Catholic priest Michael J. Novick shares thoughts on challenges facing the Church

What has a priest got to say about the different crises in the Catholic Church? For readers, including critics of the Church, interested in anything about the current state of Catholicism, the book “We Don’t Live in Eden: (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me)” (Xlibris; 2014) by Rev. Michael J. Novick, a priest from the Archdiocese of Chicago, should provide them insights.
 
The book has little to do with its title, which suggests recreating the Garden of Eden on earth – unless certain readers can read beyond the title and relate to the present situation of the Church and the author’s zeal for the faith he professes.
 
“We Don’t Live in Eden” offers an interesting glimpse into the life and priesthood of Fr. Novick who belonged to a family that had close bond with the priests in their parish and enjoyed Catholic education throughout his life. After some time working at warehouses, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 2001.
 
After narrating his journey to the priesthood and offering readers a refresher on the sacraments, Fr. Novick proceeds to focus on the painful reality the Church faces today. He shares his views on issues affecting the Church such as the vocations crisis, sex abuse scandals, same-sex marriage, and the apathy and lukewarm faith of many Catholics, among others.
 
With his book, Fr. Novick hopes to encourage a more positive perception of the Catholic Church and educate society about the roles of priests and the challenges they face. He acknowledges the fact that every priest is different and comes to a parish with a different style of leadership and management.
 
“I will give my personal views as to just what is going to need to happen if there is even going to be a Church in the coming years,” said Fr. Novick. “I hope to make clear that what I write is based in simple love for Jesus Christ to offer hope to a very broken society that hungers for God, even when many don’t know why. My hope is that I can help put a little credibility back into the Catholic Church simply by having a little zeal for the faith we profess.”
 
Don’t miss Rev. Michael J. Novick’s “We Don’t Live in Eden: (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me)” at the upcoming 2019 American Library Association Midwinter meeting and exhibits on Jan 25 to 28, 2019 in Seattle, WA.
 
Copies are available through Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/We-Dont-Live-Eden-Again-Believe/dp/1493191284) and Barnes & Noble (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-dont-live-in-eden-rev-michael-j-novick/1119283310).

 
We Don’t Live in Eden: (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me)
Written by: Rev. Michael J. Novick
Date published: April 1, 2014
Published by: Xlibris
Paperback price: $8.88
 
 
About the Author
Before seminary, Rev. Michael Novick worked in warehousing on the receiving and shipping end for six years for two different retail companies. It was there that he used his geometry and mathematical skills. He attended St. Christopher Grammar School, Midlothian, IL; Marist High School, and has a degree in mathematics from Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. He was ordained from St. Mary of the Lake of the Mundelein Seminary in 2001. Father Michael J. Novick is currently the pastor of St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish in Matteson, IL.  He has three passions in my life: baseball, music, and religion. He loves singing and music in general. He has music CDs from religious, to Vivaldi, all the way to heavy metal.
 
 

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