• Do rainy days and Mondays get you down?
• Do the blues and blahs come upon you often?
• Do you feel gloomy and without motivation?
• Do you feel despondent, dejected and downhearted?
• Do you feel like you're having an emotional recession?
• Do you have a lingering sadness, even when things seem okay?
• Do you wish you had more energy, more hope, and more joy?

Then this new book is for you!

1) From Blues to Smiles to Joy

In 30 chapters you will learn 30 ways to cope with everyday depression and journey through smiles into joy!

Click here and read the first chapter for free

To order the printed book ($14.95) or an eBook ($.99!), click here: www.SpiritofHopePublishing.com

"Father Alan Phillip, C.P., describes FBSJ as a "tapestry," and that it is.  Thirty brief chapters are full of wit, advice, and compassion that connect with quotes from the Bible, countless books and websites.  Most of all, the pages are full of engaging common-sense snipets of wisdom that will cheer us all up and also make us think.  With their fresh and honest style, the chapters are rooted in the author's many years of pastoral care, providing the backdrop for insightful discussions in chapters entitled, variously, Manage Anger, Conquer Fear, Handle Grief, Nurture Your Soul, Take Control and Understand Suffering. 
 
The work is rich in the lessons that are rooted in the basic goodness of human beings and our capacity to grow.  Whether you are content to read one or two chapters in a short time or take a full day and try to digest it all, you will be rewarded with food for thought that you can savor.  The work is engaging and well-written throughout, and is a book to keep."
-- Glen Golden, San Dimas, CA

• Are you a parent concerned that your older children are not going to Sunday Mass?
• Are you a teacher looking for a good resource that explains the Mass?
• Are you a participant in the RCIA and want to learn more about the Mass?
• Are you a teen wondering why you are supposed to go to Mass?
• Do you go to Mass only at Christmas and Easter?
• Are you a non-Catholic seeking understanding of your spouse's Catholic faith?
• Are you looking for a richer spiritual life?

Then I would like to introduce you to my second book:

2) Our Hearts at Sunday Mass - 10 Steps to a Joyful Life

"Through this book I've come to realize the true meaning of Mass, and how it carries the true message of God's love, compassion and mercy.  All through my youth I saw Mass as a chore.  Later, I went and tried to connect with God.  It didn't work.  I didn't know what I was looking for.  I stopped attending.  After five years, I read this book and truly understand the message that Mass conveys and how it carries over to my life throughout the week.  I found insight to appreciate Mass and carry God's message in my daily life."
  -- Luis Esquivel, Anaheim, CA

Perhaps you thought that participation in Sunday Mass took only about an hour or so.  My book explains how participation in Mass is a way of life.  What we do at Mass is intended to form and shape our thoughts, words and actions all day, everyday, all week long, all year long, and all life long.

The chapter titles list the ten steps that our hearts take on the journey to joy.

To buy a copy of the printed book ($8.95) or an eBook ($0.99!), click here: www.spiritofhopepublishing.com (click on link: Other Books/Authors) 

3) Videos or listen/download audio podcasts.

I invite you to click on and play one of the two videos available on this website for a brief overview of these topics.    Although the locations are different, the talks are essentially the same and about twenty-five minutes in length. You may want to play a section at one time, have a discussion, and then go on to play the rest.

Fr. Alan talks to students about Mass

Fr. Alan summarizes his book on Mass

4) Photography

In Chapter 6 of the book I mention how photography changed the way I see the world.  Over the years I have managed to capture some very beautiful photos of God's creation.  I display a new photo each week, accompanied by an inspiration quote.  Click here for the picture of the week. You may duplicate these as often as you wish for your personal use (trim the sides).  They look great on classroom bulletin boards, refrigerator doors, etc.  And framed, they make nice gifts.  I use many of these photos to make greeting cards.

   You can view more of my photos at:

   http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/Yes2LifePhotos/InspirationalPictures

At this Shutterfly site you can purchase my photos in a variety of formats, e.g., prints, note cards, playing cards, puzzles, mugs, desk organizers, etc.  The proceeds from these sales go to Possibility Kids, a California non-profit educational organization.

5) Articles

Over the years I have done a lot of writing.  Some of my better articles are now available on this website.  Just click on the "articles" link at the top of this page.  These articles cover a wide variety of subjects including:

These articles are copyrighted, but you are free to duplicate them, email them, etc., for non-commercial purposes.  Some are suitable for classroom use.  Others are more appropriate for spiritual reading.  You may wish to discuss some of them around the dinner table.  The article, How to Handle Criticism, I recommend for everyone who is engaged in ministry in their parish.  I wish the Peace Interview would be acted out on national TV.  And as a Passionist, I hope everyone reads the first article, A Story About Us.

6) Homilies and Jokes

Part of the ministry of a priest is to build community, to bring people together in a spirit of love. The late comedian Victor Borge once said, "Humor is the shortest distance between people." With that in mind, I try to begin my Sunday homilies with a joke. It not only gets people laughing, but it also wakes up the preacher! I want to share with all of you who visit this website some of the better jokes I have found in recent years. Most of these have gotten good laughs, some guffaws, and of course a few groans. So when you click on the 'Homilies' link above, you will find a joke next to the homily. Enjoy, and share these when you can."

Thank you for your attention. I wish you a great day, and a joyful life!

Fr. Alan, C.P.

7) ZoneFocus

As I meet parents and teachers, I refer them to my website in hopes they will purchase my books, for they are easily understood by youth.  I also recommend to all parents and teachers another website that offers help to young people who have difficulty focusing their attention.  Actually, many adults who have trouble concentrating and remembering will find the help they need at his website.  So I highly recommend:

 www.mindmoves.net/products.html

8) Spirit of Hope

I recommend the many other helpful books available through my publisher, Spirit of Hope Publishing: http://www.SpiritofHopePublishing.com/ 
 
Finally, please tell your family, your friends and everyone you can about this website and about the above mentioned books and features.  Thank you very much.  I wish you a great day and a joyful life!

- Fr. Alan, C.P.