Baseball-loving priest Michael J. Novick publishes memoir

Father Michael J. Novick published his ‘memoir’ type book “We Don’t Live in Eden (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me)” (Xlibris; 2014). The book tells about the author’s journey to the priesthood, the factors that shaped his vocation and ministry, the changes and challenges facing the Catholic Church, and his views on issues such as celibacy, same-sex marriage, and the sexual abuse scandal.

In “We Don’t Live in Eden (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me),” Father Novick also discusses the Catholic theology on the Sacraments, shares some original poems, mentions a thing or two about baseball, which is one of his three passions.

“I had three passions in life – baseball, my faith and music, and not necessarily in that order,” said Father Novick to Chicago Catholic. When he was younger, the author dreamed of playing in the MLB, particularly for the Cubs. In his office, Cubs shirts, pennants, and other memorabilia are on display alongside photos of popes and statues of saints.

Father Novick’s love for baseball seems to complement his natural inclination for math. “Math was my best subject; it came naturally,” said the author. “I’ve followed baseball statistics all my life and learned the formulas – batting averages, earned run averages for the pitchers and plate appearances – what did this guy do against this pitcher or this pitcher against this team. I used to look at the sports pages every morning for that stuff.”

As mentioned in “We Don’t Live in Eden (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me),” Father Novick graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Lewis University and set his sights on the MLB for a job. “I applied to every Major League Baseball team to work in their stats department,” shared the author. “An offer to work as an intern came but it would have meant making a major move for virtually no money. I guess if it would have been THAT important to me, I might have gone for it. Obviously, it wasn’t meant to be.”

Father Novick’s passion for the sport attests the truth of the statement by author George Weigel that “Baseball is by far the most Catholic of the sports on which we lavish such attention and passion.” Certain readers will surely relate to the author’s love for baseball and, at the same time, reflect on the reality of the Church.

Watch out for Father Michael J. Novick’s “We Don’t Live in Eden (But We Can Once Again – Believe Me)” at the upcoming 2019 American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition on June 21-24, 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

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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