Contact: Mike Virgintino, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 914-941-7636 ext 2219

MARYKNOLL, N.Y., March 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Repair My House, a new way to look at the future of the Catholic Church, is the latest book by Father Michael H. Crosby, a Capuchin Franciscan with degrees in biblical studies and economics.

Repair My House is scheduled to be published during April by Orbis Books, the book division of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Within its 272 pages, Father Crosby offers a renewed vision of the Catholic story. He references the tale of St. Francis of Assisi, whose inspired mission of evangelical renewal developed when he heard the instruction to "repair my house" from a crucifix in a ruined chapel. Today, in light of unprecedented crisis afflicting the Catholic Church, Father Crosby calls on all Catholics to undertake a wholesale project of repair and renewal.

Citing incidents that have raised questions about internal structures of authority and clerical culture within the church, Father Crosby indicates that the church also faces challenges from "new atheists" who question traditional world views and dismiss religion and believers as irrelevant, and from the growing number of people who identify themselves as "former Catholics."

Father Crosby writes that the answer for the Catholic Church is to return to the basic message of Jesus Christ, one that is supported and not contradicted by advances in science and cosmology. He envisions a new way of being Catholic and a set of practices that draws on the contemplative, compassionate and life-giving spirit of the Kingdom of God on Earth and it heaven.

Considered a pioneer in promoting corporate responsibility through socially responsible investing, Father Crosby also is the author of many award-winning books published by Orbis Books, including The Spirituality of the Beatitudes (2005), The Prayer that Jesus Taught Us (2002), Do You Love Me? Jesus Questions the Church (2000) and Finding Francis, Following Christ (2008).

Father Crosby has traveled the world to preach and write. For more information, visit michaelcrosby.net.

Founded during 1970, Orbis Books endeavors to publish works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit, and challenge the conscience. Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. Learn more at www.orbisbooks.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/orbisbooks.

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 28 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll’s mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God’s love and the Gospel in combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers at maryknollsociety.org and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/MaryknollNews.