This new online resource from Ave Maria Press offers an exciting process for exploring Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est. (God is Love). Written by Anthony Garascia, pastoral leader, marriage and family therapist, and author of the popular marriage preparation programs, Before "I Do" and Catholic Remarriage, the four sessions cover the major themes of Deus Caritas Est:

• An opening scripture reading and prayer
• Commentary on the encyclical, highlighting specific themes
• Questions for reflection/discussion
• A snapshot from the Tradition of the Church that exemplifies mature biblical love
• A suggestion for continuing reflection/action between sessions

Exploring Deus Caritas Est is written for small discussion groups, but it is well-suited for individuals who wish to understand the Holy Father's message about the essential aspects of love and the demands it places on the Catholic Christian in today's world.

Each session is available to download for FREE and arranged in booklet format. Click on the available sessions above to download the PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to
view these files.

In addition to the sessions the following supplemental information is also available:

Interview with Anthony Garascia

Anthony Garascia Biography

Link to the Encyclical on the Vatican website
http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

Purchase a copy of the Encyclical through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
http://www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-758

Other books by Anthony Garascia
Before "I Do"
Before "I Do" (Combined Leader's Guide)
Catholic Remarriage
Getting Married Living Together