Books by Author


Leisa Utsler Anslinger '79

Meet the Author: Leisa Utsler Anslinger '79 brings extensive experience in Catholic parishes and schools to her ministry as an author and speaker. She is a regular contributor to ministerial publications and catechetical and stewardship resources. In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, she holds a Master of Arts degree in secondary school counseling from Purdue University and a Master of Arts degree in religion from the Athenaeum of Ohio. She currently resides in Indianapolis, Ind., with her husband, Steve.

Forming Generous Hearts: Stewardship Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation (2008), co-authored with Victoria Shepp, poses seven principles for parish life that lead to discipleship and stewardship. Building upon research that identifies factors that lead to parishioner engagement and spiritual commitment, and drawing upon catechetical, stewardship and evangelization documents, the book offers parish groups a process for pastoral planning.

Here Comes Everybody! Whole Community Catechesis in the Parish (2004) is an introduction to the dimensions of lifelong faith formation found in our Church's catechetical documents and an exploration of proven parish practices that support on-going conversion in Christ.

Desires of the Heart, co-authored with Bill Huebsch, is a collection of brief prayer experiences created for individual or small Christian community groups. The book's forty-eight prayers are designed to be used with the Growing Faith Project, a series of small booklets that summarize the Catechism of the Catholic Church in plain and accessible English, but the prayers stand alone and can be used for in a variety of settings.

Celebrating the Lectionary: Covenant People includes scriptural background and catechetical sessions for each week of the liturgical year for young adolescents. This book is one of a series of resources that form a liturgy-based catechetical process for year-round catechesis for the whole community.

Growing Stronger in Faith and Action and Guiding Your Parish to Live its Strengths are web-based resources available through PastoralPlanning.com, as is Connect - a small faith community resource for parish leaders; Leisa also authors a regular column, Keeping the Faith, in Ministry and Liturgy Magazine.


Frances Baron '01G

Meet the Author: Frances Baron '01G received the Master of Pastoral Theology (MAPT) degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2001 and her Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ohio, in 2005. In the late 1970s, she published monthly articles about children in The Banner (Christian Reformed Church publication) and in 2000 she published "Tracts and My Tears" in The Church Herald (Reformed Church publication). When approaching her book publications, Baron conducted personal interviews over dinner to capture every story. "The people talked, I wrote. I believe in the theological term 'table fellowship!'"

One Song, Many Voices (2008) shares the life stories of 76 members of Harderwyk Ministries, Holland.

Advent Story Book (2006, 2000, 1999)

God is Reliable (2006) (Ken Vos’ Reliable Sports and Skis Haus stories)


Audrey Borschel '99G

About the Author: Audrey Borschel is a proud graduate of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Theology (MAPT) program at SMWC. She received her Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis in 2004, and was ordained to Christian Ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2003, serving congregations in Indiana, most recently Pittsboro Christian Church. Borschel received her Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance from The University of British Columbia in1985. She is a singer and song writer, and leads spiritual retreat, gives presentations and is involved with a number of peace and justice projects.

Preaching Prophetically When the News Disturbs: Interpreting the Media This book is the first resource to help preachers and listeners interpret the news stories of our day and to understand the media industry that produces them. It answers these questions: What is the news that disturbs? What is media literacy, and what are the tools we can use to understand the media industry? The book helps preachers prepare for preaching in times of crisis and to care for their congregations when the news disturbs.


Mary Jane Vogler Cordon '62

Meet the Author: Mary Jane Vogler Cordon '62 attended The Woods while she was a Sister of Providence (1956 - 1974). Subsequently, she received a Master of Science in Education degree in mathematics from Dayton University and a Master of Arts in Education degree in community college administration from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She was professor of mathematics at Pasadena City College for 20 years as well as associate dean of Economic Development for several years. While there she received The Ralph Story Award as well as the J. Risser Award for outstanding teaching and service to the college. Currently she holds the rank of professor emeritus at Pasadena City College.

Clinical Calculations for Nurses (1994) is a text written for those students who not only need to refresh their basic mathematics but also need to apply basic mathematical concepts to on-the-job clinical situations. The book contains problems relating to actual nursing situations with clear explanations and detailed step-by-step examples. Actual prescriptions and medication labels are used in the problems and examples. An option for the instructor is a set of videotaped lectures by the author that accompany the text as well as a Viewer's Guide for each student.

Mastering Intermediate Algebra (1991), co-authored with Yoshi Yamato, will prepare college students for technical courses in business, chemistry or physics, as well as for further work in college mathematics. Although some basic concepts in elementary algebra are reviewed throughout, this text is designed for students with a background in elementary algebra. Its format is designed for diverse teaching modes.

Mastering Elementary Algebra (1991), co-authored with Yoshi Yamato, is a basic text for college students who need to study or review elementary algebra. The book will prepare students for technical courses in business, chemistry, or physics, as well as for intermediate algebra. Its format is suitable for diverse teaching methods.

Mastering Mathematical Concepts (1988), co-authored with Yoshi Yamato, is a basic mathematics text designed for college students who need an in-depth review of these essentials before proceeding further in mathematics. The format of the book is suitable for traditional lecture classes and individualized instruction as well as math labs and learning centers. An option for the instructor is a set of videotaped lectures by Cordon that accompany the text along with a viewer's guide for each student.


William "Bill" Ditewig, Ph.D., '88G

About the Author: William "Bill" Ditewig '88G graduated from college in 1971 and joined the Navy. He remained active in ministry and academics throughout his Navy career, serving in a variety of lay ministries. Deacon Ditewig was ordained for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1990. Commander Ditewig retired from the Navy in 1993. In September 2002, he joined the senior staff of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops where he served as the executive director of both the Secretariat for the Diaconate and the Secretariat for Evangelization and as a Hebrew consultant to the Bishops' Committee on Scripture Translations. Throughout all of these assignments, Ditewig served as an adjunct professor of theology at six different colleges and universities. Currently, he is an associate professor of theology and director of graduate programs in theology at Saint Leo University near Tampa, Fla., and is on the governing Board of the International Diaconate Center in Germany. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, a Master of Arts degree in education, a Master of Arts degree in pastoral theology, and the Ph.D. from the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America.

The Emerging Diaconate: Servant Leaders in a Servant Church (2007) This book offers an historical review of the diaconate, its renewal at the Second Vatican Council and the issues that affect the ongoing renewal and implementation of this ancient order of ministry in the contemporary Church.

The Deacon at Mass: A Theological and Pastoral Guide (2007) Intended for all persons concerned with the role of the deacon at Mass, such as pastors, liturgical planners and others, this book reviews the current liturgical law pertaining to deacons and provides a theological rationale behind the deacon's various functions at Mass.

The Diaconate Today: Contemporary Issues and Cross Currents (2006) Co-authored with Frederick Campbell and Alfred Hughes, this book addresses the implications of the development of the USCCB's "National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of the Permanent Diaconate" in the United States.

The Theology of the Diaconate: State of the Question (2005) Co-authored with Owen Cummings and Richard Gaillardetz, this book contains the text of three addresses given on the subject at a national convention of diocesan deacon directors in the United States.

101 Questions and Answers on Deacons (2004) Part of Paulist Press' popular "101 Questions and Answers" series, this text responds to the most common questions about the diaconate renewed by the Second Vatican Council. It received a third place CPA award in 2005.

Lay Leaders: Resources for the Changing Parish (1991) Based on the author's experience as a Parish Life Coordinator, this book is intended as a resource for lay persons called to serve as pastoral leaders of parishes in the absence of priests. The text was originally the author's master's project for the degree of Master of Arts in pastoral theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Leading Our Children to God: A Faith Guide for Catholic Parents (1984) This book is intended as a resource for parents in forming their children in the faith. It is co-authored with William R. Brinkmann.


Mary Doyle-Brodien '05G

Meet the Author: Mary Doyle-Brodien '05G has nearly forty years of professional writing experience spanning the print, radio and electronic industries. She has written advertising and publicity for companies of all sizes; hundreds of newspaper articles; and several books written under her maiden name, Mary K. Doyle. She also speaks on the topics of Marian devotion, the rosary, Saint Mother Theodore and mentoring. Mary received a Master of Arts degree in pastoral theology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2005. She resides in a far western suburb of Chicago with her husband, Marshall.

Grieving with Mary. Finding Comfort and Healing in Devotion to the Mother of God (2009) While we are often blessed with joy, nearly everyone also endures painful times in their life. But we do not have to suffer alone. In addition to our loving God, we can gain much comfort from praying with Mary, the Mother of God. Learn how you may connect with her through Words, Art, Sacramentals, Motion and Sacred Spaces. You also will find some valuable resources in the Appendix of this book.

Seven Principles of Sainthood Following Saint Mother Theodore Guerin (2008) Thoroughly researched and immensely readable, Seven Principles of Sainthood defines the virtues of our favorite Saint Mary-of-the-Woods saint, Mother Theodore Guerin. Learn how you also may attain holiness by Praying with Saints, Trusting in Providence, Spreading the Word, Leading by Serving, Forgiving like Jesus, Being Just and Kind, and Striving for Humility by following Mother Theodore's examples. An Appendix also offers a detailed glossary, timeline and several of Saint Mother Theodore's favorite prayers.

The Rosary Prayer by Prayer. How and Why We Pray the Christ-Centered Rosary of the Blessed Mother (2005) Whether you are saying the rosary for the first time or are already praying the rosary daily, you will find that this book is an invaluable resource and aid to promoting a deeper prayer experience. It is a treasure chest of information about the history and benefits of the rosary, suggestions for meditation on the mysteries, exquisite original artwork and references. It also is an easy way to pray the rosary. Simply follow along page-by-page, prayer-by-prayer. A passage from Scripture, reflection and illustration accompanies every one of the 20 Mysteries.

Mentoring Heroes. 52 Fabulous Women's Path to Success and the Mentors Who Empowered Them (2000) In business and our personal life, we go further and faster with assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced friend. Learn how 52 women attained high levels of success, how they were mentored, and how they pass on the gift of mentoring in this informative and inspiring book.

The Eighth American Saint. The Life of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana Katherine Burton's masterful and moving biography of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin is complimented and completed with the inclusion of Mary K. Doyle's Foreword and Afterword. Mary offers her personal account of the canonization and perspective as a graduate of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, which was founded by Saint Mother Theodore. The book is a real page-turner you won't be able to put down.


Norma Valle Ferrer '69

Meet the Author: Norma Valle Ferrer ’69 is a journalist, writer and professor at the University of Puerto Rico, where she teaches journalism and gender courses. She is producer and host of the weekly radio program Agenda de hoy heard on WRTU-FM. She has published seven books and her articles have been published widely in Puerto Rico, Latin America and the United States.

Luisa Capetillo, obra completa, "Mi Patria es la Libertad" (2008) Ferrer includes in this edition the complete works of feminist pioneer Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922); that is, four books, personal letters and articles. The author writes an introduction, as well annotates the books.

Luisa Capetillo, A Pioneer Puerto Rican Feminist (2006) The biography of Capetillo amazes contemporary audiences, since she was a feminist labor leader that embraced anarchism, free love, vegetarianism and human rights.

Las mujeres en Puerto Rico (2006) This popular publication, a panoramic history of women in Puerto Rico, is oriented towards a general audience.

Luisa Capetillo, historia de una mujer proscrita (1998) First historical biography of feminist author and labor leader Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922), published in Puerto Rico.

Espacio para la igualdad, el Abc de un periodismo no sexista (1996) A ground breaking book on how journalism should avoid sexism. With wide international distribution, the book was published in Chile and is at present used as textbook in many journalism programs. This book was co-authored with Berta Hiriart and Ana María Amado.

Apreciación crítica de la radio en Puerto Rico (1995) This is a collection of theoretical essays on radio and audience research in Puerto Rico.

Fiestas de Cruz, tradición y devoción en la comunidad puertorriqueña (1990) This is an analysis of a folkloric traditional celebration.


Jennifer Fredericks-Dorsey '97

Meet the Author: Jennifer Fredericks-Dorsey '97 has worked in publishing as an editor and writer for 12 years. She is the author of four books and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts and doctorate in English rhetoric and composition at Saint Louis University. She lives in Edwardsville, Ill., with her husband and two children.

Medical Terminology for Dummies (2008) A beginner's guide to the basics of medical terminology, this book includes information on anatomy and physiology words and phrases. Also includes historical information, root words, prefixes, suffixes and pronunciation tips.

Start Your Own Import/Export Business Second Edition Jumpstart your import/export business with this handy guide. Learn about ways to get your business off the ground. It includes information on startup basics, government issues and import/export business planning.

Start Your Own Medical Claims Billing Business Second Edition Jumpstart your medical claims billing business with this handy guide. Learn about ways to get your business off the ground. This guide includes information on billing basics, working with Medicare and Medicaid, information management and how to work with physicians and hospitals.

Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business Second Edition Jumpstart your self-publishing business with this handy guide. Learn about ways to get your business off the ground. It includes information on setting up shop, working with freelance writers and designers and using printing/distribution/marketing channels.


Joan Wylie Hall '69

Meet the Author: Joan Wylie Hall '69 earned a doctorate in English and American literature at Notre Dame and taught in the SMWC English Department from 1974-78, when Dr. Patrick Harkins was chair. Since 1979, she has been an instructor at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., where she has taught southern lit and other American literature. She has published more than 100 book reviews, more than 50 articles on literary topics, and two books: Shirley Jackson: A Study of the Short Fiction and Conversations with Audre Lorde. Most of her research is on women writers. Her husband, J.R. Hall, is a medievalist at the University of Mississippi; their daughter Jennifer lives in Oxford, Miss., and their son Justin lives in Boston.

Conversations with Audre Lorde (2004) is a collection of interviews with a Caribbean-African-American poet who died in the Virgin Islands in 1992. Hall gathered the interviews from various media, including some German pieces that she had translated for the first time.

Shirley Jackson: A Study of the Short Fiction (1993) Series Editors: Gary Scharnhorst, University of New Mexico and Eric Haralson, State University of New York, Stony Brook This is the only series to provide in-depth critical introductions to major modern and contemporary short story writers worldwide. Each volume offers:


Mary Berger Kelly '58

Meet the Author: After graduation from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Kelly took up high school and eventually college teaching. She holds advanced degrees from Rhode Island School of Design and Syracuse University. During summers, she traveled and did research on her favorite subject, textiles, and has been active in lecturing and writing many articles in textile publications and publishing books with other authors. Kelly most recently addressed an audience at the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., on her most recent book. She has also lectured at the Smithsonian Institution and at numerous colleges and universities. She is an artist and weaver, has had many shows of her work and now resides in Hilton Head, S. C., where she maintains a studio.

Goddess of Embroideries of the Northlands (2007) This final volume was published last year as Kelly returned from several trips into the Far East, Central Asia and up the Volga River to Finland, the Baltics and finally Scandinavia. She tracked motifs used in textiles from Siberia to the Atlantic, following the routes that migrants took in pre-history across the Russian north. Again, she points out that the symbols used in the east were still being used in the west almost a thousand years later. Kelly will guest curate an exhibition of Norwegian textiles at the Vesterhiem Museum in Decorah, Iowa, in September 2009.

Goddess Embroideries of the Balkan Lands and the Greek Islands (1999) Following a sabbatical year in Greece and a Fulbright Grant in Sofia, Bulgaria, Kelly published her research in this second volume, touching on both the islands and mainland of Greece and the Bulgarian state at its northern border. She describes the embroidered textiles used in family rites and festivals and the many collections she viewed.

Goddess Embroideries of Eastern Europe (1986) This initial book introduces the textile treasures of Russia and Eastern Europe after the author returned from a year's exchange in Moscow, which was sponsored by the State University of New York. Travel not only in the former Soviet Union but also in the contiguous countries to the south, Kelly describes the rituals of textile production and seasonal rites that impelled women to make images of goddesses on their textiles.

Making and Using Ritual Cloths (2004) In this how-to book, Kelly takes the opportunity to discuss home rituals in the United States and points out ways that the average person can make and use ritual cloths. It includes many charts and illustrations.


Margaret Catherine Marberg '97

Meet the Author: Margaret Catherine Marberg ’97 published her first mystery novel in 2007, followed by two more novels. All three books have an interior design theme along with a puzzling murder.

Fatal Flip (2009) Everyone is looking forward to interior designer Jean Hastings’s restoration of a Victorian mansion, but the open house becomes a crime scene when a body is discovered.

Decorate to Death (2008) Second in the Interior Design mystery series-includes decorating tips. Patterns of a deadly kind emerge when the wealthy new client of decorator Jean Hastings is murdered.

Faux Finished (2007) First in the new Interior Design mystery series-design tips included! Seville, Indiana, has five traffic lights and one interior design firm-Designer Jeans, cofounded by Jean Hastings and her daughter, Jean Jr. Lately they're finding that the keen eyes needed for plotting color schemes and tracking down flea market treasures also come in handy for interpreting more sinister designs.


Margaret D. McElroy '63

Meet the Author: Following graduate work at the University of Virginia (UVa) and Vanderbilt University, McElroy was director of Audiology Services at Providence Speech and Hearing Center, Orange, Calif. She then joined the faculty in the Communication Disorders Program at UVa. During her 24 year tenure at UVa, she served in several positions including program director and director of Audiology. Her professional interests were pediatric audiology, supervision and administration.

The Education of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (1992) was written to broaden the perspectives of classroom, laboratory and clinical teachers in audiology and speech-language pathology with the intent of encouraging them to seek improvement in their teaching and to experiment with innovative strategies. The preparation of clinicians in various fields, including those in the educational and health-care professions, was examined and reviewed for readers’ consideration. Among the topics addressed by the editor-authors were: curriculum development, teaching methods, course design and clinical supervision. Eleven guest authors also contributed information on topics such as computer-assisted instruction, research laboratory teaching, counseling students in higher education and lifelong learning. This book was co-authored by Judith A. Rassi.


Jean Wilkowski '41

In Abroad for Her Country, Jean M. Wilkowski shares the story of her extraordinary career in the U.S. Foreign Service during the last half of the twentieth century. Born in an era when few women sought professional careers, Wilkowski graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and the University of Wisconsin and then rose through the ranks at the Department of State, from Vice Consul to the first woman U.S. Ambassador to an African country and the first woman acting U.S. Ambassador in Latin America.

During her thirty-five-year diplomatic career, Wilkowski was sent first as a vice consul to the Caribbean during World War II, when the Department of State was "even taking in 4-Fs and women." She moved on to more challenging assignments in Latin America and Europe. For much of her career, she specialized in protecting and promoting U.S. trade and investment interests in such posts as Paris, Milan, Rome, Santiago, and Geneva. She also served during a revolution in Bogatá, attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, and the war between El Salvador and Honduras, when she called in U.S. humanitarian aid for 50,000 war-displaced persons. In 1977 she became coordinator of the U.S. preparation for the 1979 United Nations Conference on Science and Technology in Vienna. She worked closely with Notre Dame president Theodore Hesburgh, head of the U.S. delegation, and accompanied the delegation on its fact-finding visit to the Peoples' Republic of China.

Abroad for Her Country: Tales of a Pioneer Woman Ambassador in the U.S. Foreign Service (2008) Wilkowski’s life is chronicled in this informative and entertaining memoir.


Shari Lynn Wigle '62

Meet the Author: Shari Lynn Wigle '62, who graduated from SMWC with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, was a student of Jeanne Knoerle, SP, '49, the 12th president of the College and former head of the journalism department. Wigle’s career includes newspaper reporting, numerous published freelance magazine and newspaper articles, film production and corporate public relations. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of California, Los Angeles, and lives in Westlake Village, Calif.

Pride of America, We’re With You: The Letters of Grace Anderson, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, World War I (2007) Grace Anderson and over 10,000 World War I army nurses volunteered for a perilous overseas venture. They aided the U.S. troops in the fight for democracy before American women had the right to vote. The 1917-1925 letters of Grace, a nurse anesthetist, follow her from Camp Pike training to France, occupied Germany and her return home. The narrative interweaves the correspondence with World War I history and Grace’s personal life, including her secret romance with an army surgeon. The true story focuses on the human side of the Great War and Grace’s challenges in the postwar years.


Julie Johnson Young '05

Julie Young is the author of A Belief in Providence: A Life of Saint Theodora Guerin. She covers many of Irvington’s local events for the Indianapolis Star. She writes for a number of local, regional, and national publications, including Indianapolis Monthly magazine, IN Michiana, the AAA’s Home & Away, and CNN.com. She has written for the Associated Press, has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and serves as adjunct faculty for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Young worked with the support of the Irvington Historical Society on this project and lives in Indianapolis with her two sons.

Images of America: Historic Irvington (2008) Founded in 1870, historic Irvington serves as a time capsule to the bygone days of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The once autonomous community along the Pennsylvania Railroad and U.S. Route 40 has a history as rich and spellbinding as the legendary tales of its namesake, Washington Irving. Featuring plenty of architectural diversity and notable citizens, Irvington served as the original home to Butler University and became known as a cultural, arts, and academic pillar of the Indianapolis landscape. Today Irvington continues to be the gem of Indianapolis’s east side with locally owned shops and businesses along with a community that is committed to the past while focusing on the future.

A Belief in Providence: a Life of Saint Theodora Guerin (2007) Long before women marched for equal rights and Title IX sought to change the way everyone looked at college and high school athletics; before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and Eleanor Roosevelt championed the plight of the common man; before Madam C. J. Walker became an entrepreneur and Susan B. Anthony campaigned for woman suffrage, there was Mother Theodore Guerin, a pioneer on the Indiana frontier and the founder of the Sisters of Providence at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. "A Belief in Providence: A Life of Saint Theodora Guerin," a youth biography, explores the life of the woman who would become Indiana's first saint. Born Anne-Therese Guerin in France, she joined the Sisters of Providence and in 1840 came to the United States to found an establishment near Terre Haute, Indiana. Despite poor health, primitive frontier conditions, and dealings with a contentious archbishop, who at one point locked her in a room in the rectory, she founded Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, the oldest Catholic women's liberal arts college in the United States, and opened schools in Jasper, Madison, and Vincennes, often facing suspicion and hostility from the local population. The book also examines the process leading to Guerin's canonization on October 15, 2006.