FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Polly King, Publicist | (260) 437-8468 | publicist@loyolapress.com
CHICAGO, February 1, 2022 – Learning to lean into one’s personal story in an authentic way validates the individual as unique and important, connects to others in the community and the world, and inspires one to take action for the good, explains Eric A. Clayton in his new book Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith.
A “cannonball moment,” writes Clayton, is “a moment of paradox: extreme agony coupled with profound opportunity.” These moments form the essence of a person’s unique life story. Clayton relates the definitive “cannonball moment” in which a Basque soldier was struck by a cannonball in battle. His crippling injuries and long period of healing led to his conversion. We now know him as Saint Ignatius, founder of The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits.
Using the foundation of Ignatian spirituality as well as real life, contemporary stories, Clayton pushes readers to go past their comfort zone to ask: who am I? whose am I? who am I called to be? He provides a new perspective on framing readers’ challenges, struggles, and disorienting dilemmas in a way that leads not only to spiritual growth but significant life changes.
Cannonball Moments includes concrete exercises in each chapter to guide the reader in the art of Ignatian storytelling, which includes prayer, reflection, imagination, and journaling prompts.
For interviews with Eric Clayton, contact Polly King, Loyola Press Publicist: publicist@loyolapress.com or (260) 437-8468.
About the Author
Eric Clayton is the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. He joined the team in 2019 and produces content that shares the wide-ranging impact and opportunity of Ignatian spirituality. He also guest hosts AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast.
He previously worked at Catholic Relief Services, most recently as the campaign content manager, overseeing the development of prayer and advocacy resources aimed at promoting Catholic social teaching to a US-based audience. He has also managed social media channels for Maryknoll Lay Missioners, developed and directed retreats for the Sisters of Bon Secours, and was an adjunct professor in the Mass Communication department at Towson University. His writing has appeared in America, National Catholic Reporter, Busted Halo, Amendo, Sojourners, Grotto Network, Give Us This Day, and more.
He has a BA in creative writing and international studies from Fairfield University and an MA in international media from American University. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and two young daughters.
About Loyola Press
An apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Loyola Press embraces the Jesuit passion for helping people find God in all things. We continue the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service by providing inspiring faith-filled content for children and adults and by being people for others.
An apostolate of the USA Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, Loyola Press embraces the Jesuit passion for helping people find God in all things. We continue the Jesuit tradition of excellence and service by providing inspiring faith-filled content for children and adults and by being people for others.
Cannonball Moments
Eric Clayton
March 15, 2022
Loyola Press | $15.99 | Paperback | ISBN: 978-0-8294-5436-9
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