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Live at FUS – Archive of Daily Masses and Holy Hours from Franciscan University of Steubenville (Franciscan University YouTube Channel).

updated: 01/28/2025
No compensation received for these listing, except an occasional link exchange.

Vocation of the Laity web resources: "The laity must take up the renewal of the temporal order as their own special obligation. Led by the light of the Gospel and the mind of the Church and motivated by Christian charity, they must act directly and in a definite way in the temporal sphere" "Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity", Apostolicam Actuositatem, November 18, 1965".

Virtues and Virtuous Living web resources: "to inspire and coach you in the daily practice of virtues so that you can achieve your personal best and, consequently, lead a more extraordinary life."
Daily Bible Reading Method: Sacred Scripture, the Bible, is a proven source for hearing God's voice, a means to encounter God's word calling you. But, do you listen for God's voice; do you follow that voice?

Church Documents & Scholarly Resources: Index

DigiVatLib (Digital Vatican Library): Provides free access to the Vatican Library’s digitized collections: manuscripts, incunabula, archival materials and inventories as well as graphic materials, coins and medals, printed materials (special projects).

"Abuse of Minors. The Church's Response" - Vatican Resources on pertinent documents of Church's response to sexual abuse crisis.

Adoremus: Church Documents relevant to the liturgy

Aquinas 101: Free online video lessons allowing anyone to study one of the greatest minds in the Church. Receive by email two lessons each week, walking you through the basics of Aquinas' masterwork, the Summa Theologiae. For those who want to go deeper in any given week, each lesson with also provide further reading, including the complete text of the Summa, and an "Ask the Friar" feature for those who have specific questions they need help with.
Codex Sinaiticus - Oldest New Testament Bible. Online high resolution images of the Gospel of Mark, and notes on the work.

Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Major documents of the CDF available in eight languages…

The Internet Classics Archive: Bringing the wisdom of the classics to the Internet since 1994.

The Committee on Doctrine (USCCB): established in conformity with the Holy See to address doctrinal matters. Scroll down for publications.

Duke Divinity School Library: Internet Resources

The Church Fathers: Apostolic Fathers, ante-Nicene Church Fathers, and post-Nicene Church Fathers. Click on Topics in left column.

Church Fathers: "Our goal was to offer a one-stop shop for people wondering what the earliest Christians believed…the bare quotes themselves, along with citations of where they came from, so that the Fathers could speak for themselves." Click on Read Topics for a drop down list.

Chronological List of Early Christian Writings (Paulist Press): Includes online texts for writings of the New Testament, Apocrypha…

Early Church Fathers

Early Church Fathers: The Ante-Nicene Fathers | Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series 1 | Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series 2.

Fathers of the Church: New Advent

Fathers of the Church (CatholicCulture): A complete set of documents from the Fathers of the Church: saintly writers of the early centuries whom the Church recognizes as her special witnesses of the faith.

Germain Grisez — "The Way of the Lord Jesus": This website facilitates printing out the units into which the three volumes of "The Way of the Lord Jesus" are divided: Volume 1: Christian Moral Principles, Volume 2: Living a Christian Life, Volume 3: Difficult Moral Questions, Volume Four: Clerical and Consecrated Life and Service.

Guide to Early Church Documents

The Father William Most Collection: an internationally-acclaimed theologian and Scripture scholar. Browse the complete works. View the complete list of titles of more than 230 theological works and select any work for reading or download.

"Sensus Fidei in the Life of the Church" by International Theological Commission: Explores the relationship between the sense of the faithful and the guidance of the teaching Magisterium.…"is a vital resource for the new evangelization."

The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas. Second and Revised Edition, 1920. NewAdvent.org

International Theological Commission: Includes Published Documents and Pontifical Speeches.
- Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria (International Theological Commission): Chapter 1: Listening to the Word of God; Chapter 2: Abiding in the Communion of the Church; Chapter 3: Giving an Account of the Truth of God.

Theology Library (Spring Hill College): Sections include: Church, Revelation, Liturgy, Peace & Justice, Theology, Morality, Spirituality, Evangelization.

Vatican II Council Documents: Vatican Archives

Documents of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican Archive): translated into multiple languages.
Vatican II Council – The 16 Documents in English and Latin (EWTN Library).
"Summary & Guide to Documents of Second Vatican Council" by Jeffrey A. Mirus, Ph.D. written between February & October 2010.
Vatican II – Summary and Reflection of Vatican II Documents by Michelle Willis © 2008 Ocean East Publishing.

Vatican Resource Archive: includes The NAB, Catechism & Compendium, Codes of Canon Law, II Vatican Council Documents.

Vatican - CDF Guidelines on Sexual Abuse Allegations. Procedures of the CDF on sexual abuse allegations towards minors.

Yale University Libraries: Free Web Resources on Religion. Helpful collection of online resources relating to religious studies that are available for free.

Church History: Index

Internet Medieval Sourcebook: Church Councils, Church Fathers, Medieval Thought, Medieval Spiritual Thought

Franciscan Archive: resources on St. Francis & Franciscanism

Historical Documents of the Franciscan Orders: These include any document regarding any of the Orders founded by St. Francis and any person’s or affairs related. These are provided both for the purposes of historical studies into the life of St. Francis and the Friars Minor as well as the utility of Franciscans and Poor Clares the world over.

Online Library for Medieval Studies: Sources of Primary Documents on the Internet

Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies Encyclopedia: A Topical Index
Online Textbooks - Full-Length Texts for Classroom Use: online texts that have been written by experienced medievalists

Medieval Institute Library: Hesburgh Libraries (University of Notre Dame)

Orthodox Monasteries & Monasticism

Church History Study Helps: designed for ministerial theology students but also an invaluable resource for the lay person.

Papal Issues: Index

List of Popes - Catholic Encyclopedia

Papal Encyclicals: and other official documents of the Catholic Church

Jubilee Year of Mercy: Index

Jubilee Year of Mercy – Merciful like the Father: Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. Pope Francis proclaimed, "This Holy Year of Mercy will commence on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015, and will conclude on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living face of the Father's mercy." Check out this official web site for news, information, calendar of events and prayers.

Vatican Radio The Jubilee Year of Mercy resources: Features section on The Jubilee in the Vatican, The World, Papal The Doors of Mercy, Papal Gestures of Mercy, The Works of Mercy, Justice and Mercy, Mercy and Lent.

Jubilee Year of Mercy resources (USCCB): Explore the different ways that you can live out that mercy every day!

The Year of Mercy blog - Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Featuring articles, homilies, messages and pastoral resources for celebrating the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Year of Mercy Resources – The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions: Includes Introduction to Year of Mercy, Holy Door, Liturgy Preparation Aid for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas, Official Rites for the Opening of the Holy Door and the Closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Advent/Christmas Prep Aid.

56 Ways to Be Merciful During the Jubilee Year of Mercy (ALETEIA): Practicing mercy in our lives actually does take practice. "Try randomly selecting one each week and putting it into practice. (We gave you two extra; mix them up!)"

"Living the Year of Mercy" by Emily Stimpson, OSV Newsweekly, 12/2/2015. Nine practical suggestions to help you walk more virtuously through the jubilee year.

Year of Mercy Calendar: Encounter and Extend Mercy during the Year of Jubilee. Live the Year of Mercy day by day with the Year of Mercy Calendar. Each day of the week provides helpful suggestions to live a more merciful life. The Year of Mercy Calendar is a collaborative effort of the Diocese of Steubenville and the Diocese of Syracuse.

"Whether mercy can be attributed to God?", St. Thomas Aquinas, (Summa Theologica, First Part, Question 21, Article 3): I answer that, Mercy is especially to be attributed to God, as seen in its effect, but not as an affection of passion. In proof of which it must be considered that a person is said to be merciful [misericors], as being, so to speak, sorrowful at heart [miserum cor]; being affected with sorrow at the misery of another as though it were his own.

Pontificate of Francis

Calendar of Papal Liturgical Celebrations — 2013 to Present Day

Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis To Cuba, the United States of America and Visit to the United Nations on the occasion of his participation at the Eighth World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia (19-28 September 2015).
- Pope Francis’ 2015 Visit to the USA website (USCCB): Pope Francis made his intention to travel to the United States for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.
  - USA Papal Visit 2015 – Schedule of Events
  - USA Papal Visit 2015 – Live Coverage: The USCCB will provide live streaming coverage of all events of the Holy Father's visit.
  - USA Papal Visit 2015 – Video On Demand: The USCCB will post video on demand soon after each event has closed.

Pope Francis’ Daily Mass Homilies - News.va: (L'Osservatore Romano and Vatican Radio)

Pope Francis Homilies Archive

Francis Everyday: selected quotes of Pope Francis offered daily for prayer and reflection…

Pope Francis: Selected Quotes by Subject (USCCB). Compilation of quotes & excerpts from speeches, messages, homilies, & audiences.

"A Big Heart Open to God: The exclusive interview with Pope Francis" by Antonio Spadaro, S.J. – La Civiltà Cattolica – September 30, 2013.

Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio): An in-depth analysis written originally for "L´espresso" no. 49, November 28 - December 5, 2002, before the previous conclave.

"What I would have said at the Consistory": An interview with Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 30 Days, Issue no. 11 - 2007.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Links to Angelus/Regina Coeli messages, Apostolic Exhortations, Apostolic Letters, Encyclicals, Homilies, speeches, Motu Proprio

Encyclicals of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: Deus caritas est (December 25, 2005) | Spe salvi (November 30, 2007) | Caritas in veritate (June 29, 2009)

Fifteen Baptismal Homilies by Pope Benedict XVI: delivered by Pope Benedict XVI at the Easter Vigil and on the first Sunday after Epiphany, when he baptized adults and children.

Benedict XVI Everyday Archives: Selected quotes of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI arranged with theme index.

EWTN: His Life-His Words: Election of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Journey to the United States of America (April 15-21, 2008) – The Vatican
- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Journey to the United States of America (April 15-21, 2008) – EWTN

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 47th World Communications Day Message (Sunday, 12 May 2013): "Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization."

Saint John Paul II - October 22:

St. John Paul II: Life & Legacy. Feast Day - October 22. Resources for writings, documents, quotations, biography, key dates of Pope Saint John Paul II.

St. John Paul II sings the "Ave Maria" - recorded prior to be elected Pope, circa 1979.
- Saint John Paul II Memorial (USCCB): Optional Memorial on October 22.
The John Paul II Foundation: collection & preservation of documents& propagation of the teachings of St. John Paul II.

Saint John Paul II: Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Exhortations, Apostolic Letters, Audiences, Encyclicals, Homilies, Motu Proprio, Letters, Messages, Prayers and Speeches.

St. John Paul II Forum for the Church in the Modern World: promotes a deeper understanding of the thought of St. John Paul II

"Theology of the Body" - St. John Paul II: on-line resource

Pontificate of St. John Paul II: His life, his writings

CNS Special: St. John Paul II

USCCB: The Life and Ministry of St. John Paul II.

College of Cardinals: pictures & bios

The Hierarchy of the Catholic Church: Current and historical information about its bishops and dioceses (not officially approved).

St. Peter's - 360 Virtual tour: stunning, floor-to-ceiling detail. A joint project of Villanova University & the Vatican.

St. John Lateran, Roma - 360 Virtual Tour: select image, hold down left mouse button; slowly move cursor , zoom in/out.

St. Paul's Outside the Walls - 360 Virtual Tour: stunning, floor-to-ceiling detail. A joint project of Villanova University & the Vatican.

Papal Interregnum Resources:

Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis: Vacancy of Apostolic See & Election of Roman Pontiff
- Apostolica Sedes Vacans – Empty Apostolic See (Vatican): Congregations of College of Cardinals during the Interregnum.
- The Vacancy of the Holy See (Papal Interregnum): EWTN
- "Conclave: Step by Step Through the Papal Interregnum" (Catholic Truth Society) - 36-page booklet by Monsignor Charles Burns.
- Liturgical Notes and Resource Materials For Use upon the Resignation of the Pope (USCCB)
- Q&A on Papal Transition, Conclave & Election of New Pope – America magazine by Thomas J. Reese, S.J.

Synods of Bishops

Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology. Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region - 6 to 27 October, 2019.
XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 3-28, 2018): "Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment." The Synod on Youth webpage contains, documents and resources useful for the pre-synodal meeting.

Bioethics & Life Issues: Index

The Anscombe Bioethics Centre: a Roman Catholic academic institute that engages with the moral questions arising in clinical practice and biomedical research.

Respect Life Month – October 6, 2019 (USCCB): Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month; the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. A number of resources, homily helps, announcements, and more are provided to help you get started.

Respect Life (USCCB): Building a culture that cherishes and protects every human life. Includes Action Guides, Articles, and Prayers for Life.

Cardinal Dolan's Respect Life Month Statement: "Moved by Mercy" (en español)

Respect Life: Leaders' Toolkit

2016 Brochures: Respect Life Program

Images & Social Media Toolkit: 2016 Respect Life Program

Catholic Church’s Position on Stem Cell Research (USCCB): Church Documents and Teachings, Facts Sheets, Articles & Publications.

Dignitas Personae: Instruction from Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on ethical issues arising from biomedical research.

"Being Human in an Age of Unbelief" by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. (CatholicCulture.org).

Bioethics News (LifeNews.com). Get the latest news in bioethics from LifeNews.

The Bioethics Research Library - Georgetown University: ethical issues related to biotechnology, biomedical research

& healthcare

Bioethics Syllabus Exchange Database - Bioethics Research Library. A clearinghouse for syllabi to promote the study of bioethics

NOVA - Life's Greatest Miracle: Tracks the human development from embryo to newborn.

"Bioethics Q-and-A: End of Life Decision Making – What Should Catholics Do?" by E. Christian Brugger. Some might find it difficult or even repugnant to initiate a forthright conversation with a loved one about treatment plans at the end of life. I urge you to overcome this resistance.

The Art of Dying Well – Catholic Church in England and Wales: offers a helping hand to those grappling with issues surrounding death and dying. Based in the Catholic tradition but open to all, it features real-life stories about the highs and lows of dealing with the final journey.

Jewish, Christian, Muslim Leaders Sign Declaration Against Euthanasia (Pontifical Academy for Life). The declaration, titled, "Position paper of the Abrahamic monotheistic religions on matters concerning the end of life," was prepared by the Pontifical Academy for Life and released Oct. 28, 2019.

Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology - USCCB 2009 Fall Assembly

The Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty (USCCB

Capital Punishment - Death Penalty (CatholicCulture): Catechism of the Catholic Church and "culture of life."

Catechism #2267: On the Death Penalty

The Legitimacy of Capital Punishment by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.

Catholic Church Teaching on Animal Experimentation: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2417 – 2418. 2417… "Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives."

Arnewood School's Religious Studies Online: The traditional Christian views on the status of animals is that humans are 'made in God's image', very different from other animals. We're special, and we have been given 'dominion' over nature.…However, many Christians disagree.…

Cruelty Towards Animals (CatholicCulture).

Coronavirus COVID-19 Information and Resources
Culture of Life Foundation: to deepen public understanding of bioethics, marriage and family, human dignity and human solidarity.
- Stem Cells For Dummies (Culture of Life Foundation): E. Christian Brugger, Ph.D., Senior Fellow in Ethics.

Fogarty International Center: Bioethics Resources for Teachers and Students. Resources designed for teachers of bioethics can be useful to educators of both high school and college students.

Human Embryology and Church Teachings (CatholicCulture.org): Dianne N. Irving, M.A., Ph.D.

Human Life International: to promote & defend the sanctity of life according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

John Paul II Medical Research Institute (JP2MRI): focuses on the most ethical and cost-effective way of conducting medical research to help develop therapies and cures for a variety of diseases.

May Researchers Use "Biological Material" Unjustly Obtained? Considerations of "Grave Reasons" and Exceptions by William E. May

The National Catholic Bioethics Center: Conducts research, consultation, publishing and education to promote human dignity in health care and the life sciences, and derives its message directly from the teachings of the Catholic Church.

NCBC Resources on COVID-19: Articles and essays on points to consider, such as, "Moral Choices When Not All Can Be Saved."
COVID-19 FAQ – The National Catholic Bioethics Center.
COVID Vaccines and Fetal Tissues: the Moral Calculus (CatholicCulture): Phil Lawler, Dec 04, 2020. Should Catholics accept a vaccine that has been developed using fetal tissue from abortions? Since Catholic moralists have expressed contradictory answers to this question, let me try to offer a bit of clarity.
Ethics of Stem Cell Research: Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., National Catholic Bioethics Center
Moral & Ethical Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines

Nuffield Council on Bioethics: examines ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine.

"On Basic Care for Patients in the ‘Vegetative’ State" Cardinal Justin Rigali (CatholicCulture)

Pontifical Academy for Life: defense and promotion of the value of human life and the dignity of the person.

Pontifical Academy of Science: Comprises six major areas: Fundamental science; Science and technology of global problems; Science for the problems of the developing world; Scientific policy; Bioethics; Epistemology.

Pro-Life Activities Resource Page: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Q/A on Stem Cell Research: Statement by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.

The Quandary of Catholic Pharmacists: Is It Moral to Sell Contraceptives? by William E. May, Senior Fellow at Culture of Life.

Research Institute for the Humanities: Christian resources for research and study

The Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics: "dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education in biomedical ethics…"

Stem Cell Research: Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics

Stem Cell Research (Learn.Genetics): An introduction to stem cells, the building blocks of the body. Issues in stem cell research?

The Susan B. Anthony List: dedicated to advancing, mobilizing, and representing women in the political process.

The Stem for Life Foundation (SFLF): A non-partisan, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization devoted to raising public awareness of adult stem cell therapies and supporting adult stem cell research, development, and storage.

Types of Stem Cells (International Society for Stem Cell Research): Adult Stem Cells or Tissue-specific Stem Cells | Fetal Stem Cells | Cord Blood Stem Cells | Embryonic Stem Cells | Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)

On Vaccines Made From Cells of Aborted Fetuses: "It is a Grave Responsibility to Use Alternative Vaccines". (7/26/2005)

USCCB: “End of Life” resources and articles.

5th Edition of Ethical and Religious Directives: USCCB 2009 Fall Assembly

“Living or Not Living? That Is the Question” by E. Christian Brugger, April 7, 2022 | National Catholic Register. COMMENTARY: The debate over brain death has no easy answer but requires astute attentiveness to science, Church teaching and the sanctity of human life.
A Brief Ethical Primer on Medical Decisions Regarding Life-Sustaining Treatments in the Catholic Tradition - Diocese of St. Cloud

Catholics and "Do-Not-Resuscitate" (DNR) Orders: The Moral Principles Behind Its Ethical Use. William May - Culture of Life Foundation.

Directives for Catholics Concerning Artificially Administered Nutrition and Hydration (CatholicCulture) Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted.

Ethical Principles on Caring for Those in a Vegetative State (ZENIT): Are Food and Water Extraordinary Measures?
Nutrition and Hydration: Moral Considerations. A Statement of The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania (Revised 1999)
"Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life" by Fr. Jose I. Lavastida (CatholicCulture).

Economic Considerations in the Removal of Life Support: "Is it ever legitimate to remove or withhold life-sustaining procedures from a patient in order to save excessive expenses to persons other than that patient (e.g., the patient's family, the community)?" Bioethics question answered by Christian Brugger, fellow of the Culture of Life Foundation.

EWTN: End-of-Life Decisions
Samaritanus bonus – "On the Care of Persons in the Critical and Terminal Phases of Life" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith): An integral approach to the human person, to suffering and illness, to caring for those in critical and terminal illnesses.
Catholic Church’s Teaching on Suicide and Helpful Resources for coping with the anguish over a loved one's sorrowful decision.
- To Live Each Day with Dignity (USCCB): A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide. Full statement, including resources list.

"Vital Organ Transplantation – Not Truly Dead" on brain death and organ donations by Paul Byrne, MD & Fr. Damien Fehlner

Catholic Living Will: Should a Catholic have a "Living Will"? by Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. (CNA).

Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney: Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

Catholic Living Will: Google search links

Patients Rights Council: Information on Advance Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and Protective Medical Decisions Document (PMDD).

Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry: Practical and spiritual support for Catholics who have lost a child to miscarriage.

What the Catholic Church Has to Say Regarding Miscarriage, the Unbaptized, and Salvation (Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry)
Funerals or Burials to Honor a Child Lost to a Miscarriage (Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry).

Health Care Reform: Index

USCCB Position on Health Care Reform: "truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity."
- USCCB - "Setting the Record Straight": Bishops' Position on Health Care Reform (May 21, 2010).

Catholic Medical Association – Open Letter to Catholic Organizations on Health Care Reform.

Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB): a faith-based leader in global healthcare.

"Principles of Catholic Social Teaching and Health Care Reform": Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann & Bishop Robert W. Finn

Bible Study: Index

BibleRef.com: Free online book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter, and verse-by-verse commentary on the entire Bible (eventually).

Catholic.Bible: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has acquired Catholic.Bible. Includes National Bible Week (Recursos En Español), Daily Readings, Books of the Bible, Lectio Divina (En Español).

"The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church": Synod of Bishops - XII Ordinary General Assembly (Oct. 5-26, 2008).

Theology Today: Chapter 1 Listening to the Word of God (Vatican – International Theological Commission)

Daily Bible Reading Method (PDF): Sacred Scripture, the Bible, is a proven source for hearing God’s voice, a means to encounter God’s word calling you. But, do you listen for God’s voice; do you follow that voice?

Tips for Fruitful Reading of Scripture.

The Bible at Core of Catholic Beliefs (USCCB): Understanding the Bible - Study Materials.

New American Bible (NAB) online - USCCB. Complete Old and New Testaments for online reading.
USCCB Policy for Permission to Use Lectionary for Mass and New American Bible.

BibleTools – Topical Studies: dedicated to assisting individuals with their personal Bible study through providing reputable Bible resources and study tools.

Biblia Clerus: Reading the Word of God with the Church. Sacred Scripture, in light of Sacred Tradition & teachings of Magisterium

BibleVerses: Making the bible accessible for everyone. Includes a daily blog series on our site and provide a full search of the Bible for the visually impaired.

Blue Letter Bible: powerful tools for an in-depth study of God’s Word through our free online reference library, with study tools that are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith. Also, apps for phone and Android are available.

Catholic Church Documents related to Biblical Studies compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Catholic Bible Search Engine (Catholic.net): to "help the faithful in their Biblical studies and to facilitate Scripture sharing."

Electronic New Testament Educational Resources compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Bible Gateway: personal connection to read, research, and reference Scripture on your desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone.

The New Testament Gateway: directory of internet resources on the New Testament.

The Bible on One Page: New American Standard (NAS).

Biblical Studies Foundation: Home of NET Bible

Bible Study Tools: Online Study Bible, Commentaries, Concordances, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Lexicons.

Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible (English): St Jerome translated original Greek & Hebrew texts into Latin.

Biblia Sacra Vulgata (Latin Vulgate)

Orthodox Bible Study Links

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology: Institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition

StudyLight: sure help resources for detailed study of the Bible

State of the Bible 2018 - Seven Top Findings: Research Releases in Faith & Christianity o July 10, 2018

Americans' Appetite for Bible Grows (American Bible Society). Philadelphia, July 10, 2018.

World Wide Study Bible

Catechism, Canon Law, Encyclopedia & Dictionaries: Index

General Directory For Catechesis - August 11, 1997 (Vatican - Congregation for the Clergy)

The Baltimore Catechism (Revised Edition 1941)

Vatican Resource Archive: includes The NAB, Catechism & Compendium, Codes of Canon Law, II Vatican Council Documents.

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCB) flipbook.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CatholicCulture.org): drill down into various sections

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd Ed. English Tran.), 1997

Index Analyticus – Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997 English Tran.)

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican): includes 589 questions and answers on the Catholic faith.

U.S. Catholic Catechism For Adults – online version (Catecismo Católico de los Estados Unidos para los Adultos): Following the outline of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the USCCA walks the reader through the Creed, the sacraments, moral life in Christ and the prayers of the Church. Each chapter contains a story about a saint, blessed, or holy man or woman, a brief overview of the topic, reflection questions and a prayer. Also, included in the appendices are a glossary of Catholic terms and traditional Catholic prayers.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in ChatGPT. Fivable has trained the computer program solely in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The result: Catholic.chat, an interactive platform that allows users to engage with the Catechism in a natural, conversational format. Catholic.chat is surprisingly user-friendly.…simply invites the user to: “Get Answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.” Then the user is told to: “Select a chat experience below and ask your question.” After that, there are three levels of engagement to choose from: “Child,” “Adult,” “Scholar.”

The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908 edition)

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church - Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (full text)

Catholic Social Teaching (Caritas Internationalis): the great wealth of Church teaching on how to live out our faith in the world. Formed by the wisdom of Church leaders and shaped by the daily experience of Catholics everywhere, it gives us a moral compass to find our way. At Caritas our mission is based on core principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Here are nine principles, illustrated by some of the Church’s most resonant texts and stories from our work.

Code of Canon Law (1983)

CanonLaw.info: Created by Dr. Edward Peters, an American lay canon lawyer, as a resource center on Catholic Canon Law.

Canon Law Made Easy: Articles on Church Law for normal people.

Modern Catholic Dictionary: Fr. John Hardon’s modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure.

Latin-English Dictionary & Grammar Aid: University of Notre Dame

Latin links: resources for learning Latin

Jewish Encyclopedia: complete 12-volume (1905 edition)

Catechetics & New Evangelization: Index

Initiatives for the Formation of the Lay Faithful: The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life presents initiatives and “best practices” of evangelization, formation and promotion of the lay faithful already taking place in various parts of the world, which have proved fruitful…

Catholic Current - Powering Catholic Ministry (USCCB): Resources for all liturgical seasons

Catholic Current - Evangelization and Catechesis (USCCB): Includes Catechetical Corner, Fact of Faith, Human Life & Dignity and Saints

Catholic Current - Prayer and Faith Formation (USCCB): Includes Prayers, Living the Faith, Marriage and Family

Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University: trains and supports catechists in any situation – priests, deacons, parents, or laity, whether professional or volunteer.

Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization at Franciscan University: trains Catholics who want to serve the Church and minister to others in the New Evangelization. A fully online program, classes are taught by the same professors who teach here on our campus in Steubenville.

"The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith" (Vatican): Synod of Bishops – XIII Ordinary General Assembly: Instrumentum Laboris.

The New Evangelization (USCCB): Calls each of us to deepen our faith, believe in the Gospel message and go forth to proclaim the Gospel.…Scroll down for Pastoral Plans, and additional resources.

Mass for the New Evangelization (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments)

"Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization." USCCB's Committee on Evangelization & Catechesis. Download PDF.

Intellectual Tasks of the New Evangelization (USCCB)

New Evangelization Resources – Catholic Apostolate Center

"Go Forth With Hearts on Fire: A Pastoral Letter on the New Evangelization" by the Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington.

General Directory for Catechesis (Congregation for the Clergy): Reference for all aspects of catechetical instruction.

Catechetical Sunday – .Theme is "Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person." Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.

Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM) seeks to foster the full implementation of the Order of Christian Initiation

Catechism Of The Catholic Church: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Frequently Asked Questions About The Catechism Of The Catholic Church

Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church includes 589 questions and answers on the Catholic faith.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2^nd Ed. English Tran.), 1997

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CatholicCulture): drill down into various sections

The Catechism in Examples - Rev. D. Chisholm: compendium of Catholic teaching told by stories, both fictional & stories from the saints.

Catholic Answers: Apologetics & Evangelization

The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: Basic Questions and Answers. Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and approved by the full body of bishops at their June 2001 General Meeting.

Resources for Catholic Educators: to assist Catholic teachers and catechists in their role as educators of the faith by providing them with information and easy access to resources.

Church History, Creeds, and Structure: Resources for Catholic Educators
Sacraments, Liturgical Seasons, Prayer: Resources for Catholic Educators
Bible, Church Documents Reference Tools, Theology: Resources for Catholic Educators
Moral and Ethical Issues, Social Justice, Beatitudes, Commandments: Resources for Catholic Educators

Catherine of Siena Institute: equipping parishes for the evangelization & formation of lay Catholics for the sake of their mission in the world.

Catholic Straight Answers: Everything you want to know about the Catholic Church…but are afraid to ask. Scroll down for Answers by Category: Christmas & Advent, Confession, Easter & Lent, Holy Eucharist, Liturgical Calendar, Mary, Mass, Other Religions, Prayer & Devotions, Saints, Virtues.

RCIA – Catholic Straight Answers: free RCIA video series to gain a comprehensive overview of the Catholic Faith! Each year Fr. Saunders teaches an RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) class, which is attended by Catholics and non-Catholics, the young and old, individuals preparing to join the Catholic Church, and individuals simply wanting to grow in their love for God.

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry (full text, PDF).

ChristLife: An apostolate of the Archdiocese of Baltimore supported by Archbishop Lori in response to the Church's call to a new evangelization.

"The Essential Elements of Evangelization Today": the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).…for "all Catholics who desire to understand better and respond more zealously to their call to evangelize the modern world."

"Evangelization - Grace and Vocation": Bishop Serratelli (Diocese of Paterson), Pastoral Letter (Spanish version)

EVdictionary (Evangelization Dictionary Online) presents terms related to Evangelization. Bilingual dictionary - English & Chinese.

The Ministry of Evangelization - A Life-Changing Ministry

"Faith and Reason: the Philosophy of Religion" by Peter Kreeft. Lays the groundwork for a rational approach to pursuing questions of faith – and at the same time provides a better understanding of religion’s ongoing importance in the realm of human experience.

Glossary of Catholic Terms (USCCB): a brief glossary of terms often used in the Catholic Church to familiarize journalists.

Instruction on Infant Baptism: Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1980

Sacraments of Christian Initiation – Sacrament of Baptism (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

"The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized" (International Theological Commission – 2007).

Irreconcilability between Christian faith and Freemasonry: (Vatican) - Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Fr. William Saunders (EWTN)

What the Church Teaches: Catholic Church teachings on troubling & complex events & topics.

Peter Kreeft: Featured Writings on Relating to God, Arguments for God's Existence, Heaven and Hell, and Autobiographical.

Peter Kreeft: More Featured Writings on Relating to God, Pillars of Unbelief, Culture, Interviews, Christianity, & Other Religions.

"The Real Presence": the 19th Festival Letter of Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC of Peoria. "…that it may at least in some ways assist a renewed witness regarding the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament."

Rediscovering the Faith (USCCB). Resources to help you rediscover the faith and answer questions about the Church and Church teachings. Includes Prayer in the Life of the Church, The Sacraments, Church Teaching.

Sacramental Catechesis: An Online Resource for Dioceses and Eparchies. The USCCB's Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has published a 38-page document on Catechesis on the Sacraments.

St. Augustine - "On Lying": Considers in detail both the definition of lying and the arguments that lying is always wrong.

"Is It Ever Right to Lie?" by Jeff Mirus.

The Virtual Learning Community formation (VLCFF) - UDayton: adult religious education and faith formation via the internet.

“What We Believe Series” by Father Joshua J. Whitfield from SIMPLY CATHOLIC.

The Wild Goose: A 14 part online video series on discovering a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit presented by Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR.

WingClips: Inspirational Movie Clips for Teaching & Sermon Illustrations. Search by Movie Title, Scripture, Category or Theme.

Ecumenism - Interreligious Dialogue: Index

Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism (Pontifical Council on Christian Unity)
"The Bishop and Christian Unity: an Ecumenical Vademecum": Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, December 04, 2020.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18-25 (USCCB): Link contains resources for celebrating the Week for Christian Unity.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity — Background (CatholicCulture): In 1908, Rev. Paul Wattson, then an Anglican religious in Graymoor, New York, began a Church Unity Octave with the support of Anglican and Catholic prelates, including Cardinal William O’Connell of Boston. The octave began on January 18, then the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter in Rome, and concluded on January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

Observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Seeking fulfillment of the prayer of Jesus, the Son of God, that they all may be one.

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Daily Biblical Reflections (Click on box).

Ecumenical & InterReligious Affairs: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

"Meeting God in Friend and Stranger" (Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales): teaching document on interreligious dialogue.

Resources on Islamic-Catholic Relations: USCCB Department of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

Vatican Council and Papal Statements on Islam (USCCB)

World Religions and Spirituality Project (WRSP): The mission of the WRSP is to provide objective, reliable and comprehensive information about the world’s diverse array of religious and spiritual groups. The central feature of the WRSP website is, therefore, profiles of contemporary religious and spiritual movements, established world religions, and historical religious and spiritual movements.

Education: Index

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone’s address to the Catholic High School Teachers Convocation - "Knowledge, Virtue, and Holiness," February 6, 2015. "Catholic schools exist to help young people attain holiness in their lives, that is, to become saints."

American Catholic History Classroom: curriculum supplement on specific topics from American Catholic history

Catholic Distance University: Life Long Learning in Faith through Distance Education

Catholic Educator's Resource Center

Catholic History: Catholics & Catholic Church in history of the United States of America.

The Center for the Advancement of Catholic Higher Education (CACHE), a division of The Cardinal Newman Society

EWTN - Teachings of the Catholic Church in an easy-to-use format

Satellite Theological Education Program (STEP) at the University of Notre Dame

Homefaith.com: Teach your children the faith & answers to your child's faith questions

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA): Excellence In Catholic Education & Catechesis

Spirit of the Season: for teachers, catechists involved in worship with children

"Teaching the Ethics of Communications in a Catholic University": Msgr. Paul Tighe, at Minuto de Dios University, Columbia, Oct. 8, 2009.

Catholic Social Teaching: Index

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church - Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (full text)
The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (Vatican): Aims to promote the study and progress of the social sciences, primarily economics, sociology, law and political science, thus offering the Church those elements which she can use in the development of her social doctrine, and reflecting on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society.
- Publications of The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Most of the Academy's publications can be downloaded in PDF format
Catholic Social Teaching – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB): Includes documents, resources, tools and teachings.
- "Care for God’s Creation" – CST 101: the first of a seven-part series on Catholic Social Teaching, designed to be an introduction to this body of thought with notable Catholics reflecting on each of the teachings.…The video series is co-sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). All videos will be posted on CRS’ YouTube channel.
- Catholic Social Teaching on Labor: A Primer. Selected Quotations from Catholic Social Thought on the Rights and Responsibilities of Workers and Labor Unions.
Papal Encyclicals & Vatican Council on Catholic Social Teachings:
- Rerum Novarum: on Capital and Labor - Pope Leo XIII (1891)
- Quadragesimo Anno: On Reconstruction of the Social Order - Pope Pius XI (1931)
- Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples) - Pope Paul VI (1967)
- Sollicitudo Rei Socialis: for the Twentieth Anniversary of Populorum Progressio - St. John Paul II (1987)
- Centesimus Annus: on the Hundreth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum - St. John Paul II (1991)
  - "The Enduring Importance of Centesimus Annus" by George Weigel, First Things, Jun 22, 2011
- Caritas in Veritate: on Integral Human Development In Charity and Truth - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (2009)
- Ethics in Advertising: Pontifical Council for Social Communications (1997)
- Ethics in Communications: Pontifical Council for Social Communications (2000)
- Ethics in Internet: Pontifical Council for Social Communications (2002)
- Fratelli Tutti: “On the Fraternity and Social Friendship” – Pope Francis (October 3, 2020).
  - Summary: Fratelli Tutti: “On Human Fraternity and Social Friendship” – Pope Francis (October 04, 2020).

What is Social Justice in Catholic Social Doctrine? - Part 1: From Taparelli to John XXIII by Jeff J. Ziegler (3-part essay).

Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

"Brothers And Sisters To Us," U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Racism – 1979.

"What We Have Seen and Heard" - Pastoral Letter on Evangelization, 1984: Black Bishops of the United States

Church and Racism – Toward a More Fraternal Society: Pontifical Commission Justice and Peace

Church and Racism – An Introductory Update: Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

Teaching Peace To College Students (USCCB): practical suggestions to assist you in developing ideas for engaging college-aged students in non-violence activities.

Catholic Framework for Economic Life: (USCCB). Statements on economic life from U.S. bishops, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI & the Holy See.

The Catholic Labor Network: Church's teachings on labor issues, & economic justice. Excellent source of Catholic Social Teachings.

Catholic Employer Project - Catholic Labor Relations Report. Catholic Social Teachings, Encyclicals & Articles which concern Labor Issues.

Education for Justice: resources to promote Catholic Social Teachings

Franciscan Action Network (FAN) - Transforming the World in the Spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

"The Free and Virtuous Society" by George Weigel, Ethics & Public Policy Center

Immigration - What You Need to Know: Catholic Thought on Social Issues - Catholic Culture

Laborem Exercens: to All Men and Women of Good Will on Human Work by St. John Paul II, September 14, 1981.

USCCB Labor Day Statement 2013: Committee on Domestic Justice & Human Development, September 2, 2013. Scroll down for more Catholic Social Teaching resources. Click for PDF version.

Labor Day Statement - September 3, 2012 (USCCB): Placing Work and Workers at the Center of Economic Life.

USCCB: Statement On The 50th Anniversary Of The March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom – August 28, 2013.

Cultural Diversity resources.
What We Have Seen and Heard: A 1984 Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States

Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute: Social Justice - Transformation - Reconciliation.

Sojourners Magazine - Faith in Action for Social Justice: Biblical call to social justice in faith, culture and politics

Encyclical Laudato Si' – Pope Francis: On the Care of Our Common Home. Focused on the idea of 'integral ecology', connecting care of the natural world with justice for the poorest and most vulnerable people. Encyclical - download PDF.

Laudato Si': a Press Guide to the New Encyclical. A useful guide for an initial reading of the Encyclical. It will help you to grasp the overall development and identify the basic themes.

Laudato Si’: on the Care of Our Common Home (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace). Marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s eco-encyclical on the environment…dedicated to Laudato Si' and efforts around the world to put its teaching into practice.

Business Insights from Laudato Si' by Dr. Carolyn Woo, CEO and President, Catholic Relief Services and former dean, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame. "Business must focus on the creative elements of technology, but always linked to humility and service."

"Pope Francis, the Encyclical Laudato Si, Ethics, and Existential Risk" by Brian Patrick Green, Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. The encyclical, on the environment and humanity's relationship with the natural world, is worth exploring for those interested in global catastrophic and existential risks (GCE-risks) because the particular environmental problems the Pope discusses are placed in the general context of the many GCE-risks that humanity faces.
Catholic Church Teaching on Environmental Stewardship – Find resources on the topic and read what the U.S. bishops and previous popes have written about our environment (Environment/Environmental Justice Program – USCCB). Contains resources for Liturgy, Preaching, for Taking Action, and Environmental Quotes.

Catholic Climate Covenant: Addresses the growing ecological awareness and the need to implement Catholic social teaching on ecology within the US Church…helps US Catholics respond to the Church's call to care for creation and care for the poor. We are grounded in the Church's deep history of teaching on creation, ecology, and the poor.

Catholic teachings on climate change includes, Papal Teachings | US Bishops Statements | Church Fathers & Mothers.

Catholicism and the Challenge of Ecology: experts reflect on the history and significance of the church's role in promoting the stewardship of creation.

Catholic Environmentalism, Principles of - Jeff Mirus (CatholicCulture)

Faithful Citizenship - Political Responsibility: Index

Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: The Catholic bishops of the United States (USCCB) offer "our teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement represents our guidance for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy."
- Formando la conciencia para ser ciudadanos fieles - índice
Connecting Faith & Politics (Minnesota Catholic Conference): To help Catholics prepare to vote, Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) has created a collection of resources, including specific information on Catholic social teaching, faithful citizenship, human dignity, and guidelines for parish and Church organizations.
- Guided by Human Dignity: Voting with a Catholic Conscience
  - On Human Dignity: Minnesota Catholic Conference's Summary of the Declaration of Dignitas Infinita
USCCB: Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics. "We encourage all citizens, particularly Catholics, to embrace their citizenship not merely as a duty and privilege, but as an opportunity [more fully] to participate in building the culture of life. Every voice matters in the public forum. Every vote counts. Every act of responsible citizenship is an exercise of significant individual power."
Civilize It: a Polarized Church.A divided nation. Pope Francis calls for "a better kind of politics." How will you respond?"

Faithful Citizenship Friday: Political Participation as Moral Obligation

USCCB: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship — Table of Contents

Part I: U.S. Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life.
Part II: Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Part III: Goals for Political Life. Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials

Major Catholic Statements on Public Moral Issues: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Notes and References: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Part I of II: Our Call as Catholic Citizens – Summary of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB)

Part II of II: Making Moral Choices and Applying Our Principles – Summary of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (USCCB)

“Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You”: A Pastoral Letter on the Human Dignity of the Unborn, Holy Communion, and Catholics in Public Life by the Most Reverend Salvatore Joseph Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco.
- Faith, Abortion, and Voting (Catholic Answers): by Trent Horn. In this series leading up to Election Day, we will explain why abortion is the most serious and urgent social issue of our time and what this means for Catholic voters. Part 1: "The Preeminent Issue of Our Time". The Church — and common moral sense — says that one social issue rightly deserves political consideration before and above all others.
  
  Faith, Abortion, and Voting, Part 2: by Trent Horn. "Five Rules for Catholic Politicians". The preeminence of abortion as a social issue places grave obligations on Catholic politicians — and on voters to evaluate them.
  
  Faith, Abortion, and Voting, Part 3: by Trent Horn. "Three Rules for Catholic Voters". Our bishops say that abortion is the preeminent social issue. What does that mean for us on Election Day?
  
  Faith, Abortion, and Voting, Part 4: by Trent Horn. "Can Catholics Vote for Pro-Choicers?" Our vote is a form of cooperation in our leaders' governing decisions. Here's how we navigate this moral duty.
  
  Faith, Abortion, and Voting, Part 5: by Trent Horn."What About the ‘Root Causes’ of Abortion?" Is it plausible that candidates who support legal abortion are actually more "pro-life" because they favor welfare programs that reduce abortions?

As Election Day Approaches "10 Things to Consider": Sr. Mary Ann Walsh

A Catholic 4th of July!: Where did the American idea of religious liberty come from? Catholic Vote TV.

The Catholic Association (TCA): a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena.

Catholic Conscience and Public Policy: Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

CatholicVote.org: Patriotic Americans who believe our nation’s founding principles are good and true, and worth fighting for.

Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-Fam): monitors & affects social policy debate at the U.N. & other international institutions.

‘God Bless America’ — Popes speak to the United States (CNA): Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis each made apostolic visitations to the United States during the course of their pontificates.
"If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation": Pope Emeritus Benedict's 2010 World Day of Peace Message. USCCB resources and materials.
The Manhattan Declaration: Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians united to defend the sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty.
Participation of Catholics in Political Life: Vatican to Catholic politicians and all lay members of the faithful called to participate in the political life of democratic societies.
Political Responsibility Center: Priests for Life Voters’ Guide & a comparison of Democratic & Republican party platforms.
Politics 101: Principles First (Catholic Culture): Seven key Catholic social principles in making decisions affecting the larger social order.

General Principles for Catholic Voters: a series of reflections for voters offered by the leaders of the four dioceses in Kansas.

Religious Liberty: Our First, Most Cherished Liberty (USSCB). Resources concerning the foundational teachings ot;on the right of the person and of communities to social and civil freedom in matters religious."
- "Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” A Statement on Religious Liberty by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.
- Fortnight for Freedom (USCCB): to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad.

"A Simple Guide to Faith, Culture and Public Life" (Dr. Jeff Mirus): the role of religion in the formation of culture.

"We Hold These Truths: Catholic Reflections on the American Proposition": 50^th Anniversary of Father John Courtney Murray, SJ

"Why I Am A Catholic" by G.K. Chesterton. The difficulty of explaining "why I am a Catholic" is that there are ten thousand reasons all amounting to one reason: that Catholicism is true.

Pastoral Letters: Our Moral Responsibility as Catholic Citizens. Bishop Robert W. Finn, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

"Renewing Our Public Life": Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap. Denver Rotary Club (October 10, 2002).

"Being Catholic Today": Pastoral Letter, May 24, 2015, by Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, Archdiocese of Washington, DC. A Pastoral Letter to the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of Washington and All Who Read this Letter on "why it is so crucial that we reassert and strengthen our Catholic identity, and that our freedom to do so be respected in society and in law."
"Great Expectations: Responsible, Competent, Catholic Leaders." © Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, Jan. 2009 rev. Oct. 2022. This generation's challenge to greatness — to have great expectations as responsible, competent, Catholic leaders.

Vocation of the Laity: Index

Saint Paul VI, Apostolicam Actuositatem, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, November 18, 1965.

Saint Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi, December 8, 1975.

U.S. Bishops’ Committee on the Laity, "Called and Gifted: The American Catholic Laity, Reflections of the American Bishops Commemorating the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Issuance of the ‘Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity’", November 13, 1980.

Saint John Paul II, Apostolic Journey To the United States of America and Canada, September 18, 1987.

Saint John Paul II, Christifideles Laici: On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful and in the World. Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful People, December 30, 1988.

National Conference of Catholic Bishops, "Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium", A Statement of the on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity and the Fifteenth Anniversary of Called and Gifted, November 1995.

Saint John Paul II, "Ecclesia In America", Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, "On the Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ: The Way to Conversion, Communion and Solidarity In America," January 22,1999.

Saint John Paul II, 17th World Youth Day, Toronto, Downsview Park, Saturday, July 27, 2002.

Saint Benedict XVI, "Address to the Bishops of Rwanda", May 21, 2005.

Saint Benedict XVI, "Address to the bishops of Portugal", (May 13, 2010).

Saint Benedict XVI, "Laity Truly ‘Co-Responsible’ for the Being and Activity of the Church", August, 10 2012.

Pope Francis: "Indispensable Role of the Lay Faithful in the Public Life", 04/26/2016.

David G Bonagura, Jr., "Being Catholic in the Workplace", The Catholic Thing, January 12, 2022.

Fr. Ray’s ‘Other’ Corner, "John Paul II: ‘Man Cannot Fully Find Himself, Except Through A Sincere Gift of Himself,’" November 12, 2006.

Fr. Derek Sakowski, "The Law of Gift", SpiritualDirection.com, November 13, 2022.

St. Josemaría Escrivá,"Discover the Divine", Conversations w/ Monsignor Escriva de Balaguer, #114, Online Source for the Works of Josemaría Escrivá,

"Why its Important to Find Your Mission in Life", Philip Kosloski | 01/15/25 | Aleteia. "Each person is called to their own particular mission, where they can use their unique gifts and talents for the greater glory of God."

Franciscan Resources: Index

800th Franciscan Centenary: The Franciscan centenary is a journey that we have decided to begin in order for the entire Franciscan family throughout the world to celebrate together the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' Easter and the culminating events of the last years of his life. Said Centenary has been divided into 4 Centenaries, respectively spread over 4 years where it will be possible to reflect and contemplate the Rule and Christmas in Greccio (1223-2023), the gift of the Stigmata (1224-2024), the Canticle of the Creatures (1225- 2025), the Easter of Francis of Assisi (1226-2026).

Calendar of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds: Combined calendars of the OFMs, Poor Clares, Third Order Regular & Secular Orders.

"Call and Response in St. Ignatius and St. Francis: Franciscan Influence on Spiritual Exercises." Brian Purfield compares the spiritual experiences of the founder of the Society of Jesus with those of Francis of Assisi. What similarities are there to be found between the Spiritual Exercises and Bonaventure’s recollection of the life of St. Francis? 31st July 2009 | Thinking Faith.

St. Francis’ Prayer of Discernment: An Introduction. One of St. Francis of Assisi’s most well-known prayers is his "Prayer to Discern God’s Will Said Before the Crucifix." Father Jonathan St. André, TOR, Vice President of Franciscan Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville, explains how this prayer can help us discern God’s will in our lives. Exploring this prayer with him is Father Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, a member of Holy Spirit Friary at Franciscan University, a motivational speaker on "the power of story," and author of the "Sower’s Seed" series from Paulist Press for preachers, teachers, and public speakers. Download MP3.

The Franciscan Archive: Resource on St. Francis and Franciscanism. Click on "Saints" for a list of Franciscan Saints & Blesseds:

Historical Documents of the Franciscan Orders: These include any document regarding any of the Orders founded by St. Francis and any person’s or affairs related. These are provided both for the purposes of historical studies into the life of St. Francis and the Friars Minor as well as the utility of Franciscans and Poor Clares the world over.

Introduction on the Writings of Saint Francis of Assisi

"Letter to the Faithful" of Saint Francis of Assisi

"The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi: Translated from the Critical Latin Edition", edited by Fr. Kajetan Esser, OFM.

“The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi” tr. by Father Pascal Robinson. This short anthology of the writings of St. Francis includes a wide sampling of his writings.
The Words of Sacred Admonition by St. Francis of Assisi. Translated from the Critical Latin Edition, edited by Fr. Kajetan Esser, O.F.M. "Of all the writings of St. Francis, The Admonitions contain the most stirring and enduring words of his legacy and are a monument to his profound wisdom of spiritual realization."

St. Francis of Assisi - Patriarcha Seraphicus: Franciscan Sources, Writings, Biographies and more.

"The Life of St. Francis": "The Golden Legend" (Aurea Legenda)

St. Francis of Assisi - Oct. 4 (CatholicCulture): Resource library for prayers, documents and articles.

St. Francis of Assisi: Patron saint of ecology & animals.

St. Clare of Assisi - Matriarcha Seraphica: Sources for St. Clare, Writings, Biographies and more.

St. Clare of Assisi - August 11 (CatholicCulture.org)

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: "The princess who was kicked out of her castle for serving the poor." Cecilia Pinicola Aleteia | May 10, 2018.

The Legend of Ss Cosmas and Damian (New Liturgical Movement): Saints Cosmas and Damian are said to have been brothers from Arabia and physicians…They practiced medicine without taking any fee for their services…

Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: Writings of Francis & Clare. The foundational documents of the Franciscan Tradition, including biographies, letters and other important sources. Free registration.

Custodians of the Tradition: Reclaiming the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition.
Francis and Clare of Assisi: Early Documents. Research tool of the foundational documents of the Franciscan tradition.…Texts are also searchable: readers can pursue any idea and/or theme as they are represented by specific words or phrases.…all quotations and allusions to Scripture are hyperlinked – which means the reader can see the larger context of the sacred page for each of these citations.

Franciscan Spirituality (Irish Franciscans OFM): Includes Prayers of St. Francis, Writings of St. Francis, Writings of St. Clare, Franciscan Saints & Blessed, "Spirit & Life Reflections".
"What is Franciscan Spirituality?" Brother Chris Garcia. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church.…While much has been written on the Poverello, there are still many lessons that can be learned from him. His life and teachings help us strive for holiness.
St. Bonaventure’s Itinerarium as a Bridge from Francis to the Franciscans. Evan Pederick tssf, July 2021.…“Bonaventure provides a vital bridge between the early Franciscan radical performative reenactment of the Sermon on the Mount and a lived spirituality accessible to generations of non-itinerant and lay tertiaries.”
Bl. John Duns Scotus
Incarnation in Franciscan Spirituality: Duns Scotus and the Meaning of Love by Seamus Mulholland OFM.

Above All, the Glory of Christ: John Duns Scotus on the Incarnation by Brother Columba SSF.

The Absolute Primacy of Christ: Bl. John Duns Scotus on the Incarnation by
Fr. Maximilian M. Dean, F.I., July, 2012. Overview of the Scotistic thesis on the primacy of Christ.
Francis - Model of Authentic Church Reform: Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM, Cap

Franciscan Studies Corner (Franciscan Friars Minor - Malta): Franciscan theology, spirituality, history and culture.

Franciscans International: Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations

Franciscan Action Network (FAN) - Transforming the World in the Spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

Franciscan Advent and Christmas: Montage of Franciscan photos from Assisi and Greccio.

Franciscans, Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Assisi (International Headquarters, Rome Italy). Includes Origins of the Third Order, Documents of the Order, Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian.

Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. - Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province

(Loretto, PA)

Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. - Immaculate Conception Province

Franciscan Friars, TOR Pilgrimage: Assisi & Rome - May 2007

Assisi Online: General information, Transport to & from, Lodgings, Art & Religion, Museums & Galleries, Where to Eat, Tourist attractions

Places to Visit in Assisi: Here’s a check list of favorite attractions when visiting Assisi, Italy – Basilica di San Francesco, San Damiano, St. Mary of the Angels, The Porziuncula, the Carceri, Santa Chiara, Sanctuary of RivoTorto, San Rufino, Chiesa Nuova, Santa Maria sopra Minerva (aka Roman Temple of Minerva), and more.

The Basilica of St Francis and the Sacro Convento (Assisi Online)

The Sanctuary of La Verna: Holy mountain of St. Francis of Assisi and where St. Francis received the Stigmata in 1224.

California Missions Resource Center: a comprehensive and unique resource for historical information on the 21 California Missions.

Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, Hankinson, USA

Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, T.O.R.: Diocese of Steubenville, OH.

Poor Clares: Galway, Ireland

Rule and the General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order

National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order - USA

The Confraternity of Penitents: Brothers & Sisters of Penance live St. Francis of Assisi’s 1221 Rule of Life in their own homes.

The Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion: (an Anglican Religious Order)

The Daily Offices as Prayed by the Brothers and Sisters

Little Brothers of Francis (Anglican): a Franciscan religious order in the contemplative tradition.

Franciscan Art & Images: Index

Franciscan e-Cards: award-winning religious e-cards – Franciscan themes, saints, feasts, seasonal.
Giotto frescoes: click on folders ending with "/" > click on sub folder "/" > click on jpg file to view image.
Basilica of St. Francis: Frescoes of Giotto in the upper basilica. Click on a number to view image > click Detail for larger image.
Frescoes in Upper Church of San Francesco at Assisi by Giotto
Frescoes in Upper Church of San Francesco at Assisi by Cimabue

Saints: Index

Saint of the Day (Catholic Culture)

Apostles, Major Saints and Feast Days (The Liturgy Archive): Listed my month and alphabetically.

Lives of the Saints and Other Holy People (EWTN). Can be searched alphabetically or by calendar date.

The Oxford Dictionary of Saints: Oxford University Press. The lives of saints, from the famous to the obscure.

Saints’ Books: Writings from recognized saints from the Catholic Church, and from Blessed, Venerable and respected men and women recognized for their holiness and by the spiritual benefits of their writings and speech. Also contains Saint’s Quotes and Saints’ Prayers.

Saint's Name Generator: Use this simple tool to choose a saint at random for a cause or time period, or simply to get to know new saints.

Seasons and Feast Days: EWTN has created online resources that answer questions about the feasts and seasons of the Church, each including a special eBook that you can download for free.

"The Golden Legend (Aurea Legenda)" – Medieval Sourcebook. Compiled by Jacobus de Voragine, 1275; trans. William Caxton, 1483.

New Advent – Saints: click on letter of alphabet at top of page & scroll down

CatholicCulture - Saint of the Day: click on Liturgical Year > Calendar > Date

Catholic Online Saints: Patron Saints, Feast Days & Angels

Calendar of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds: (scroll down for each month).

Roman Catholic Saints and Heroes: "In reading the lives of the saints, we see that the saints each reflect, in a unique way, a special facet or virtue of God Himself. Learning about Catholic saints and their lives can inspire us to reach the summit of perfection that God wills for each of us."

Roman Catholic Saints by Name: AmericanCatholic.org

Roman Catholic Saints' Feast Days Calendar: AmericanCatholic.org

Saints & Angels (Catholic Online): browse by alphabet, by month, patron saints.

Saint of the Day | Catholic Online

Saints (Saints.SQPN.com): information on topics with patron saints, and profiles of those saints.

Calendar of Saints: listing by month/day

Christian Saints Index - Olga's Gallery

Find Your Saint (Good News Ministries): Comprehensive list of Saints' names, meanings, Feast Days, & information about their lives.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15): Documents, articles, prayers & hymns.

St. Albert the Great: November 15

Augustine of Hippo: His life & works, texts & translations & research essays

Carmelite Saints: contains selected writings from

St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila), St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Lisieux), & St. (Edith Stein) Theresa Benedicta of the Cross

The Franciscan Archive: Resource on St. Francis and Franciscanism. Click on "Saints" for a list of Franciscan Saints & Blesseds
- The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi: Translated from the Critical Latin Edition, edited by Fr. Kajetan Esser, OFM
- St. Francis of Assisi - Patriarcha Seraphicus: Franciscan Sources, Writings, Biographies and more.
- The Rule and Admonitions of St. Francis of Assisi
- "The Life of St. Francis": "The Golden Legend" (Aurea Legenda)
- St. Francis of Assisi - Oct. 4 (CatholicCulture): Resource library for prayers, documents and articles.
- St. Francis of Assisi: Patron saint of ecology & animals.
- National Shrine of St. Francis
- St. Clare of Assisi - Matriarcha Seraphica: Sources for St. Clare, Writings, Biographies and more.
- St. Clare of Assisi - August 11 (CatholicCulture.org)
- Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: "The princess who was kicked out of her castle for serving the poor." Cecilia Pinicola Aleteia | May 10, 2018.
- The Legend of Ss Cosmas and Damian (New Liturgical Movement): Saints Cosmas and Damian are said to have been brothers from Arabia and physicians…They practiced medicine without taking any fee for their services…

St. Francis de Sales — What is Salesian Spirituality?: St. Francis de Sales Association

Salesian Spirituality: The North American Salesian Network

St. Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini’s Life Story

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (July 14): information about the Lily of the Mohawks;s Patron of the environment and ecology.

Writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei: Reflections on Christian life and a search tool for quick access to writings.

Year of St. Joseph Resoures: In Honor of the 150th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Proclamation as Patron of the Universal Church — December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021

Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos, Pope John Paul II: On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph In the Life of Christ and of the Church, August 15, 1989

Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, Pope Francis: On the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph As Patron of the Universal Church.

Why Do We Celebrate a Solemnity of St. Joseph? (EWTN)

OSV’s Resources for Celebrating the Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph and the Environment in Which He Lived. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 1. Saint Joseph and the Environment in Which He Lived. General Audience | Wednesday, 17 November 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph in Salvation History. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 2. Saint Joseph in Salvation History. General Audience | Wednesday, 24 November 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph: Just Man and Husband of Mary. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 3. Saint Joseph: Just Man and Husband of Mary. General Audience | Wednesday, 1 December 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, Man of Silence. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 4. General Audience | Wednesday, 15 December 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, Persecuted and Courageous Migrant. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 5. Saint Joseph, Persecuted and Courageous Migrant. General Audience | Wednesday, 29 December 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, Jesus’ Foster Father. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 6. Saint Joseph, Jesus’ foster father. General Audience | Wednesday, 5 January 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph the Carpenter. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 7. Saint Joseph the Carpenter. General Audience | Wednesday, 12 January 2022.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, Father in Tenderness. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 8. Saint Joseph, Father in Tenderness. General Audience | Wednesday, 19 January 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, a Man Who “Dreams”. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 9. Saint Joseph, a man who “dreams”. General Audience | Wednesday, 26 January 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph and the Communion of Saints. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 10. Saint Joseph and the Communion of Saints. General Audience | Wednesday, 2 February 2021.

Pope Francis: Saint Joseph, Patron of the Good Death. Catechesis on Saint Joseph: 11. Saint Joseph, Patron of the Good Death. General Audience | Wednesday, 9 February 2022.

Pope Francis: St. Joseph — Patron of the Catholic Church. Conclude the Cycle of Catecheses on St. Joseph. General Audience | Wednesday, 16 February 2022.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center: Official site to promote & support authentic knowledge & devotion to Mother Teresa.

Quotes Mother Teresa Did Not Say or Write…Check out quotes falsely attributed to Mother Teresa.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta - EWTN: Her Beatification, The Early Years, A Vocation of Service, Her Words, Reflections.
Beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: October 19, 2003 (Vatican)
Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Catholic Online)
Tribute to Mother Teresa of Calcutta (AmericanCatholic)

The National Institute for Newman Studies:

The National Institute for Newman Studies - Digital Collections: information to enhance the reach of John Henry Newman's life, thought, & spirituality.
Newman Reader: John Henry Cardinal Newman: His works, guides to his works, bio info, cause for sainthood & controversies
- "Meditations and Devotions" by John Henry Cardinal Newman

St. Nicholas Center: To educate people of faith, and the wider public, about the true St. Nicholas.

St. Nicholas Study Guides: recover the joy and holiness of Advent & Christmas

Padre Pio Devotions: testimonials & spiritual maxims

The Confession of St. Patrick

A Complete Guide to Irish Blessings (Claddagh Designs): Irish blessings for weddings, travel, Breastplate of St. Patrick, homes, friendship, good luck and long life.
An Irish Blessing (Ireland Calling): Beautiful and inspirational Irish blessing set to stunning scenery in Ireland and haunting Celtic music by Arlene Faith.
Pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick Against Forces of the Dark Against Forces of the Dark. When the forces of darkness are putting out their stuff, this breastplate acts like "the full armor of God..."
St. Patrick & Celtic Spirituality: American Catholic feature.
St. Patrick's Life, Prayers, and Legacy: Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries (scroll down page)
Celtic Spirituality - A Beginner's Guide
An Irish Journey Into Celtic Spirituality: American Catholic
Celtic Spirituality: Just what does it mean?
Celtic Christian Spirituality
Celtic Spirituality

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (of Lisieux) – "The Little Flower of Jesus". Story of St. Therese's Life, Words by St. Therese and FAQs.

Marian: Index

The Assumption of Our Lady by Rev. James M. Keane, O.S.M. - Aug. 15th

Divine Mercy - Free Smartphone App: Marian Fathers of Immaculate Conception - official promoters of Sr. Faustina’s Divine Mercy.

The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute (University of Dayton): an international center of study and research on Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. The Marian Library holds the world's largest collection of printed materials on the Blessed Virgin.

"Mary of Nazareth" Project: International Marian Center presents a wealth of Christian Marian traditions.

Mother of All Peoples: Weekly Marian Magazine

“Understanding the Immaculate Conception” (SimplyCatholic) by Father Richard Gribble. Pope Bl. Pius IX proclaimed the Immaculate Conception as a dogma of faith in 1854: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”

Dec. 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe (EWTN). Learn about Saint Juan Diego, the tilma, and the message of the Blessed Virgin.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (CatholicCulture)
Our Lady Of Guadalupe: Patroness of the Americas

Seasonal & Holidays: Index

Celebrate the Feasts and Seasons of the Liturgical Calendar (EWTN)

Liturgical Year (Loyola Press): Resources for celebrating during the liturgical year.

Liturgical Cycle Resources for Years A – B – C (Loyola Press): Includes books about each Gospel and activities for each Liturgical Cycle.
Sunday Connection (Loyola Press): Useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.

Advent – Christmas Seasons : Directory on Popular Piety & Liturgy - Cong. for Divine Worship & Discipline of Sacraments

Advent & Christmas quotations: an extensive collection of inspirational poems, reflections, stories and sermon illustrations.

Advent (Loyola Press): History of Advent, inspirational emails, Advent traditions, blessings, scripture, prayers, Advent calendars, and activities.

Let’s Stop Celebrating St. Nicholas Punching Arius (NCR): by Deacon Steven D. Greydanus, December 6, 2016. The image of St. Nicholas punching Arius is appealing to many because it’s so patently politically incorrect…There are some problems with the story, though. In the first place, it’s not true. The story has no historical [veracity].

New Year's Quotes, Stories and Prayers

Lenten Resources & Links (Google)

What Determines What Day Lent Begins?

Welcome, Lent by Amy Ekeh (Franciscan Media)

“Concupiscence: Our Inclination To Sin” by Msgr. William J. King (SimplyCatholic.com) The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness, death…as well as an inclination to sin that Tradition calls concupiscence” (No. 1264, emphasis in original).

Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy – Lent (scroll to paragraph 124ff).

What Is Lent and Why Is it Celebrated? (EWTN): Reflections, Resources, Devotions

USCCB Online Resources For Lent: Reflect - Repent - Restore.

Lent: The Complete Guide to the Catholic Season of Lent (Hallow)

Daily Lent Reflections by Bishop Robert Barron: Sign up for free daily Lent reflections.

"Is Repentance a Change of Mind or Something Different?" by Timothy Miller

Lenten Virtue Series with Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR – President, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Pope Francis’ Messages for Lent: available in multiple languages
- Lent 2024: Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom
- Lent 2013 - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: compilation of Holy Father's teachings & resources for celebrating the liturgical season.

Additional Lenten Resources

Franciscan Way of the Cross: The Stations of the Way of the Cross according to the method of St. Francis of Assisi

Stations of the Cross - EWTN: on-line Stations of the Cross.

Way of the Cross Meditations (The Vatican): Meditations prepared by various St. John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger and others.

40 Days of Devotion (Franciscan University): Daily Masses Livestream, Metanoia: A Journey With Christ Into Conversion, Lenten Resources, and more.

40 Days at the Foot of the Cross (MyCatholicLife): A Gaze of Love from the Heart of Our Blessed Mother

The Lenten Workshop (CatholicCulture): Lenten information, prayers, hymns, activities, Stations of the Cross.

An Ignatian Prayer Adventure. This is an adapted version from the longer retreat in The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ. The eight-week schedule makes it perfectly timed as a Lent and Easter retreat, but the adventure can be started at any time, on your schedule.

Before You Begin | Week 1: Love, Freedom, and Purpose | Week 2: Finding God in All Things | Week 3: Something’s Broken | Week 4: Knowing Jesus | Week 5: What Do I Really Want? | Week 6: The Public Ministry of Jesus | Week 7: The Suffering Jesus | Week 8: God’s Love and Our Response

Lent 2021: A Collection of Resources and Inspiration for Lent (Franciscan University)

Lent 2021: Finding Intimacy With Jesus. Asking the deeper questions, praying in the stillness and quiet of our hearts, can help us encounter Jesus and experience the real transformation in holiness we desire during Lent, says Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Lent (Loyola Press): Resources for you Lenten journey — Living Lent Daily, e-mail series; Perspectives on Lent; prayers, Stations of the Cross; Seven Last Words; Holy Week.

‘Are You Ready to Live Lent to the Fullest?' – Church Leaders Worldwide Weigh In. About More than Giving Up Chocolate. ZENIT FEATURE | February 21, 2020.

Operation Rice Bowl (CRS): Pray, Fast, Learn and Give with Operation Rice Bowl.

Fasting and Abstinence at Lent: A CNA Explainer. "Many Catholics wonder what exactly the Church requires during Lent, and why. Here are a few points that might help you have a great Lent this year…"

Lent: A Time of Mercy and Grace (Franciscan Media). Special focus on the Year of Mercy through brief daily Lenten reflections you can fit into even the busiest of schedules.

"Forgiveness: the Keystone of Human Values" by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR. Forgiveness can be "one way to reduce conflict and hostility, as well as to promote understanding and respect…to diminish unresolved hurt and pain that burdens many…" Forgiveness is a choice, a decision, an act of bravery requiring courage; it is hard work.

40 Lent Bible Verses To Help You Reflect: This collection of Lent scriptures remind us that when we seek God, we will find Him.
Articles on Lent from BustedHalo

"Have a Happy Lent" by Sean Fitzpatrick (Catholic Exchange)

40 Things to Give Up for Lent: This list includes ideas for encouraging others during the days of Lent.
Season of Lent: ecumenically broad and historically deep by Rev. Ken Collins.

Recipes for Mardi Gras & Fat Tuesday and Lent

Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum

Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy – Holy Week (scroll to paragraph 138ff).

What Is the Meaning of Holy Week? (EWTN)

Holy Week (Loyola Press): information and activities for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday — Devotions and 3-minute retreats, Good Friday reflections.

Eighteen Questions on the Paschal Triduum: USCCB Committee on Divine Worship

Your Guide To Holy Week (Simply Catholic): Includes 12 ways to make Holy Week more meaningful and Holy Week customs.

Three Days of Grace: : A Virtual Triduum with Dan Schutte. Composer Dan Schutte created a virtual liturgical celebration of the Triduum for this exceptional year. Visit this page for liturgies for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.

A Journey through Holy Week for Families: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville), April 2, 2020. Resource guide walking you through Palm Sunday to Easter with readings, prayers, hymns, and devotionals. Suggestions for families celebrating together.

A Complete Guide to Celebrate Palm Sunday at Home: Aleteia | April 03, 2020. Prayers, Readings, and everything you need to celebrate with God’s Word. In order to keep Palm Sunday holy in a worthy manner, Aleteia, in collaboration with Magnificat magazine, offers you this home celebration of the Word of God.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord – Celebration of the Word (Carmelite Communications). This is a celebration of the Word to aid your worship this Sunday, alone or with family. If possible, place a simple cross or crucifix prominently in the room and light one or more candles.

Way of the Cross (Vatican Office for the Liturgical Celebrations): a devotion which recalls with mindful affection the last stage of the journey that Jesus walked in his earthly life. Includes multi-language translations of the annual Meditations going back to 2000. Also, has videos, booklets and addresses.

Easter Links and Resources

Resources For Easter - USCCB

What Is Easter, and Why Is it Celebrated? (EWTN)

Easter Workshop: Catholic.Culture.org. Easter overview, customs, prayers & hymns, and Mercy Sunday.

Easter Short Stories and Articles: Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries

Divine Mercy Sunday (EWTN): Background on St. Faustina, the Image, Indulgence, Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Thanksgiving Reflections: History of, Blessings, Prayers and Quotations

Thanksgiving Proclamations (1877 – 2019) — Pilgrim Hall Museum
Thanksgiving Short Stories and Articles: Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries

Interfaith Calendar: Primary sacred times for world religions.

Sacrament of Reconciliation & Penance: Index

The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation - The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Chap. 2, Art. 4.
God’s Gift of Forgiveness: A Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
- Guide to the Sacrament of Penance: Pennsylvania Catholic Bishops
- "9 Chief Benefits of Confession" by Father Wade Menezes. "Why go to Confession? Here are some excellent reasons." (PDF)
A Guide for Confession (Catholic Online): Includes an Examination of Conscience.

GoodConfession: an outreach of CatholicsComeHome. Easy-to-use resources to help you learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, understand how to go to Confession, and, most importantly, learn how practically to live out the priest's words in the confessional to "go and sin no more."

"Making A Good Confession" (SimplyCatholic), by Msgr. William J. King.

Guide for Examination of Conscience: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Examinations of Conscience: Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one’s thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins. Includes: Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments | Examination of Conscience in the Public Square / en español | Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching /en español | Examination of Conscience for Children | Examination of Conscience for Young Adults | Examination of Conscience for Single People | Examination of Conscience for Married Persons.

International Forgiveness Institute: dedicated to helping people gain knowledge about forgiveness and to use that knowledge for personal, group, and societal renewal. Check out Ask Dr. Forgiveness.

"Forgiveness: the Keystone of Human Values" by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR. Forgiveness can be "one way to reduce conflict and hostility, as well as to promote understanding and respect…to diminish unresolved hurt and pain that burdens many…" Forgiveness is a choice, a decision, an act of bravery requiring courage; it is hard work.

Forgiveness: Letting go of Grudges and Bitterness – Katherine Piderman, Ph.D., staff chaplain at Mayo Clinic

Repent & Conversion:

“Repentance”, The Anchor Bible Dictionary, Joseph P. Healey & A. Boyd Luter, Jr., D. N. Freedman, ed., (1996, ©1992), New York: Doubleday, 671-672 (download PDF).
“Repentance”, Catholic Bible Dictionary, Scott Hahn, ed., (New York: Doubleday, 2009), 762–765 (download PDF).
“Repentance”, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Walter M. Dunnett, Walter A. Elwell, ed., Copyright © 1996 Baker Book House Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan (download PDF).

Family & Marriage Resources: Index

National Marriage Week is February 7-14, 2019 (USCCB): "an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family." Includes a Virtual Marriage Retreat, preaching resources, and a Prayer for Married Couples.
"Is it a Sin to Attend a Wedding in a Protestant Church?": by Fr. Gary Benz, January 7, 2021, Diocese of Bismarck. "This is a dilemma for many Catholics and what makes it even more problematic is that canon law does not directly and specifically address this issue. Therefore, I would suggest prayerful discernment, a discussion with one’s pastor, and a consideration of the following insights I set forth, having dealt with this issue now for over 20 years as a pastor. It is a sensitive matter and must be addressed on various levels."
Diocese of Steubenville Marriage, Family and Respect Life: Marriage Preparation

Vatican – Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life: Includes information, updates & videos on World Youth Day, Vocation of Women, Popes and Sports, Patristic texts on Family, Pro-Life resources…

Synod of Bishops on the Family and Evangelization : provides a brief overview of the Synod of Bishops and the two upcoming Synods of Bishops on the family and evangelization. It is meant to aid the Catholic faithful in preparing for these important events in the life of the Church.

Instrumentum Laboris, Synod of Bishops XIV Ordinary General Assembly. "The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and The Contemporary World", Vatican City, 2015.

Synod of Bishops on the Family – final Relatio: "The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World." The text of the final Relatio of the Synod of Bishops presented to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the close of the 14th ordinary general assembly (4th - 25th October 2015).

The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, Instrumentum Laboris, Synod of Bishops, III Extraordinary General Assembly, Vatican City, 2014.

Synod of Bishops on the Family and Evangelization: A special section from Catholic News Service.

Voice of the Family: An initiative of Catholic laity formed in support of Catholic Teaching on the Family.

Pontifical Council for the Family: Vatican Documents and Addresses concerning the Family.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage - Pontifical Council for the Family (1996)
Casti Connubii - Encyclical on Christian Marriage, Pope Pius XI (December 31, 1930).

Catholic Church Teaching On Marriage (USCCB): Includes Documents and Statements of the USCCB, Catechism of the Catholic Church, II Vatican Council, Popes, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Pontifical Council for the Family, Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

For Your Marriage (USCCB): Vocation of marriage. Includes: Dating & Engaged, Marriage Resources, About Catholic Marriage.

Spanish version.

Marriage: Unique for a Reason. An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Resources to assist with the education and catechesis of Catholics on why marriage is unique and why it should be promoted and protected as the union of one man and one woman. Each of the videos in this initiative, with its companion written material, is intended to be used by a priest, deacon, catechist, or teacher.

"Gender theory"|"Gender ideology" – Select Teaching Resources: USCCB's seven-page summary of Catholic teaching on gender theory and gender ideology. Intended to be "helpful for educational purposes in the pastoral and public policy context," includes quotations from Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, St. John Paul II, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and documents of the Roman Curia and US bishops.

"Love and Life in the Divine Plan": U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Marriage, 2009 (USCCB)

About Catholic Marriage (USCCB): What the Catholic Church believes about marriage & major church documents on marriage-related topics.

"Saying I Do: What Happens at a Catholic Wedding," USCCB). The video includes a brief overview of the sacrament of marriage and an explanation of the three forms of the Rite of Marriage. It answers basic questions such as when and where Catholic weddings can be held and how non-Catholic clergy can participate in the ceremony.

Married Love and the Gift of Life (USCCB)

National Pastoral Initiative on Marriage (USCCB): the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society.

"When Two Become One A Pastoral Teaching on the Definition, Purpose and Sanctity of Marriage." A Pastoral Letter by Archbishop John J. Myers, Newark, New Jersey.

Executive Summary of Archbishop Myers’ Pastoral Letter on Marriage
Marriage in the United States Is Threatened and Undermined - Archbishop John Myers. ZENIT Interview: Sept. 25, 2012.

Office for Cultural & Pastoral Research (John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family).

Christian Resources for Preventing Divorce: Christian resources to healed troubled marriages.

"A Catholic Physician Talks to Engaged Couples": marriage-preparation by William White, MD

Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology - USCCB 2009 Fall Assembly

Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World (Familiaris Consortio). St. John Paul II (November 22, 1981)

American Family Association: traditional family values, focusing on the influence of media on society.

Catholic Mom: we celebrate all things Faith, Family, and Fun from a Catholic perspective.

Catholic Parents OnLine (CPO) - a network of faithful parents committed to address issues that undermine our Catholic Faith and Morals.

Character Education: Parents guide to character building for teenagers and young adults.

Contraception: Why It's Wrong by Dr. Jeff Mirus - Catholic Culture

Pastoral Letter "The Language of Love" by Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska, March 25, 2014. On the sacrificial nature of love and on the destructive nature of contraception.

Family and Media: Center of Study for the Relationship Between the Family & Mass-Media. Educational resources for marriage & family.
- "Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb" (USCCB): To support parents awaiting the precious gift of the child in the womb. Other Blessings: Blessing of a Monument to the Unborn and Order for the Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth, Rite of Blessing for a Child in the Womb: English & Spanish text (PDF).
- Theology of the Body Institute: Christopher West on the divine meaning of the human body and human sexuality.
Prayer Resources: Index

Prayers | Catholic Online

Popular Prayers | Catholic Online: 250 prayers to pray in the morning, evening, at mass, for healing and much more.

Practicing Prayer – Daily Disconnect (Order of Carmelite): St. Teresa of Ávila, prayer is actually just a simple conversation.
25 Inspirational Prayers and Bible Verses for Athletes
Contemplative Outreach Newsletter Archive: to foster the process of transformation in Christ through the practice of Centering Prayer.

"Armed With The Faith: A Catholic Handbook for Military Personnel" (Knights of Columbus)

Prayers for Those Who Serve in the Military (USCCB). Prayers to bless the members of the armed forces.

Basic Catholic Prayers (EWTN): Prayers to Jesus, Marian Prayers, Prayers of the Saints, Devotions, novenas and litanies.

The Basics of Deep Prayer: an online book that outlines meditation fundamentals that are rooted in Catholic mysticism.

The Five First Principles of Prayer: Dr. Jeff Mirus (CatholicCulture.org)

The Ecclesial Context of Personal Prayer: Dr. Jeff Mirus (CatholicCulture.org)

Catholic Prayers: abundance of prayers, blessings, consecrations, etc.

Classic Texts of Catholic Spirituality (Catholic Treasury)

Catholic Treasury: Catholic belief, prayers and spiritual teaching

Creighton University: Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer

Contemplative Outreach & Centering Prayer: for a deeper relationship with God

Crossing the Meditation Divide: almost certainly a significant stage in spiritual growth

Daily with DeSales: An online retreat based on the book "Every Day with St. Francis de Sales."

Daily Mass Readings: from U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB)

Daily Mass Readings: EWTN

Pope Francis: On Prayer — Distractions, Time of Barrenness, Sloth. Catechesis on prayer: 34. Distractions, time of barrenness, sloth.

Difficulties, Distractions & Temptations in Prayer: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Ed. (Washington, DC: U.S. Catholic Conference, 2000), 654–655.
Distractions During Prayer (Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles)
How to Deal with Distractions During Prayer, According to St. Therese of Lisieux. Philip Kosloski Aleteia | May 08, 2018.

What Does a Person Do about Distraction During Prayer? (Catholic Straight Answers)

"Are You Distracted During Prayer?" Fr. Joseph M. Esper (Catholic Exchange)

Overcome Spiritual Dryness in Prayer: a collection of Internet resources

Experience a 34 Week Online Retreat for Everyday Life: A Ministry of the Collaborative Ministry Office at Creighton University

"Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord" - Rev. Thomas Dubay. A brief examination of prayer explaining meditation and contemplation.

IgnatianSpirituality.com: a way to pray, an approach to making decisions, a point of view about God, and a practical guide to everyday life.

The Ignatian Way: a series of online presentations that introduce the main ideas of Ignatian spirituality. Each one is an 8-15 minute presentation.

The Spiritual Exercises: a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius Loyola.

Ancient Art of Lectio Divina: Accepting the Embrace of God

Lectio Divina during the Liturgical Year (Catholic.Bible)

How to Practice Lectio Divina: A step-by-step Guide to Praying the Bible (BeliefNet).

Classical Monastic Practice of Lectio Divina by Fr. Thomas Keating.

Dei verbum and the Practice of ‘Lectio Divina’. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., Second Lenten Sermon 2016 to the Vatican Curia (26/02/2016) – A Reflection on the Dogmatic Constitution Dei verbum.

Guarding the Heart: A Technique from the Desert Fathers to Control Our Negative Thoughts. Their technique of guarding the heart bears some similarities with today's use of meditation. Mathilde De Robin | Aleteia | Apr 14, 2018.
- Hermitary: resources and reflections on hermits and solitude.
Lectio Divina: 5 Steps for Having a Conversation with God Using the Bible. A contemplative form of prayer, centuries old, is the key.

What is the Lectio Divina?: Carmelite Spiritual Directory Project

"Lectio Divina" with Scripture meditations, Sunday and daily, of the liturgical year, Cycles A-B-C

Lectio Divina: Spiritual Reflection Project for Discalced Carmelite Nuns

The Process of Lectio Divina: Sisters of St. Clare

Litany of Humility: Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val

Liturgy of the Hours: Universalis: Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, Mass Readings

A Beginner’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours: The Second Vatican Council highly encouraged the laity to "recite the divine office, either with the priests, or among themselves, or even individually" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 100).
DivineOffice.org: Liturgy of the Hours dedicated to participate in the public prayer of the Christian community.

The Liturgy of the Hours according to the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church.

General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours: Congregation for Divine Worship (EWTN).

Liturgy of the Hours: eBreviary PDF formats that print as booklets, display on PCs & mobile devices

Memorial Prayer Cards: Includes Irish Blessings & Spanish collection of Memorial Prayers.

National Day of Prayer

Norms Regarding the Manner of Proceeding in the Discernment of Presumed Apparitions or Revelations, 1978. Republished by CDF.

Paths of the Spirit: The Vatican

Prayers for College Stusdents: Rider University Catholic Campus Ministry

Praying Each Day: De La Salle Brothers in Great Britain.

The Rosary: (Catholic Culture) Includes How to Pray the Rosary | The History of the Rosary | The Luminous Mysteries).

How To Pray The Rosary (USCCB): The Rosary is a Scripture-based prayer.

The Holy Rosary: What is, and how to pray the Rosary. Also, prayers and devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lady Untirer/Undoer of Knots Novena

Pro-Life Rosary Prayer Intentions (USCCB).

The Rosary Foundation: Includes: History of the Rosary, How to Pray the Rosary, Rosary Q&A, Rosary Resources.

Rosary Army: evangelizing the faith through the Rosary prayer. Online instructions on how to make & pray the rosary.

The Rosary & the Franciscan Crown: National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Anglican Rosary

June: Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Index of hymns, prayers, writings, Encyclicals, homilies and devotions on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sacred Heart of Jesus: scroll to § 166-73 for biblical foundations & historical development of devotion to Most Sacred Heart.

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — Feast Day, 2nd Friday after Pentecost

Sacred Space: Pray with scripture chosen every day and on-screen guidance

Taizé: Prayer and Song

Free Traditional Catholic Books: a treasure trove of good, traditional Catholic books available for free or near-free (including those written by great saints and Fathers and Doctors of the Church) that you can read and download for free.

Treasury of Latin Prayers: collection of Latin prayers & hymns with English translations

Virtual Candle Page: Know someone in need of prayers today? Click to light a Virtual Candle.
Inspiration: Index
- Christophers News Notes: "It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness"
  "Three Minutes a Day" – The Christophers: daily reflections of hope and inspiration.
- Faith & Values - Hallmark Channel: quality programming that inspires, informs & entertains.
- Spirituality & Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys. Ways to practice spirituality in everyday life.
Spiritual Direction Resources: Index

The Spiritual Life – a Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology [Download PDF - click on circle with 3 dots on left side of screen] by Adolphe Tanquerey, 1854-1932

"Seven Principles of the Spiritual Life" by Fr. Thomas Bolin, O.S.B

Catholic Spiritual Direction: The spiritual direction process & expectations. Finding, selecting, & initiating spiritual direction.

Catholic Spiritual Direction Blog & Recent Articles

How Can I Increase The Strength Of My Will To Resist Temptation? by Fr. John Bartunek, LC

Spiritual Direction: Questions and Answers (PDF)

The Difference Between Counseling and Spiritual Direction by Allison Ricciardi.

“Wrestling With God”: Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI (July 29, 2007).“‘I wrestle with God.’ Among other things, it suggests that the struggles in later life can be very different than what we struggle with earlier on.…” We “spend the last half of our lives struggling with anger and forgiveness — and that anger is often, however unconsciously, focused on God. In the end, our real struggle is with God.”

Virtues and Virtuous Living: Index

Virtues for Life: Designed to inspire and coach you in the daily practice of virtues so that you can achieve your personal best and, consequently, lead a more extraordinary life."

Choose a Virtue in the New Year": Instead of taking the traditional route of making resolutions, how about selecting one word, a virtue? This virtue can support your vision for the year ahead and be a steady guide and inspiration for what's to come."
Virtues List: Virtues are the essence of our character and character does indeed determine destiny. The more we recognize the potential impact that practicing virtues can have on our lives, the more our lives open up to new possibilities and to greater joy and fulfillment.

Catholic News Agency - Resources - Virtues: Includes The Nature of Virtue

Cardinal Virtues of Prudence/Smart Living | Individual Justice/Obligations to God and Neighbor | Social Justice/Obligations to Societies | Fortitude/Determination to Become Happy | Temperance/Avoiding Ruin,
Theological Virtues of Faith/God's Truth in Our Souls | Hope/Striving for Heaven | Charity/Loving as God Loves.
Guzman_The Virtuous Man— The Catholic Gentleman

Guzman_Prudence: The Cardinal Virtues — The Catholic Gentleman

Guzman_Justice: The Cardinal Virtues — The Catholic Gentleman

Guzman_Fortitude: The Cardinal Virtues — The Catholic Gentleman

Guzman_Temperance: The Cardinal Virtues — The Catholic Gentleman

Character Action Media: consists of video-based lessons of inspiring stories of individuals living out the personal and civic virtues in ways that are relevant to youth. Lessons help students understand the virtues, inspire them to live out the virtues, and present individual and group activities relevant to the focused virtues.

Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics (Baylor University): Helping to think with a Christian mind about the ethical issues in our society.

"Schooling the Young into Goodness" (Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University), © 2009, Darin H. Davis and Paul J. Wadell. Moral education should provide the young with an understanding of life worthy of themselves – a compelling account of goodness and how to achieve it. If we ask the young only to pursue their desires, should we be surprised if, instead of being uplifted by the freedom we hold out to them, they become bored and disenchanted?

"The Content of Our Character: Ten Essential Virtues" by Tom Lickona adapted from Character Matters. What is the content of good character? How a school defines character – what it includes or omits in its target virtues – will shape the goals and activities of its character education initiative.

Habits You Can Use To Be Successful (And Some To Avoid): One of the best ways to improve yourself is through good habits.…it really can make a difference in how successful you are at accomplishing your goals.

“The Choice of Gratitude” Henri Nouwen (PDF)

The Power of Choice #2 (PDF)

"Power to Influence: Encouragement — the Key to Caring" by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR (PDF)

What is Servant Leadership? (Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership): The phrase "Servant Leadership" was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in "The Servant as Leader," first published in 1970.

"Servant Leadership" Ken Blanchard (PDF)

"Virtue and The Art of Living" by Dr. Edward P. Sri. A 10-part series of essays on virtue and the art of living. Lay Witness is a publication of Catholic United for the Faith, Inc.

Aiming High: How to Grow in Virtue. Dr. Edward P. Sri

The Art of Living: The First Step of Prudence. Dr. Edward P. Sri

Prudence - Mother of All Virtues (PDF): Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude & Temperance

The Art of Living: Agony, Anxiety, and Decisiveness. Dr. Edward P. Sri

The Art of Living: Patience and Perseverance. Dr. Edward P. Sri

Diligence: the Virtue that Overcomes the Sin of Sloth

Called to Greatness: The Virtue of Magnanimity. Dr. Edward P. Sri
- "Your Created Goodness: Developing and Improving a Positive Attitude and Healthy Self-Worth - A Concept for Spiritual Wellness." © October 2010. Fr. Brian Cavanaugh. TOR
- "A Challenge to Greatness: Magnanimity ~ The Virtue of Excellence" © 2021 Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

Vainglory: Seeking the Praise of Men. Dr. Edward P. Sri

Temperance and the Art of Eating. Dr. Edward P. Sri

Anger and Virtue. Dr. Edward P. Sri

Whose Rights? The Paradox of Moral Relativism. Dr. Edward P. Sri

"Don't Impose Your Morality on Me! Dr. Edward P. Sri

The Virtue of Prudence by Douglas McManaman

The Virtue of Temperance by Doug McManaman

The Virtue of Fortitude by Doug McManaman

Fortitude: A Cardinal Virtue and a Gift of the Holy Spirit. Fortitude is the virtue that allows us to overcome fear and to remain steady in our will in the face of obstacles.

Diligence: the Virtue that Overcomes the Sin of Sloth

"The Virtue of Discernment" Confraternity of Penitents (PDF)

The Virtue-Driven Life by Mark Lowery, Ph.D. There are four cardinal moral virtues: prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. They are called "cardinal" from the Latin word for "hinge," (cardo, cardinis) since the whole life of natural virtue pivots on these four key virtues. Think of these as "grooves" in your life that keep you headed toward your final destiny. Every particular virtue - patience, magnanimity, gratitude, trust - belongs to one of these grooves.

Virtue of Sport - St. John Paul II (PDF) Catholic Register – Canada, 25 July 2012

Virtuous Leadership: A 10-point summary of Alexandre Havard’s model. Havard states that "Leadership is intrinsically linked to virtue." This summary includes the virtues of magnanimity and humility, prudence (practical wisdom), courage, self-control and justice. "By practicing the virtues, leaders become mature in their judgments, emotions, and behavior."

"False Humility Refuses to Accept the Gifts God Has Given Us", Philip Kosloski |01/24/25 | Aleteia. "We might think we are being humble by not using our God-given talents, choosing instead to hide ourselves under a bushel basket."

"Why Is it Prideful to Do Nothing for God?", Philip Kosloski | 01/25/25 | Aleteia. "Sometimes we can prideful in thinking that God would never want to use a sinful vessel like ourselves to preach the Gospel to the world."

Pope Francis: Catecheses on Vices and Virtues: Index

1. Introduction: Safeguarding the Heart. General Audience | Wednesday, 27 December 2023
2. Constant Spiritual Striving. General Audience | Wednesday, 3 January 2024
3. Gluttony. General Audience | Wednesday, 10 January 2024
4. Lust. General Audience | Wednesday, 17 January 2024
5. Avarice. General Audience | Wednesday, 24 January 2024
6. Wrath. General Audience | Wednesday, 31 January 2024
7. Despondency of the Soul | General Audience | Wednesday, 7 February 2024
8. Acedia (Lack of Care) | General Audience | Wednesday, 14 February 2024
9. Envy and Vainglory | General Audience | Wednesday, 28 February 2024
10. Pride | General Audience | Wednesday, 6 March 2024
11. Virtuous Action | General Audience | Wednesday, 13 March 2024
12. Prudence | General Audience | Wednesday, 20 March 2024
13. Patience | General Audience | Wednesday, 27 March 2024
14. Justice | General Audience | Wednesday, 3 April 2024
15. Fortitude | General Audience | Wednesday, 10 April 2024
16. Temperance | General Audience | Wednesday, 17 April 2024
17. Life of Grace According to the Spirit | General Audience | Wednesday, 24 April 2024
18. Faith | General Audience | Wednesday, 1st May 2024
19. Hope | General Audience | Wednesday, 8 May 2024
20. Charity | General Audience | Wednesday, 15 May 2024
21. Humility | General Audience | Wednesday, 22 May 2024

Pope Francis: Catecheses on Virtuous Living: Index

Pope Francis: 1. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Wisdom. General Audience | Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Pope Francis: 2. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Understanding. General Audience | Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Pope Francis: 3. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Counsel. General Audience | Wednesday, 7 May 2014

Pope Francis: 4. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Fortitude. General Audience | Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Pope Francis: 5. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Knowledge. General Audience | Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Pope Francis: 6. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Piety. General Audience | Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Pope Francis: 7. Catecheses on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — Fear of the Lord. General Audience | Wednesday, 11 June 2014

Pope Francis: Catechesis on Discernment: Index

Pope Francis: 1 Catechesis On Discernment: What Does it Mean to Discern?

General Audience | Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Pope Francis: 2 Catechesis On Discernment: Ignatius of Loyola. General Audience | Wednesday, 7 September 2022

Pope Francis: 3 Catechesis On Discernment: Elements of Discernment. Familiarity with the Lord. General Audience | Wednesday, 28 September 2022

Pope Francis: 4 Catechesis on Discernment: Elements of Discernment — Self-Knowledge. General Audience | Wednesday, 5 October 2022

Pope Francis: 5 Catechesis on Discernment: Elements of Discernment. The Desire. General Audience | Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Pope Francis: 6 Catecheses for Discernment: Knowing One’s Own Life Story. General Audience | Wednesday, 19 October 2022

Pope Francis: 7 Catechesis on Discernment: Subject of Discernment. Desolation . General Audience | Wednesday, 26 October 2022

Pope Francis: 8 Catechesis on Discernment: Why Are We Desolate?. General Audience | Wednesday, 16 November 2022

Pope Francis: 9 Catechesis on Discernment: Consolation. General Audience | Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Pope Francis: 10 Catechesis on Discernment: True Consolation. General Audience | Wednesday, 30 November 2022

Pope Francis: 11 Catechesis on Discernment: Confirmation of the Good Choice. General Audience | Wednesday, 7 December 2022

Pope Francis: 12 Catechesis on Discernment: Attitude of Vigilance. General Audience | Wednesday, 14 December 2022

Pope Francis: 13 Catechesis on Discernment: Learn to Recognize God’s Voice. General Audience | Wednesday, 21 December 2022

Pope Francis: 14 Catechesis on Discernment. Spiritual Accompaniment. General Audience | Wednesday, 4 January 2023

Pope Francis: Catecheses on Spiritual Striving: Index

1. Introduction: Safeguarding the Heart. General Audience | Wednesday, 27 December 2023

2. Constant Spiritual Striving. General Audience | Wednesday, 3 January 2024

3. Gluttony. General Audience | Wednesday, 10 January 2024
4. Lust. General Audience | Wednesday, 17 January 2024

5. Avarice. General Audience | Wednesday, 24 January 2024

6. Wrath. General Audience | Wednesday, 31 January 2024

7. Despondency of the Soul | General Audience | Wednesday, 7 February 2024

8. Acedia (Lack of Care) | General Audience | Wednesday, 14 February 2024

9. Envy and Vainglory | General Audience | Wednesday, 28 February 2024

10. Pride | General Audience | Wednesday, 6 March 2024

11. Virtuous Action | General Audience | Wednesday, 13 March 2024

12. Prudence | General Audience | Wednesday, 20 March 2024

13. Patience | General Audience | Wednesday, 27 March 2024

14. Justice | General Audience | Wednesday, 3 April 2024

15. Fortitude | General Audience | Wednesday, 10 April 2024

16. Temperance | General Audience | Wednesday, 17 April 2024

17. Life of Grace According to the Spirit | General Audience | Wednesday, 24 April 2024

18. Faith | General Audience | Wednesday, 1st May 2024

19. Hope | General Audience | Wednesday, 8 May 2024

20. Charity | General Audience | Wednesday, 15 May 2024

21. Humility | General Audience | Wednesday, 22 May 2024

Acedia - Baylor University: The Christian Reflection Project. "At its core, acedia is aversion to our relationship to God because of the transforming demands of his love." The study guides and lesson plans integrate Bible study, prayer, and worship to explore the vice of acedia and its remedies in the Christian tradition. The guides may be downloaded and reproduced for personal or group use. Acedia: Study Guides and Lesson Plans

"Resistance to the Demands of Love," by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung

"What is Acedia" – Notes on Acedia. Includes references for the Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Pornography and Acedia: A Spiritual Analysis of and Remedy for Lust of the Eyes by Reinhard Hütter, April 2012, FIRST THINGS.

Acedia (Sloth) by St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, II, II, 35

"The Spirit of Acedia" from the Institutes of John Cassian

Antidotes for Male Teenage Sloth: May 15, 2023 | Phillip Campbell. “Sloth is generally defined as laziness. But it is not mere laziness; it is a preference for ease and comfort, a reluctance to do hard things.…It is often accompanied by indifference or boredom. Sloth is a disposition towards whatever is easy and comfortable — it is a habitual preference for the path of least resistance.”

Fighting Acedia: Choosing God at All Times (Simply Catholic). “Acedia is the…way of talking about sloth. But it is much more than a simple laziness or lack of desire to do anything worthwhile. It is an infliction of the soul that attacks desire: we listen to it and become unable to follow through on our intentions. Because we don’t act on intentions, we feel dull, numb and spiritual dead. To put the definition in a more pithy fashion: acedia creates in us the inability to choose the good.

Discerning God's Will, Hearing God's Voice Within?: Index

"St. Francis’ Prayer to Discern God’s Will Before the Crucifix" by Fr. Jonathan St. Andre & Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

The First Rule of Discernment is to recognize and obey what the Lord tells us to do through the Church.

The Second Rule of Discernment is that every gift we have is to be used for God's glory.

The Third Rule of Discernment is prayer

"Nine Secrets to Discovering Your Call" Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR

Discernment by Peter Kreeft

Discernment: Recognising God’s Voice by Brian Incigneri

An Approach to Good Choices - Ignatian Spirituality. The Ignatian approach to good choices emphasizes freedom. Making a free decision means that we set aside our own preferences and preconceptions and strive to be free of social pressures and psychological strains. We carefully examine our motives and desires. This isn't easy. Much of the prayer and reflection in Ignatian decision making has to do with achieving the detachment necessary to choose freely.

"An Ignatian Framework for Making a Decision" by Jim Manney. 11 Steps for Making a Decision Following the Ignatian Method.

"How Ignatian Spirituality Gives Us a Way to Discern God’s Will" by David L. Fleming, SJ, from What Is Ignatian Spirituality?.

"The Devil Comes Cloaked as an Angel of Light" by William A. Barry, SJ, from An Ignatian Spirituality Reader.

"The Trap That Satan Sets Us When We Are Trying to Find God’s Will": Nicholas Senz | Sep 18, 2019 | Aleteia. "St. Francis de Sales has some strikingly simple advice: Be what we are…and do the best we can to honor Him."

"Discernment in a Nutshell" by Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ, from Making Choices in Christ.

Four Steps to Hearing Your Call by Sr. Anita Louise Lowe, O.S.B.

Praying to Hear God by Fr. Moe Larochelle

Seven Keys To Hearing God's Voice by Craig von Buseck

How Can I Know If I Am Hearing God, Hearing Satan, or Hearing My Own Thoughts?

Is God REALLY Speaking to You? 4 Questions to Help You Discern His Voice by Brian Moll

13 Effective Tips to Help You Stop Cursing: Whether we intend for it to happen at the time or not, some of us use those rude four-letter words a little too often. Soon, it becomes a habit. (I would add, prayerfully read James 3:1-12).
"Formation of Novices and Seminarians: Nine Signs of Steady Growth" - Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. (CatholicCulture.com)
"Perfectionism Doesn’t Look Like We Think it Does": Most of us associate perfectionism with achievement, but they are not the same. Aleteia | Calah Alexander | Jul 20, 2017.
Prayer and Discernment Resources (USCCB). Featuring "What is Prayer?" and "The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina."
The Present Moment: a Christian Approach to Mindfulness by Dr. Gregory Bottaro.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media: "Social networks do best when they tap into one of the seven deadly sins. Facebook is ego. Zynga is sloth. LinkedIn is greed." ~ Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn (2011).

Pope Francis: On Prayer — Distractions, Time of Barrenness, Sloth. Catechesis on prayer: 34. Distractions, time of barrenness, sloth.
Facing Difficulties & Temptations in Prayer: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Ed. (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000), 654–655.

Scrupulosity: The Occupational Hazard of the Catholic Moral Life. Scrupulosity is a corruption of freedom. The scrupulous person is anxious that he has committed a sin when in fact he has not or is convinced that his venial sins are mortal when they are not.

OCD Scrupulosity: Spiritual Direction Through the Stages of Recovery

The Perpetual Penitent: Identifying and Healing from Scrupulosity

Healing the Scrupulous Mind (Catholic Strength)

Scrupulous Anonymous (Liguori Publications): Ministering to those afflicted with scrupulosity – a religious form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Scrupulous Anonymous Cover Articles archive

A Spiritual Path - Scrupulous Anonymous: The words spirituality and religious are often used casually with little thought about what they mean.

Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous (Revised): Rev. Thomas M. Santa, C.SS.R.

Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous, Ver. 2

Managing Scrupulosity – An Introduction — a pastoral service from Liguori Publications (A Roman Catholic Media Company)

Managing Scrupulosity – What is Scrupulosity

Managing Scrupulosity – For the Priest / Confessor

Managing Scrupulosity – FAQ’s

“Spiritual Direction & Scrupulosity” by Fr. Thomas M. Santa, CssR, Scrupulous Anonymous, 02/01/2021

Managing Scrupulosity: Father Thomas M. Santa, C.Ss.R., "The management of scrupulosity is a life-long commitment to healing and integration. Unfortunately, there are no short cuts. There is no such thing as "one size fits all." That is the bad news, the difficult truth. The good news, the hopeful truth is that all is not lost. There is a path that can be navigated that will bring some relief and provide some sense of progress."

Scrupulosity: The Ultimate Guide. Jaimie Eckert, "Scrupulosity is not a lack of faith, it's a mental health hijacking of your relationship with God." Includes: Blasphemous Thoughts: The Ultimate Guide, Scrupulosity Articles, Scrupulosity Videos.

Unveiling Scrupulosity

Understanding and Conquering Scrupulosity - Caritual Direco

10 Types of Negative Self-Talk (and How to Correct Them): Nick Wignall | July 27, 2018 | IN Guides. "A lot of mental and emotional suffering comes from the way we talk to ourselves in our own minds, what psychologists call negative self-talk.

Homiletics, Sermon Resources, Saint of the Day Index

Homiletic Directory: Congregation for Divine Worship & Discipline of the Sacraments (CatholicCulture). Download Homiletic Directory PDF.

"Preaching with the New Homiletic Directory," Connect: Uniting Word and World, Vol. 2015, Issue 4 • June – July, (LPI.

Resources & Training for Homiletics: US Catholic Bishops offer these practical resources for the renewal of preaching in our country,

"Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily" (PDF).

"The Word of God: Source and Power of Preaching": Fr. Donald Senior, CP

"Catechesis and Doctrine in Liturgical Preaching": Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, OSB

"Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly" – USCCB: Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations (PDF).

Homiletics Resources in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Teaching the Faith: A resource from the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars to assist clergy in preparing homilies on doctrinal topics and themes in Catholic prayer and spirituality.

Homilies, Written or Not: July 01, 2014 (Zenit.org) Father Edward McNamara, LC, "…homilies should always be well prepared,…Homilies should always be preached from the heart, but not necessarily preached by heart. A read homily may also be from the heart."

"Proclaim a Message of Hope: A Homiletics Practicum." © April 2010, Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR

The Roman Catholic Lectionary: scripture readings from Latin & English editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass.

Sunday to Sunday, the Preaching Journey. Our Emmy winning television series profiles great preachers is hosted by Father Mike Russo. Explore how to listen to the gospel and to hear the deeply felt reflections of its witnesses. Ours is a commitment to the preaching ministry and to those who inspire us.

“Inside” Sunday to Sunday podcasts — Zoom Recordings

Butler's Lives of the Saints and Other Holy People (EWTN). Can be searched alphabetically or by calendar date.

"The Golden Legend (Aurea Legenda)" – Medieval Sourcebook. Compiled by Jacobus de Voragine, 1275; Trans. William Caxton, 1483.

Saint of the Day (Catholic Culture)

Liturgical Calendar for the Month: (Catholic Culture)

Catholic Online: Patron Saints, Feast Days & Angels

Saint of the Day | Catholic Online

Franciscan Saints & Blesseds Calendar (scroll down for each month).

Roman Catholic Saints and Heroes:

Roman Catholic Saints' Feast Days Calendar

Saints.SQPN.com: information on topics with patron saints, and profiles of those saints.

Calendar of Saints: listing by month/day

Daily Homilies: Daily reflections on Scriptures passages as found in the Roman Catholic Lectionary.

Daily Scripture Readings & Meditations (Servants of the Word).

Daily and Sunday Biblical Homilies on the Liturgical Year in English and Spanish by Fr. Steven Scherer. Previous Homilies.

Salesian Resources of Sunday Homily Helps, Sunday Gospel & Daily Reflections.

FaithND: Join the Notre Dame family for reflection, learning, & prayer on the daily Gospel Reading & Daily Reflection.

Doctrinal Homily Outlines for the Year of Faith: A Lectionary-based resource for homilists and the lay faithful. Review readings for each Sunday & Holy Day during Year of Faith.

Roman Catholic Homilies (Catholic Doors Ministry): Hundreds of Roman Catholic Homilies for Sundays and Holy Days

Sermons that Work – Episcopal Digital Network: Includes archive of sermons for Years A, B, and C, plus Bible Study guides and Bulletin Inserts.

Sermon Writer: Making Preaching More of a Joy. Includes All Resources by Scripture, Biblical Commentary, Español Comentario, Sermons for Special Occasions: Books of the Bible, Funerals, Weddings, Disasters & Troubled Times.

Connections: This Sunday's Gospel. Exegetical notes and homily themes to get you started this weekend.

Bishop Robert Barron’s Homilies

The Center for Liturgy - St. Louis University: pray, peruse & understand the readings of the coming Sunday’s Mass.

Creighton University Reflections on Sunday & Daily Mass Readings

Emmaus Journey: small-group bible study on the Sunday Mass readings

Pastoral Preaching: Sponsored by the Athenaeum of Ohio

Sunday Reflections: Homilies by Fr. Nathan Mamo, S.T.L.

Sundays Salesian (Oblates of St. Francis de Sales): offers a Salesian perspective on the Sunday Readings.

The Word Proclaimed Institute: Fr. Francis Martin's 4-part weekly reflection & commentary on the readings, psalm & Sunday Gospel.

Audio Sancto: Sermons in plain English on Catholic dogma, doctrine, and devotion.

Catholic Homilies -- Homilías Católicas: English and Spanish

Christian Sermons, Holidays, & Articles Archive: Joyful Heart Ministries

Fr. Andrew Greeley Homilies

Fr. Munachi’s Sunday Sermons: African Christian Inspiration

John Bergsma’s Sunday Reflections (NCR)

Planning Ahead: Readings and Funeral Poems. Here are the most loved poems, prose, religious texts, thoughts and readings for funerals.

Popular Funeral Poems

Irish Blessings, Prayers, Proverbs, Toasts and Poems

Homiletic & Pastoral Review: online essays and homilies on the truths and the beauty of Jesus Christ and his one, true Church.

Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries - Thanksgiving: Short Stories and Articles

Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries - St. Patrick's Life, Prayers, and Legacy
Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries - Easter: Short Stories and Articles

September 11, 2001: Preaching, Prayer and Liturgical Responses

Sermon Search: a database containing over 14,000 sermons. A valuable research tool to stimulate new ideas.

Sermons - Lectionary Resources

The Text This Week: Scripture Study and Worship Links and Resources

Sermon Illustrations & Stories: Index

Bible Illustrations: Stories, illustrations, anecdotes to assist in bible study and preaching.

Christian Stories and Poems

Illustration Exchange: Quality Sermon Illustrations

More Illustrations: Over 20,000 illustrations, anecdotes, stories, and quotations on more than 2,000 topics…

Preacher's Illustration Service (Voicings Publ.): Sermon Illustrations of the month

Sermon Illustrations from e-sermons.com

Sermon Illustrations By Topic: free sermon illustrations to find stories, jokes, quotations, and more to enhance your sermon.

Sermon Illustrations - CrossWalk: Covering thousands of topics. Find illustrations by topic or a Bible reference.

Sermon Illustrations: Topic Search

After Hours Inspirational Stories

10,000 Sermon Illustrations: Bible Studies Foundation

Jewish Stories: More than 500 Jewish stories from the sages, the Chassidic masters, and contemporary Jewish storytellers

Story Tour Blog: The teachings, thoughts and stories of a Maggid – Storytelling Rabbi

Ministry Resources: Index

January 22 Day Of Prayer For The Legal Protection Of Unborn Children: USCCB Prayer and Worship resources.

Birthright International: helping women with pregnancy dilemmas (1-800-550-4900).

Athletics & Sports - Ethics and Virtue: collection of resources for coaches, athletes, and team chaplains.

"A Christian Perspective on Sport" by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR. St. John Paul II said, "Sportsmanship, as an ideal, is all about character. It’s about humility, honesty, loyalty, respect and generosity. It is not a quest for perfection but, like a faith journey, sportsmanship is a quest for virtue." (PDF)
- “A Christian Perspective on Sport”: extensive resources on sport from a Christian perspective.
Life Athletes: athletes committed to living lives of virtue, abstinence, & respect for life.

St. John Paul II Speaks to Athletes: Homilies, Messages and Speeches on Sport

"Sporting Activity in the Thought of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI" by Bishop Josef Clemens

Church and Sport - Pontifical Council for the Laity

Sport: School of Virtue - A Field of Christian Mission
Center for Christian Ethics - Sports Library (Baylor University)

Busted Halo: For spiritual seekers in their 20s & 30s trying to find deeper meaning in their lives.

Cardinal Newman Society: dedicated to renewal of Catholic identity at Catholic colleges & universities in USA.

The Catholic Association (TCA): a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena.

Catholic Charities USA: provides vital social services to people in need.

Catholics Come Home: a welcoming ministry for anyone who has left the Catholic Church, for whatever reasons.

Answering Your Questions

Catholic Link: multimedia resources useful for ministry & evangelization, proclaim the gospel with "creativity & ingenuity."

Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB): a faith-based leader in global healthcare.

Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS): organization of 200 domestic & international volunteer & lay mission programs.

Catholic News Agency - Resources: Topics cover include Abortion - Bible - Catechism - Church Fathers - Life & Family - Virtue...

Catholic Rural Life (CRL): Since 1923, we have been applying the teachings of Jesus Christ for the social, economic, and spiritual development of rural America, strengthening and sustaining the Church in the countryside by educating and inspiring leaders and advocating on their behalf.
- The Rural Life Celebration Handbook
Catholic Therapists: Professionals who integrate the truths of the faith in the therapeutic process.

Center for Christian Ethics – Baylor University: Helping to think with a Christian mind about the ethical issues in our society.

Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics. Quarterly published by The Center of Christian Ethics.

A Church in Dialogue – Catholics and Muslims in Canada: Believers and Citizens in Society. Canada's bishops pamphlet on Catholic-Muslim relationship considers history and main teachings of Islam, state of interreligious dialog, and suggestions for the faithful.

Answering Islam: A Christian-Muslim Dialog and Apologetic

Church Health Reader: innovative resources on health, wellness and healing for lay leaders and clergy.

Creighton University Campus Ministry

Creighton University Online Ministries: Daily Reflections, Online Retreat, Stations of the Cross

Faith and Reason (Franciscan University of Steubenville): Deepening your knowledge of the Catholic faith and your understanding of the world in which we live.

"Healing a Broken World" – Jesuits Special Report on Ecology. "…to create a new world based on a just relationship with creation."

Human Life International: to promote & defend the sanctity of life according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

Hymnary: an online hymn and worship music database for worship leaders, hymnologists, and amateur hymn lovers alike. Search or browse hymns by title, tune, meter, key, scripture reference, and more.…the most complete database of North American hymnody on the planet.

Catholic hymn: lyrics to many of the most popular Catholic hymns.

In Character - A Journal of Everyday Virtues (John Templeton Foundation)

Interfaith Calendar: Primary sacred times for world religions.

The Liturgy Archive: An attempt to gather into one place various liturgies, prayers, sermons, and anything else that a Christian may find useful for prayer, contemplation and edification.

LGBT Pastoral Guidelines – Archdiocese of Baltimore. Calls on Catholics to show love to LGBT people in a way that always affirms and upholds Church teaching.

LGBT Pastoral Accompaniment – Archdiocese of Baltimore

Military Ordinariate (Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA): provides Catholic pastoral & spiritual services for military personnel.

"Armed With The Faith: A Catholic Handbook for Military Personnel" (Knights of Columbus)
Mission Capaodanno - Catholics in the Military
Prayers for those who serve in the Military (USCCB). Prayers to bless the members of the armed forces.

Mission to Seafarers - Prayers and Worship Resources

Blessing of the Fleet

National Silent No More Awareness Campaign: to make the public aware of the devastation abortion.

Online Sympathy & Condolence Resources: Examples to help you write your condolences in cards or letters of sympathy.

ObituariesHelp.org: Resources for obituaries, words of condolences sympathy, planning funeral, eulogy samples and genealogy search.

OSV Talks: Our Sunday Visitor presents a series of topics from prominent Catholic leaders to spark discussion, explore new, or re-explore old approaches, and inspire creative thinking, all from the heart of the church.
- “The Subtle Deterioration of True Professionalism” by Jason Deuterman. “Ministry does demand professionalism in both approach and exercise. What does this mean? This talk invites the viewer to assess their own ministry behavior and re-examine the high standards set by the history of professional ministry throughout time.”

Prayers to Overcome Addiction

"Prayer for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly" - Vatican July 25, 2021
Rachel's Vineyard: renew, rebuild & redeem hearts broken by abortion.

Renewal Ministries: Catholic Renewal & Evangelization

Resource Publications, Inc.: Resources for Ministry, Worship & Education

Social Media Guidelines: (USCCB). Use of social media to encourage respect, dialogue, and honest relationships…

U.S. Catholic Mission Association

The Vocation of the Business Leader – A Reflection (Vatican - Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development): A 32-page vademecum addressed to entrepreneurs, in their daily commitment to integrating faith and work, and to professors in their formative moments in schools and universities. English - 5th Edition.

VIRTUS® Online - The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc.

Year of St. Paul: June 2008 – June 2009 in celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the apostle’s birth.

Year of Faith: Oct. 11, 2012 - Nov. 24, 2013 (Vatican): 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei "For the Indiction of the Year of Faith"
Note with pastoral recommendations for the Year of Faith: Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).
Year of Faith: 2012 - 2013 (USCCB). "An opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him." Right column includes Resources for all Catholics, Dioceses & Parishes | Year of Faith Prayers | Important Documents
"10 Ways Catholics Can Live The Year Of Faith" Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, WI, Chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis (USCCB).
Year of Faith - Questions and Answers (USCCB)

Year of Faith Programs (Diocese of Harrisburg, PA). Includes Parish Goals and Resources, Liturgy, Music and Prayer Resources, and Faith Topics.
Year of Faith (Archdiocese of Milwaukee): This sacred time will provide Catholics locally and throughout the world a precious opportunity to celebrate, deepen and share the spiritual richness of their Catholic faith.

Youth, Teens, Young Adults: Index

The Cardinal Virtues: A Course of Addresses to Young Men by Joseph Rickaby, S.J. (University of Notre Dame). Click on a Chapter Title to move to that section. Or, click on left/right arrow at very bottom of page to move forward or backward to another section.
- Are You Instilling These 7 Important Virtues in Your Child? Here is a short list of important qualities that will help children mature into kind and responsible adults – and some tips for how to foster them in our children.

The Chastity Project: Featuring Q/A topics on Dating, How Far Is Too Far?, Starting Over, How to Stay Pure, Vocations & Spirituality, and more.

How Do You Stay Pure? (Pure Manhood by Jason Evert): "The following ten points are a game plan for purity."

Christian Teens: ministry resources at About.com

"Why Courtship is Fundamentally Flawed" by Thomas Umstattd Jr. "Each year I waited for courtship to start working and for my homeschool friends to start getting married. It never happened. Most of them are still single. Some have grown bitter and jaded. Then couples who did get married through courtship started getting divorced. I’m talking the kind of couples who first kissed at their wedding were filing for divorce."

Examination of Conscience – for Teenagers by Deacon Douglas McManaman
Fathers for Good - an Initiative for Men by the Knights of Columbus. Includes Real Fathers | Challenges | Father’s Spirituality…

Magnanimity - In Search of the Lost Virtue: "a reaching out of the soul to great things…"

Prudence - Mother of All Virtues: Internet research on the Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.

Busted Halo: For spiritual seekers in their 20s & 30s trying to find deeper meaning in their lives.

"Schooling the Young into Goodness:" Moral education should provide the young with an understanding of life worthy of themselves.

True Love Waits: supports teenagers & college students to remain sexually abstinent until marriage.

Young Adult Ministry (USCCB): Young adults are persons in their late teens, twenties, and thirties who represent diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, educational, vocational, social, political, and spiritual backgrounds.…they are newcomers in search of a better life.

Video Catechism for Teens: The Diocese of Wheeling - Charleston.…with the intent of communicating the faith to a teenage audience.

Wingclips – Movie clips that illustrate and inspire: Search by Movie Title, Scripture, Category, of Theme.

Men's Ministry: Index

A Call to Battle: A Short Film on 'Society's Crisis in Masculinity' (with Spanish subtitles). The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix released for the first time ever in its history a documentary-style short film that seeks to create awareness of a crisis in masculinity found in today's society.

The Family Life Center: Defending the faith, family life, & fatherhood throughout the world…in response to Pope John Paul II’s exhortation that the future of the world & the Church passes through the family. The Family Life Center seeks to renew society by renewing strong, moral families.

Christian Fatherhood (Dads.org): resources to help dads be the best husbands and fathers they can be.

"A Father's Pledge" by J.L Edwards (Happy Father's Day).

"Advice for Fathers" by James B. Stenson. Happy Father’s Day! Excerpt from Father, the Family Protector

The Cardinal Virtues: A Course of Addresses to Young Men by Joseph Rickaby, S.J. (University of Notre Dame).

Catholic News Agency - Resources - Virtues: Includes The Nature of Virtue,

Cardinal Virtues of Prudence/Smart Living | Individual Justice/Obligations to God and Neighbor | Social Justice/Obligations to Societies | Fortitude/Determination to Become Happy | Temperance/Avoiding Ruin and
Theological Virtues of Faith/God's Truth in Our Souls | Hope/Striving for Heaven | Charity/Loving as God Loves.

"Virtue and The Art of Living" by Dr. Edward P. Sri. A 10-part series of essays on virtue and the art of living.

"Restoring the Fullness of Fatherhood" by Donald Demarco. The following 10 paradoxes illustrate the dynamic quality of fatherhood.

ThoseCatholicMen: designed to embolden, enlighten, and engage Catholic men for the renewal of masculine character and spirituality.

The Virtue-Driven Life by Mark Lowery, Ph.D. The four cardinal moral virtues: prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude.

Pornography, Pastoral Response and Helpful Resources: Index

“Aquinas, Pornography & Remedies for Sorrow" with Matt Fradd Live talk at Franciscan University, September 14, 2020.

STRIVE: 21-Day Porn Detox: Discovering the Keys to Living Porn-Free (product of Covenant Eyes). STRIVE helps men understand why they go to porn and equips them with the knowledge, tools, and accountability needed to quit porn. Equip the men in your church to live the life to which God is calling them with STRIVE.

"Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography". U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Includes other resources related to the pastoral response, and full text of the tatement (PDF).

True Freedom Anti-Pornography Initiative Materials: Family Life/Respect Life Office – Archdiocese of New York.

Created for Love, Created for Chastity: A Pastoral Response to the Grave Evil of Pornography. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on the occasion of the opening of the Lenten Season 2016.

What the Catechism Says About Pornography

Faith and Safety: Technology Safety Through the Eyes of Faith. Collaboration between The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Simple, straightforward advice and tools on how to navigate this digital world with your family.

"Bought with a Price" Pastoral Letter: "Every Man’s Duty to Protect Himself and His Family from a Pornographic Culture" (March 19, 2014) by Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington, VA. Bishop Loverde said, "In my fifty years as a priest, I have seen the evil of pornography spread like a plague throughout our culture. As part of my responsibility to lead all the people in the Diocese of Arlington to the vision of God, I find it necessary now to address the tremendous moral, social, and spiritual dangers of pornography." Read online or download PDF.

"Blessed Are The Pure In Heart" - Pastoral Letter on Pornography: Bishop Robert Finn (Kansas City–St. Joseph). Print-ready format for download or hand-out.

Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family & Community - Marriage and Religion Research Institute. Download the full report.

Healing from Cybersex: A Guide for Confessors & Spiritual Directors. Free archived webinar by Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, D.Min., Ph.D. president of Saint Luke Institute.

The Internet and Pornography: an address by Ms. Jan Slattery and Br. Brendan Geary, FMS at a symposium for bishops and religious superiors on sexual abuse in Rome (2012).

Internet Pornography - most damaging to marriages, families and children (Institute for Marital Healing)

"The New Celibacy: How Porn May Be Destroying the Impetus for Sex" by Mary Farrow, CNA, April 16, 2015 -- "For many individuals, the more porn they consume, the more likely it is that they can end up preferring the fantasy to reality, they can end up preferring the pixels to a person, and that's really messing up relationships, as you can imagine," said Clay Olsen, co-founder of the internet movement "Fight the New Drug".

"Porn and the Curse of Total Sexual Freedom" by Bishop Robert Barron, April 22, 2016. Contrary to Freudian psychological theory, complete sexual freedom has not made us psychologically healthier or happier.

Pornography – attacking marriages, families, and communities (Family Research Council)

Pornographic Culture Library (Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University)

Pastoral letter "Internet Safety" (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference), 2008.

"The Science Behind Pornography" by Kevin Majeres, MD, faculty member of Harvard Medical School. How to break the momentum.

The Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Internet Porn Addiction (Ocean Recovery Centre): How Internet porn hijacks your brain’s reward circuits and…weakens the logical part of your brain’s ability to exercise willpower over your addiction to Internet porn.

Why Confession Isn’t Helping Your Porn Problem — Part I & Part II by Fr. Sean Kilcawley | Integrity Restored.

Helpful Resources:

Courage International: Encounter Christ. Discover yourself. Grow in holiness. A Roman Catholic apostolate for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and those who love them.

Covenant Eyes: Standard for Internet integrity with accountability through monitoring. Safeguard the dangers & risks of Internet porn.

Desert Stream/Living Waters Ministries: Help for Christians struggling with sexual and relational problems. Our help is based on the biblical foundation of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God. We provide help by: Imparting Healing to the sexually and relationally broken. Through biblical wisdom, godly support, and the power of prayer, we help people stand in Christ as their hope and source of healing.

Fortify: Designed to equip individuals struggling with compulsive pornography use – young and old – with tools, education and community to assist them in reaching lasting freedom. Our mission is to help spark an uprising of people tired of porn messing with their lives – and ready for something far better.

Fight the New Drug: Our mission is to raise awareness on the harmful effects of pornography through creative mediums. Check out the Get the Facts tab for articles on how porn harms the Brain, the Heart and the World.

Help for Men and Women Struggling with Pornography Use or Addiction (For Your Marriage). Information about ministries, support groups, and resources for men and women who are looking for support to overcome pornography use and addiction, parents who want to help their children avoid pornography, filtering services to block pornography on Internet-enabled devices, a list of recommended books, and more.

"How To Protect Yourself And Your Kids From Porn – Simple Methods": Internet porn can become an addiction quite easily, and like all addictions, it is difficult to overcome. So, here is a comprehensive solution to avoid/protect yourself and your kids from porn.

Leave Porn: Get Freedom From Pornography. Resources that will help you have the confidence and knowledge you need to leave porn behind. This is required reading for the journey of freedom from pornography presented by LifeTeen and Franciscan University of Steubenville/Steubenville Fuel.

Magdala Ministries: A space where women can find hope, healing, and freedom alongside each other from sexual addiction. Our goal is to supply you with support, community, and accountability.

PornBattle – Fighting Porn Addiction: "I’m a licensed psychologist specializing in sex addiction and found the PornBattle seminar extremely helpful for pornography addiction recovery and help. It’s wonderful for men to watch individually and for couples to watch together to recover from the impact of porn addiction" (Dr. Marcus Kilian). Since it’s online and pre-recorded you can view it anytime and at your own pace. Registration required – $39.

The Porn Effect: founded by Matt Fradd is dedicated to helping men and women break free from the vice of pornography.

Pornography, etc. – The Chastity Project: Includes short videos on Breaking Free, Effects of Porn and Internet Safety (the Miscellaneous tab).

Integrity Restored: a site for those struggling with pornography use. Designed to help men, their wives and their families break free from the bonds of porn. Sections include: The Addictiveness of Porn, Overcoming Porn, Blog of Current Articles with Blog Archives.

RECLAiM Sexual Health offers an anonymous, science-based, Catholic online program, and provides resources for those who desire to reclaim God's plan for their lives, and the lives of loved ones impacted by pornography or other unhealthy sexual behaviors.

Porn-free.org: helps people discover the truth about pornography and "sexual" addictions.

Internet Accountability & Parental Control: Index

8 Tips for Protecting Children and Teens Online: A Security Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Educators. Written by Carey Davis.

Beginner's Guide to Internet Safety: 14 Tips for Being Safe Online

Cyber Safety – An Interactive Guide To Staying Safe On The Internet (InformED). Covers Cyber Bullying, Identity Theft, Plagiarism, Computer Viruses, and General Internet Safety.

Enough Is Enough® (EIE): mission is to Make the Internet Safer for Children and Families. We stand for freedom of speech as defined by the Constitution of the United States; for a culture where all people are respected and valued; for a childhood with a protected period of innocence; for healthy sexuality; and for a society free from sexual exploitation.

Internet Safety 101: an initiative of Enough Is Enough, whose mission is to make the Internet Safer for Children and Families.

Internet 101 Resources: Includes Internet Dangers, Internet Safety Rules 'N' Tools, Technology Tools & Solutions, Cybercrime Reporting

Guide to Keeping Children Safe Online: to keep children safe while they negotiate the many twists and turns of a life lived online.

A Guide to Protecting Children’s Privacy Online: "Is it safe enough for children to be online?", "How can we, parents, keep our children out of danger on the network?"

Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe): tools for parents & educators to teach children the safe use of technology & the Internet.

Internet Safety: How to Keep Kids and Teens Safe Online. Keeping your children and teens safe online becomes more challenging by the day.

Internet Safety Guidelines for Parents: Being internet safety savvy is somewhat of an importance.

Internet Safety for Kids: 17 Cyber Safety Experts Share Tips for Keeping Children Safe Online.

Keeping Children Safe Online: General Online Safety Advice and Resources.

OnGuardOnline.gov: Practical tips from the federal government (FTC, Justice Dept., Homeland Security, IRS, US Postal Inspection Service, Commerce Dept., SEC, FDIC, NCIS) and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.

Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online. Parents can help reduce kids risks of socializing online by talking to them about making safe, responsible decisions.

Parents Guide to Protecting Kids Online: (20 ways to protect kids online).

Parents of the Social Media Generation Are Not OK: December 8, 2021 | CNN Business. "In interviews over the last month, nearly a dozen parents spoke with CNN Business about grappling with how to deal with teens who experience online harms such as bullying, body image issues and pressures to always be Liked."

Internet Safety Tips for Parents: Protect children from online exploitation.

Stay Safe Online: by National Cyber Security Alliance to educate & empower a digital society to use the Internet safely & securely.

Ultimate Parent's Guide to Internet Safety: When 97 percent of under 14s have used a mobile device at least once, it's clearly impractical to ban them from the net altogether.…However too much Internet use can also lead to a number of health and social problems.

The Ultimate Parent Guide for Protecting Your Child on the Internet: "a guide for parents on how to keep children safe online, that covers how to safely introduce children to technology, and how to make sure they don't fall victim to cyberbullying or social media/ gaming addiction."

Internet Filter Software Review

Bark: The Best Comprehensive Parental Control Tool for Families. Bark’s affordable, award-winning dashboard proactively monitors text messages, YouTube, emails, and 30+ different social networks for potential safety concerns, so busy parents can save time and gain peace of mind.
TotalNetGuard by American Family Online. Multiple filtering options to protect your family from the dark side of the Internet.
K9 Web Protection - Blue Coat®: free Internet filtering and control solution for the home.
Google's SafeSearch: blocks web pages containing explicit sexual content from appearing in search results.
X3Watch: accountability software program helping with online integrity. Free version for Windows and Mac.
CYBERsitter: a full-featured content management product that keeps kids safe. 5-time winner of PC Magazines Editors Choice award.
Net Nanny: powerful parental control solution that helps parents protect their children and monitor their Internet use.
CyberPatrol Internet Security Software - Protecting an Online Generation
WebWatcher Computer Monitoring Software keeps kids safe online.

True Vine Online: Family friendly web site filtering and blocking. Protecting Christian families since 1999.

WiredSafety.org: Information and education on Internet safety & cyberabuse, cyberstalking, child safety, MySpace & cyberbullying.

Priests and Clergy: Index

The Gift of the Priestly Vocation – Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (2016): Vatican – Congregation for the Clergy.
- Priestly Formation Decisive to Mission of Church: Pope Francis to the Congress on the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutions Sacerdotalis organized by the Congregation for the Clergy on October 7, 2017, in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace. "The renewal of faith and the future of vocations are possible only if we have well-formed priests."
World Day of Prayer for Vocations, April 22, 2018: Resources for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
- Catechetical Series on Vocations (USCCB Vocations)
"A Great Adventure: Letter to a Young Man Entering the Seminary." Father Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, The Priest/Our Sunday Visitor | 7/20/2017.
"Your Vocation is Not About You" by Benjamin Mann - July 3, 2014. "The purpose of life is the unitive devotional service of God, which includes the love of our neighbor (in whom God dwells). This is the real purpose of any vocation."
Priestly Formation: A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops
- Program of Priestly Formation, 5th Edition - USCCB
Congregation for the Clergy: The Holy See
Religiosorum Institutio: Instruction on Careful Selection & Training of Candidates for the States Of Perfection & Sacred Orders - Sacred Congregation For Religious (Feb. 2, 1961)
Guide to the Training of Future Priests Concerning the Instruments of Social Communication: Congregation for Catholic Education, 1986 (Vatican).
- "Formation of Novices and Seminarians: Nine Signs of Steady Growth" - Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. (CatholicCulture.com)
- "The Formation of Priests: Knowledge and Sanctity" by Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., Ph.D., Diocese of Youngstown, OH, Homiletic & Pastoral Review, September 26, 2013.
Online Resources for Ministerial Formation for Priests, Deacons, and Lay Ecclesial Ministers compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.
Opus Bono Sacerdotii: a Catholic charity finding solutions for the proper care & treatment of priests who are experiencing difficulties.
The Priest, Minister of Divine Mercy - The Ministry of Penance and Reconciliation with a View to Christian Holiness – PDF
Priestfit Helps Clergymen “Eat Clean, Be Fit and Pray Well”: Social media-based mutual support group pushes priests to stay in shape, to better serve their people.…a priest is there to help guide us to eternal life. We expect them to be spiritually fit, but we don’t necessarily expect them to be physically fit.
Protection of Minors in the Church – Vatican, February 21-24, 2019. Presentations: on this page the presentations of the speakers will be published after being held.
"The Seal of the Confessional" Fr. William Saunders (CERC). "The standard of secrecy protecting a confession outweighs any form of professional confidentiality or secrecy."
Spiritual Formation of the Priest - 12 Conferences by Rev. Raphael Simon, OCSO, MD, St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, MA.
Year for Priests (2009–2010). Messages from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
- The Year for Priests (Annus Sacerdotalis) Congregation for the Clergy: Teachings of the Fathers of the Church, Magisterium.
- "The Year of the Priest" (CatholicCulture): Includes Overview, Priest Saints, Prayers, Websites, Documents, and Books.

Permanent Diaconate: Index

"From the Diakonia of Christ to the Diakonia of the Apostles" International Theological Commission (2002). "Among these riches of the Church are found the diaconate ministry, to which the texts of the New Testament bear witness, and which has rendered important services in the life of Christian communities, above all in the time of the ancient Church.…

Brief History of the Diaconate: The Atheneum of Ohio, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary

The Permanent Diaconate: Identity, Functions, & Prospects. Congregation of the Clergy

General Norms for Restoring the Permanent Diaconate in the Latin Church (Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem) - Pope Paul VI.

Basic Norms For Formation Of Permanent Deacons: Congregation For Catholic Education - Congregation For The Clergy

Permanent Deacon Program: St. Meinrad's School of Theology

Catholic Church Diaconate (USCCB): the first of three ranks in ordained ministry.

The Deacon at Mass -- General Principles: Committee on the Divine Worship – USCCB

Office of the Permanent Diaconate - Diocese of Lexington, KY

Liturgy & Music Resources: Index

Pontiff Francis: Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio “Traditionis Custodes”: On the Use of the Roman Liturgy Prior to the Reform of 1970.

Pope Francis’ Accompanying Letter To the Bishops of the Whole World that accompanies the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio data “Traditionis custodes” on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970.
“The Nine Questions That Sealed the Fate of the Latin Mass”: by Inés San Martín | July 20, 2021 | CRUX Rome Bureau Chief.

Teachings on Liturgy by Pope Francis & Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI - Vatican Office for the Liturgical Celebrations.

Directory on Popular Piety & Liturgy: Principles & Guidelines. Congregation for Divine Worship & Discipline of the Sacraments

The Liturgical Year and Popular Piety - Congregation for Divine Worship.

Vatican – New Document on Christian Burial and Cremation. The CDF published a new instruction on the burial of the dead and on the conservation of the ashes in cases of cremation.

Daily Mass Readings: from U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB)

Daily Mass Readings: EWTN
The Roman Catholic Lectionary: scripture readings from Latin & English editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's - Instruction Universae Ecclesia on application of the Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" (May 13, 2011).

The Theology of the Liturgical Year (CatholicCulture) by Rev. John H. Miller, C.S.C., S.T.D.

Adoremus: Society for the Renewal of the Sacred Liturgy

Vatican II on the Liturgy - Introduction: commentary by Dr. Jeff Mirus (CatholicCulture.org)

CatholicCulture - The Liturgical Year: Overview of the liturgical year--season, saints, holidays

Catholic Liturgical Library: historical & current information about liturgies of the Latin (Roman) rite of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Resources for Bible, Liturgy, and More: materials, related to biblical & liturgical studies, for teachers, students, pastors.

Notre Dame Center for Liturgy (NDCL): Dedicated to Liturgical Research and Pastoral Liturgy.

Committee on Divine Worship: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Scroll down for online newsletter archive.

Committee on Divine Worship Newsletter (USCCB): scroll down for archived newsletters as downloadable PDFs.

USCCB Policy for Permission to Use Lectionary for Mass and New American Bible.

Liturgical Resources for Prayer During a Crisis (USCCB): Excerpts from the Book of Blessings.

Commentary on the Proper Prayers of Advent from the Roman Missal (USCCB)

Bereavement, Funerals & Cremation (USCCB): Prayers and resources to strengthen our faith and hope; to comfort those who mourn. Includes Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage or Stillbirth.
- Readings for the Funeral Liturgy (USCCB): pre-selected Biblical passages which are appropriate for the occasion of a Catholic funeral Mass.

The Deacon at Mass: Committee on the Liturgy - USCCB

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 3rd Edition – Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

General Instruction of The Roman Missal, Third Edition (USCCB) Proper adaptations for USA confirmed July 24, 2010.

Hymnary: a comprehensive index of hymns and hymnals.

Resources & Training for Homiletics: The USCCB offers these resources for the renewal of preaching in our country, including "Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily" (PDF).

Promoting Authentic Eucharistic Adoration - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Liturgical Planning: CanticaNOVA's free liturgical planning pages (readings, themes); suggestions for music & hymns.

Liturgical & Prayer Resources: Church of England & Wales

The Liturgy Archive: attempts to gather into one place various liturgies, prayers, sermons, and anything else that a Christian may find useful for prayer, contemplation and edification.

Magnificat: (subscription) daily Mass and spiritual readings, and prayers.

Mass Times: A Ministry to traveling Catholics to find a nearby church with a schedule of religious services in the USA & International.

Catholic Mass Times Church Directory for the iPhone (UPDATED), and is free.

The Mystery of Music – Part I (an extended introduction to the topic): Thomas Van's essay on the spiritual value of music. The Mystery of Music, Part II (covering The Essence of Music; Music and the Soul; The Mystery of Music, Part III (covering Music and Relation; Music Transcendent; Music and Unity; Music and Grace.

SanctaMissa.org: tutorial for priests and altar servers learning to celebrate the Tridentine Latin Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal.

Low-gluten altar hosts: Congregation of Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Altar Breads Dept, 31970 State Highway P, Clyde, Missouri 64432 (Phone:1-800-223-2772).

Sunday of the Word of God, Motu Proprio Aperuit illis, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 30, 2019): "This Sunday, Pope Francis wants to stimulate all Christians not just to place the Bible on the shelf as one of many books, perhaps filled with dust, but as an instrument that awakens our faith."

Sunday of the Word of God: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) resources. Includes Catechetical Material, Ecumenical & Interreligious Material, Liturgical Material, Prayer Material, Spanish Resources.

The Roman Missal - 3rd Edition (resources for implementation): Index

Adoremus: Church Documents relevant to the liturgy
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 3rd Edition – Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
- General Instruction of The Roman Missal, Third Edition (USCCB) Proper adaptations for USA confirmed July 24, 2010.
The Roman Missal - 3rd Edition (Committee on Divine Worship - USCCB). Educates about Mass changes coming with the new Roman missal.
- Implementation of The Roman Missal - 3rd Edition: A Gateway to Mystery. Reflection by Bishop Arthur Serratelli.
- The Theological Vision of Sacrosanctum Concilium and the Roman Missal.
- The Order of Mass - The Roman Missal, 3rd Edition: Excerpts from English translation of The Roman Missal. © 2010 ICEL. .
- Frequently Asked Questions: Roman Missal - 3rd Edition (USCCB)
From Sacramentary to Roman Missal, Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3: Bishop Blase Cupich's (Spokane) 3 part video of the impending arrival of the new translation of the Roman Missal to the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Music: Index

Chants of the Roman Missal (Nat'l Assoc. of Pastoral Musicians): Learn and/or teach music found in The Roman Missal - 3rd Ed. (2010).
- Learn Byzantine Chant
- Exsultet – Easter Proclamation Practice Video: from New Translation of the Roman Missal.
Learn, teach and implement new Mass settings (Oregon Catholic Press).
Musica Sacra: website of the Church Music Association of America. Offers huge range of classical church music resources of all genres.
CanticaNOVA Publications: Traditional music for the Contemporary Church
Net Hymnal: 10,00 Christian hymns & Gospel songs from many denominations.
Learn Byzantine Chant
Songs of Praise: a unique source of original songs and plays for your church.
Christmas Carols: Lyrics and origins of the most popular Christmas carols.
- Songs of Praise: Christmas music

Liturgical Resources: Index

"Art is Servant" – The Art of David Myers: A passion for religious, specifically Catholic-Christian works of art.
High Cross Monument Co. Celtic Memorial Crosses & Markers reflecting Irish & Celtic heritage.
The House of Hansen (Chicago, IL): custom clerical garments, church supplies, & religious articles.
ICHTHYS Designs: Vestments & altar appointments, custom designed - a unique approach since 1989 by Lynn Ronkainen.
Liturgical Publications, Inc: Resources for church bulletins, web services, online donations, and more.
Rohn Design Group: Liturgical designers, artists and artisans. A family-owned and operated business.

Vocations, Religious Orders & Lay Apostolates: Index

National Vocation Awareness Week – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Vocations Resources – USCCB: Featuring resources to promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life that are currently being used by archdioceses and dioceses.

Top Ten Things to Promote Vocations (USCCB).

Year of Consecrated Life – from First Sunday of Advent, weekend of November 29, 2014, through Tuesday, February 2, 2016, World Day of Consecrated Life.

Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter To All Consecrated People On the Occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life.

Year of Consecrated Life – Resources from VISION Vocation Network: Parish Resource Packet, Year of Consecrated Life logos, banners, posters, etc., VISION Vocation Guides. Sample homilies that encourage vocation discernment. For Bulletin/web Editors: Reflections on consecrated life. Petitionary Prayers and other Vocation Prayers, and more.

Year of Consecrated Life logos, banners, posters, etc., VISION Vocation Guides: Please feel free to use these Year of Consecrated Life resources from the VISION Vocation Network and the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Parish Resource Packet: Here are some great resources to help parishes celebrate and promote religious life and religious vocations.

Words of Wisdom on Consecrated life: quotations on the consecrated life by saints, Vatican documents, church leaders and others.

The Year of Consecrated Life: resources from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Year of Consecrated Life for Men Religious in the United States. Discovering the Different Charisms in the Church

The Service of Authority and Obedience: Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life & Societies of Apostolic Life

Paths of Love - Catholic Vocation Discernment: Includes books, articles, & documents on the vocations of marriage, religious & the priesthood.

Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM): Serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 17,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the United States, ten percent of whom are foreign missionaries.

National Religious Vocation Conference

Religious Formation Conference

Priestly Formation: A Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2001

Program of Priestly Formation, 5th Edition - USCCB

Congregation for the Clergy: The Holy See

Formation of Novices and Seminarians: Nine Signs of Steady Growth" - Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. (CatholicCulture.com)

Franciscans, Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Assisi (International Headquarters, Rome Italy).

Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. – Immaculate Conception Province

Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. – Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province

Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, T.O.R.: Diocese of Steubenville, OH.

Order of Friars Minor (Franciscan, OFM)

Benedictines International: Order of Saint Benedict

Order of Carmelites: The Index of Carmelite Information on the Web

Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles

Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)

Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR)

FAMVIN - International Vincentian Family

Nashville Dominicans: Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation

Hermitary: resources and reflections on hermits and solitude.

The Confraternity of Penitents: Brothers & Sisters of Penance live according to St. Francis of Assisi’s 1221 Rule of Life in their own homes.

Family Missions Company: lay apostolate called to missionary evangelism

United States Conference of Secular Institutes

Taizé: an international, ecumenical community founded by Brother Roger

Pilgrimages & Retreats: Index

Franciscan University Pilgrimages: travel to destinations to strengthen your faith, encourage your spirit, & renew your soul.
Steubenville Conferences – Franciscan University of Steubenville, Youth – Adult & Young Adult Conferences.
Catholic Pilgrim Office: operates pilgrimages for pre-formed groups of 15 or more.
Find the Divine: Directory of Retreats, Spiritual Retreat Centers, Religious Retreat Centers
Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem - 360 View: Drag mouse up or down to see different views of the picture.
St. Francis Pilgrimages: Catholic pilgrimages in the Franciscan Tradition
Monastery Stays: Accommodation booking service for lodging in authentic monasteries and convents in Italy.
Pilgrimages & Spiritual Journeys - 206 Tours
San Pedro Spiritual Development Center (Winter Park, FL) offers guided, private, and sponsored retreats.
Vatican City Travel Guide: Visit the Vatican in Rome – planning, tips, itineraries, maps and attractions.
Vatican 360 Virtual Tours: including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, St. Mary Major, Redemptoris Mater Chapel, Vatican Necropolis, Sistine Chapel, and Pauline Chapel.

Church News: Index

Pontifical Council for Social Communications: Vatican web site for "all those who work in journalism, radio, television, films and the whole system of informatics, who listen honestly to the voice of their conscience and sincerely aspire to further the progress of their art."

"news.va" - Vatican Multimedia Portal: consult principal news items printed or transmitted by Vatican media outlets".

Vatican Information Service (VIS): News in Spanish, English, French & Italian. Also access to the Vatican's Twitter & YouTube portal.

The Vatican on YouTube: Channel offers news coverage of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI & of relevant Vatican events.

Vatican Radio: The Voice of the Pope and the Church in dialogue with the World.

Pope Francis' Daily Homilies

Your Good News Source: multimedia information service sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications

America: Catholic weekly magazine. Analysis & opinions on issues facing the church & the world.

Catholic.net: Catholic Church Teachings, Bible, Catechism, Prayers, Saints, Vatican, Catholic News, Life Issues

CathNewsUSA - a service of Paulist Press: Bringing you the best of Catholic media in the USA.

Catholic News Agency (CNA): provides up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church, the Holy Father and Holy See.

Catholic News Service: Communication Department - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Catholic Online: Catholic News & Information Center to help all people deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Catholic World News (CatholicCulture)

Catholic World Report: an online news magazine that tells the story from an orthodox Catholic perspective.

Chiesa.com News Links: Newspapers, radio, and TV from all over the world

EWTN - Global Catholic Network

Exaudi: the new international news agency, whose objective is to strengthen the union of Catholics with the Pope, and to evangelize. You will find news, analysis and reflection on key issues that, as Catholics, we need to understand and transmit in our professional, family and friendship environments.

Florida Catholic: official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami, & Orlando, Palm Beach & Venice

Homiletic & Pastoral Review Online: "Built on the solid foundation of the Catholic Church, ... timeless truths of faith that never change."

International Fides Service: sponsored by the Pontifical Mission Society for the Propagation of the Faith

Get Religion: blog that analyses media coverage of religion, on the premise that the secular media does not 'get religion'.

The Leaven: newspaper of Archdiocese of Kansas City

LifeNews: reporting news that affects the pro-life community.

LifeSiteNews: dedicated to issues of culture, life, & family.

MyCatholic.com: the first Catholic portal that let's you customize your content.

National Catholic Register: On-line Web Edition

National Catholic Reporter: online web edition

Pewsitter: Voice of the Catholic Lay Faithful

The Pittsburgh Catholic: official newspaper of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

ReligionLink: resource for journalists when they encounter religion in stories in areas of public life.

Religion Newswriters’ Religion Stylebook: an easy-to-use authoritative guide created for religion journalists.

Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI - Column Archive, member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

SIGNIS - World Catholic Assoc. for Communication: brings together radio, television, cinema, video, Internet, new media technology

Social Media: "As Great a Challenge as the Reformation" (USCCB). Bishop Ronald Herzog of Alexandria.

The Tablet: The Church in the World

The Catholic New World: official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - USCCB

USCCB: Q/A Regarding the Canonical Process for the Resolution of Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests and Deacons

Word On Fire: Bishop Robert Barron Catholic Evangelist

Effective Evangelization - Bishop Robert Barron's comments
Word on Fire YouTube Channel: Bishop Robert Barron's Commentaries

Catholic Blogs: Index

Catholic: Under the Hood. Catholic history & theology from a Franciscan perspective, including podcasts by Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR
The SaintCast: to help others learn of the lives of these holy men and women, who have lived lives of heroic virtue.
Whispers in the Loggia: Rocco Palmo's outstanding blog covering the Catholic Church

Faith-Work: Index

The High Calling of Our Daily Work connects people with the faith that sustains all aspects and activities of daily life.

Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative: to generate intellectual frameworks and practical resources for the issues and opportunities surrounding faith and work.

Shrinking the Camel - Confessions of Faith from the Corner Office: For Christians With Ambition, Bradley J. Moore

Church & Religious Goods & Books: Index

Nelson Fine Art & Gifts: Committed to providing the best Catholic products on the market-period.
- Catholic to the Max by Nelson's Gifts: Catholic art, posters, Vatican Library prints; Crosses
ACTA Publishing: variety of books & audio/video resources to live out the Christian/Catholic faith in daily life.
Apostle.com: Exquisite Catholic gifts, Saint medals, Rosaries, Religious jewelry. Made in the USA, guaranteed for life! Free shipping.
Aquinas and More Catholic Goods: Catholic Bibles & books, jewelry/gifts/rosaries, art & statues, Christian apparel, church supplies.
Ave Maria Rosaries: wide selection of Catholic rosaries and other devotional items
Boutique Baptism – #1 Source for Baptismal Outfits: 100% focus on christening and baptism gowns, dresses, and baptism outfits for boys.
CardsDirect - Religious Christmas Cards: Internet's best selection of premium quality Religious Christmas Cards.
Cards for Causes: 20% of every card purchase is donated to the nonprofit cause of the customer's choice.
Catholic Book Publishing Corp.: quality Catholic resources – including Bibles, Missals & Liturgical Books
Catholic Door: premier Catholic store online for art, statues, spiritual books, religious medals, rosaries, crosses, gifts, stationary, and jewelry.
Catholic Collectibles: Creed rosaries, patron saint medals, religious art, jewelry
Catholic Free Shipping: Catholic Books in English & Spanish, Rosaries, Medals, Crucifixes. Free Shipping on orders of $20.00 or more.
The Catholic Company: Resources to better understand the Roman Catholic Church.
The Catholic Store: Catholic Source for Religious Goods
Catholic Supply of St. Louis: Liturgical Books, Altar/Sacramental/Communion Supplies, Sanctuary Appointments, Vestments/Clergy Apparel.
Christianbook.com: Christian books, music, and more for less!
Christian Books Bibles: Christian resources from leading publishers such as Zondervan, Tyndale, Navpress, Thomas Nelson, Baker House, CSS.
CM Almy: church supplies, Catholic vestments, clergy apparel & liturgical supplies since 1892.
Crosscards: unique messages of God's love, inspiration, encouragement and fun!
- Crosscards Wallpapers: free inspirational themes.
Daughters of St. Paul - Pauline Books & Media
Direct from Lourdes: Rosary Beads, Lourdes Holy Water Bottles, Miraculous Medals, Statues and other Catholic Gifts.
Forest of Peace Books: Suppliers for the Spiritual Pilgrim
Gaspard: Liturgical vestments, albs, cassocks, clergy shirts, choir robes, metal-ware, church supplies. Made in USA.
Holyart: first religious art shop in Italy, which sells exclusively on-line!
IHS Press: dedicated to publishing the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church
Liguori Publications: Redemptorists’ publications of parish resources, faith formation and evangelization, and renewal programs.
Meyer • Vogelpohl Church Goods: leader in quality church goods, vestments, religious art
Monastery Greetings: hundreds of religious and spiritual gifts from Abbeys, Convents, Monasteries, and Hermitages.
Mosack's Church Goods and Religious Gifts: Free shipping on any order of $100 or more.
Mother Mary's Gemstone Rosaries: Handcrafted Gemstone Rosaries, Rosary Necklaces, Rosary Bracelets
Nazareth-Souvenir: original Christian Holy Land Gifts Crafts and Souvenirs
Papal Blessed Rosaries: handmade Italian rosaries blessed after purchase at Pope Francis' general audience.
Paulist Press: Catholic book publishing house.
Pinecombe Studios: Catholic sacramental greeting cards, prints and stationery products.
Planet Icthus Christian Gifts: gifts, jewelry, crosses, rings, and more.
Real Life Rosary - Hand-Made Corded Knot Rosaries: Traditional 5 decade rosary, Wedding "Lasso" Rosary, and more.
St. Jude Church Goods - world's most complete religious and church goods store
Via Rosa - Beads of Inspiration: Creation of unique rosaries & prayer chaplet
Watts & Co: "the world’s foremost purveyor of fine ecclesiastical designs, textiles, furnishings & accessories" for the Catholic & Anglican Church since 1874.

Journals & E-Zines: Index

Catholic Digest: Faith and Family Living
Columbia - Online Edition: Knights of Columbus magazine
CRISIS Magazine: Catholic wisdom & tradition in dialogue with contemporary politics & culture
First Things: Journal of Religion & Public Life
Guideposts: Source of Hope, Inspiration, Faith & Positive Thinking
HeartLight: Positive resources for daily Christian living.
Inside The Vatican: News and analysis on the Church and the world.
Mind & Spirit: Integrating Psychology and Faith. An online magazine about psychology and faith, delivering insights and inspiration about God, mental health and authentic happiness.
Review for Religious Digital Archive hosted by the Pius XII Library at Saint Louis University.
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly - PBS: insightful coverage & analysis behind the news in the world of religion & ethics.
Sojourners Magazine: Biblical call to social justice in faith, culture and politics
American Catholic Historical Society