The first titles in a new eight-volume series developed from a major study of women's spiritual needs are to be released in August by St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Making Sense of God: A Woman's Perspective by Elizabeth Dreyer introduces the "Called to Holiness: Spirituality for Catholic Women" project and puts the topic of women's spirituality in today's context.

An author and professor of religious studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut, Dreyer polled Catholic theologians from across the country. "What repeatedly came up was a sense that women's issues (had) slipped to a back burner in society and the church," she said.

The series aims to present a holistic approach to women's spirituality. Its content is designed to engage women through reading, thinking and listening to music, using symbolism, reflection questions and ritual. The approach is "extremely ecumenical and inclusive of all women," Dreyer said.

Along with her title, the series launches with Grieving With Grace: A Woman's Perspective by Dolores R. Leckey and Living a Spirituality of Action: A Woman's Perspective by Joan Mueller.

Read more in the July 7 issue of Christian Retailing International.