This collection of work by wellknown Catholic writers, such as Mary Gordon, Andre Dubus, Patricia Hampl, and Ron Hansen, provides different discussions and perspectives on the seven sacraments of the Catholic churchBaptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. 17,500 first printing. Signatures of Grace is a collection of essays interweaving personal testimony with historical and theological reflections on the sacraments at the heart of Catholic worship. The contributors to this volume are among America's best contemporary Catholic writers, including Patricia Hampl, Mary Gordon, and Murray Bodo. Perhaps the best essay in this book, however, is "Eucharist," by novelist Ron Hansen (author of Mariette in Ecstasy ). Hansen's description of the Eucharist's significance in Catholic theology is deft and broad-minded: "Our gifts of bread and wine are changed by Christ.... They are no longer things; they are God. And in this extravagant gift of the Eucharist we are, as Saint Augustine wrote, receiving ourselves, for our Baptism formed us into the body of Christ and his members." The book ends with an essay by the late Andre Dubus called "Sacraments," which describes how the author found God's presence in everyday physical experiences, such as cooking for his daughters, lighting a cigarette for his father, and feeling the breeze on his face. Signatures of Grace will help many readers become similarly attuned to God's presence in their everyday lives, in a manner that is firmly grounded in Catholic history and theology. --Michael Joseph Gross Originating as an idea at a California writers' conference, these seven essays on as many sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church are by recognized contemporary writers (Patricia Hampl, Mary Gordon, and Katherine Vaz, among others) who come from Catholic backgrounds that span pre- and post-Vatican Council II; six are laity. The essays combine some background on sacramental development with the writers' personal experiences and make no attempt to provide deep theological discussions of Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. An epilog by the late Andre Dubus offers another highly personal overview and might be considered theologically unsound. Editor Grady is an experienced publisher, and editor Huston also contributes a quality essay. As a whole, this collection presents contemporary and often moving views of the sacraments by professional writers, but though it may be useful for prompting discussion in classroom or parish groups, it is not an essential purchase for religion collections. -Anna M. Donnelly, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. "A fine book, and in so many ways, instructive. SIGNATURES OF GRACE has given beautiful new meaning, for me, to the words 'He restoreth my soul.' " -- Carol Lee Flinders, author of Enduring Grace "Fresh insights into these ancient mysteries. What the reader comes away with is a sense of the embarrassment of graces that are present in the seven sacraments-and the sacrament of life itself." -- Paul Wilkes, author of Beyond the Walls: Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life "I can't think of a more useful or inspiring way to encounter the richness of Catholic spirituality than through these surprisingly personal essays by writers better known for the depth and reach of their fiction than for the intensity of their sacramental life." -- C. Michael Curtis, editor of God: Stories "This rich, moving, varied, refreshingly unpretentious book not only profoundly explores the living significance of the sacraments of the Church, but offers us luminous, direct help in the essential spiritual work, that of sacralizing the whole of life." -- Andrew Harvey, author of The Direct Path and Son of Man "To SIGNATURES OF GRACE Thomas Grady and Paula Huston have brought their Catholic souls, their fine eyes, and their deep love for the written word. It is a testament to the blessings of the sacraments in their own lives and vision." -- Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., author of Women Who Run With the Wolves The wonders and mysteries of sacramental life are celebrated in this distinctive collection of essays by eight acclaimed Catholic writers. In SIGNATURES OF GRACE, Murray Bodo, O.F.M.; Andre Dubus; Mary Gordon; Patricia Hampl; Ron Hansen; Paula Huston; Paul Mariani; and Katherine Vaz share the personal experiences that have deepened the significance of the sacraments in their spiritual and everyday lives. For many of them, these writings help illuminate a journey that is often begun long after the catechism is committed to memory. In "Baptism," Katherine Vaz, a novelist and life-long swimmer, blends images of water, creation, and rebirth to evoke the eternal readiness of the soul to receive grace. Writing on Penance, Patricia Hampl recalls her earliest confessions, when tallying up a decent nu