Light and Leaven: The Challenge of the Laity in the Twenty-First Century

Product Description

Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas is one of the most courageous leaders in the Church, known for his outspoken support of unborn life, orthodox faith and morals, and reforming Catholic institutions. In Light and Leaven he offers a forthright perspective on the state of the Church today and calls on the lay faithful to meet its challenges boldly. Touching on topics including parish renewal, the state of Catholic education, the centrality of the Eucharist, the need for prayer and silence in a noisy and distracted age, and the battle between good and evil in the Church and world, Bishop Strickland’s wise insights and evident love for souls will inspire and edify you.

Review

Bishop Joseph Strickland has penned a book that gives light in the darkness and hope for those feeling hopeless. Light and Leaven: The Challenge of the Laity in the Twenty-First Century serves as the lantern we need to shine through the fog. Bishop Strickland’s love for the Church bleeds through in the pages of this book. Perhaps more importantly, so does his humility. With the heart of a shepherd, Strickland weighs in on these issues and more. He does so with a light touch and a huge helping of humility. At the same time, he doesn’t pull any punches. –Pete Socks- The Catholic Stand

Whether it’s the 100,000 Catholics who live in East Texas or the broader Catholic faithful who follow him on Twitter, or those who can now read his bold perspectives in Light and Leaven, one thing is for sure, Bishop Strickland is unlike any bishop we have seen in decades. Readers of Light and Leaven will quickly learn that there has likely never been a bishop, since probably Bishop Fulton Sheen, who speaks so plainly on matters of faith and morals. This East Texas farm boy has gifted to the Catholic laity around the world what they have lacked for nearly a decade a shepherd. Read Light and Leaven to discover that despite the disappointment we have experienced in our Church, there is a light that remains and will not be overcome. –Lisa Wheeler, President, Carmel Communications, Co-producer, Unplanned

About the Author

Joseph E. Strickland is bishop of Tyler, Texas. Ordained in 1985, he was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish in Tyler and served as parochial vicar until 1989. He was named the first vocation director for the diocese in 1987. Strickland completed his canonical studies with a licentiate in canon law in 1994 and was reappointed as rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler. He was appointed judicial vicar for the Diocese of Tyler in 1995, and the following year Pope John Paul II bestowed on him the title of Monsignor. On September 29, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Msgr. Strickland the fourth bishop of Tyler.