Books by Bishop Paprocki

Running for a Higher Purpose

8 Steps to Spiritual and Physical Fitness

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Product Details

Pages: 160

ISBN: 9781646800452

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: March 26, 2021

Imprint: Ave Maria Press

What if you could improve your physical health while deepening your spiritual life? In Running for a Higher Purpose, Most Rev. Thomas John Paprocki, Catholic bishop of Springfield—a marathon runner and hockey player—shares how the simple discipline of running can help you unlock profound spiritual benefits.

Paprocki took up running as a teenager for his health; he ran his first marathon in his forties. Along the way he discovered that improving your physical health through running is a way to honor God and grow deeper in your spiritual life.

Perfect for those who want to try running for the first time as well as for more experienced runners who want to set goals for a new challenge, Running for a Higher Purpose offers eight steps to reach spiritual and physical fitness.

Each chapter includes an inspirational quotation, a personal promise statement, and a prayer.

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“A clear and inspiring book.”

“Running for a Higher Purpose spectacularly lays out the value of human activity not only for the body, but also for the soul. Having spent more than a dozen years working in the sphere of faith and athletics, I am grateful to Bishop Paprocki for writing such a clear and inspiring book on how we can and should connect the two. It is precisely the type of book that we need in the hands of every athlete, young and old.”

Thomas Wurtz
Founder and director of Varsity Catholic / Author of Compete Inside

“Bold witness.”

“This wonderful book is filled with practical running guidance, nutritional advice, and—most importantly—faith exercise. Bishop Paprocki shows how running can improve our trust in Christ. Running for a Higher Purpose sets the stage for maximum spiritual growth which then fuels physical well-being.  This book inspires us to ‘make something beautiful for God’ as we run forward in faith.  High five for Bishop Paprocki's bold witness with fitness!”

Angi Castle
LIFE Runners

“The world is a better place because of this book.”

“Jesus Christ gave us a great bucket list to complete: the Beatitudes. Bishop Paprocki's book Running for a Higher Purpose is an excellent and worthwhile read. It includes the 'Beatitudes of Running.' The world is a better place because of this book. It will help us get to heaven.”

Patrick McCaskey
Vice President / Chicago Bears Football Club
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Holy Goals for Body and Soul

Eight Steps to Connect Sports with God and Faith

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Product Details

Pages: 160

ISBN: 9781594713668

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: March 11, 2013

Imprint: Ave Maria Press

Hockey-playing Catholic bishop Thomas J. Paprocki has a message for teens and young adults: athletics and fitness provide daily ways to connect with God. Bishop Paprocki weaves his unique personal story with eight athletic topics and connects them with a path to wholeness.

Holy Goals for Body and Soul: Eight Steps to Connect Sports with God and Faith links lessons from the world of sports and fitness—especially the experiences of a Catholic bishop who plays ice hockey—with concrete ways to live a holy life. In Bishop Paprocki’s view, everyone is called to holiness, which can be encountered anywhere: “I encounter holiness while training for a marathon. I encounter holiness during a workout at the health club.” He explores eight sports-related topics to help the reader navigate a life of holiness: Fear, Frustration, Failure, Fortitude, Faith, Friendship, Family, and Fun

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“A must-read.”

“Who better than a Catholic bishop who plays goalie to make the connections between the challenges and rewards of sports with those of daily living? Holy Goals for Body and Soul is a must-read for anyone seeking to be a better person.”

Tony Esposito
Hall of Fame Goalie / Chicago Blackhawks

“A positive approach to sports.”

“In our sports-crazy society, we sometimes overlook the good that can come from being in athletics. In Holy Goals for Body and Soul, Bishop Thomas Paprocki examines the characteristics that are important to all of us that play, coach, or are fans of sports. He gives us eight steps for overcoming obstacles that we face regularly in our athletic lives and connects them to God and faith. These guidelines are not only a positive approach to sports, but also to how we can use them in our daily lives.”

Jeff Jackson
Head Hockey Coach / University of Notre Dame

“A refreshing reminder.”

“Holy Goals for Body and Soul is a refreshing reminder that sports can have a powerful impact on each and every one of us who participate. Holy Goals for Body and Soul highlights the lessons of working with others to achieve and fail together. A must-read for every parent searching for the positive, long-lasting impact that sports can have.”

Jay Blunk
Executive Vice President of Business Operations / Chicago Blackhawks

“Practical strategies for building a bridge between sports and faith.”

“Holy Goals for Body and Soul offers practical strategies for building a bridge between sports and faith.  When sports are done with an intentional connection to faith, our young people can discover and develop Christian virtues that thrive on the field and in their daily lives. Winning becomes living as a faithful disciple of Jesus.”

Greg Dobie Moser
Former Executive Director of National CYO Sports / Member of the US Olympic Committee
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