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St. Charles Catholic Library
The Robert J. Wittman Memorial Library offers an extensive variety of books, periodicals, VHSs, DVDs, CDs and audio tapes on various Catholic/Christian topics for adults and children. The purpose of the Wittman Library is to make available materials that pertain to Catholic doctrine and culture and are not usually found in a public library.
Books and CDs are available to be checked out (self-serve) any time that the library is open. Books may by kept for 30 days. CDs may be kept for seven days.
DVDs and VHSs may be checked out after all weekend Masses (Saturday - 5:00pm; Sunday - 8:00am and 10:00am) when volunteers are available to assist with check out. DVDs and VHSs may be kept for 7 days. Returns may be left on the return table, located directly inside the library, at any time.
Reference Materials
Wide-ranging reference materials and a complete seven-volume replica of The Saint John’s Bible are available for library study, prayer, and enjoyment. These items may not be removed from the Library.
Catholic newspapers and magazines are located on the periodical rack. These materials may not be removed from the library.
Wittman Library includes over 1,000 books for children and adults specially selected to enhance meditation and prayer during visits to the church and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. An informational catalog listing books in alphabetical order by title and author is located on the checkout desk. A catalog listing audio/visual materials in alphabetical order by title is also available on the checkout desk. You may access the current Wittman Library catalog (September 2018) by clicking on the links below.
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Pick of the Week:
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass:
Understanding What We Say
and Do in the Liturgy
by Edward Sri"[T]he priest says, "Lift up you hearts" (sursum corda in Latin.) This prayer brings to mind the similar exhortation in the book of Lamentations: "Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven" (Lam 3:41). But what does it mean to "lift up" our hearts?
In the Bible, the heart is the hidden center of the person from which one's thoughts, emotions, and actions originate. All intentions and commitments flow from the human heart. Therefore, when the priest says, "Lift up your hearts," he is summoning us to give our fullest attention to what is about to unfold. This is a "wake-up call" to set aside all other concerns and focus our minds, will, and emotions-- our hearts-- on the sublimity of what is happening in the Eucharistic prayer.
This summons is reminiscent of St. Paul's words to the Colossians: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth"
(Col 3:1-2)." (p. 96)
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