Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica is perhaps his earliest letter in existence. It is a letter full of enthusiasm and encouragement for the young Christian community in that city. Patrick Jurd shares that enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a parent, teacher and educator, he knows well the importance of the ministry of encouragement.

His books, To Strengthen and Encourage, Always in God’s Presence and now Guided into the truth, each contain a series of brief reflections written for parents, teachers, clergy and other educators who want to draw out the best in young people so that they may truly live the gospel. The themes of his reflections are inspired by the scriptures, as well as the Lasallian and Franciscan charisms and cover a variety of topics – discipleship, liturgy, the church’s year, education, prayer, formation, spirituality, integrity, life choices, building relationships – in ways that are thoughtful, caring, gentle, inspiring, and above all, concerned ‘to strengthen and encourage’ young people in faith.

Copies can be bought, in Australia, from Morning Star Publishing. If you live in the U.S. of A., try Wipf and Stock.

Royalties from the books go to St Maria Mazzarello school in Venilale, Timor-Leste, via Salesian Missions.