FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carrie Freyer, Director of Trade Marketing | (312) 576-3130 | publicist@loyolapress.com
CHICAGO, Month, Day, 2023 — Among the long list of her roles and accomplishments, the late Dominican Sister Marlene Halpin spent 17 years at the Cathedral School in Kalamazoo, Michigan teaching children grades K-8 how to meditate and contemplate. She was said to have reminded students that "the eye has not seen, nor ear heard, all that God has prepared for those who love him." But she added that one can at least imagine what God has prepared. This formed the basis for The Red Ball of String: A Guided Meditation for Children.
In those 17 years of teaching children to pray, she observed and tapped into the children's ability to imagine. She then took the concept nationwide, teaching this principle to Directors of Religious Education across the country, who then took it to their dioceses. Sister Marlene published many books on this subject and was considered a foremost authority on teaching children and adults to pray.
The Ball of Red String is brilliant in its simplicity, with a gentle, relaxing narrative that leads children on a magical journey as they imagine following a red string through a forest, over a stream, and across a field where they meet Jesus. As they spend time with him they learn to share what is in their hearts and minds. This simple exercise teaches children that they can share anything with Jesus, and they can find him wherever they are.
Peaceful, captivating artwork by Carrie Schuler enhances this new edition of a timeless classic.
The Ball of Red String is for children of all ages and is a book that adults enjoy sharing with them. At-home adaptations, shortcuts, and flexible group variations are provided for parents, catechists, and other caregivers, making this a versatile and flexible resource.
For interviews with a Sister of Saint Dominic, Amityville, contact Carrie Freyer, Director of Trade Marketing, publicist@loyolapress.com.
About the Author
Sister Marlene Halpin, OP (1927-2019), was a nationally recognized speaker, spiritual director, and author. She received her Dominican habit in 1946, and in 1947 she began her ministry as educator and author. She graduated summa cum laude from St. John's University and later earned her doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. Sister Marlene was the first woman to be accepted into the American Society of Christian Ethics. She was dean and professor of philosophy at Molloy College from 1963 to 1974, coordinator of continuing education and professor of philosophy at Aquinas Institute of Theology from 1974-1981, and consultant at Clergy Institute of Retreat Instructors at Notre Dame University from 1981-1982. She also worked extensively with military chaplains. She published over 17 books on the subjects of prayer and spirituality. Sister Marlene was a role model for many women who have entered consecrated religious life.
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 content for children and adults and by being people for others.
The Ball of Red String
Written by Sr. Marlene Halpin, OP, illustrated by Carrie Schuler
December 5, 2023
Loyola Press | $14.99 | Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-8294-5625-7
ISBN: 978-0-8294-5625-7