Catherine Gotschall, Sc.D., is an end-of-life doula, a therapeutic musician, and a life-long Episcopalian. In her prior life as a government scientist, she conducted research in automotive safety, trauma care and emergency medical services. She has held senior leadership positions in national professional organizations and published more than 40 articles in biomedical journals and has contributed chapters to medical textbooks. She lives in Florida.
 

"I have been a parish priest for 33 years.  This book has found its way into my heart and my ministry. "When I began to read about Saints Pauli Murray, Oscar Romero, Frederick Douglass, and Edith Stein…just to name a few, I thought, 'This is what I have been waiting for!' A book of Saints that we can bring into our prayers, discussions, and sermons, that speaks to where we are in the present moment and what we, as people of faith, are struggling with.    "In today’s tumultuous times, it is so important to remember those who went before us, who broke ground and glass ceilings.  When I find those times when I can’t figure out what to do, this book brings me back to a Saint who has paved the way.  The author has brilliantly woven in prayer using Anglican prayer beads, including a step-by-step instruction on 'how to use Anglican prayer beads!' There are beautiful illustrations, prayers, and concise descriptions of Saints that help us not only learn more about them but also bring them into our own personal prayer life.  Bravo, Cathy Gotschall, thank you for this 'Song of the Saints'."  —The Reverend Suzanne M. Post, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich, CT, Former Assisting Priest, St. Michael and All Angels, Venice, FL

"This book is for someone reaching out to people on the margins, like a deacon; a bridge—showing that the Saints were people who faced real struggles, just like many in the world today. Their journeys weren’t perfect, but they showed perseverance, faith, and the power of prayer. Offering this connection can make the Saints feel more approachable and relevant to people’s everyday lives. And the experience of using prayer beads, especially when paired with the Saints' stories, can really enhance one's spiritual practice. For those unfamiliar with the beads, it’s like a new tool for focusing prayer and building a deeper connection with God. This book helps demystify that, making it a wonderful resource for both personal growth and ministry. "It's amazing how connecting with the lives of the Saints can open up new dimensions of prayer and devotion. Each Saint has such a unique story and spiritual journey, and this book offers a beautiful way for anyone, regardless of where they are in their faith, to explore those stories and find inspiration."—The Reverend Ken McCaslin, MAR, FHL7, Deacon St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, Naples, FL, Chaplain Retired Clergy Naples, FL, Chaplain Daughters of the King, St. Monica’s Chapter, Naples, FL

"What a wonderful contribution to prayer! As I prayed with the words of the saints, I felt a deep peace in my soul. The additional materials - introductions, illustrations, and biographies—are profoundly helpful. This offering is an extraordinarily lovely way to encounter the liturgical year anew. Truly, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses to the love of God!"  —The Reverend Susanne Methven, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of Oklahoma

"If you wish to deepen your devotional practice, and are curious about how the saintly people of God through out the centuries, could be your spiritual companions, this is a book for you. Song of the Saints, provides history and background about how saints as 'holy exemplars' can lead us more deeply into our relationship with the Holy One, and how one actually uses prayer beads. Whether or not prayer beads have been a ritual that you use to increase your faith, you will find this book is unique, as the prayers offered use the writings and words of the saints themselves.  This gives us a first hand view into the spiritual wisdom and faith of those who have shown the light of God in their lives, and can illuminate our lives with insights and revelations of God. What an inspired way to expand your community of spiritual friends as well as enhance your own faith!"  —The Reverend Susan E. Bentley, Episcopal Priest, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, Chaplain Daughters of the King, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia

"Hallelujah! What a unique and wonderful way to learn about our saints! By praying the Anglican Rosary using their words, I have learned so much more about the saints. Plus, I am participating in the growing tradition of the Anglican rosary! I will keep this book with my Bible and BCP to lift up my daily devotions!"  —The Reverend Andrea Rose Hayden, Priest-in-charge, Saint Nathaniel’s Episcopal Church, North Port, FL

"The Spirit has led the way for this book. She has called and supplied the relational, the theological, scientific, and artistic gifts to the author. Those of us willing to listen for the same Spirit need this lovely book for prayer, for following Christ, and for deepening our experience of God with the example from the lives and prayers of human beings like and unlike us. Dwell in this book and celebrate with the saints!"  —The Reverend Janet Fuller, author of Blessings for your Students: Prayers for Interfaith Communities in Higher Education University, Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, Emeritx, Elon University

"What an extraordinary gift Cathy Gotschall has given us in Song of the Saints! On one level, it is a wonderful anthology of saints—both familiar and new—filled with their wisdom, images, and stories. On another, it is a devotional that extends a gracious invitation to grab your prayer beads, sit, and feel as if you’re praying with the saints themselves. This was clearly a labor of love; we are the richer for it."—Kristen E. Vincent, spiritual director Author of A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads

"Cathy Gotschall has created a beautiful volume bringing together the richness and depth of prayer, art, and biography and crafting an innovative lens through which we see many of our  saints of God. Song of the Saints will undoubtedly be a go-to guide for those seeking to deepen their prayer life and learn more about the lives of the blessed individuals on whose shoulders we now stand. It's rich and full without ever being overwhelming, and I have no doubt it will take folks on a remarkable prayer journey through the year. This prayer book is a wonderful example of what happens when the Holy Spirit nudges us to do something new!"  —The Reverend Matt Rhodes, Rector St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Forest, Virginia

"Song of the Saints is a unique and accessible way to deepen your prayer life and your spirituality through the words of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives. Using the writings of the saints themselves, Gotschall takes her readers on a year-long journey through history, through faith, and through the lives of individuals from around the world who stopped, listened, and responded when the Holy Spirit/God/Jesus came knocking. Through the physical touch of the prayer beads in your hand your mind is freed to lift the words of prayer up and out of your heart and mind into the realm beyond. Whatever your theological or worship tradition you will find a saint or saints in this book who will speak the yearnings of your heart and the joys of your faith in ways you never thought possible."  —The Reverend Barbara Condon, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, retired

"The church with the most members—by far—is the one in heaven, the Church Triumphant. Through baptism and the communion we share in the same Holy Spirit