Catholic book clubs: Tips for building community and growing in faith

More and more young people are looking for opportunities to deepen their faith and build community. In this context, Catholic book clubs are becoming a way to combine a shared love for books with spiritual growth.

Initiatives such as the Betania Club de Lectura Católico (Bethany Catholic Book Club) and El Carmelo Descalzo (The Discalced Carmelite) shared their experience with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, and offered some recommendations for those who want to start a similar project in their parish, university, or community.

Entrust it to God For José Jorge Domínguez, who started the Bethany Catholic Book Club, the first step is to begin with prayer and “entrust the project to God.”

“He always sees the intention of the heart,” he added.

He also recommended presenting the initiative to the parish priest so that he is aware of the project and, if possible, can offer spiritual guidance and support.

Common thread Another fundamental element for keeping a book club going is having a defined goal.

Sara Gisela Sánchez Ureña, a member of The Discalced Carmelite, explained that it’s “easier to keep up attendance when the book club has a common…