Brennan, Patrick. Parish that Excel: Models of Excellence in Education, Ministry, and Evangelization. New York: Cross Road, 1992
This book uses a case study approach that applies Tom Peter's criteria for achieving excellence t evaluate a parish's educational ministry, general lay ministry, and evangelization. The author argues that this excellence criteria should be adopted by all churches to manage ministry for a vibrant community life.
Dulles, Avery. Models of the Church: Expanded Edition. New York: Doubleday, 1987.
A classic reflection on ecclesiology and identifies the basic models of what church can be based on the documents of the Second Vatican Council. Particular attention should be paid to the "The Church as Servant" and "The Church: Community of Disciples" models because they do the most emphasize the involvement of the laity in the mission and ministry of the church.
Harris, Maria. Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church. Louisville, KY, 1989.
This provides a basic understanding for catechetical ministry with in the parish. Harris argues that all of parish life helps form the faith lives of children and adults. This is more than just a nice theory for administrators to be aware of it has a practical application in reminding staff and volunteer leaders that ministries do work towards a common purpose and can help administrators work through the turf wars that can develop on staffs around limited resources.
Huebsch, Bill and Thrumes, Paul. Vatican II in Plain English: The Constitutions. Alien, TX: Thomas More, 1996.
This book paraphrases the Dogmatic Constitution of the Church, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, and the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World into plain English. These documents are central to the changes in our church in the last 40 years. This resource provides a paraphrase of the text in a way that is accessible to every day readers.
Kaufman, Philip S. Why You can Disagree and Remain a Faithful Catholic: New Expanded and Revised Edition. New York: Crossroad, 1996.
This book, despite its controversial title, is a reasoned way to approach one's possible dissent with various church teachings. For those ministers that find it hard to minister in a church with moral teachings that they may not personally agree with, this book is helpful in understanding that such dissent does not make one a "bad" Catholic.
Why I am Still a Catholic. Ed. Ryan, Kevin and Marilyn. New York: Riverhead Books, 1998.
The editors compiled essays of Catholics as from a diverse array of public professions on why they are Catholic given at times the seemingly confounding teachings of the church on moral issues. Contributors include famous athletes, authors, and priests. Their journey of acceptance and importance of being Catholic in their lives is a great reminder that our church has people coming from a range of perspectives about what it means to be a Catholic in our modern world.
Senior, Donald Ed., The Catholic Study Bible: New American Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 1990.
This is an excellent biblical resource for administrators that includes a listing of each cycle of the lectionary, extensive notes, and exegetical articles that provide a deeper understanding of the scriptures.
Theophane the Monk. Tales of a Magic Monastery. New York: Crossroad, 1987.
A series of parable like stories that help the reader reflect on the God's presence in one's life. These stories help in personal reflection and prayer.
The New Testament – filled with insightful stories and letters to give inspiration, strength, and comfort during the perils, trials, and tribulations of parish administration.
Good Morning Lord, Everyday Prayers for Everyday People
By Rev. Joseph T. Sullivan, Twenty-Third Publications
366 short prayers to start your day off right for every day of the year, including Feb. 29.
The Heart & Soul of Effective Management
By James F. Hind, Victor Books (Division of Scripture Press Publications, Inc.)
From the Gospels, the author draws eleven “commandments of caring” which express the ideal servant leadership. In this book you can discover the essence of successful management – a heart-and-soul approach that combines a corporate mind with a servant heart.
My Father’s Business
By Brother Louis De Thomasis, FSC
Brother De Thomases explores the nature of church management, whether the church should be managed, and what in the church needs to be managed.
Catholicism in the Third Millennium
By Thomas P. Rausch, S.J., The Liturgical Press
In order to be an effective church leader and administrator, we must know and understand the Church for which we serve. This book is an excellent resource for understanding the issues the Church must face in the new millennium. There are focus questions that could be used for a group study as well.
Leadership: The Inner Side of Greatness
By Peter Koestenbaum
Peter Koestenbaum tackles the philosophical as well as the practical aspects of leadership and shows how to defend against the resistances that keep us from our own greatness. Kind of “heady” but an excellent book.
Stewardship A Disciple’s Response
By the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Describes what our response needs to be as followers of Christ, living lives of generosity
Leadership Journal
Published by Christianity Today
This is a publication is printed four times a year. It is multi-denominational but an excellent resource for the spiritual and practical work of church management. The journal has very good articles each issue on church, management, spirituality, issues facing church leaders, etc. The site www.christianitytoday.com is also a very good site with lots of resources.