Until we get to heaven, we''re all unfinished Christians.

There are no "self-made" success stories in the spiritual life. No do-it-yourself kits for aspiring saints. That''s why Living the Mysteries is ideal for a family member, friend, or fellow parishioner who was recently in the RCIA program and received the sacraments of initiation - baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist - at the Easter Vigil. That''s why it''s perfect for a lifelong Catholic, too.

The early Church had a process in which a teacher guided seekers through stages of inquiry and purification, culminating in a final phase called "mystagogy" - MIST-a go-gee- "the revelation of the mysteries."

The instruction the early Christians needed is what we all need, no matter when we were baptized, no matter how much theology we''ve studied. That''s because God''s mysteries are inexhaustible and, until we get to heaven, we''re all unfinished Christians.

Now eight of the early Church''s greatest teachers can be your guides as Living the Mysteries presents the wisdom and insights of:

• St. Ambrose
• St. Augustine
• St. Basil
• St. Clement of Alexandria
• St. Cyril of Jerusalem
• St. Gregory of Nyssa
• St. John Chrysostom
• St. Leo the Great

Designed as a devotional - and more - for the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost, Living the Mysteries is a rich spiritual resource valuable any time of the year. Each day features:

• A passage from the Church''s great teachers that focuses on a relevant point of the mystical or moral life.
• A plan with practical applications for letting that reading inspire your prayer and actions throughout the day.

You will treasure these timeless lessons on gaining eternal life.