Earl Higgins, author of a new book titled 100 Catholic Things To Do Before You Die,” at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 6, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public.

According to Higgins, the demands of modern society often create distance between Catholics and their cultural heritage. Earl J. Higgins, a New Orleans native and lifelong Catholic, offers ways to embrace Catholic influences in everyday life. Suggestions range from simple activities such as putting a “Keep Christ in Christmas” bumper sticker on one’s car to more devout practices, including lighting an Advent wreath or making the sign of the cross in times of trial and joy. Higgins provides historical backgrounds on Catholic holidays such as Mardi Gras.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Earl J. Higgins retired from the United States Navy and from the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, in 2002 as the assistant director of staff attorneys. He is a ranger at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and he writes a column for the Delta Sierran, a publication of the Sierra Club. Higgins, a graduate of Jesuit High School, earned his bachelor of arts in English and his juris doctorate from Tulane University. This is his third book with Pelican, following The Joy of Y’at Catholicism and Metairie, Ames, High: The Streets of Jefferson Parish. He lives in River Ridge.