The collection consists of the correspondence of Mary Perkins Ryan, writings by and about Ryan, and notes and other ephemera. The correspondence primarily consists of letters to Ryan from religious men and women about her book Speaking of How to Pray (1944). The articles and essays by Ryan deal with Catholic liturgy, spiritual life, and religious education. Writings of note by Ryan include her thesis, "The Interests in Poetry in America Today is Largely Due to the Efforts of Amy Lowell," a series of religious essays for St. Joseph Magazine (1945-1946), two essays published in The Essay Manhattanville, and a book index. Writings also include articles about Ryan and reviews of her books At Ease in the Catholic Church (1938) and Speaking of How to Pray. Other materials include Ryan's handwritten notes, lists of addresses for New England and France, lists of names from her time at Sheed and Ward, and various items concerning Catholic liturgy.