Ficocelli shares a refreshing look into the power and purpose of each sacrament. Flavored throughout with touching, and at times humorous, personal accounts of her experience with the sacraments, Ficocelli accomplishes a difficult task—providing a book that is not only enjoyable to read, but also deepens the Catholic experience and the strength of faith in every devout family.
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"An outstanding, practical guide for every Catholic parent! Use Seven from Heaven to give your children the greatest gift of all—joyful participation in Christ's presence every day." —Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author, The Rhythm of Life and The Dream Manager
"Absolutely outstanding! A must read for all Catholic family members who need the healing, nurturing and protection the sacraments provide!" —Kevin Lowry, author, Faith at Work
"This book belongs on every parent's kitchen table, on every catechist's desk and in every pastor's library." —Lisa M. Hendey, founder and editor, www.CatholicMom.com
About the Author
Elizabeth Ficocelli is a popular speaker and the author of Shower of Heavenly Roses. She lives in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Product Details
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (August 1, 2012)
Elizabeth Ficocelli is a best-selling, award-winning author of fourteen books for adults and children. Her adult books include Seven From Heaven: How Your Family Can Find Healing, Strength, and Protection in the Sacraments; Shower of Heavenly Roses: Stories of the Intercession of St. Therese of Lisieux; Lourdes: Font of Faith, Hope & Charity; and The Fruits of Medjugorje: Stories of True and Lasting Conversion.
For children, Elizabeth has authored a middle-grade chapter book entitled, The Imitation of Christ for Children. She has also written a series of books for younger children on the sacraments: Child's Guide to First Holy Communion, Child's Guide to Reconciliation, Child's Guide to the Seven Sacraments, and Child's Guide to the Rosary as well as a series on vocations: Where Do Priests Come From? Where Do Sisters Come From? and Where Do Deacons Come From?. For teenagers and young adults, Elizabeth has authored Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone: True Stories of Divine Wonders, Miracles and Messages. She is also the author of Kid Tea (Marshall Cavendish), a secular children's book that teaches preschoolers colors and days of the week.
In addition to her books, Elizabeth is the author of numerous magazine articles for leading Catholic publications such as America, St. Anthony Messenger, Columbia Magazine, Catholic Parent, and Liguorian. She has appeared on the following EWTN television programs: Bookmark with Doug Keck, The Journey Home with Marcus Grodi, The Abundant Life with Johnnette Benkovic, and Sunday Night Live with Father Benedict Groeschel. She has also been a guest on numerous Catholic radio programs, including Kresta in the Afternoon with Al Kresta, Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo, The Son Rise Morning Show with Brian Patrick, The Catholic Channel with Gus Lloyd, Catholic Spirit Radio with Kris McGregor, and Morning Air with Sean Herriot. Recently, Elizabeth began hosting her own program, Answering The Call, on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio AM 820.
Elizabeth has spoken at the L.A. Congress, the National Catholic Educators Association Conference, the Oklahoma City Catholic Women's Conference, the Indiana Catholic Women's Conference, the Phoenix Catholic Women's Conference, the San Antonio Catholic Women's Conference as well as at numerous schools, parishes, and organizational meetings.
An enthusiastic convert to the Faith, Elizabeth and her husband reside in Columbus, Ohio, where they are raising four sons in the faith. For more information on Elizabeth's books, magazine articles, and presentations, media appearances, radio program, or to bring her to your next event, please visit her website at: www.elizabethficocelli.com
Elizabeth Ficocelli, an adult convert to the Catholic faith, is a woman in love with the sacraments. That love shines forth in her latest book, "Seven from Heaven: How the Sacraments Can Heal, Nurture, and Protect Your Family Today." She believes that teaching about the sacraments is "the perfect catechetical tool . . . to excite young people about their faith." While Seven from Heaven will help adults understand the sacraments more fully, Ficocelli's intention is truly to help parents then educate their children about this aspect of our faith. By making the sacraments integral to one's family life, the family will then be transformed.
As one might expect, Ficocelli focuses on each of the seven sacraments: Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and The Anointing of the Sick. She discusses the blessing of each sacrament and its important role in our lives. What makes Seven from Heaven truly valuable and unique are the ways Ficocelli suggests to make these sacraments come alive for children. Children, as much as adults, are prone to asking "What is in it for me?" When it comes to the sacraments, the answer is "everything!" It is a Catholic parent's job to help their children understand the beauty and blessings of these gifts from God. With her practical suggestions, Ficocelli helps make that job much easier.
For example, when preparing a child for going to confession, she suggests having that child write a letter to Jesus about what he or she would like to talk to the priest about. The year a child will make first communion is a wonderful time to have the whole family pray in a special way for that child. Praying to the Holy Spirit for the grace of His gifts is a means of making confirmation more tangible. A child can pray for his or her future spouse from a young age. A family can spiritually "adopt" a seminarian to pray for and write letters to in order to connect the family with the sacrament of Holy Orders. Helping to care for the sick and dying can underscore the importance of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The sacraments are such wonderful gifts! "Seven from Heaven" will help foster or renew your enthusiasm for them. As Ficocelli states in the last chapter, "When we revitalize the family through God's graces, we revitalize the Church and, in turn, the world!" Why would we ever want to miss that opportunity?
