As summer draws to a close, thoughts go toward the upcoming year when parish councils and committees begin anew to plan for the work that needs to be done. Parents will need to prepare for the year by checking schedules, obtaining supplies and clothes plus arranging for child care.

In what way have you nourished your spirituality during the summer months? Have you taken an opportunity for time away, a time of reflection, for experiencing God's creation in a new way? There might be an issue that you are interested in and would like to know more about, you might consider a particular ministry in your parish, or you could take advantage of festivals and museums.

Some possibilities might include reading a book. Some examples follow:

• The Parish Covenant, A Call to Pastoral Partnership by Thomas P. Sweetser, S.J. Fr. Sweetser has over 30 years of experience working with parishes and analyzing how they function. In his current book, he proposes a dual-focus system of parish leadership which creates a healthier, more collaborative environment for those in all levels of leadership in parishes.

• Befriending, A Self-Guided Retreat For Busy People by Joseph A. Payne, O.P.is a practical book that offers suggestions for befriending all areas of life. Each chapter includes concrete ideas for nourishing a person's spirituality.

• The Power of Prayer is edited by Dale Salwak and provides reflections on prayer from various perspectives and written by various authors, including Mother Theresa, Avery Dulles, S.J., and Henri Nouwen.

• Another example is Reclaiming Spirituality by Diarmuid O. Murchuin in which the author reflects on spirituality today in light of the history of spirituality and offers reassurance for those who are seeking spiritual meaning today.

These books are available through the Office for Women. If you need other resources or assistance, contact Thelma Walker in the Office for Women at 414-769-3501 or 800-769-9373, x501.