Congratulations to our friend and CatholicMom.com columnist Heidi Hess Saxton on the recent release of her wonderful book

. When asked to endorse Heidi’s book, I said of it,

, noted author

Hess Saxton has given Catholic families and parishes everywhere a tremendous treasure.  References from the Catechism, inspirational quotes from the saints, and suggested family activities make this a perfect faith formation tool for children and parents alike.” Having had the opportunity to read and share this beautiful book, I am now more convinced than ever that every Catholic family, school and parish should have a copy of this fantastic resource.  I’m happy to share the following interview with Heidi Hess Saxton and to give My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories my highest recommendation.

Q: Heidi, congratulations on the release of My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories. Please briefly introduce yourself and your family to our readers.

Hello! Thanks for helping me promote my new book — it was truly a labor of love, and I hope it blesses lots of families. Craig and I were married in 1999, and we foster-adopted our children Christopher and Sarah in 2002, when Sarah was six months old and Christopher was 2-1/2. I was delighted when Thomas Nelson approached me about compiling this book of stories, because it gave me a chance to include a lot of information that I wanted to pass along to my own kids.

Q: I LOVE your new book and can’t wait for our readers to explore it! For those who haven’t yet had an opportunity to read My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories could you please share an overview of the book?

My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories is a comprehensive (400+ pages!), full-color volume of stories from the whole Bible (including the deutero-canonical books). I wrote little introductions to each story, but the entire story is taken directly from the NRSV. Each story includes a prayer to use during Bible story time, tidbits of information to help you get a better understanding of the story, and a cross-referencing tool that lists Scripture and Catechism passages that are especially appropriate to read with that story. I also included a little section at the front of the book to help families cultivate a habit of family prayer.

Q: What makes this book different from other typical children’s Bible story books?

Unlike most story books, My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories includes stories from the entire Bible, especially those most important to Catholics. Although Thomas Nelson is an evangelical publisher, they worked with me to make sure the book has an authentically Catholic “voice,” incorporating Church teachings, especially on the sacraments and the saints. Because the text comes directly from Scripture, it gives children a chance to hear the beauty of the text for themselves – and the passages are kept short, so as not to be too overwhelming. And I deliberately included notes for parents, so they can learn right along with kids!

Q: What type of research went into the formation of this wonderful resource?

I drew extensively from my graduate theology studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit — however, I learned to love the Bible from the first thirty years of my life, especially the years I spent in Bible school as an Evangelical Christian. I have in my library an extensive collection of Scripture study resources — you should have seen the mountain of books on my desk while I was going through the project! I have to say, compiling this book gave me a chance to read these stories in a fresh, new way.

Q: What are some of the ways in which you foresee the book being used by Catholic families and educators?

One of the greatest challenges facing catechists and parents is educating children when we ourselves don’t feel completely up to the challenge. The cross-referencing features of each story will help educators to study the material at their own pace, as deeply as they are inclined to do. The index is also cross-referenced to the liturgical calendar, so you can readily look up the story that corresponds to the readings. Above all, it will help educators integrate Scripture and prayer, both of which are needed to maintain a vital Christian life.

Q: What do your two adorable kids think about having their own special book, written by their mom?

They’re cute. They walk around the house with it (I only have one copy so far), and at church they run up to people, flashing the title page (before I get a chance to do it!)

Q: What was different about writing for children rather than writing for adults? Did you test drive the book with your own family prior to publication?

The greatest challenge was finding a voice that would work for the whole family (although the book is targeted at the 6-9 age group). I didn’t want older kids to be bored, or little kids to be lost. That’s why the multiple sidebars helps — you can read as little or as much as you want. Honestly, I had to do it so quickly there wasn’t a lot of “test driving” ahead of time … but I’m enjoying reading it through with them now, with all the beautiful artwork!

Q: Please give our readers an update on your great Extraordinary Moms Network.

I continue to post on it regularly, and people continue to find me …. I’m hoping this book will draw even more readers, and encourage them in their vocations. I have a special page dedicated to resources that tie into the book – websites and other online resources to help families dig deeper into the stories.

Q: With all of your publishing and writing successes, what’s next?

Although I have a few ideas brewing, I don’t have any firm plans right now. Life is very much like a book, full of chapters and plot twists. It isn’t always possible to project what is going to happen from one week to the next, is it? I’ve always loved writing and sharing my faith with other people; as a wife and mother, I can’t always spend the kind of time I’d like with this. This year, my children’s school has occupied the lion’s share of my time, and it looks as though I may soon be headed back to school myself. I’ll update my plans on EMN as they become available … stay tuned!

Purchase My Big Book of Catholic Bible Stories and support CatholicMom.com!

Realizing then that this film is for mature viewing audiences only, I have to say I completely loved it.  The chemistry between Downey Jr.’s Holmes and Jude Law’s Dr. Watson was palpable.  Their friendship and partnership was a central component of the film’s plot and truly worked for me.  Being a lover of London, I found the movie to be lavishly filmed and beautiful to watch.  Most incredible for me was the intelligent way in which the story played out, with Holmes’ incredible attention to even the most minute of details as a key to his success in unlocking the mystery at hand.

Satanic activity and the occult are a key part of the mystery here, and I don’t want to spoil the ending for you.  But I will say that the film in no way glorifies the occult, and that the movie’s conclusion removes any doubt that the dark arts hold absolutely no real power.  But there’s a lot of sleuthing work that leads to this conclusion, and keeping up with Holmes’ intuitive skills can be mentally challenging.  This is not an easy film — expect to put a little brain power into figuring out the twists and turns along the way.  I could easily watch the film again, since I’m sure I missed some key pieces of evidence that didn’t get past Sherlock.

The film earns its ratings for some intense action scenes that had me squirming and covering my eyes, but the violence never seemed overly gratuitous and in fact could likely have gone farther.  There is one scene in the film which is sexually suggestive, but as a whole adult themes are relatively minor.  It’s likely that this film could have taken a few more liberties and easily earned an R rating, so I was pleased that it was a film I could share with my older teens.

If you would like to read a complete, professional review by written from a Catholic perspective, I recommend this one by John Mulderig of the USCCB.  As for this mom, I enjoyed the movie immensely and would definitely recommend it to adults who love a good mystery and don’t mind a fight scene or two thrown in.  I’ll share the film’s trailer below and would love to hear from you about your take on what you thought if you’ve seen the movie for yourself.  No spoilers please!

What is it like at your parish before liturgy starts? Is it a quiet, sacred church? Or is it noisy and neighborly? Deacon Tom discusses this by sharing about a recent Saturday evening at his parish in Arizona.

Do you want a Mary Vitamin in your inbox?  Sarah Reinhard shares a quote from a recent Mary Vitamin and encourages you to sign up to receive your own.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Wee Believers
• Sean Clive – The First Day
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests – Rosary Workout Book Contest, CatholicMatch.com Membership Contest
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, SQPN Connect Page, Plurk, Twitter
• Catholic Mom Logo Store

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Prize Pack 1:

• 1 copy of Erin O’Brien’s Complete Pregnancy Fitness DVD set
• 1 Bella Band
• 1 copy of the complete Laugh and Learn DVD package including Laugh and Learn about Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Baby Care;  1 Laugh and Learn T-shirt; 1 copy of Sheri Bayles’ Laugh and Learn about Childbirth book
• 1 copy of Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be by Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle
• 1 copy of Margo B. Smith’s CD “Sending Up A Prayer”
• 1 Nursing Bracelet from OrganicMama’s Etsy Shop

Prize Pack 2:

• 1 copy of Erin O’Brien’s Complete Pregnancy Fitness DVD set
• 2 boxes of Organic Preggie Pop Drops
• 1 copy of the complete Laugh and Learn DVD package including Laugh and Learn about Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Baby Care; 1 Laugh and Learn T-shirt; 1 copy of Sheri Bayles’ Laugh and Learn about Childbirth book
• 1 copy of Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be by Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle
• 1 copy of Margo B. Smith’s CD “Sending Up A Prayer”
• 1 Hand knit “Teddy Bear” newborn hat from Organic Mama’s Etsy Shop

Visit Kate Wicker at Momopoly for a detailed review of the Complete Pregnancy Fitness DVD set.  Visit Anne McClure at Catholic Mommy Brain for reviews of the Bella Band, Laugh and Learn package, and Prayerfully Expecting.  For additional information and products by Shannon and Organic Mama’s visit their adorable Etsy shop.

To enter to win this contest, you must leave a comment on this post with a valid email address (which won’t be published or shared) before Midnight PST on November 30, 2009.  I’ll draw two random winners and announce the winners when the contest has ended.

Editor’s Note – A HUGE Thanks to Anne McClure of Catholic Mommy Brain for coordinating this giveaway!

Update: Our lucky winners are Ann R (#48) and Sonja (#27). Your prizes will be sent soon.  Take a look at our other CatholicMom.com contests for more great chances to win!