What follows are recommendations for books – fiction and nonfiction – to give as gifts in celebration of the sacraments. From picture books to spiritual reflection to novels, it’s covered.

If I’ve reviewed a book listed, I included a sentence or two from my review. The remainder I’ve either read but not reviewed or received as a recommendation. (Thanks to Deacon Tom Lang and members of the Catholic Writers Guild for their recommendations for Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.)

Now, Anointing of the Sick isn’t really a celebratory sacrament. What I’ve listed are recommendations on illness and/or suffering that may be appropriate for someone facing the threat of death.

Finally, I received so many recommendations from the author-readers at the Catholic Writers Guild, that I listed some additional books for your consideration at the end.

[Links below are to Amazon. If you’d like to shop at Bookshop.org, click the Bookshop button at the end of the post. All but a handful of the books are available there.]

Give a book for sacrament celebrations! More than 20 ideas for kids, teens, and adults. #CatholicBooks Click To Tweet

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Baptism

When You Were Baptized by Catherine Maresca

Lovely book that takes children through the Rite of Baptism, explaining the words, symbols, and significance of the sacrament

Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch

These simple, easy-on-the-ears stanzas about modern saints are such fun to read.

Light of Heaven: A Children’s Book of Saints by Adalee Hude

Each saint is paired with a simple Latin word, a short biography, and a feast day. They all work together to introduce an example of holiness to children.

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Reconciliation

King of the Shattered Glass by Susan Bellavance

A nicely-illustrated allegory about sin and mercy. 

Belt of Truth (Armor of God Book 1) by Theresa Linden

This short book is the perfect blend of friendship, adventure, and a little moral lesson for early grade readers, especially Catholic children preparing for the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist.

Breastplate of Righteousness (Armor of God Book 2) by Theresa Linden

Realistic scenarios for characters of their age yet with a bit of adventure and intrigue (can you say one-armed, dragon-slaying knight?) that add a fantastical element.

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First Communion

Stories of the Blessed Sacrament by Francine Ray

The pages and cover are sturdy, making this a great choice for repeated use and little hands. I even found an unfamiliar story that I’d like to delve into further. 

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

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Confirmation

Fire Starters by Theresa Linden

Theresa Linden manages to address so many lived experiences of Catholics surrounding the sacrament while never departing from the West Brothers (and friends) world.

My Confirmation Book by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Anointed: Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Pope Francis

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Marriage

A Psalter for Couples by Pierre-Marie Dumont

Manual for Marriage by Danielle Bean and Dan Bean

Three to Get Married by Fulton J. Sheen

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Holy Orders

The Diary of a Country Priest by George Bernanos

In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart – The Journal of a Priest at Prayer by a Benedictine Monk

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Cardinal Robert Sarah

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Anointing of the Sick

Arise from Darkness: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel

Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body by Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman

In God’s Hands: Living through Illness with Faith by Maureen A. Cummings

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More Recommendations, Anointing of the Sick:

• It’s Good to Be Here: A Disabled Woman’s Reflections on the Sacred Wonder of Being Human by Christina Chase
• No One Cries the Wrong Way by Fr. Joe Kempf (For loved ones of those facing the threat of death.)

More Recommendations, Holy Orders:

• Priestly Blessing: Rediscovering the Gift by Stephen Rossetti
• The How-to Book of Evangelization: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You by Jennifer Fitz (releases June 29) (A practical guide for parish priests.)
• The Siege of Reginald Hill by Corinna Turner
• Brothers by Corinna Turner
• Bread Upon the Water by Deanna Klingel (Written for young people, but enjoyable for adults.)

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What books would you recommend to give as gifts for the reception of the sacraments?

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