This list is not all inclusive. There are certainly more books and materials
which you can find on your own. But this list can be your starter list.
From here, you can go on and find other materials to help you in your writing
of Catholic articles. It is better to get those materials that are written by
authors approved by the Vatican. Some authors today are quite controversial
because of writings in relation to the moral issues being debated today.
Others are banned by the Vatican because their writings are to steeped in
liberation theology. If you keep to the classics, that is a safe direction.
As for the modern authors, this may need some discernment on your part. You
will eventually discover whether the material does not go against what the
Church teaches. When in doubt of certain authors, you may want to consult
the opinion of your parish priest or a theology professor.
You do not need to go through all the books and materials above. Just pick
a few which is available in your public library. For starters, may we suggest
the Saints' Guide series. These are very readable and very informative and
for certain truly classic as they are taken
from the writings of popular and great saints. This Series has good commentaries
that are written after the classic writings presented. The commentaries
explain more in detail about how the subject matter can be seen within
the context of contemporary living.
If in your selection of the titles listed above, you come upon a piece of
writing that is highly theological in its field of meaning, then just shelve
it for the meantime. You will soon get to understand this as you read more of
the Catechism, the translations of the Scripture, and the Encyclicals written
in everyday language. To help you understand the context of theology that many of
the Catholic books have been written, you can purchase a special dictionary
of theology or just surf the Net and search for the terms online. Whichever is
more convenient is the best. It is also good not to rely solely on Catholic
information online but also much better to have printed copies of these books
and materials. Nothing can still replace the insight and depth of wisdom that
is gained by taking a book in hand and reading it reflectively.