The Seasons Of Hope

Pastoral leaders will welcome this parish-proven, highly adaptable, and Christ-centered bereavement program. Created by nationally recognized hospice care and bereavement specialist, M. Donna MacLeod, following the death of her daughter nearly twenty years ago, Seasons of Hope offers twenty-four scripture-based sessions for those who are grieving. These are organized into four six-week seasons that are self-contained and non-sequential. All group sessions follow the same simple format and flow with a comforting blend of commentary, scripture, prayer, simple group exercises, faith-sharing, and Catholic tradition. Seasons of Hope is highly adaptable to fit the individual needs of the grieving in the parish. The comprehensive guidebook and four participant journals, one for each season, give you everything you need from beginning to end.

2016 Speaker's Book Award — Shortlisted A look back over Bartleman’s seventy years, from his childhood of poverty to becoming the Queen’s representative in Ontario. James Bartleman, Ontario’s first Native lieutenant governor, looks back over seventy years to his childhood and youth to describe how learning to read at any early age led him to dream dreams, empowering him to serve his country as an ambassador. In time, Bartleman’s exciting and fulfilling career as a Canadian diplomat took him to a dozen countries around the world, from Bangladesh to Cuba, and from Australia to South Africa. After a vicious beating in a hotel room robbery in South Africa, however, he was forced to come to terms with a deepening depression. In the end, Bartleman found new meaning in life when he became the Queen’s representative in Ontario and mobilized the public to support his initiatives championing books and education for Native children. Seasons of Hope is the extraordinary story of an extraordinary man, and of his constant journey to hope.

Based on his countless occasions to listen to the needs of cancer patients, this chaplain and author reflects on both the reality of life as a cancer patient and the reality of a good and gracious God who promises healing and hope for the journey.

The four participant journals--one for each season--are for use in group gatherings and home journaling. Each week offers a theme, commentary, scripture citations for further reading, and spiritual exercises drawn from Catholic tradition. The four seasons follow the same pattern and can be used consecutively in a parish, but are also designed to stand alone.

Although God promised to be ever-present and faithful, some situations in life can be so overwhelming that they get in the way of our faith. Combining Scripture passages with brief meditations, Hope for All Seasons helps us with fresh point of view on reasons to put our trust in God, no matter what. Each selection reminds us that God will never fail—He will follow through on His Word, and He will not allow us to be consumed by the everyday challenges of life.

In Seasons of Hope, author Frank Bice reflects upon his experience with gratitude and service in the world of football and lacrosse. With coaches as father figures, and highlighting the athletic fields of Manhasset, Saint Mary's, Cranwell, Canterbury, Siena, and Sacred Heart Academy, Frank Bice attempts to leave no player, or mentor, behind. Using inspirational stories illustrating themes of courage, hope, love, and loyalty, Frank Bice captures the essence of teamwork and perseverance. After reading Seasons of Hope, you will want to say "Yes" to service and make it fun. You will learn to show up when someone is hurting and understand the importance of being creative verses competitive. Frank Bice emphasizes that if you experience a perceived failure and you remain grateful, something better will come along. When times are really tough, Seasons of Hope challenges us to prove how great we can be by choosing to be positive. The overriding theme of this timeless classic is Service makes you powerful, gratitude makes you invincible. Seasons of Hope is a must read for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking to overcome challenges in life.