People often ask how we decide which books to carry, and sometimes the issue of whether or not a book has an imprimatur comes up. An imprimatur (from the Latin "let it be printed") is the official seal of approval from the Church that a book does not contain anything contrary to the faith. The only books required to have an imprimatur are those concerning Catholic doctrine and morals that are meant for instruction in Catholic schools. So although it is recommended that all books concerning the Catholic faith have an imprimatur, due to the large number of books being published and the limited number of Diocesan resources available to review them, many books are not even submitted for an imprimatur.

 

So how do we decide which books to carry? Primarily by publisher and author, sometimes based on a recommendation by a good Catholic publication, blog, or person whose opinion we respect. Our goal is to carry books that conform to the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church, regardless of whether or not they carry an imprimatur.