<p>America is in crisis. This book is a response to that crisis. But it is not about politics as usually understood. It is not a diagnosis of cultural malaise. It is not a theoretical proposal or plan. This is a book of examples, of models, of how to live in America. The hour of criticism has passed. It is time for rebuilding. Catholics and all persons of good will need to create anew. For some this will mean writing beautiful poems or making beautiful works of art. For some it will mean sacrificial service of the poor. For some it will mean establishing schools and other Catholic institutions to replace those that have lost their way. For many it will simply mean building strong families. In short, this is a time to focus on the true, the beautiful, and the good, first through contemplation and second through building, making, and revitalizing. <em>A Time to Build Anew</em> provides models of men and women who have produced works of beauty in challenging circumstances, who have taught truth without fear, who have served the most vulnerable with great joy.</p>