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Catholic Bishops
Statements of Bishops' Conferences and Pastoral Letters of individual Bishops...

Catholic Blogs
Weblog commentaries on life and living within the Catholic Church

Clergy Sex Abuse and the Catholic Church
A collection of articles, editorials and web links dealing with the scandal surrounding the issue of clerical sexual abuse and the Catholic Church.

Documents
Official Church documents regarding Religious Education, CCD and Adult Faith Formation

Documents and Articles
Official Church Documents and articles regarding liturgical celebration, architechture, music and ritual.

Early Church Fathers
Writings, sermons and exhortations by some of the early Catholic Church Fathers.

Homeschooling
Resources and sites of interest for Roman Catholic Homeschoolers.

Information Services
Organizations and Services offering a variety of resources ranging Catholic World News to Religious Education, Faith Formation and Parish Ministry.

John Paul II
Resources, links, articles and reflections on the life, papacy and legacy of Pope John Paul II.

Liturgical Music
Magazines, publishers, contemporary Christian and Catholic authors/artists, as well as links to traditional Catholic hymnody.

Liturgical Resources
Liturgical calendars, scripture reflections, homiletic archives, associations and other liturgical resources.

Magazines & Publications
Magazines and Online Newsletters especially focused on Religious Education and Faith Formation.

Mother Teresa
Links to some of the best resources on the net about Mother Teresa; biographies, tributes, prayers and information about her path to becoming a saint.

Newspapers
Online editions of Catholic newspapers expressing Catholic thought - traditional and progressive.

Online Resources
Resources, web links and e-groups that can be value to those involved in Religious Education on any level.

Organizations and Associations
Organizations and groups offering a variety of services to Religious Educators and catechists in the area of Faith Formation and Parish Ministry.

Papal Documents
John Paul II: Encyclicals, Apostolic Letters and Exhortations

Portals
Starting points which give practical applications of the Catholic lifestyle in the world today.

Publishers
Books, Video and Tapes on theology, scripture, ethics, spirituality... See also our archive on Faith Formation: Publishers.

Publishers
Publishing companies specializing in Religious Education curriculum and materials. See also our archive on Catholic Media: Publishers.

Radio/TV/Film
Communicating the Word of God to all people, through interactive audio, video and web media.

Resources for Advent/Christmas
Advent on the Internet: A Time to Prepare
Join us in a journey from Advent to Epiphany: daily reflections on the Word of God, family prayers and rituals, and links to Advent Resources on the Internet.

Resources for Lent
Lent is the time for self-reflection, evaluation and change-of-heart - for conversion. We will spend these days strengthening our faith, our hope and our love.
Here are some great online resources to assist in our Lenten journey toward the feast of Resurrection.

Reviews
Coverage of Catholic conferences, lectures, radio programs, and other events.

Role of the Laity
The Laity will be able to claim the next millennium. With significant participation by the laity in the ministry of the church, the way of doing ministry will change. Lay ministry will have given the church a new face. Hopefully it will be one distinguished by collegiality and collaboration.

September 11 - Tragedy and Healing
Articles, editorials, web links, photo essays and prayer ideas recounting and commemorating the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Sermon and Homily Aids
Resources and preparation tools that's filled with contemporary material that can assist anyone who preaches the Word of God in speaking to today's audiences.

Small Faith Communities
Small Faith Communities allow us the opportunity to reverence the ordinary moments of the adult journey: births, deaths, job losses and changes, aging and failure, and all the joys (and sorrows) on the path. Here are some practical resources.

Spirituality
We all need to read, to pray, to take time to be with God ﾖ to make a conscious effort to nurture our faith by opening ourselves to the possibilities of grace that fill and surround us. Here are some great starting points.

The War on Terror
The Catholic Church's Teaching on War and Peace with articles, resources and links for Prayer, Study and Action.

Theology
Study guides, texts, net links and online resources for the study of Theolgy.

Web Ministry
Online resources for Catechists, Lay Leadership and Parish educators.

"It is as It was..."
Most of us tend to think we know the Passion story by heart and imagine that we can recount the various events of Jesus' final hours pretty much in sequence. But looking at the two different narratives in the liturgical cycle this year, we might be hard pressed to explain a number of differences in the way Jesus is portrayed.

"Remain in My Love"
The message of Jesus started out as quite simple one: Love God and love each other. Since then, and for some inane reason, we seem to have felt the need to refine, redefine and wrap this message with our own theological concepts of what He was talking about. But the message remains, and the challenge lays before us. Moving beyond our entrenched thinking and the images we have of how things are and should be is possibly the most difficult conversion for any of us.

"We Had Hoped"
The editors of America Magazine comment: "It would be foolish to pretend that in the wake of the announcement of the departure of Thomas J. Reese, S.J., as editor in chief of America, the past weeks have not been turbulent ones for the editors and staff, for many of our readers and for others as well who are concerned about the Catholic Church."

'An Ordinary Mystic
The faith and art of Alfonse Borysewicz
One painter who is both a committed Catholic and a serious artist is Alfonse Borysewicz, a Brooklyn-based former seminarian whose work has been shown both in Chelsea and in a Catholic church in Brooklyn, N.Y.

'Fear Not!' for 'The Root of War Is Fear'
From Sojourners: Thomas Merton, many years ago and titled 'The Root of War Is Fear' (from New Seeds of Contemplation). Merton wrote: 'At the root of all war is fear: not so much the fear that men have of one another as the fear they have of everything. It is not merely that they do not trust one another; they do not even trust themselves. ... They cannot trust anything because they have ceased to believe in God.'" - by Timothy Seidel

'Our priests': an appreciation
Editorial from NCROnline: It is an easy claim to make that many priests have little understanding of the lives of the people they are charged with overseeing, no idea, really, what is required to be married, to be parents, to worry about job security and finances and sick infants and hormonally jolted teenagers. But I think post-scandal -- we are at least beyond the initial shocks -- I must say I have no idea, really, what everyday heroism it must take to be a priest in the church of today.

'The Faith Will Survive'
The institutional church, on the other hand, is in serious trouble. Here's why... by Joan Chittister, OSB.

...A Multitude of Angels
God's greatest miracles often go unnoticed unless there are messengers and angels to announce them. God's gifts of peace, and justice and reconciliation are hidden in the ordinariness and ugliness of human history; there must be angels to point them out. Perhaps that's one of the important lessons of Christmas, for all ages. This year, the Christmas moon and stars look down on a scene that looks very ordinary and, in many places, very ugly.

1000 Years of Peace
People of goodwill everywhere are invited once again to help make the third millennium one of peace. The goal is to encourage 1,000 years of peacemaking activities-equaling 8,765,808 hours.

2 Entrepreneurs Help a Monastery Thrive
At the ringing of a bowl-shaped bell, five monks at a remote monastery congregated in the chapel here for the fourth of their seven daily rounds of prayer, their voices murmuring a Gregorian chant in Latin. At the same time, in a nearby house on the monastery’s property, the phone was ringing in a small office where two women and an office manager run a multimillion-dollar business that generates the money to run the monastery.

2 Hearts Network
A Catholic online ministry dedicated to helping people cope with chronic illness through faith and prayer. Other content includes: personal story of faith, extensive online prayerbook, dogma & apologetics, how to become a Catholic, Marian dogma, patron saints, sacraments, sacramentals, conversion, recommended Catholic reading, and a monthly "blog" on a hot topic.

2007 Lenten Message
Benedict XVI's Lenten Message: "The response the Lord ardently desires of us is above all that we welcome His love and allow ourselves to be drawn to Him. Accepting His love, however, is not enough. We need to respond to such love and devote ourselves to communicating it to others."

25 Great Things You Can Do For Lent - Besides Giving Up Chocolate
Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, the 40 days of preparation for the Easter season when Christians are called to renew their commitments to spiritual practices like prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is an annual opportunity to grow in our faith.

40 Years Of Wcc-Roman Catholic Church Collaboration
Forty years after they set out on an ecumenical journey together, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) are celebrating their joint anniversary with a public event at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva on 17 November, and reflecting on the renewal of ecumenism in the 21st century.

8th Day Center for Justice
A collaboration of religious communities of men and women in the struggle to provide a critical alternative voice to the systems that suppress the human community and environment and to work for the structural changes which will hasten the arrival of a more just world. Take their online Tour of Poverty.

A Catechism for Young People
The Catechism of the Catholic Church for young people, in the Context of Frequently Asked Questions - still a work in progress, but quite extensive.

A Catechist's Helper
These pages have grown out of several years experience teaching catechism, and from the desire to bring that teaching into the modern world of computers, giving the children ﾓclickableﾔ activities, which theyﾒll enjoy.

A Catholic Response to Sexual Abuse
Confession, Contrition, Resolve - Bishop Wilton D. Gregory's opening remarks at the Dallas Bishops' Meeting.
"Let us embrace the grace that God gives us so abundantly, so that the work we do in these days together may be to his glory and contribute to full reconciliation and healing in the Church."

A Catholic Woman's Place
A place of conviviality and inclusion where: everyone can find a seat at the table; explore issues in a calm and respectful manner; be heard and listen to others’ differing point of view; laugh, share, and inspire; and even aspire to be prophet/ess, priest/ess and king/queen, saint ... whatever Godde calls you to be.

A Celtic Christmas: Celebrating the Sacred in All Creation
We celebrate the deep compatibility of the divine and the human as we rejoice in the Incarnation—in God’s life being revealed to us in the baby boy born at Bethlehem, God being birthed into human life, taking on human nature from the inside out

A Challenge, Not a Crusade
Seen in context, Pope Benedict XVI’s citation last week of a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who claimed that the Prophet Muhammad brought “things only evil and inhuman” to the world was not intended as an anti-Islamic broadside.

A Christmas prayer for peace in Bethlehem
For the eighth consecutive year Christmas celebrations will take place in a difficult climate for all peoples in the Holy Land. Nonetheless, many individuals and groups refuse to give up, and are searching for non-violent ways to voice their rights and work for a peaceful and just future for both peoples.

A church 'scandal' that isn't
Andrew Greeley "Now, as the poor battered Catholic Church tries to recover from a bushel basket of scandals, it must cope with the Mother Teresa scandal. Someone has found the poor woman's private letters in which she confessed how weak her faith and love seemed. Spread around the world by Time magazine, the letters are taken as evidence that she was not the saint we all thought she was. On ABC Evening News on Friday night, an itinerant atheist offered the opinion that she was a hypocrite."

A Church to Hope In
In his second encyclical letter, Pope Benedict XVI affirms the centrality of hope as a Christian virtue, one that carries those imbued with it to the doorway of salvation. The Christian’s ultimate hope is in Christ the savior. Here and now we carry hope also for the church, Christ’s body, in days to come.

A commitment to healing, unity
From NCRonline: When 500 preachers publicly commit to healing in the church, as the Dominicans meeting in Adrian, Mich., did ( see story), we are being invited and challenged to do the same -- ordained and nonordained alike. Preaching doesn’t happen only at Mass. It happens every time someone calls us back to Gospel living and to our commitment to the human family.

A Concord Pastor Comments
Rev. Austin H. Fleming's Blog: Commentary on life and ministry in the parish, in the Roman Catholic Church and in the world around us.

A critic of ministerial religious life
Sandra Schneiders is a member of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Monroe, Mich., and is professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. Her four-page article in the Oct 2 issue of the National Catholic Reporter is the best, most compact, and most significant study of the biblical and historical foundations of ministerial religious life available today.

A Culture of Life
It is never enough just to love God. Jesus told us this. We must love one another as well. But loving one another is also not enough.

A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death
Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Conference of Bishops called for an end to the death penalty. This latest statement is a call to seize a new moment and new momentum. "This is a time to teach clearly, encourage reflection, and call for common action in the Catholic community to bring about an end to the use of the death penalty in the U.S."

A Different Kind of Priesthood
It is significant—and surprising to many Catholics when they are made aware of it—that the Church chooses instead to proclaim the Gospel of John on Holy Thursday which replaces the Eucharistic scene found in the other gospels with Jesus’ washing of the apostles’ feet.

A Doctor's Good Friday Reflections
From St Anthony Messenger: Ressurection's promise is already contained in Jesus' suffering on the cross. By Charles Hattemer, M.D.

A Duty Of Conscience
From the SocialEdge: In the conclusion to his hopeful book Amazing Church, a tome which proves that the creaking structures of the Roman Catholic Church do change over time, the great Canadian theologian Gregory Baum states that whenever the Church enters a new ethical horizon, where dormant truths re-appear with new clarity and urgency, great debates and dialogue break out at all levels of the Church. In the end after hearing and integrating these "signs of the times" official teaching changes.

A Fair and Just Workplace
The 1999 Labor Day Statement from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding a Social Security and Solidarity.

A few step closer to the promised land
There is a long and noble Catholic tradition of advocating and working for racial peace and justice, and it deserves to be honored and preserved and extended. The work is not yet finished, and the temptations to abandon it are powerful.

A Four-Fold Prayer
As He prepared His disciples for the coming of the Spirit, Jesus prays in a very loving and intimate way for those to whom he is entrusting his mission. But his prayer looks far beyond these first disciples. His hunger is for faith; he wants future generations to accept him as Lord and Savior, as the full and final revelation of the Father's love. His thirst is for Truthﾅ he consecrated himself for his friends, so that they may be consecrated in that Truth.

A Full Life
When you do what God has in store for you, your life has meaning and purpose; you are making a contribution to the world. Is a Vocation to the priesthood for you?
A Full Life

A Global Church in a Globalized World
The text of a lecture given by John Allen at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. The topic Allen was asked to address was "A Global Church in a Globalized World," trying to think about what the historic North/South shift currently underway in global Christianity might mean for Roman Catholicism in the 21st century.

A Grain of Wheat
Prayers and reflections on God's love, resources for spiritual growth, articles on social issues. Webmaster - John Gedbaw, Omaha, Nebraska USA

A Holy Highway
We are a people redeemed, walking with fellow travelers on a highway called the “holy way.” We have been given the promise of hope. The grace of Advent penetrates the inadequacy of all appearances, and we come to realize that there is nothing we can do, except to offer our longing, too deep for words, to God's infinite compassion. Our God is the God of life, abundance, deliverance and joy. That's the Good News that consoles us, gives meaning to our lives and challenges us to cry out: “Be strong, fear not; Here is your God.”

A Key To Reading Benedict'S Social Encyclical
Italians have a wonderful phrase, chiave di lettura, which literally means a "key to reading." It refers to some core idea, or perspective, that can help make sense of a complex mass of material. Since Benedict XVI's long-awaited encyclical on the economy is finally set to appear next Tuesday, it seems a good time to float a possible chiave di lettura for the document.

A Lesson in Contentment
From Cross Walk, to be in need, and have plenty... the interesting thing is that need and plenty have been redefined.. by Mary Lawrence Comm

A letter from Jesus about Christmas
Taking time to understand the true meaning behind the hustle/bustle of the Christmas season.
This has been making the email rounds and appears all over the internet, so it is impossible to say who the author is. But no matter. The message is clearly His. Many thanks to Joanne Deibert and Skip Goltz for passing this along.

A Light in the Darkness
The mystery of God-With-Us is the final, fullest proof of God's desire to become close to us - to become a part of our very being. In Jesus, the Word becomes our flesh. Every facet of His human journey speaks to us of the nearness of God.

A Light of Revelation
Simeon proclaims that Christ is the true light of the world - a light of revelation to the Gentilesﾅ and we, as his followers, ought to be bringing his light into the many dark corners we find around us today.

A Light to the Nations
In a culture that is increasingly more fragmented and torn apart, giving ourselves over into His hands, learning to follow Christ, to find God in our daily lives and to truly live the life of discipleship is no easy feat. It is only when we allow our own ordinariness to be transformed by the hand of God, that we will be able to enter into the grace-filled living to which people of every age have been called.

A Literate Church
While American Christians proudly cite the Bible as their favorite book (93 percent own one, usually the King James version) and two-thirds see it as the source for answers to “all or most of life’s basic questions,” they actually do not know or understand much of what is written between the covers.

A Little Can Go A Long Way
Having faith doesn't automatically give the believer the power to perform crowd-pleasing spectacles or life-saving miracles. But faith does mean that we are in touch with God and experience God as the source of that energy which enables us to live good lives, marked by the ability to forgive - as we ourselves have been forgiven; to reach out to one another - as we ourselves have been found and embraced by God.

A Living Faith
“A Living Faith” is a thought provoking series of presentations and discussions of essential Roman Catholic themes taken from the new Catechism. Major themes are brought to life by the distinguished faculty members of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology and the people who participate in open discussions. “A Living Faith” is meaningful for Catholics and people of all faiths who want to gain a better understanding of the fundamental concepts and beliefs of the Catholic Church.

A Look Ahead at the Year 2009
What religion stories are likely to make news in the coming year? National Catholic Reporter correspondent John Allen, Brookings Institution senior fellow and Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne and Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly managing editor Kim Lawton join host Bob Abernethy for an annual studio discussion and analysis of top stories predicted to make headlines in the New Year.

A Look Back at 2006
From Religion and Ethics Online: a discussion and analysis of the year's top religion news stories. Topics addressed by the panelists include: sectarian violence in Iraq and the religious challenges confronting America and the Iraq government; the "demonization" of Islam by the West; religion's impact on the 2006 elections; growing political, religious and social differences within the Protestant evangelical community; tensions over issues of homosexuality in the U.S. Episcopal Church and global Anglican Communion; U.S. diplomatic policy in the Middle East; and Hollywoodo's embrace of faith-based films.

A love for transformation
In a broken New Jersey city, a priest expands the idea of community
At a time when parishes are leaving the inner city and Catholic schools are closing by the score, Sacred Heart Parish in Camden, NJ and its elementary school are thriving.

A Modest Proposal
Silence and fervent prayer for vocations are no longer adequate responses to the priest shortage in the United States. As the church prepares to observe the Year of the Priest, which begins on June 19, open discussion about how to sustain the church as a eucharistic community of faith and fortify the pastoral life of Catholic congregations has become imperative.

A Moment of Decision
Something deep within our own nature rebels against the idea of giving ourselves - totally, without reservation; of giving up self and, maybe even giving up life. Our instinct for survival fights fiercely against any threat to our identity and our existence...

A Morsel of Christian Salt
From Permanent Deacon Tom Healy: Salt and Light possess both favorable and unfavorable characteristics as do our lives.

A Multitude of Meanings
From the Tablet: The Mass today is both fundamentally the same yet radically different from the celebrations of our forefathers. In the first of a new series for the Year of the Eucharist, Eamon Duffy examines changes to the liturgy and to ritual, and how these affect the beliefs at the core of Catholic faith.

A nation reborn
From the Tablet: The sights and sounds of President Obama's inauguration had a deep resonance not just in the United States but around the world. The richest and most powerful nation on earth was undergoing - in public - a personality transplant. His inaugural address from his podium in Washington was more explicitly a repudiation of his immediate predecessor than anyone expected, given the courtesies that are customary on such occasions. But the greater transformation had nothing to do with the departure of George W. Bush. It was signified by the sight of an African American entering the White House as President, with his black wife and family. This was not just a triumph against racial prejudice; it was a turning point in American history.

A New Commandment: A Simple Rule
The heart of the Gospel message - the foundation stone of our Christian faith: love is a gift of God; when we learn to love, we experience God...and our love only reflects God when it is not focused on self but on others. Our love is only God-like when it is given unconditionally, and without being earned... and when it seeks no return.

A New Ecumenism
Is Rome’s Anglican Outreach A Step Backward?
The fundamental concept that has guided the Catholic Church’s participation in the ecumenical movement since the Second Vatican Council has been communion. In its Decree on Ecumenism (Unitatis redintegratio), the council departed from the preconciliar attitude of “Come home to Rome,” declaring that all who believe in Christ and have been truly baptized are already in communion with the Catholic Church.

A New Feminism
The need for a new feminism to address today's challenges, by Helen Alvar￩.

A new prayer for forgiveness
From the Baltimore Sun: Reconciliation - Some find the church's popular 'zero tolerance' policy for priests who abuse minors contrary to the teachings of Catholicism.

A Pastoral Council Resource Guide
From the Diocese of Austin, Texas, norms and guidelines for those planning and/or implementing short and long term pastoral policies and activities in the parish.

A pastorally sensible solution to the priest-shortage
Imported priests are simply replacing priests who have died, retired, or resigned, and are serving in whatever parishes need them for the celebration of Mass and the administra-tion of the other sacraments. Is there a more pastorally sensible solution to the priest-shortage in the United States than recruiting priests from countries with far greater needs?

A Place at the Table
The web site for the U.S. bishops' statement, A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and to Respect the Dignity of All God's Children. - resources for Parishes and Dioceses.

A place for dissent
Something of a consensus exists among church historians that, had the Vatican treated Martin Luther and his circles in a more conciliatory manner at the start of what became the Reformation, it might not have happened. Many of the theological points he was raising were subsequently found to be valid, not least his denunciation of the sale of indulgences. But the rough rebuttal he received led him to adopt positions ever more extreme until there was no reconciliation to be had on any terms.

A Place For Renegades
Camden community confronts ‘dark side of the American dream’
A group of twenty-somethings lives in community and explores the "new monasticism," a term that is difficult to precisely define but that roughly describes a search occurring in communities, ironically often of Protestant evangelicals, that have formed with a strong focus on social justice and reforming Christian practice.

A place in the city
From The Tablet: When a cardinal is appointed, along with the red hat, and all that that means, he is given one of Rome's titular churches. The allocation of who gets what is sometimes random - but not always.

A Place of Refuge
From Philip Yuson, a layman's personal reflections on the Word of God.

A Pope for all Seasons
From St. Anthony Messenger Online, Simon Peter as a model of inspired leadership for future generations.

A Pope for Everyone?
"Pope Benedict XVI, the first elected in the 21st century, takes over leadership of a church that is both deeply troubled and richly blessed. It is a church that, thanks to the long and rigorous ministry of Pope John Paul II, enjoys a stature and visibility in the wider world unprecedented in modern times. It is also a church whose scandals and divisions, deep and destructive, are now known in a way that would have been impossible before the global information age" - the editorial that will run in the April 29 issue of National Catholic Reporter.

A Portrait of Faith
With 'Jesus of Nazareth,' Pope Benedict XVI fights back against 'the dictatorship of relativism' by showing the world his vision of the definitive truth of Christ.

A Priest's Lonely Ministry
From the Hartford Courant: As Fewer Join The Catholic Clergy, Many Must Contend With Isolation. And while some priests undoubtedly prefer to live and work alone, many others... can feel isolated in their solitary posts and crave the company and support of other priests.

A Recipe For Renewal Or A Recipe For Revolution?
From NCR online: This week, 55 U.S. Catholic Congresspersons, a majority of Catholic Democrats in the House, issued "A Statement of Principles" that will certainly be read as a direct response to church officials who attempt to influence U.S. policies by putting public church pressure on Catholic lawmakers - by Joan Chittister, OSB.

A Response to Sexual Abuse
From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Five Principles to Follow Regarding Allegations of Sexual Abuse.

A Saint for our Times
From Quentin Colgan, a site dedicated to the life, writings and spirituality of a remarkable young girl by the name of Virginia Cyr.

A Spirited Life
Syndicated columnist Amy Welborn's web site, featuring articles, reader reactions, book reviews and recommendations.

A Spirituality Self-Test
Evaluate your own spiritual grounding and discover how you can gain greater fulfillment in the midst of stress. By Jared Kass, Ph.D. of Spirituality and Health.

A Step Backwards
From the Tablet: The regular worship of the average Catholic parish may well go on regardless, despite the ruling from Pope Benedict XVI authorising the use of the Tridentine Rite of the Mass in certain circumstances. For English speakers, a far bigger and more propitious change lies ahead - the introduction of a new translation of the rite that replaced the Tridentine form not long after the Second Vatican Council. One change looks forward, but the other backwards.

A Still Small Voice
The Blog of Sister Helena of Mary, O.Carm which is all about listening to the still small voice within each of us.

A talk with The Rev. Richard P. McBrien
Life as a theologian, commentator - and lightning rod
Catholicism in America is riven by internal debates - often about gender, sexuality, and authority - and seemingly unending controversies, about politics and parish closings and the handling of sexual abuse. Whenever one of these battles catches the attention of the evening news, one of the likely commentators is the Rev. Richard P. McBrien, a theologian at the University of Notre Dame

A Tangled Web
From Commonweal magazine: Now the great and historic election is behind us, and America watches, amid an economy in free fall, as the president-elect assembles his team. By the strength of its appointments and the steadiness of its demeanor, the administration-in-waiting has demonstrated its readiness to govern. Such strength and steadiness helped boost Barack Obama’s remarkable victory in November, a victory that included capturing 54 percent of the Catholic vote. Yet not everyone in America is cheered by this triumph - by Douglas W. Kmiec

A Teaching Not Received
San Francisco Bay Catholic's Hugh O'Regan in response to Ordinatio Sacerdotalis

A theologian-pope sidelines theology
If it's true that only a soldier can fully grasp the horrors of war, perhaps it likewise takes a theologian to appreciate the limits of theology. That may help explain a striking paradox about the papacy of Benedict XVI: He's a true theologian-pope, yet a core element of his legacy will be to sideline theology as the focus of Catholicism's engagement with other religion - from John Allen, National Catholic Reporter.

A theology of call - How to be Good News to others
Sister Catherine Bertrand, S.S.N.D. entered religious life on a dare. "It was either that or the Peace Corps." After 25 years she continues to be surprised by all that her life has to offer, and she dares all Christians to respond to the gospel call to fidelity and commitment-whether they are single, married, religious men and women, or ordained priests.

A Tough Road to Follow
As followers of Christ, we are in a “process of becoming.” Even though we may have already given our commitment to follow Christ, there are times in our lives when we are asked to make choices that put our discipleship on the line. Some options require us to reject what seems like the attractive or easier ways of acting. These choices may put us at odds with family, friends or our surrounding culture; but we know we must choose in ways that echo the good news that we believe.

A Tribute to Mother Teresa
EWTN's tribute section to Mother Teresa - includes new information concerning the beatification process.

A Very Different Path
We are assured of forgiveness of our sins this Lent because we look upon Jesus, the one “lifted up from the earth.” He raises us up with himself to a new, a forgiven life, “I will draw everyone to myself.” He takes us to God. Jesus says that his way through death is the way to eternal life for his followers.

A Walking Stick... and a little Faith
The walking stick can be a powerful image of the gift of faith that we receive in baptism. We make our journey supported by this gift. And God reminds us over and over again: "my grace is sufficient for you..." We tend to clutter up our lives and carry a lot of extra baggage - just in case - because we are always tempted to think that we can succeed because of our own efforts, our own resources. It is hard for us to let go - really hard for us to trust God totally.

A War of Words
Austen Invereigh argues the translation of the new Missal into English from the Latin text is the fruit of a long and bitter struggle - one that mirrors the battle over authority in the Church. - this article appeared in The Tablet.

A Working Model
If you are looking for a convincing argument in support of voucher programs for Catholic schools, you could do no better than Patrick J. McCloskey’s new book, The Street Stops Here: A Year at a Catholic High School in Harlem, a profile of New York City’s all-boys Rice High School. Yet as the title indicates, the power of this work is not so much in its policy analysis—though McCloskey skillfully lays out the issues—but in the frank and moving narrative he unspools over the course of 400 richly detailed pages.

A Year Since 9/11
The events of the past year tell us that there is a long way yet for us go in renewing our efforts in bringing about - in our own time and place - the New Creation that Christ promises. It is His loving embrace which reminds us that it is not only possible, but necessary.

A Year To Make His Mark
From The Tablet: The new papacy began quietly in 2005. With an encyclical, travel and new red hats, 2006 could be when Benedict XVI stamps his authority on his office - by Robert Mickens.

A.N.G.e.L.
A Network for Grateful Living is a member supported, non-profit organization. Our vision is a worldwide community in which all relate to one another in the spirit of an all-embracing family.

Abbey Photos
A virtual tour of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Joseph, Spencer, MA, with photos by Brother Casimir McCambly.

ABC's of Faith
Here you'll find positive images, ideas and messages - and guidance in the search for eternal truths!

Abolition of the Death Penalty
The November 2, 1999 address of Archbishop Renato Martino to the United Nations re-emphasizing the Church's position on the Death Penalty.

Abortion/Pro-Life Issues
Abortion Reconciliation and Healing
Post-abortion support services within secular and religious settings, including Project Rachel and sponsorhip of the Healing Vision conference at Marquette University. Healing Vision is the only international conference on abortion's aftermath and its resolution.
National Office on Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing

Partial-birth abortion and Catholics
From Lay Witness online magazine, reflections by William E. May on the serious impact this issue has on Catholics.
Partial-birth abortion and Catholics

Preach to the Choir
From the Wall Street Journal: "Catholic bishops may be pro-life, but that's a message you rarely hear from the pulpit."
Preach to the Choir

Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty
From America Magazine, showing the interesting connection between attitudes on abortion and capital punishment.
Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty

About Catholics
The Catholic evangelization site of Jon Jakoblich, from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Church. Discover the core doctrines of the Catholic faith, how Catholics worship, the call to live faithfully, and the role of prayer.

About Peace
Web resources concerning Peace: peace related organizations & groups, news, books and web articles.

About.com
From About.com, selections from their Religion/Spirituality topic area - featuring experts in a wide variety of Religious Faith expression...

AboutCatholics.com
Opportunities for folks looking to get involved in the apologetics field or for everyday people that just want to share their faith story. The site features scripture resources, a forum, and timely articles on Faith and Catholic Life.

Above and beyond the call
U.S. women religious deserve better than the nunsense of a Vatican investigation. The good name of religious women in this country is indeed what is at stake here. A blanket investigation of both the "quality of life" of religious women and of the doctrinal fidelity of their leadership is hardly a just response to the breadth of their contributions.

Accessible Holiness
Jesus’ invitation to the kingdom — to a personal relationship with God here and now — was in no way restricted to the special few.

ACI Online
The largest Catholic website in the Spanish language: news, current issues and international links.

Across U.S., church leaders have been calling for reform
Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s criticism of U.S. immigration policy and his condemnation of recent raids reflect the views of Catholic bishops and other religious leaders around the country — and of Pope Benedict XVI, who called for immigration reform in his visit to the United States this spring.

Ad Dominum
A Blog by "Thom" - a Secular Franciscan - who blogs here about the tumultuous world that is Christendom, an expression of that world found in Catholic Christianity, life, love, politics, spirituality and prayer.

AD2000
AD2000 - a journal of religious opinion - is committed to fostering a role in helping reconstruct and consolidate a new culture of life and orthodox Christian faith.

Advent & Christmas
Online resources, essays, reflections, homilies, prayers, historical notes and customs.

Advent and Christmas Resources
From the the Catholic Educators Network, links to resources, prayers and reflections for the Advent/Christmas Season.

Advent Resources
From Dennis Bratcher, this site includes materials on The Jesse Tree and Advent Wreaths, and an article on Hearing Old Testament Advent Texts.

Advent Resources on the Internet
While the season of Advent is not seen commercially as important as that of Christmas itself, we as Catholic Christians realize its significance in the overall scheme of salvation history. As the Season of Advent draws near, we've expanded our search of the Net to include the "latest and best" of sites that deal solely with the season of Advent. It is our hope that these can serve as great starting points for your time of preparation.

Advent; A Special Time on the Net
While the season of Advent is not seen commercially as important as that of Christmas itself, we as Catholic Christians realize its significance in the overall scheme of salvation history. Here are some of the best websites that deal solely with the season of Advent. It is our hope that these can serve as great starting points for your time of preparation.

Advocacy for sex abuse victims cost him his job, Gumbleton says
At his last Mass as pastor of St. Leo Parish in Detroit, Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton told the parish that he was being forced out of the position. "I'm sure," he said, "that it's because of the openness with which I spoke out last January concerning victims of sex abuse in the church. We're all suffering the consequences of that and yet I don't regret doing what I did," he said Jan. 21. (Includes a video of Bishop Gumbleton's sermon)

After the Big Chill
Intellectual Freedom & Catholic Theologians
From Commonweal Magazine: As the long history of heresy and schism shows, maintaining a healthy tension between authority and theological inquiry has never been easy - by Luke Timothy Johnson.

After the Fall
Dec. 13 marked the fifth anniversary of Cardinal Bernard Law’s resignation as archbishop of Boston amid the frenzy of the sexual abuse crisis in his archdiocese and in the U.S. Catholic church -- by any standard, one of the pivotal moments in recent American Catholic history. Today, Law serves as archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and a member of eight Vatican departments. NCR Rome correspondent John Allen describes Law’s situation in Rome: What his activities are, how he’s been received, how much influence he holds, and, to the extent possible, what sense Law makes of his circumstances.

Aging priesthood part of the Catholic struggle
One in every six bishops are closing in on the mandatory retirement age of 75 within the next two years. More than half the bishops will reach the milestone within five years, data from www.catholic-hierarchy.org indicates. Add deaths, retirements and fewer seminarians answering the call, and shepherds available to lead the flocks drop.

Alaska Catholic Youth
A place for Alaskan Catholic teens to connect with each other and find links to fun, music, help and answers.

Alba House: St. Paul Society
Alba House lists hundreds of books and tapes on theology, scripture, ethics, spirituality, along with online Real Audio and a weekly radio program

Alexian Brothers
From the Immaculate Conception Province, a religious congregation of brothers dedicated to the care of the sick.

All Hallows' Eve
Read a Catholic Christian history of Halloween (All Hallows Eve), learn the legend of the jack o'lantern and discover what Catholics believe about witches, ghosts and magic. Also, send an All Hallows Eve e-greeting and post an online prayer request.

All Things Catholic
From NCRonline: John Allen's weekly column discussing Cardinal Mahony on ministry and headaches in the Holy Land as the Holy Father prepares for his visit to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

All Things Catholic - September 8, 2006
From John Allen of NCROnline.org: All manner of seekers, Christian and not, have felt the tug of a pilgrimage to the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi. Even by that eclectic standard, however, the group that assembled on October 27, 1986, at the invitation of Pope John Paul II, was unique.

All Things Seen and Unseen
Rob Marsh, SJ is a Jesuit interested in theology, spirituality, computers and the web. Here you’ll find homilies, reflections, essays on theology and spirituality, and the odd bit of code.

Alliance for Catholic Education
ACE recruits talented graduates from a broad variety of undergraduate disciplines, representing a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, and provides an intensive two-year service experience encompassing professional development, community life and spiritual growth.

Alliance for International Monasticism
AIM USA is an organization composed of 168 communities of men and women in the United States and Canada who follow the Rule of Benedict and over 300 English-speaking monasteries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. AIM USA provides spiritual, educational, formation and building assistance to monasteries in developing countries to enable them to be centers of life for others.

Almost Holy: Confessions of a Bad Catholic - Spare Anger
From Rocco Palmo - Whether the issue is how opponents of the new liturgical translations are agents of Satan, the Church's teachings on war and peace are wimpy bunk and no obligation for real patriots, the latest Papal pronouncement bears the marks of the Freemasons or Mel Gibson was set up by (name of preferred villain here), some of the vicious reactions I find in my inbox are no laughing matter—not to mention that reactions of this kind tend to miss the forest for the trees.

Alphabetical Listing of Saints
From the Theology Library; a listing of biographies and resources concerning many of our Catholic Saints.

Alternatives
Living Simply that Others May Simply Live.
Alternatives is a non-profit organization that equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly. Started in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas, the focus is on encouraging celebrations that reflect conscientious ways of living

Amen
AMEN is a Czech monthly published especially for lay catholic readers who have the faith and want to base it on certain rational foundations. AMEN does not contain highly theological papers, but it focuses on the building blocks of the catholic faith.

America
The weekly magazine founded by Jesuits of the United States in 1909. Excellent and timely articles, insightful editorials and also sponsor of the Catholic Book Club, a Catholic "book of the month" club.

America's Moral Crisis
In an Interview with President Jimmy Carter, BustedHalo.com discusses "America's Moral Crisis" with the former President - by Mike Hayes & Bill McGarvey

America, Religious Values, and the Death Penalty
The United States is still using the logic of vengeance in enforcing the death penalty, and it is the only Western country within its primary coalitions to do so. When did it start? How can it end?

American Association of Pastoral Counselors
AAPC was founded in 1963 as an organization which certifies Pastoral Counselors, accredits pastoral counseling centers, and approves training programs.

American Catholic Press
American Catholic Press (ACP) is a publisher of hymnals, missals, books, and other materials for the liturgy, both in celebration and education.

American Catholic Youth Website
An online Catholic destination where young Internet surfers can get reliable information and inspiration about the Roman Catholic Faith, as well as exchange faith-filled e-Greetings.

American Catholics and the Next Pope
The attitudes of American Catholics on the kind of man they hope will be elected Pope - by Andrew Greeley and Michael Hout.

American Theological Library Association
ATLA Historical Collections Digitized and Made Available via EBSCOhost® ~
EBSCO has partnered with American Theological Library Association (ATLA) to provide new collections of historical monographs and serials in digital format. ATLA Historical Monographs Collection: 19th Century, ATLA Historical Monographs Collection: Early 20th Century and ATLA Historical Serials Collection.

AmericanCatholic.org
AmericanCatholic.org is a service of St. Anthony Messenger Press and Franciscan Communications, Cincinnati, Ohio. On this site you will find inspirational and educational Roman Catholic spirituality resources.

AmericanCatholic.org's Mother Teresa Site
Find a Mother Teresa biography, listen to a daily prayer by Mother Teresa, read about her path to becoming a Catholic saint and share your story of inspiration.

Among the Catholic Commentariat
Paul Baumann of Commonweal Magazine writes "My Seven Hours of Fame" discussing the fairly select group of Catholic commentators who write and report, covering the words and activities of the Holy Father.

An Advent Prayer Service
A Prayer Service suitable for shared prayer among family members, small prayer groups or Bible study groups.

An election guide for honest-to-God serious voters
Joan Chittister,OSB shares a "practical" guide for Catholics to help create an informed method of electing public officials in her NCR column, From Where I Stand.

An Explanation of the Mass
From St. John's parish in Westminster, MD., a thorough and detailed examination of our Liturgy.

An Online Retreat for Everyday Life
From Creighton University, A 34 week online guided retreat for Everyday Life - an unique experience of God's Grace in the midst of our busy lives.

An Online Retreat: The Three Gardens of History
Capsulized summaries of a weeklong retreat given to the monks of Holy Spirit Abbey, Conyers, GA, by Father Matthew Flynn, OCSO. The theme of the retreat was "The Three Gardens of History: Paradise, Gethsemane, and the Sepulcher."

An Open-Agenda
There is a basic difference between taking an initiative and responding to a call. In the first instance, the movement starts from within: an individual is the initiator. In the second case, it starts outside the individual: another person is the initiator. Throughout the Gospels, we see many instances when Jesus initiates the call to discipleship; but throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, those who take initiatives do not always become disciples.

And They Shall Know...
The prophetic message of Christ challenges us to look at how we are living our lives, and shows us how much more we need to do things in a loving way that allows the world to see the face of God through us.

Andstuff.org
Andstuff.org is a web-based discussion system designed for the sole purpose of discussing philosophy and religion.

Anglican schism?
The right man for a historic hour? Later this month, the Episcopal church will be meeting in New Orleans. The Anglican Communion has asked it to declare that it will no longer bring forward candidates for the episcopate who are living in same- sex unions and that no bishop will authorize same- sex blessings. The unity of the Communion is at stake.

Anima Christi
Anima Christi, is a Catholic Community on the Internet dedicated to prayer, communion and evangelization. The current members come from across the globe and meet together for live chat and realtime prayer.

Anno Domini
A study in art of Jesus through the Centuries, from the Canadian Heritage Information Network.

Annunciations of a New Springtime
Michael Dubruiel has spent his life bringing the truth and teaching of the Catholic Faith down to the level of the average person in both his speaking and writings. This is his daily blog.

Anointed by the Spirit
For us the process of conversion means taking to heart the words of Isaiah that Jesus applied to Himself. We, too, are called to bring good news to the poor. We have been sent to proclaim liberty and freedom to those suffering oppression of any and every kind; we have been chosen to bring sight to the blind and to proclaim God's favor to all.

Another Way of Being Church
Pedro Casald￟liga, Bishop of Spo Felix do Araguaia in Brazil, speaks of the fears within the Church today and a new way of Being Church.

Apex Ministries
APeX primarily offers youth conference/ youth rally keynote speaking and workshops, prayer services, and evenings of laughter and faith-sharing with youth groups and entire parishes. APeX uses a style they define as Christian Vaudeville. This includes (but is not limited to) death defying juggling, humor, characterizations (skits), story-telling, audience participation, and personal testimony.

Apostle Music
An online store where you can purchase music by contemporary Catholic artists.

Apostle of the Second Vatican Council
This site explains the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church, partly as seen through the eyes of Christopher Butler, (1902-86). A major figure, he was the principal English-speaking member of Vatican II. (1962-1965). The site promotes the authentic teachings of the Council and has a wide list of writers: Cardinals, Bishops, theologians, religious, & lay.

Apostles of the Interior Life
The Apostles of the Interior Life are consecrated women who dedicate themselves to evangelization and to offering a service of spiritual assistance for the Interior formation of all who seek to know and love Jesus Christ.

Apostles of the Real Presence
Devoted to the understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Contains educational material, guidelines and resources for parishes and schools.

Apostleship of Prayer
Website of the Apostleship of Prayer, sponsored by the Catholic Information Network.

Apple Seeds
From Fr. Brian Cavanaugh, TOR, quotations and short stories from eclectic sources that promote positive attitudes, and development of holistic human dignity.

Appointment inspires hope in beset diocese
The beleaguered diocese of Scranton, Pa., has a new bishop, a native son who wasted no time in his first news conference in setting a tone distinctly different from that of his predecessor.

Archangel
The Blog of Msgr. Harry J. Byrne: Pastoral ministry disclosed the importance of lay participation in Church life and governance. Respectful dialogue brings helpful sharing of insights on both sides and encourages the deepening of knowledge and the strengthening of relationships. It is the hope of this site to carry on something of this conversation.

Archbishop Oscar Romero
From U.S. Catholic Online: a remembrance of Archbishop Oscar Romero - The Church: called to repentance, called to prophecy.

Are we really serious when we ask God to deliver us from war?
The Catechism and the challenge of Pope John Paul II - Perhaps our present disjunction between just-war and pacifist approaches to this issue reflects uncritically the sort of extrinsicist theology of nature and grace characteristic of the modern period. by William Portier.

Are You Being Left Behind?
Does it come as a surprise to find out that the media misrepresents religion and religious values to the American public? A new report by Media Matters, "Left Behind: The Skewed Representation of Religion in Major New Media,” documents how the religious right and its spokespersons are overrepresented and progressive religious voices are underrepresented in both the print and TV media.

As I Have Done for You
Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony's Pastoral Letter on the changing face of Ministry in today's Church.

As the Third Millennium Draws Near
The Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II, released on November 14, 1994, to the bishops, priests and deacons, men and women religious, and all the lay faithful, outlining his vision for the new millenium.

Ask Father
If you have ever wanted to ask a Catholic priest a question this is your opportunity! Anyone, Anything, Anytime!

Association for Catechumenal Ministry
Provides resources for RCIA at the parish and diocesan level. The material presented is completely consistent with the magisterium of the Catholic Church.

Association for Contemporary Catholic Life
The Association for Contemporary Catholic Life is dedicated to encouraging, inspiring and supporting its members to further the vision and message of Godﾒs Domain as Jesus preached and lived it.

Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church
To bring about substantive structural change in the Catholic Church, ARCC seeks to institutionalize a collegial understanding of Church in which decision-making is shared and accountability is realized among Catholics of every kind and condition.

Association of Pauline Cooperators
A Lay apostolate associated to the institutes of the Pauline Family: evangelization with the modern means of communication; eucharistic prayer and promotion of the liturgy; pastoral animation of the parish; prayer and work for vocations.

Association of the New Covenant
An international organization located in the U.S.A, Poland and Malta, specializes in training parishioners in the new evangelization called for by Pope John Paul II.

ASTEP - Artists Striving To End Poverty
Mobilizing the global community of artists in an effort to create positive change for young people in need. ASTEP’s programs take place in communities with populations of impoverished children who have limited access to arts education. ASTEP creates safe spaces in which artists interact with children. In these spaces, the children grow, learning to communicate their realities and to develop skills for making positive decisions

At 93, renowned Dominican still at work
Holland’s towering Dominican theologian, Fr. Edward Schillebeeckx, is with us yet, though at 93 his physical presence has diminished even as his influence flourishes. The Belgian-born Schillebeeckx remains in Nijmegen, where he taught for so many years at the University of Nijmegen, and where, in a small house on a quiet street, he awaits publication of his next book

At Life's Beginning
Medical innovations surrounding conception and childbirth present a challenge to church teaching. Here is an opportunity for pastoral leaders to reach out with sensitivity and compassion, ever mindful of the ultimate role God plays in our creation.

At the Crossroads
From the Tablet: Articulating the Church's message in a world in which Christianity is no longer the dominant religion is a challenge Catholicism must face if it is to have a future. The most effective means of communication may be witness itself.

At The Gate of Bliss
This site is full of information for converts to Catholicism, including links, resources and book listings.

At The Water's Edge
Online Healing Ministry, bringing Christ's Love in a Unique Prayer Experience.

Attentive Prayer
The Christian understanding of prayer is one where, even though it involves our active participation, it is an event where God has the primary role. He is the Initiator of our prayer, and prayer is always a response to His invitation. In order to respond, we first must listen, be attentive, to tune in to the power of the Spirit within us already. Prayer, in this sense, is not so much something we do, but rather a way of seeing and hearing what in fact is already being done.

Augnet
An international co-operative website for schools in the tradition of St. Augustine.

Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
ACSJC is the national justice and peace agency of the Catholic Church in Australia, promoting research, education, advocacy and action on social justice, peace and human rights, integrating them deeply into the life of the whole Catholic community in Australia, and providing a credible Catholic voice on these matters in Australian society.

Australian eJournal of Theology
A wide variety and wonderful array of reflections on theological issues ranging from systematic, biblical, sacramental-liturgical, moral-ethical and practical-pastoral areas of theology to interdisciplinary, interfaith, intercultural and gender issues.

Austrias perilous journey
Christoph Schönborn has been one of the most outspoken cardinals during the recent turbulent weeks in the Church. It is not the first time that he has tried to steer the Vatican on to a less dangerous course. But on this occasion his own country's faith appears to be seriously in jeopardy.

Authentic Christianity
The gentle voice of Jesus proclaiming peace, forgiveness and love cannot and will not be silenced. His simple outline for holiness - the Eight Beatitudes - speaks just as loudly and as clearly now as it did when He first preached the message at the Sermon on the Mount.

Authentic Liturgy
What further evidence beyond the Incarnation and Pentecost do we need to be convinced that in Christ all languages are sacred and therefore to be trusted? - Chris Chatteris, S.J.

Autism, the Mass and religious education
How does the Catholic church respond to children with an autism disorder and to their families, especially when many parents fear that their child may act out during Mass, causing the family to experience rejection by other parishioners?

Ave Maria Press
Founded in 1865, Ave Maria Press is one of the oldest religious publishers in the United States.

Awaiting the Master's Return
Being prepared means being ready for a spot check on our Christianity at any time. We have to think and speak and act consistently in a way that will identify us always as belonging to God's people, living out Jesus' vision. He preached and lived in the Spirit, and his preaching and his living challenge us all to do the same.

Awaken to Prayer
A detailed introduction on how to pray as a Catholic, from the online home of Sacred Heart Church, St. Yves Mission and the Packwood Catholic Community of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.

Awesome Sights And Mighty Signs
The recent Presidential election marks the end of one political term and the beginning of renewed leadership. As we near the end of another liturgical year we acknowledge that in the realm of faith, our leader is - now and always - Jesus Christ, who remains the perfect example of how power is to be used for service.

Bankruptcy: The Gamble That Backfired
NCR Editorial: Words matter. More for a church than for other institutions because religion purports to be about truth. These truths, especially in the Catholic church, are largely conveyed through words -- scripture, pastoral letters, encyclicals, books, homilies, even newspapers. And, of late, in court documents.

Baptism leads to ministry
Ordinary ministry, like ordinary mysticism, has been a belated discovery for many Catholics, in part because words like ministry and sacrament and pastoral care have seemed only for official church workers. Historically this has protected the vocations of ordained ministers and professed religious as distinct from lay service. It also protected a sacramental theology that imagined the church as a giant spiritual waterworks dispensing grace through spigots controlled by the clergy, who alone could consecrate, absolve, anoint, ordain or witness on behalf of God through the church. Such elevated notions of official ministry tended to give the impression that only priests, sisters and brothers had a vocation to do God’s work. This is no longer the case.

Baptism; Living the Life of the Gospel
We are not merely onlookers as Jesus lives out His mission - we are disciples, followers, imitators - seeking opportunities each day to bring light, to heal the wounded, to act against injustice, to use our power to set others free, to be at all times and in all circumstances peace-makers. Living that way day by day, we can be assured that God continues to let His favor rest on us, and identify us as His beloved, His anointed, His holy ones.

Basic Ecclesial Communities
From the Archdiocese of Adelaide, a commitment to small Christian communities as a central part of the strategy of leadership formation, in which parishioners are able to reflect on their lives in the light of the gospel and support each other in taking action on the issues confronting them in their lives.

Basic Training
From U.S. Catholic: College students hold up crosses bearing names of School of Americas victims. Catholic college students get schooled in peace and protest at the annual School of the Americas vigil.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls has launched a newly renovated Web site to collect prayers, offer a virtual tour, and further the Apostle's worldwide evangelization effort. Online visitors can read news related to the basilica and the tomb of St. Paul, virtually tour the church, make reservations for guided tours of the building, visit the gift store, and watch a video of Benedict XVI during celebrations in the basilica.

Be Bearers of Truth
Refreshing our understanding of what "Catholic identity" means and should look like at Catholic universities - by Father Thomas Berg, Executive Director of the Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person.

Be Open to His Coming
The temper of our times calls for us to banish fear, and be sources of strength and courage to those around us who are really destroyed by the evil of our day. Jesus didn't respond to people with just words of hope: The blind were now able to see, cripples could walk, lepers were cured, the dead were raised to life. Our presence in this chaotic world must be the same kind of sign.

Be Watchful... Pray Always
"Be Watchful" is not exactly a very pleasant phrase to be heard as we prepare for the holidays on this first Sunday of Advent. It can mean a lot of different things to different people... but for the Christian, the phrase "be watchful and pray always" implies that one should make the most of all opportunities.

Beads, bells and belief
There is such a richness of ideas and beliefs that have come out of the Catholic tradition that would do much to help young adults find the sacred in their everyday lives. Even on our most trying days as a Catholic, the sacramental lens through which we view the world keeps us connected to what we believe is the profoundest reality of Catholic identity. Through this lens we see the grace of God working through all of nature to reach out to us, to perfect us, and to help us become fully realized in the goodness of our humanity.

Bearing Fruit
Lent is a time for patience, repentance, self-examination and discipline. It is the time for self-reflection, evaluation and change-of-heart - for conversion. We need to strip away those things that clutter our lives or hinder our relationship with God. Like the gardener in today's parable, we need to cultivate the message of the Gospel in our lives, remove the weeds that strangle our growth, and fertilize with hope and with faith.

Bearing the Image of God
Again, we bump into the basic paradox that is at the heart of the Christian Gospel - death leading to life, darkness giving way to light, suffering as the road to glory. Unless and until we accept this fundamental condition, we will never understand the love we are called to share; we will never be fully at peace. We will continue to worry and fret, to question God's will and His love, to resent the predominance of evil, to slip easily into moods of doubt and despair.

Beatification of Mother Teresa
From the Vatican website, information about the celebration of the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Becoming Catholic - The R.C.I.A Process
A look at the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - the process of becoming a Catholic - its importance, and the implications to the life of the Church.

Begin the new year with new dose of hope
Physicians tell us that the human body can survive four to six weeks without food, up to three days without water and for about 10 minutes without oxygen. How long can a human being survive without hope?

Beginning New Patterns
From the Praying Lent website of the Online Ministries at Creighton University: reflections as we examine the choices we will make in the days of Lent.

BeholdHim.Org
This site was designed to help Christians prepare their hearts for the Christmas season so that the wonder of Christ’s birth might reign—instead of the usual rush and frenzied shopping that usually fills our lives at Christmas.

If we don't take hold of our time and attitude, even the holy can pass us by. We can miss the true message of what we confront in the stable at Bethlehem: a human become divine, spirit become flesh, time become eternity, salvation become nigh.

Being Noticed
The real tragedy of life is always that Jesus is so near with the gift of life, but people seek to buy or to work their way into heaven. The sad part of today’s Gospel account is that both the scribes and the widow could have had eternal life if they simply put their money back into their pockets and embraced the Redeemer who was sitting only a few steps away observing.

Being Remembered - and Remembering
We all desire to be remembered, not to be forgotten. And Jesus was no different. He wanted his disciples, and all of us, to remember Him... to remember his words and actions, his compassion and love for the disenfranchised, his forgiveness and his steadfastness. But more than that, he wanted us to remember that God's promise will never be broken, will never be taken back.

Being Watchful and Alert
Lest we are ever tempted to think otherwise, Advent reminds us that, while God has kissed the earth with his presence, much remains broken, unfulfilled and in darkness. We see plenty of evidence around us of the dark night. If we have learned anything during these first few years of the third millenium it is that we need not be told how late, how long and how dark our wait has turned out to be.

BELIEF & PRACTICE: Latin Mass
From Religion and Ethics online: The Vatican is soon expected to publish a document that could allow priests to say the Mass in Latin without first having to get permission from their bishops. The Latin Mass -- known as the Tridentine Mass -- all but disappeared after the 1960s when the Second Vatican Council allowed congregations to hear the Mass and sing and pray in their native language. But some Catholic traditionalists consider the Latin Mass to be more authentic, saying it's a spiritual and an emotional issue.

Belief and Practice: May Crowning
During the Month of May -- a month both named for and dedicated to Mary -- Catholics have long honored her by placing a crown on her image. Sister Magdalene Kabat, principal of Our Lady of Czestochowa School in Chicago, describes the May crowning ceremony and its spiritual significance. "The May crowing teaches the children that Mary is very special in their life," Sister explains. "We believe that through her intercession, many graces come upon our people."

Belief and Practice: Stations of the Cross
Through the centuries, devout Christians have reenacted the way of the cross to commemorate Good Friday and Jesus' suffering until his death. Now as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly takes its cameras to the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C.

Beliefnet.com
Launched last month, this is an internet site providing information, inspiration and advice on all religious faiths.

Belonging to Christ
Our daily experiences of God act as signposts. They point to the fact that the only thing that matters is that we seek to be with God in what we do and how we think, how we feel and image the world and ourselves. These moments challenge us to look at how we are living our lives, and they show us how much more we need to do things in a loving way that allows the world to see the face of God through us.

Benedict at Auschwitz
From Commonweal magazine: Pope Benedict’s XVI’s recent visit to Auschwitz, during which he conspicuously failed to voice repentance for the Catholic Church’s nearly two millennia of anti-Semitic teaching, has been welcomed in certain Catholic quarters as a rejection of “political correctness.”

Benedict Keeps Focus on Church
Unlike his globetrotting predecessor, this pope is quietly working to reshape the papacy. Benedict clearly prefers quiet study or the professorial delivery of a homily to the flashy performances before adoring crowds that his predecessor favored.

Benedict on America: In his own words
As Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in the United States approaches, the media is chock full of pieces outlining the challenges the pope faces in America, and trying to anticipate what he might do or say to address them. Perhaps it's fitting that the last word before the curtain goes up, however, should belong to Benedict himself.

Benedict on Islam
From Commonweal Magazine: Pope Benedict XVI has issued a series of apologies for the ill-conceived remarks made in an academic lecture in which he quoted a medieval Christian emperor who called Islam “evil and inhuman.” At least in one sense, then, the pope appears to agree with those who charged him with misrepresenting the teachings of Islam and offending its adherents.

Benedict XVI - A New Era
From the blog of Fr. Ken Lasch: ﾓﾅ As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.ﾔ Well, not quite! There is a variation on that old axiom, ﾓThe more things change, the more they remain the sameﾔ and it reads this way, ﾓThe more things remain the same, the more they change!ﾔ How true. I only wish I could have been standing among the crowds gathered in St. Peterﾒs Square when the election of our new Holy Father, Benedict XVI. ﾓHabemus Papam!ﾔ was announced. Whatever oneﾒs take on his qualifications, I believe this choice will prove to be the best ﾖ all things considered."

Benedict XVI Reflects on His Trip to Germany
"Young People Relaunched ﾅ the Message of Hope"
A translation of the address Benedict XVI gave at the August 24, 2005 general audience, held in Paul VI Hall. The Holy Father reflected on his first foreign apostolic trip to Germany, for World Youth Day.

Benedict XVI reflects on U.S. visit, recalls highlights
Pope Benedict dedicated his reflections to his recent apostolic journey to the United States, which, he said, in its multicultural plurality and founded on the basis of a "happy marriage" of religious principles, ethical and political rights, is an example of healthy secularism.

Benedict XVI's Message for Lent 2006
Lent is a privileged time of interior pilgrimage towards Him Who is the fount of mercy. It is a pilgrimage in which He Himself accompanies us through the desert of our poverty, sustaining us on our way towards the intense joy of Easter. Even in the "valley of darkness" of which the Psalmist speaks (Psalm 23:4), while the tempter prompts us to despair or to place a vain hope in the work of our own hands, God is there to guard us and sustain us.

Benedict XVI; Church Needs Change of Mentality
Calls on Laity to Recognize Pastoral Responsibility
Laypeople are not merely the clergy's collaborators, but rather share in the responsibility of the Church's ministry, says Benedict XVI. The Pope called on the laity to become more aware of their role when he inaugurated Tuesday an ecclesial conference for the Diocese of Rome on "Church Membership and Pastoral Co-responsibility."

Benedict's First One Hundred Days
Pope Benedict XVI has spent the first 100 days of his pontificate modestly and quietly, and has done almost nothing controversial, which means that those who rejoiced that the papacy had shifted to the right with his election have nothing yet to confirm their judgement. Nor indeed have those who feared such a shift.

Benedict's high risk strategy
The Pope has described it as an act of paternal mercy. But while the lifting of the excommunication of rebel Lefebvrist bishops has been praised by arch-traditionalists, it has shocked many Catholics and members of other faiths, especially Jews. Robert Mickens of the Tablet tracks the reasons for the turnaround and its consequences.

Benedictine Sisters of Erie
Leading an ordinary lifestyle of prayer and work, according to the Rule of St. Benedict, these Sisters live to change the world into one that is more compassionate, just and forgiving.

Benzinger
Publishes books, booklets, nested programs, pamphlets, bulletins, bulletin inserts, prayer cards, and prayer services in both English and Spanish.

Bernard H￤ring, Joseph Ratzinger, And War
From the Social Edge: They were both German theologians, chronologically 15 years apart and theologically on different planets. The comparisons between them highlight the direction of the Roman Catholic Church today.

Best of the Christian Web
A marvelous site bringing you the "best" websites dedicated to proclaiming the Word of God on the Internet.

Best of the Net
This is a really valuable site religion teachers and catechists on every level - including curriculum themes, electronic fieldtrips, catechesis, prayer/worship and ministry.

Best of...
From BustedHalo.com: the Best of 2008: a compilation of articles and videos which appeared on their website during the past year.

Between Theology & Exegesis
Writing under his personal name as well as his ecclesiastical title, Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, offers here the first half of a two-volume work whose stated rationale is twofold. His Jesus of Nazareth is to be, first, a work that “goes beyond historical-critical exegesis so as to apply new methodological insights that allow us to offer a properly theological interpretation of the Bible.” It is to be, second, “an expression of my personal search ‘for the face of the Lord.’

Beyond boundaries: the infinite creator
Pope Benedict and his former doctoral students meet this weekend to discuss creation and evolution. Despite their apparent differences, the idea of the evolution of human life and its intelligent design by God are not in conflict, says one leading philosopher of religion.

Beyond Language
Pope Benedict's sanction for wider use of the Tridentine Mass is an unprecedented change in the Church's liturgical life. But as this professor of liturgy argues, it also has troubling theological and pastoral consequences. - by Mark Francis

Beyond the Miraculous
The Gospel of John gives us a sacramental look at our own lives, properly placed within the perspective of Christ's life - and His life within us. He shows us a Jesus who uses the language of our world to refer to the realities of His world.

Bible Activity Worksheets
From Sharon Whittaker, activity worksheets that can be used for children's catechesis - both Old and New Testament.

Bible Alive
Leading UK-based Catholic magazine available worldwide, with reflections on the daily Mass Readings and topical features

Bible Gateway
Search the Bible in Nine Languages and Multiple Bible Versions.

Bible Reflections
From Veritas, a guide to encourage and assist you in reading the entire Bible in one year.

Bible Study Tools
Crosswalk.com's Bible Study Toolsﾮ are designed to facilitate in-depth online study and exploration of God's Word.

Biblical Resources
From Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Assistant Professor - New Testament, Bellarmine College - resource materials, mostly related to academic biblical studies, that will be useful for scholars, teachers, students, and many others.

BiblioBlogs
This website helps to promote biblical studies in the blogosphere by featuring a blogger each month with an interview and by compiling a list of roughly 100 quality blogs that focus on the academic study of the Bible and cognate fields.

Bibliographies for Theology
Compiled by Fr. William Harmless, S.J., with special emphasis for books in the collection of Byrne Library, Spring Hill College.

Biblioteca Electronica Cristiana
From VE Multimedios, Biblioteca Electronica Cristiana is the largest Spanish language online library of Catholic documents on the Web.

Bishop calls for Catholic reform
TheCatholic Church is still not serious about confronting sexual abuse, only "managing" it, according to the Sydney bishop who headed Australian efforts to tackle abuse. Bishop Geoffrey Robinson says the Catholic Church needs to reverse 2000 years of teaching on sex and power as part of radical reforms from the Pope down.

Bishop of the slums - Dom Helder Camara and Brazil's church of the poor
This year marks the centennial of the birth and the tenth anniversary of the death of one of the most significant religious figures of the 20th century, an instigator of the liberation theology trend in Latin American Catholicism and a campaigner against military dictatorship: Dom Helder Camara. Dom Helder could have advanced himself to the position of cardinal and from there, who knows, possibly to the papacy itself. Instead, he stood for democracy in Brazil, despite threats to his life and certainly at the expense of his career.

Bishop Says Priest Abused Him 60 Years Ago
Breaking ranks with his peers, Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton called yesterday for state legislatures to temporarily remove the time limits that have prevented many victims of sex abuse from suing the church. In making that extraordinary appeal, the auxiliary bishop of Detroit also unburdened himself of a secret.

Bishop; 'Schneiders' analysis inspiring, challenging'
Sr. Sandra Schneiders raises difficult questions and shares her viewpoint with what I believe is integrity and honesty, and whether one agrees with her or not, the essential invitation in what she has written is to reflect prayerfully and in a discerning spirit upon what God may be saying to each of us who reads her reflections.

BishopAccountability.org
BishopAccountability.org is the largest source on the Internet of information about the Catholic sexual abuse crisis and the bishops' responsibility for it.

Bishops & the Election
Correcting prochoice Catholic pols
From the Editors of Commonweal Magazine: It is hard to know what is more exasperating, the ill-informed statements of Catholic prochoice politicians about the church’s teaching on abortion, or the response of certain bishops, whose criticism of politicians sometimes seems designed to be exploited for partisan purposes.

Bishops And The Beached Whale
An Essay by Eugene Cullen Kennedy: "...longing not to be found wanting in the appraising eyes of a new pope intensifies the bishopsﾒ chronic uneasiness about how to function in a calling that now provides little of the comfort and even less of the respect that once trimmed their days as neatly as the red piping on their cassocks."

Bishops face challenge on new political guide
Current Draft More Doctrinal, Authoritative
By Peter Steinfels - On the eve of every presidential election year since 1976, the nation's Roman Catholic bishops have issued a set of reflections on Catholics' political responsibilities. The task has probably never been so challenging as it will be in two weeks, when approximately 300 bishops from around the country meet in Baltimore.

Bishops Take Up Revised Norms
NCR Correspondent, John Allen's The Word From Rome newsletter for November 8, 2002. This column spotlights the issues that loom as American bishops meet to discuss the revised norms on Clerical sex-abuse.

Bless me, mother
From U.S. Catholic online: In a special bedtime ritual, this mother does more than just lay her children down to sleep - by Annemarie Scobey, writer and editor of At Home with Our Faith.

Blessed John XXIII - An Ordinary Holiness
From Americancatholic.org, the humble, generous and reconciling spirit of John XXIII can teach us a great deal about following Jesus Christ, by Nancy Celaschi, O.S.F.

Blueprint for Vatican III
Imagining and moving toward the future of the Church should always be the work of the people of God. This "blueprint" of a future council is the result National Catholic Reporter's request to Catholics in various parts of the world for ﾓthreeﾔ issues of concern. You are invited to submit your own responses or suggest a new issue that you feel might be discussed.

Book of Saints
Written by the children of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Resource Center.

Book Review: The Rise of Benedict XVI
In his commendable and balanced book, "The Rise of Benedict XVI: The Inside Story of How the Pope Was Elected and Where He Will Take the Catholic Church," John L. Allen Jr. (the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and author of "Conclave") gives readers ﾗ conservative and liberal alike ﾗ ample reason to withhold hasty judgment in order to consider in human, theological and faith-based terms the new pope.

Bread for the World
Bread for the World Institute seeks justice for hungry people by engaging in research and education on policies related to hunger and development.

Breaking Through the Roof
Sometimes we may feel alone and helpless, our faith in tatters, threadbare. But we are blessed if we have a community to love and care for us. Even when our faith seems so very fragile, we can be sustained by the faith of those around us, and we are blessed when we are supported and raised up by the helping hands of others. But so too will more be demanded of us; we will be expected to raise up our suffering brothers and sisters.

Bridge Building Images
Originally known as Bridge Building Icons, they have been producing religious cards and gifts for almost 20 years. The product line now includes note cards, holiday cards, holy cards, plaques, prints, posters, photos, magnets and candles.

Bringing Home the Word
Scripture keeps us grounded and centered in our faith. The Word speaks in different ways at different times, always new, always challenging, always reminding us of who we are and to whom we belong. Bringing Home the Word is a place to explore the Bible from the perspective of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.

Brotherhood of Hope
The Brotherhood of Hope is a new community of Catholic brothers bringing the 'New Evangelization' proclaimed by John Paul II primarily to college students at secular universities.

Brothers and Sisters of Penance
A private Association of lay Catholics from all walks of life who are dedicated to personal renewal through living the Gospel more perfectly in their lives in the world in a penitential lifestyle.

Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide
Anyone can be a peacemaker. The Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide was created to inspire and empower you to work for peace, and to arm you with living proof of the power of nonviolence to effect change and resolve conflicts. Some of the peacemakers featured on this website are famous, others obscure, but all have dedicated their lives to building a more peaceful and just world through nonviolent means. For each you will find a short biography, an original portrait, and links to further reading.

Buckfast Abbey
The home of a Roman Catholic Community of Benedictine monks in Devon, England. The first monastery was founded in 1018, but was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539. It was refounded in 1882. Buckfast now welcomes almost half a million visitors each year.

Building a Healthier Church
From U.S. Catholic online, an interview with Fr. Donald Cozzens. In the current media frenzy around the scandals of priest sexual abuse and diocesan cover-ups, Cozzens stands out as a frank and insightful voice of reason.

Building Faith & Family Foundations
Helpful resources and articles meant to enrich the lives of children and parents with a love of God through increased knowledge of parenting techniques.

Building Faith & Family Foundations
The mission of this website is to enrich the lives of children and parents with a love of God through increased knowledge of parenting techniques.

Burma Through a Buddhist Lens
The monks of Myanmar move mountains through faith
From BustedHalo.com: To the people, they are courageous political activists. To the government, they are conniving political agitators. They have suffered unspeakable cruelty at the hands of a military regime while refraining from exhibiting similar violence. Slowly though, they are changing the tide, armed with nothing but their faith and perseverance - By Marc Adams

Busted Halo
BustedHalo.com, a ministry of Paulist Young Adult Ministries, is a web e-zine that speaks candidly and occasionally irreverently on issues facing people in their 20's and 30's that intersect with spirituality. Open to dialogue and hearing the stories of young people, BustedHalo never preaches condescendingly, rather seeks to understand and to express the wisdom of Catholic and other religious traditions in a way that makes sense to the experience of those "spiritually seeking."

Busted Halo
Bustedhalo.com is a ministry of Paulist Young Adult Ministries and Paulist Media Works, working with people in their 20ﾒs and 30ﾒs who are in the same questioning mode: what role spirituality plays in their everyday lives.

Busted Halo Cast
The PodCasts of BustedHalo.com. The latest edition includes a discussion on what makes a lay minister in the Catholic Church, and a homily from Fr. Dave on St. Paul and how to be all things to all people.

Busted Halo Way of the Cross
Busted Halo® invites you to encounter these final hours of Jesus' life and death online by participating in the Busted Halo® Way of the Cross this Lent. Each day leading up to Easter, Busted Halo® will post a scripture verse from Matthew's Passion narrative, followed by a reflection question for you to consider.

BustedHalo Interview: Timothy Radcliffe, OP
The former Master General of the Dominican Order worldwide discusses freedom, truth, sexuality and healing a polarized Church - Introduction and interview by Bill McGarvey.

Byzantine Catholic Spirituality
From the Eparchy of Passaic, a brief explanation of the life of prayer and worship according to Byzantine Tradition.

C O n N e C t
The home of Catholic youth and young adults online in Aotearoa New Zealand. It was initiated by them, written by them and it's about them.

C21 Online
Boston College’s C21 Online, or Church in the 21st Century Online, offers online courses for spiritual renewal and faith formation in collaboration with the Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry.

Cafe Theology Discussion Group
This is a Faith-sharing website for Catholic young adults. Its purpose is to provide an online community and a public square for all, Catholics and non-Catholics, who wish to learn more about the Catholic Church,her teachings, beliefs, practices, and history through a community sharing of articles, resources, personal reflections and experiences.

Call and response in St Ignatius and St Francis
On the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, and in the year of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan order, 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?

Call Waiting
From the February, 2001 issue of U.S. Catholic, the stories of five women who want to be priests, by Heidi Schlumpf.

Called and Gift for the Third Millennium
Reflections of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity and the Fifteenth Anniversary of Called and Gifted

Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium
Reflections of the U.S. Catholic Bishops on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity and the Fifteenth Anniversary of Called and Gifted.

Called to be Sent
Witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ means allowing the Gospel message to permeate our minds and hearts and lives in such a complete way that people around us will know clearly who we are and what we believe.

Called to Holiness; spirituality for Catholic women
The goal of Called to Holiness is to give women ideas, energy and creativity to continue on their journey toward holiness.The world needs the voices of women—their virtues, insights and other diverse gifts.We want to assist women in their desire to lead intentional spiritual lives.

Calligraphy by Michael Noyes
The online gallery of beautifully framed calligraphy designs by Michael Noyes, where you will find inspirational quotes, Jewish and Christian sayings, Bible verses, literary calligraphy, and really great religious gift ideas!

Campaign in Support of Life
The Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, developed the U.S. Bishops during their Fall 2001 Bishops' Meeting.

Can you ordain a hermaphrodite?
Santa Clara University theology professor says Church had long history of ordaining women that ended because of “virulent misogyny.”

Canadian Catholic Information Network
This site is about encouraging the Catholic faithful to a deeper understanding of the faith, sharing stories (good and bad), providing support and defense for the faith, and prayer for the Catholic Church in Canada

Canadian Catholic Radio Media Apostolate
The website/radio internet station of Canadian Catholic Radio, with links to major Catholic media, daily broadcasts and live webcasts and daily articles of interest.

Canon Law Writings
Rev. Kevin E. McKenna is the past president of the Canon Law Society of America and pastor at St. Cecilia Parish in Rochester, New York. Ordained in 1977, Fr. McKenna received his doctorate degree in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa in 1990. Rev. McKenna's books and writings are described on this site.

Canticle Magazine
The "voice of today's Catholic woman" - articles, testimonies and profiles for women, by women, and about women.

CARA
CARA is a national, non-profit, university-affiliated organization that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church. It's aim is to increase the Church's self understanding, to serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers, and to advance scholarly research on religion, particularly Catholicism.

Cardinal George and the politics of liturgy
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago has several times recently addressed the relationship between bishops and ordinary Catholics and how that relationship affects the manner in which we all live out a life of faith.

Cardinal Kasper to Anglican Communion
Here is the address Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, gave at the Anglican Communion's Lambeth Conference.

Cardinal Kasper's forthright warning
An editorial from The Tablet: A crisis exists in Anglicanism that Roman Catholics cannot ignore. As Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity, said this week, ﾓOur friendsﾒ problems are our problems too.ﾔ

Cardinal Paradox
From the Tablet, at a time of an ailing Pope, the voice of Joseph Ratzinger is increasingly heard as that of the Vatican. And yet, the Churchﾒs enforcer is also a singular freethinker. From American politicians, to women, and Turkey, his views have dominated the headlines this year - by John Allen.

Cardinal William Baum; dictionary definition of a 'churchman'
Cardinal William Baum is sort of the Brett Favre or Cal Ripken, Jr., of the American Catholic church, touted not just for what he's done but for how long he's done it. Having logged seven years as Archbishop of Washington (1973-80) and three decades of Vatican service, Baum is now the second longest serving cardinal in American history, behind only the legendary Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore.

Care of the Soul; My Quest for Silence
We often misunderstand what quiet means. It doesn’t mean the absence of sound. Some sounds foster silence, like the Gregorian chant that I sang and directed when I lived in a religious order. Some sounds in nature add to the quiet rather than take away from it. Like many people, I love the throaty sound of a train whistle at a distance. I don’t suppose the people who live in the town through which the train is running care for it much.

Caritas et Veritas
From Doug Anderson, a source for Catholic apologetics and study resources, with a special emphasis on Evangelical/Catholic rapprochement.
Caritas et Veritas

Caritas In Veritate
The new encyclcal of Benedict XVI, issued June 29, 2009, On Integral Human Development: In Charity And Truth
Charity is at the heart of the Church's social doctrine. Every responsibility and every commitment spelt out by that doctrine is derived from charity which, according to the teaching of Jesus, is the synthesis of the entire Law.

Caritas Internationalis
Caritas Internationalis is a worldwide Confederation of independent national Catholic organizations, provides central support services of coordination, information and international representation for its national members, providing assistance in emergency aid, rehabilitation and development.

Carmelite Monastery of Saint Joseph
The website of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns - Piedmont, OK - a cloistered contemplative community whose main apostolate/ministry is prayer.

Carolina Catholic Music Publishing Company
Each week new printed music, recordings, videos, books and other materials are added to the CCMP on-line catalog. An excellent resource for the parish liturgist.

Catalyst for Renewal
A group of Australian Catholics working for renewal within the Church. They seek to promote renewal by establishing forums for conversation, and are committed to working within the historical reality of the Church.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Scripture, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori.

Catechetical Resources
An online community for catechists, providing activities, games, lesson plans and resources organized by grade level.

Catechists
This e-list is for Catholic catechists (religion teachers) to share lesson plans, hints, ideas and activities. It is not a place to debate (or even too deeply discuss) theology or doctrine.It is a list for teachers, by teachers, about teaching.

Cath.com
Cath.com provides a wide service of Roman Catholic websites search. Created by a webmaster who visits and evaluates web sites, each site is then organized into subject-based categories and sub-categories. The goal is to link as many Catholic websites as possible and to allow them to be found easily.

Catherine of Siena Institute
A program of the Western Dominican Province with the mission of equipping lay Catholics for the New Evangelization of Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father teaches that lay men and women are co-responsible with bishops and priests for the mission of the Church, which is to enable every man and woman to meet the risen Christ.

CathNews
From Catholic Resources, which hopes to build the most influential Catholic site in Australia through providing a unique range of interactive resources to meet the needs of Australian Catholics and those interested in Christianity.

Catholic Almanac Online
This is the online version of the Catholic Almanac published by the US newspaper Our Sunday Visitor. It aims to present 'contemporary information on an encyclopedic range of subjects pertaining to the Catholic Church and its activity in the world'.

Catholic and feminist; You got a problem with that?
Catholics ought to be loud and proud in the fight for women’s rights, argues a young feminist. Women and men must look critically at the world, take into account their values, and figure out what it means for them to support the dignity and rights of their mothers, sisters, and daughters.

Catholic Association of Musicians
CAM is an association of Catholic musicians, and their support organizations, who produce new inspirational and exciting music for, and from, the Catholic Church of today's world.

Catholic Australia
A vigorous discussion Catholic spirituality, theology and faith for adults seeking to enrich their lives. This cyber initiative seeks to hold out a compassionate hand from fellow-travellers in the great struggles of life.

Catholic Bishops Aim to Improve Priest Morale
Meeting for the first time since Pope Benedict XVI visited the U.S. and spoke of the deep shame he felt over clergy sex abuse, America's Roman Catholic bishops Thursday began discussing how they can repair relations with priests after six years of scandal.

Catholic bishops debate the place of politics in Communion
It is one of the most sensitive questions American Catholic bishops have wrestled with the past few years: When Catholic public officials do not follow church teachings, should they be denied Holy Communion?

Catholic Calendar
From Bob and Linda Easterbrooks, a marvelous site including daily Rosary meditations.

Catholic Campus Ministry Association
CCMA is a national professional organization, providing visionary leadership, formation and resources that empower Catholic campus ministers and the broader Church to become transforming instruments of Christ for the academic community and the world.

Catholic Canada
This site provides Catholics in Canada with on-line apologetic and catechetic documents and articles.

Catholic Catechist
A e-group discussion / mailing list for the Catholic Catechist Community Chat

Catholic Center for Family Spirituality
Created by Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, the Catholic Center for Family Spirituality was designed to respond to the challenge of Pope John Paul II to create new institutes dedicated to theological and pastoral dimensions of family life.

Catholic Charismatic Center
The Catholic Charismatic Center is a Roman Catholic lay ministry ￬ whose goal is to support the Church and share information on the ￬ Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement.

Catholic Charities, USA
The homepage of the Social Service organization working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities.

Catholic Christian Outreach
Founded at the University of Saskatchewan, Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) is a university student movement dedicated to evangelization. We challenge students to live in the fullness of the Catholic faith, with a strong emphasis on becoming leaders in the renewal of the world.

Catholic Coalition for Church Reform
Our understanding of the Church’s mission is that each individual baptized person, in community with brothers and sisters in Christ, is to proclaim and manifest, speak and live, the message of Jesus to the world.

Catholic Common Ground Initiative
This project, initially begun by the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, sponsors conferences and papers devoted to critical issues in the church to exemplify and promote dialog.

Catholic Commons
CatholicCommons is the new home for the hundreds of articles and editorials that are currently stored in the ParishWebmaster.com Archives by Brandor Jubar. After several years of writing and publishing Catholic content, Brandon has separated this content from the eMinistry side of ParishWebmaster.com and has given it a place of its own, with Scripture Reflections, topical articles and an online community.

Catholic Community Forum
A great place for Catholics and anyone interested in the Catholic Church to find resources and share ideas.

Catholic Community UK
This site is specifically aimed at the Roman Catholic Community in the British Isles. Its aim is to support Catholic life and faith and to become a Roman Catholic "Mega Site" for the British Isles.

Catholic Community UK
The folks at Catholic Community have gathered together a large selection of resources, literature, publications, and devotional items. These are provided so that you may further your understanding of your faith and promote education in Roman Catholic life. This is the "Mega Site" for the British Isles.

Catholic Connections
An Internet Resource to help keep Catholics, both Active and Inactive, connected to the faith.

Catholic Conservation Center
Promoting ecology, environmental justice, and the stewardship of creation this website features a collection of writings and resources about the environment from a variety of Roman Catholic sources.

Catholic Contemplative Affiliation
Offering support to Christians who while living in the world, seek to live the contemplative life within the Catholic tradition

Catholic Contemplative Affiliation
Catholic Contemplative Affiliation (CCA) affords support to Christians who while living in the world, seek to live the contemplative life within the Catholic tradition.

Catholic Conversations
A Catholic blog: "So much has happened! Where do we go from here? Please join us in conversation and share your ideas about being part of the Catholic Church in 2005."

Catholic Doctrinal Concordance
This is a short doctrinal concordance of the Catholic faith. The purpose is to give people interested in Catholicism a quick reference for the most common items of the faith... particularly in areas where Catholics and other religions disagree.

Catholic Doors Ministry
From Saskatchewan, Canada, Catholic Doors offers doorways to the Christian pilgrim leading towards knowledge and understanding of Roman Catholic teachings and Tradition.

Catholic Education Network
CEN provides valuable information for Catholic educators about what is going on in the Church to help form young Catholic minds.

Catholic Education Research Center
An online resource library for Catholic faith and culture, containing the latest articles from outstanding writers, authors and journalists around the globe.

Catholic Educator's Resource Center
An internet library whose resources assist teachers in Catholic schools, home schooling parents, as well as other educators.

Catholic Encyclopedia
Information about the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church from the online version of the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Catholic Enquiry Center
An initiative of the Australian Bishops' Conference, CEC aims to assist Catholics seeking a return to faith practice (pastoral), to offer clear information about the Catholic Faith for those who are searching for faith, and for people of other religious backgrounds (evangelical), and to promote inter-religious understanding (ecumenical).

Catholic Environmentalism
Green teachings, initiatives take hold among Catholics worldwide
On his recent swing Down Under, Pope Benedict XVI garnered headlines for drawing a half-million pumped-up young Catholics to World Youth Day as well as for his latest bout of candor on the church’s sexual abuse crisis. Less noted was an important bit of subtext: the pope’s repeated calls for environmental protection.

Catholic Extension
Catholic Extension allocates more than $16 million annually to assist outreach programs, missionary salaries, church building and repair, and disaster relief. Find daily Catholic news, 1000+ Catholic links, and ways to help support a missionary.

Catholic Extension
Catholic Extension raises funds to extend the faith into the poorest and most remote regions of the United States and its territories.

Catholic Family Fun
An e-group designed to allow Catholic families share craft ideas, art, saint activities, stories,etc.

Catholic Family Home
A quarterly newsletter in support of parents raising their families Catholic. It will have feature articles, poetry, prayers, stories and many articles celebrating the liturgical year, as well as regular features.

Catholic Fiction
Lovers of fiction, don’t pass up this site! CatholicFiction.net provides reviews of your favorite classic Catholic novels and short stories—and new books, too. Using the site’s index, you can browse blog posts about works by Graham Greene, François Mauriac, Evelyn Waugh and other popular Catholic writers. Or, choose your favorite genre and dig into great articles on works of comedy, mystery, science fiction, etc.

Catholic Film Review
Motion picture resources for Catholic Christians, includeing the "Anti-Catholic Bias Watchdog Movie Page."

Catholic First
Catholic First is "The Internet's 'Soul' Source for Catholic Families, Catholic Reading and Catholic Shopping!" They are dedicated to providing orthodox Catholic information, prayers, news, and extensive reading material for the word hungry.

Catholic Greetings
Share your Christian faith with beautiful, free Catholic e-cards! A ministry of St. Anthony Messenger Press - part of the AmericanCatholic.org website.

Catholic Health Association USA
A well-resourced portal containing news of interest to those working in Catholic health care, particularly in the field of mission.

Catholic Healthcare Partners
Catholic Healthcare Partners (CHP) is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States and the largest in Ohio. The system consists of more than 100 corporations serving the health needs of people in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and contiguous states.

Catholic Hierarchy
This is an extremely well researched online database containing current and historical information about bishops and dioceses throughout the world.

Catholic Home Study Service
Sponsored by the Vincentian community and the Missouri Knights of Columbus, has been offering free courses on the Catholic Faith.

Catholic HomeSchooling in Hawaii
For parents contemplating homeschooling their children, it can be a scary endeavor. In order to make the right decision for your family and to take this big step, parents need to prepare themselves. This is a great place to start... lots of info and very well done.

Catholic Hope Blog
A Catholic Apologetics blog, examining Catholic beliefs on the issues of divorce, birth control, homosexuality and abortion.

Catholic in the Voting Booth
From BustedHalo: The decisions we make on election day are never easy and the issues are often complicated for both Catholics and non-Catholics to base their decisions on. Busted Halo® hopes they can be of help in forming your conscience this election season as you decide who to cast your ballot for this year.

Catholic Information Center on the Internet
A virtual library of Catholic information, ranging from the Magisterium of the Church, to Catholic World News and directories of Dioceses online.

Catholic Issues: Our Disappearing Clergy
Mandatory Vs Optional Celibacy for the Priesthood: This is not only a world-wide problem for the hierarchy, but is more importantly a problem for you and me, the laity.

Catholic Issues: Women in the Church
Down through the millennia in society, and in the Catholic Church which is a microcosm of society, there have been some outstanding women leaders. They have, however, been the exception rather than the rule.

Catholic Kids Net
Catholic Kids Net is a Catholic, non-profit, educational organization focusing on the character formation of elementary aged children incorporating parental involvement, entertaining mass media products and kids' club formation.

Catholic Library Association
The CLA coordinates the exchange of ideas, educational and networking experiences, and support and guidance.

Catholic Life
Providing a setting for access to Catholic information on the Internet as well as to serve the communication needs of Catholics around the world.

Catholic Light
A Catholic blog on life and living in communion with the Catholic Church.

Catholic Liturgical Library
This site is the largest source of official Church documents on the Mass and contains over one hundred articles about various aspects of the liturgy.

Catholic Medical Association
An organization of Catholic Physicians of the United States and Canada, whose purpose is to bring the Spirit to all that are touched by medical science and art; and assisting the Holy Father, the Bishops, and the whole Christian Community with leadership, especially with the particular knowledge, skill, and experience as Christian Physicians.

Catholic Medical Mission Board
An international medical relief agency that sends pharmecueticals, emergency medical supplies and volunteer doctors for third world humanitarian aid.

Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty
The Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty, working in collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, serves as a new resource to meet an urgent pastoral challenge - a site that focuses on capital punishment and its connection to the faith-filled respect for all life from conception to natural death.

Catholic Music Network
Catholic Music Network brings you exclusive interviews with top artists from around the world. Hear them talk about their music and their journey of faith in their own words.

Catholic Mystics
Resources and information about St. Teresa of Avila, OCD, St. John of the Cross, OCD, and St. Therese of Lisieux, OCD.

Catholic Network for Women's Equality
From Canada, this organization works toward enabling women to name their giftedness, and from that awareness to effect structural change in the Church that reflects the mutuality and co-responsibility of women and men within the church.

Catholic New Times
Now in its 30th year, Catholic New Times is Canada's award-winning social justice and faith journal, examining Canadian and world issues is rooted in the spirit of Vatican II and the radical liberating message of the Gospel.

Catholic News Service
Reporting the news which affects Catholics in their everyday lives. Some of that news is good and some is bad, but it is what readers need to know in order to work for salvation.

Catholic Nexus
Internet Media Portal reporting on the Church in the news from around the world.

Catholic Online
The Mission of Catholic Online is to serve as a Center for the Exchange of Information for Catholics and All People of God, to help them deepen their understanding of our Catholic Faith.

Catholic Outpost
Get connected with Catholic groups, parishes and resources by joining Catholic Outpost, a network of believers that aims “to build the most comprehensive online community of active Catholic groups around the country.” Once signed up, you can offer information about your Catholic organization, share ideas and get others interested in joining your group.

Catholic Passion Outreach
Ascension Press and Catholic Passion Outreach Catholic have together prepared some great online resources to help efforts to discuss this film. Downloads include: a Small Group Handbook and Leaderﾒs Manual, Diocesan and Parish Action plans, as well as media kit resources.

Catholic Peace Fellowship
CPF was originally founded in 1964 to support all Catholics committed to peacemaking in accord with the teaching and example of Jesus. It convened, served and sustained a community of Catholic peacemakers for nearly two decades.

Catholic Peacebuilding Network
A new working group, made up of more than 30 practitioners and scholars from several disciplines, intends to take inventory of the resources of Catholicism for peacebuilding.

Catholic Podcast
A selection of Daily Podcasts provided by Catholic News Service - Gospel of the Day, Homily of the Day and Saint of the Day - Instructions are provided for subscribing to the daily podcasts, as well as how to listen online.

Catholic Prayers
A good page with a wide variety of prayers for Mary, Saints, different intentions, before confessions, and much much more.

Catholic Prayers
Downloadable prayers and texts that can be utilized with any Palm Pilot operating system.

Catholic Q and A (Catholic Campus Ministry
This website is a forum for college and university students to learn more about the Catholic Church, Scripture, Liturgy, moral questions, and the whole universe of Christian living.

Catholic Radio Weekly
Catholic Radio Weekly is a new program that informs you about the good works of the Church across the country. You'll learn how the U.S. bishops' are addressing major issues facing the nation and the Church, meet prominent Catholics from the worlds of entertainment, literature and sports, and hear reviews of current television programs and movies from a Catholic perspective.

Catholic RCIA Treasures
This site is for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith through the RCIA. "At this site you will be able to enter through many treasured doors. Treasures that in Christ, may change your life forever."

Catholic Report
Catholics will find a wealth of information from the latest up to the minute news headlines to a parish and school locater guide. In addition, there are references to Church teachings, saints, Catholic writers, magazines and websites. Resources are also available for those looking at Catholic Dating, Catholic Marriage and Parenting as well as grief/bereavement and those needing assistance with Addictions and Recovery programs.

Catholic Scholars Online
A Catholic Homeschooling site using the approach: "Education is to light a fire, not to fill a bucket."

Catholic Schools Face Big Tests
From Zenit.org: Struggles in Britain, U.S.; Boom in Australia - At their June meeting the U.S. bishops approved a document titled "Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium." The text affirms the need to offer "the future leaders of our Church" a Catholic education, but admitted there are many challenges in carrying out this goal.

Catholic Schools on the Net
A Directory of Primary & Secondary Catholic Schools on the Net with demographic and home page information.

Catholic Scripture Study
Catholic Scripture Study is a doctrinal based Roman Catholic Scripture Group Study Program that nourishes a deeper love for Christ and for His Church. It is a five-year program divided into five one-year studies suitable for group and parish-based Scripture study.

Catholic Seniors
Specialized content for seniors, including original articles, photographs, wallpaper images, poems, travel and faith experiences and products.

Catholic Sensibility
A blog operated by Todd Flowerday, serving a midwestern university parish as liturgist and pastoral musician. The site has entries concerning faith in God, life on Earth, inspiration for the pilgrimage … the important things.

Catholic Social Teaching
A Web-Based Reading Course by Gary N. Mc Closkey, O.S.A., an excellent source of Internet resources outlining the Church's position on Social Justice Ministry.

Catholic Social Thought
Professor Joseph Incandela of provides online resources in the areas of Christian Ethics, Social & Economic Justice, Conscience and Dissent as well as other issues facing the modern Catholic.

Catholic Spirituality: What Does It Mean Today?
From Commonweal Magazine: In the forty years since the Second Vatican Council, many devotional practices, most of them developed in the early modern period, have fallen into decline. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, although promoted vigorously in the latter part of the papacy of John Paul II, is far less common than it was in the 1950s. So are weekly parish novenas, the stations of the cross, scapular wearing, and the communal or private recitation of the rosary - by Lawrence S. Cunningham.

Catholic Telecommunications
CT has works for an aggregated 6,500 Catholic institutions across Australia, and has developed the most extensive database of Catholic institutions in Australia.

Catholic USA
From Father Maurice J. Voity, Catholic-USA.com provides thousands of links to official and authentic Catholic websites in the USA.

Catholic Women
This Web site is the heartchild of Marilyn Mathers. It is because of so many outstanding, inspirational Catholic women she met, got to know and love, that she was motivated to start this web site.

Catholic workers
These people of faith are volunteering outside the box when it comes to serving those in need. Read on to learn how they are putting their faith to work and find out how you can get started doing the same.

Catholic Writers Association
The goal of CWA is to encourage Catholic writers in all their writing endeavors be it poetry or fiction, magazine articles or movie scripts, op-eds or essays.

Catholic Youth Center
A new site for Catholic Youth, dedicated to strengthening faith and furthering Religious Education.

Catholic Youth Foundation
A nonprofit, Catholic lay apostolate committed to helping individuals, parishes, schools and other organizations in their youth ministry.

Catholic Youth Ministry
This is the official web site for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Inc., an organization of Catholic diocesan youth ministry offices in the U.S.

Catholic Youth Ministry on the WWW
This is simple listing of resources for parish Youth Ministers - places to go for ideas, newsletters and networking with other ministers.

Catholic Youth Networking
Catholic Youth Networking is a site for Catholic young people, dedicated to providing a web-based environment where they can learn about their faith, share their thoughts, and link to other interesting websites.

Catholic1 Publishing
From Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Free Resources for Roman Catholics & other believers. All of the materials on this website may be freely reproduced by anyone for non-profit use. This includes a free weekly Catholic Kids Newsletter that can be photocopied and distributed. Among the other resources are free weekly bulletin graphics and other bulletin aids.

CatholicBrides.com
A new website which aims to assist couples prepare for their marriage, throughout the various stages of the average 17-month engagement period, during the ceremony itself and afterwards.

Catholicism In Spain
From Religion and Ethics online, For centuries, Spain was a stronghold of fervent Catholicism. Catholic Church leaders created such religious orders as the Jesuits and Dominicans, while the country's explorers and missionaries spread Christianity across oceans and continents. But today, as in the rest of Western Europe, the Roman Catholic Church in Spain is experiencing both a spiritual and social decline

Catholicism, Holiness and Spirituality
This is a moderate, Jesuit-flavored Catholic blog by Steve Bogner about Catholicism, holiness and spirituality along with a bit of politics, social justice and Catholic mystics.

CatholicMind
From Fr. Anthony Zimmerman, this site addresses current issues including the nature of Christ, Mariology, evolution, original sin, concupiscence, cloning, natural family planning, population growth, AIDS and many others.

CatholicMom.com
A web site for sharing and learning about parenting and faith issues and whose mission is "Celebrating Catholic Motherhood."

Catholics advised to vote faithfully in coming election
By Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany NY
"Every four years, in conjunction with our presidential election, we bishops of the United States issue a political responsibility statement designed to articulate the major principles of Catholic social teaching and their applicability to the major issues confronting our nation and world."

Catholics and Creationism
What are creationism and intelligent design and how do they relate to our faith in God and creation? Explore Catholic Church teaching on creation, evolution and intelligent design, and learn how faith and science complement each other, according to Church leaders and Pope Benedict XVI.

Catholics Come Home
From St. Peter's, Riveredge, NJ, a site for those not actively worshiping or who feel alienated from the Catholic Church.

Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good is a non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the fullness of the Catholic social tradition in the public square, working to promote the necessary conditions for a culture of life - a culture that reverences the dignity of the human person over greed, materialism, and the politics of division.

Catholics in Political Life
The Interim Reflections of the Task Force on Catholic Bishops and Catholic Politicians, requested by the bishops and helped to inform the bishopsﾒ statement on Catholics in Political Life, issued on June 18, 2004.

Catholics Not Leaving the Church Over Sex Abuse Scandals
A review of evidence from survey research conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. It primarily summarizes results from ten national telephone polls of adult self-identified Catholics conducted since January 2001. Seven of the ten CARA polls reviewed in this paper were sponsored completely or in part by the Committee for Communications of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), with the express intention of understanding Catholicsﾒ reactions to the clergy sexual abuse issue.

Catholics Speak Out
A project of the Quixote Center. Promotes equality and justice in the Church, encourages genuine dialogue on issues involving sexuality, justice & peace and morality.

Catholics split on vote's meaning
From NCRonline: Prominent Catholic intellectuals -- some conservative, some liberal -- provide initial clues as to how American Catholics may respond to the Obama administration.

Catholics support religion, not always church
Pope Benedict XVI is preparing to visit New York, where on Long Island, a Newsday poll reveals that several Catholics remain deeply religious, but they disagree with the church on several major issues.

Catholics United for the Faith
Information services to Catholics, liberal or conservative alike, providing comprehensive, factual answers to hundreds of questions about the basics of the faith, liturgy, prayer.

CatholicSphere
The CatholicSphere blog has been active since 2004, featuring commentary on Catholic news, current eventsw and the “culture wars” with a personal twist.

Catholicweb.com
CatholicWeb.com provides free services including web site hosting, domain names, e-mail, search engine listings, and media content, made possible by Catholic business sponsors.

CatholicWomen.com
An inspirational site aimed at Catholic wives and mothers... feature articles, words of wisdom and a kitchen catechism.

CathPort
Cathport.com provides links to Catholic websites and other denomination websites around the globe, indexed by region and country.

CCD Teachers
This was designed for Faith Formation teachers, parents and students to share their faith stories, find support and learn from each other. Catechists share teaching tips, lessons plans, success stories and the joys and frustrations of sharing our faith with children and adults of all ages.

Celebrate Advent
From americancatholic.org: Celebrate the season with peacemaking ideas, inspiration and e-cards. Learn how Christians should celebrate Advent and Christmas, and read about saints whose feasts are observed during the season.

Celebrating Advent in the Home
From King of Peace Episcopal Church, Kingsland, Georgia - This is an 8-page online brochure is designed for families to use in celebrating the season of Advent.

Celebrating Hope - The Feast of All Souls
As a community of faith, we do not sit in the shadow of the tomb, without hope, grieving without solace. The symbol of our hope is the empty tomb of the Risen Christ, the dramatic evidence that our God does indeed lead us through the jaws of death to fullness of life.

Celebrating Peace
A new book, essential for anyone longing for peace, justice, hope, and a new way of being. Perfect for - Schools, Faith Groups, Community Centers, Camps, Clubs, anyone working with children and their families. The text includes 172 pages of hands-on activities which teach the skills of peacemaking. The four focal areas addressed are - Peace for Me, Peace for Us, Peace for Everyone, and Peace for the Planet.

Celebrating the Year of the Eucharist
From Americancatholic.org, Pope John Paul II has declared the "Year of the Eucharist," running from October 2004 to October 2005. The Year of the Eucharist offers Catholics the opportunity to explore more fully their understanding of the great gift that the Eucharist is in their lives.

Celebration Publications
Celebration Publications is a division of The National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company and is committed to the the development of liturgical planning resources and other spiritually enhancing and community enriching publications. They offer monthly spiritual and parish resources for your parishioners delivered through the Internet using PDF files.

Celibacy called to account
Earlier this year, the outgoing archbishop of New York surprised everyone when he said the Church would soon have to at least consider allowing married men into the priesthood. 'I think it’s going to be discussed; it’s a perfectly legitimate discussion,' Edward Cardinal Egan said in response to a question about the serious shortage of priests. 'I think it has to be looked at.'

Celibacy is not the Issue
The question of mandatory celibacy is indeed one that needs to be addressed, but not because of its connection to the sex-abuse scandals that continue to ravage our Church, as British filmmaker Anthony Thomas would have us believe.

Celtic Saints
Brief biographies and information on nearly 40 Celtic saints, compiled by Stuart Woodward.

Center for Action and Contemplation
The Center for Action and Contemplation, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was founded in 1987 by Franciscan Father Richard Rohr. Father Rohr saw the need for a training/formation center that would serve as a place of discernment and growth for activists and those interested in social service ministries.

Center for Children and Theology
The spiritual life of Children is the focus of research at the Center for Children and Theology. It seeks to listen to the voices of children and to explore the theological gifts children have to offer. Reciprocally, the Center seeks the best theology that the community of faith has to offer children today.

Center for Christian Nonviolence
There is no doubt that a significant change of mind (metanoia) is indispensable for embracing the Nonviolent Jesus of the Gospel—a process which necessitates an alteration in consciousness made possible only through grace and a patterned, repetitive exposure to ideas and images consistent with the Nonviolent Love of friends and enemies as taught and lived by Jesus.

Center for Ministry Development
The Center for Ministry Development is an independent, non-profit organization whose core purpose is to bring the Good News in new ways to the people of God. Online info include free ministry resources for parents, families, and church ministers.

Center of Concern
Since 1971, the Center of Concern has offered moral vision and provided effective leadership in the struggle to end hunger, poverty, environmental decline, and injustice in the United States and around the world.

Center of Concern
Devoted totally to the principles of Catholic Church Social Justice - test their new website, Education for Justice Network.

Center of Concern - Election 2008
Since 1971, COC has been a joint initiative of the United States Conference Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Society of Jesus, working justice in the world. The materials on this page are meant to help you participate actively in the current political campaigns as informed and faithful Christians. The resources can help you deepen your own analysis, make your own evaluation of the programs and candidates, and engage your local communities.

Centering Prayer
An online guide to Centering Prayer, an ancient form of Christian meditation, featuring Abbot M. Basil Pennington, OCSO.

Centering Prayer
An online guide to Centering Prayer, an ancient form of Christian meditation, from Father M. Basil Pennington, OCSO.

Centering Prayer - Fr. Tom Keating, OSCO
Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer. Trappist monk, Fr. Tom Keating leads us in developing this prayer form for the modern Catholic.

Centesimus Annus
On The Hundredth Anniversary Of Rerum Novarum: discovering anew the richness of the fundamental principles which it formulated for dealing with the question of the condition of workers., 1-May-1991.

Centre Le Cenacle
Run by the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, the Cenacle is a Christian establishment which welcomes all who need to worship, to study, to work or simply to rest in or near Geneva, Switzerland for short or long periods.

Challenges for Benedict XVI: A Call to Leadership in Mature Faith
From the Center of Concern - On April 19, 2005, Josef Cardinal Ratzinger laid aside his quarter-century responsibility for protecting doctrinal integrity to take up the far more pastoral papal responsibility as Benedict XVI. In choosing to place himself in the tradition of St. Benedict who created centers of faith and culture for the rebirth of Europe, he seems to be signaling his commitment to reinvigorating the church as pastor, spiritual leader, and community builder; by Jim Hug, SJ.

Challenging Stereotypes of Muslims
From the Social Edge: Recently on the hit (Canadian) TV show Little Mosque on the Prairie, a mysterious veiled woman showed up in Mercy. The ideological Baber was immediately smitten with her modesty. For the next 22 minutes, the Little Mosque on the Prairie writers and actors fearlessly expose the eccentricities and hypocrisies to which both Muslims and Christians are prone.

ChantCD
50 trained male voices singing the Church's traditional Gregorian Chant is a sound not easily forgotten. Matthew McDevitt has recorded and compiled over a year and half of beautiful recordings, professionally edited, and not available elsewhere. The site has downloadable samples and lyrics (in Latin) and you can order online.

Children and the Net
From the Communications Service of the Catholic Church of England and Wales, this is a short guide designed to give a few tips to help answer the question: How do I help my children use the Internet wisely?

Children of Divorce
From Religion and Ethics Online: It's been estimated that a quarter of today's young adults are children of divorce - people who grew up in broken homes. And for many of them, the breakup of their parents' marriage had a profound - and negative - impact on their religious lives as they grew into adulthood. Deborah Potter reports

Children of Hope
Children of Hope is dedicated to leading children into the mystery of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, so as to realize how much he loves them!

Children's Bible Stories
A great place to subscribe to instant access to Activity Sheets and Bible Story Guides for virtually every story in the bible.

Christ Among Us and Within Us
Our oneness in faith and love is the strongest evidence that Jesus and His spirit are in fact working among us to bring all people together in the peace and justice of God's kingdom. It is the testament of a shared "communion" in which we are all aware of our commitment to "be" the body and blood of Christ in all we do.

Christ Our Hope
Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church to the United States this April. The six-day trip will begin in Washington, D.C., and continue to New York City. Learn more about Pope Benedict's Apostolic journey to the United States and the Archdioceses that he will visit.

Christal
Reflections of Faith - Inspirational sculptures handcrafted from polished acrylic: freestanding crosses and religious sculptures.

Christian Computing Magazine
Online version of CCMag which seeks to provide information on the latest church related software and technical services. It also seeks to provide ﾓhow toﾔ articles, helping to give its readers the assistance they need to apply new techniques, in order for a parish/church to accomplish its needed missions.

Christian Life Community
A worldwide movement of Christians "who want to follow Jesus Christ more closely and work with Him" to build Godﾒs reign. It seeks to bear witness "to those human and Gospel values ... which affect the dignity of the person, the welfare of the family and the integrity of creation."

Christian Mysticism
Mysticism is concerned with the nature of reality, the individual's struggle to attain a clear vision of reality, and the transformation of consciousness that accompanies such vision. This site offers selections from a number of Christian works which illustrate this vision.

Christian Peacemaking in the 21st Century
This web page includes statements, articles, principles, reflections and prayers concerned with the formation of conscience for mature Christian discipleship, by Deacon Robert M. Pallotti. D. Min., of St. Joseph Church, Bristol, CT.

Christian Services Foundation
CSF is an ecumenical Prayer Ministry with two prayer boards, loads of links and a Christian news service. It's nice to see that we can pray together!

Christianita
From Italy, one of the oldest Catholic magazines, reproducing all the indices and more than 150 articles, as well as editorials on relevant contemporary issues.

Christianity Without the Cross
A new book investigates the history of the crucifix in early Christianity and develops a political theology of this-worldly salvation.

Christianity's Indispensable Social Teaching
Christianity is not a private lifestyle choice, although some in society would like to confine it to this. Christian living and Christian values have public benefits and consequences, and people who are serious about their faith generally seek to live it out in an appropriate way in every part of life. The Church offers its social teaching to all Christians and people of goodwill as a series of reflections on the best way to advance the common good and defend important human values - by Cardinal George Pell.

Christifideles Laici
On The Vocation And The Mission Of The Lay Faithful In The Church And In The World, John Paul II, December 30, 1988.

Christifideles Laici
The Vocation And Mission Of The Lay Faithful In The Church And The World
- Pope John Paul II, December 30, 1988.

ChristLife
ChristLife is a Catholic ministry committed to helping equip the Church for the essential work of evangelization so that others might come to know personally the love of God through Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit, becoming his followers and members of the Church.

ChristLife: Catholic Ministry of Evangelization
ChristLife is a lay Catholic ministry established in response to the Church's call to a new evangelization. Its attractive Web site offers newsletters, audio content, information on missionary work, photos and more. Read about ChristLife's Missionary Corps and check out the many resources—articles, links, podcasts, books—for sharing your faith.

Christmas - the Holiday
A collection of links highlighting Christmas Art, Traditions, Family activities, arts & Crafts, and music.

Christmas And The Consumer Culture
The consumer culture exercises a influence on a wide range of holidays and celebrations, but never more poignant than during the season of Jesus' advent.

Christus Rex
Present on the Internet since December 8, 1994, Christus Rex at Redemptor Mundi has a wide variety of resources, including a virtual tour of the holy city of Jerusalem.
Christus Rex

ChristWorld
Spiritual Ministry with Images and Meditations about Christ and Our World based on the Scriptures.

Church Has Shown It Can Change
It is often argued that the Catholic Church must change to keep up with the times. The contrary argument is that the Church's faith is timeless and it cannot and will not change. Those who say that also invite those who do not like the immutability to leave. Andrew Greeley describes four major changes that have actually taken place in Catholic history.

Church in Israel struggles to find its Hebrew voice
In theory, the Catholic presence in the Middle East ought to be a natural bridge with the other two great monotheistic faiths of the region, Islam and Judaism. As far as Islam goes, that's long been a practical reality: Arab Christians share both language and culture with their Muslim neighbors, and, for the most part, a common political perspective. With Judaism, however, the picture is far cloudier.

Church in the 21st Century
Sponsored by Boston College, The Church in the 21st Century Project explores the issues underlying the clerical sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church by providing a forum and resources to assist the Catholic community in transforming the current situation into an opportunity for renewal.

Church Is Home To All People Of God
From Bishop J. Terry Steib, Bishop of Memphis: "as I have reflected on the Church as home, I have become more acutely aware of the number of people - the number of Catholics - who are no longer comfortable in their home. In fact, some are no longer certain that the Church is their home. Sometimes it is the circumstances of life that cause people to feel estranged or separated. Occasionally it is a misunderstanding of the Church's teachings that keeps people away. Often, individuals hide a deep pain that is rooted in knowing that, for whatever reason, their lives do not conform to other people's lives; or worse, they feel that who they are is unacceptable."

Church needs to throw away the mould to regain moral authority
From IndependentIE: Without in any way condoning the offences, or diminishing the suffering of the victims, it is the failure of the church authorities [in Ireland] to cope with the situation which has most disillusioned the public -- and has added to the grief of victims in the process.

Church News
"Church news" is an information service conducted by a group of Catholic journalists that offers a daily selection of news concerning the Catholic Church...

Church Women United
CWU is a racially, culturally, and theologically diverse Christian women's movement -ﾭ is a welcome table where women pray, study and act together to create a safe and just world.

Churching styles a matter of preference
When it's all said and done, it doesn't matter to Jesus how we 'do' church, as long as we do it. And mean it. And love Him. And love those who love Him and love those who don't - despite our differing church practices or theological perspectives.

ChurchSeek.net
National Church Directory and Free Internet Resources: Find Churches in the USA, listed by City & State.

Cinema Padrecito
New movie releases and old film favorites are reviewed from a new and fresh perspective! Fr. Glenn Sequeira's style of review will appeal to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Circle The World With Prayer
Circle the World with Prayer is the hope of getting people all over the world setting
aside just a few short minutes a day to be joined together in prayer.

Classical Christianity
How can we find God if we never seek Him? This site is dedicated to the study and dialog of classical Christianity.

Classroom Connect
For educators: Classroom Today/Classroom Connect provides up-to-date content that naturally links the Internet to the curriculum topics you teach.

Cleansing the Spirit
Depending on our situation at different times in our lives, we can find comfort and be encouraged by one or more of the many artistic interpretations that we have of Jesus. We always look for the image that speaks to us in our needs. But I wonder if there ever would be a time in our lives that we would search out an image of Jesus running through the temple with a whip of cords in his hand driving out the merchants and money changers? Not the most approachable image of Jesus, is it? Well, at least not at first glance.

Clear and Convincing Signs
Lent is a very good time for us to stop concentrating on our own measly efforts and allow the power of the Spirit of Jesus to leap into the forefront. This is a time to take a serious look at our own commitment to the Gospel message of peace and justice. This is a time to revel in the bountiful beauty of God's love for us - the gift of Jesus, the gift of faith, the gift of our baptism, the gift of the church, the gift of the faith-community to which we belong.

Clergy Abuse Tracker
From The Poynter Institute. Includes headlines, leads and links to stories published around the country; links to collections of stories created by a growing number of newspapers around the country; notes from journalists about their work on this story and articles about the coverage; web resources on the subject.

Clerical Whispers
Fides - Libertas - Veritas - a blog by "sotto voce," an Irish Roman Catholic Priest. This blog is subtitled: "Giving The Uncomfortable Truth And News From The Inside."

Clipart for Parishes
Clip art for bulletins and documents in a variety of formats. Art in a variety of forms from black and white line art to contemporary color images.

CNAtv
Watch videos online concerning the latest and most interesting stories from the Catholic News Agency. You can also link their Audio and PodCast Sections as well.

CNEWA
A papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support, serving the churches and peoples of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

CNEWA Lebanese Relief Fund
Catholic Near East Welfare Association has launched an emergency appeal to aid Lebanese families displaced by the shelling of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Founded in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, CNEWA is a special agency of the Vatican providing support to the churches and peoples of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

CNS Liturgical Calendar
A new resource which includes the full daily readings, the saint of the day, the week of the Psalter for those praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the liturgical colors for each day. The calendar is the first of its kind online and currently runs until November 2009.

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord is a resource for diocesan bishops and for all others who are responsible for guiding the development of lay ecclesial ministry in the United States.

College Theology Society
The College Theology Society is a professional association of college and university professors. Founded in 1953 as a Roman Catholic organization of lay and religious teachers of undergraduate theology, the CTS today has a membership of over 900 college and university professors throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. While maintaining its roots in the Roman Catholic tradition, the Society is increasingly ecumenical in its membership and concerns.

Come and See for Yourselves
The Lord called Samuel by name; he called Simon by name - and gave him a new name. For us - as those called by name in baptism - making the Kingdom of God present in the world is what defines our call to discipleship.

COMECE
COMECE is the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community. It is made up of Bishops delegated by the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of the European Union and it has a permanent Secretariat in Brussels.

Comfort My People
The voice of God echoes in the words of Isaiah: "Comfort, give comfort to my people; Fear not! Cry out: Here is your God! Like a shepherd he feeds his flock." This spirit of hope and reassurance must fill our Advent journey. In unwavering faith, we must look beyond the sufferings and trials of the now to see the good things that are happening because of Jesus and His kingdom.

Coming Home
From Shelly Krush, a work of love and personal spirituality, consisting of a collection of personal reflections, links and prayers.

Coming Home Network
The Coming Home Network International (CHNetwork) provides fellowship, encouragement and support for pastors and laypersons of other religious traditions who are somewhere along the journey or have already converted to the Catholic Church.

Coming soon to a church near you
From NCR online: It used to be that if you asked a question about the Catholic church, you got very straightforward answers. No, we did not eat meat on Friday. Yes, we had to go to church every Sunday. Not any more. In fact, the answers are getting more confusing all the time - by Joan Chittister, osb.

Coming to sight
Do you know who I am? Do you know me? Jesus' question is addressed to us now. And we, His followers answer readily, "You are the Christ. You are the Messiah. You are the Son of the Living God." But there is an implied crucial follow-up question as well: "How well do we know Him?"

Communion
COMMUNION is a online community where Canadian Catholics can bear witness to their faith and reinforce it with discussion and resources.

Communion and Liberation
Communion and Liberation's mission is thus the education of its members toward Christian maturity and collaboration in the mission of the Church in all spheres of contemporary life. The name of the movement, Communion and Liberation, expresses the conviction that communion with Christ brings liberation of the human person.

Communion in Politics
Seminar examines merits of denying Communion to dissident politicians, by Jerry Filteau, Catholic News Service

Community of Sant'Egidio
The Community of Sant'Egidio began in Rome in 1968, in the period following the Second Vatican Council. Today it is a movement of lay people and has more than 40,000 members, dedicated to evangelisation and charity, in more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Community of the Beatitudes
The CATHOLIC COMMUNITY of the BEATITUDES, founded in France in 1973 is a Private Association of the Faithful, established in the archdiocese of Albi (France) in 1985. Its members seek to answer God's call by consecrating their lives to God and committing themselves in a community life, both contemplative and apostolic. The Catholic Community of the Beatitudes in Denver is the first house in the U.S.A. and started in August 1999.

Companion in Illness
From the Passionists, An Online Prayerbook, which provides understanding and comfort through the mystery of suffering.

Companions of Christ
In response to a call from Vatican II for priests to share a common life, four seminarians for the Archdiocese of Denver have decided to begin a priestly community that will eventually be opened up to any priest or seminarian in the archdiocese of Denver.

Companions of the Cross
A community of priests, whose charism is evangelization, and whose spirituality is Marian, Eucharistic, Magisterial, and Charismatic.

Company Magazine
companymagazine.org is the website of the American Jesuit magazine Company. It is a sophisticated site both techically and creatively offering both short news items and longer reflective articles.

Compassion, not Criminalization in Immigration Reform!
On March 27, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved an improved immigration bill. The measure, passed 12-6, contains many provisions supported by the faith community and other advocates: It provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants currently in the country; establishes a guest worker program that can lead to citizenship; and establishes a new temporary work program for undocumented agricultural workers. Urge your senators to support compassionate reform.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine
Here is a selection of quotes on 10 topics taken from the "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church," released Oct. 25 at the Vatican.

Composers face dilemma as plainsong suggested for new Missal
Music settings for the new English translation of the Missal reveal a greater use of plainchant and the altered wording may require composers to re-work their settings or write new versions of the Mass. On restricted-access pages of the website of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) seen by The Tablet are pages of sheet music for the Order of Mass, the four Eucharistic Prayers and various other chants. An introduction to the pages notes says that ICEL aimed to 'preserve and recover the tradition of unaccompanied singing in the Roman Rite' and 'facilitate full and active participation by all the people'.

Comprehending the Cross
This meditation helps us to remember its significance and the reality of its horror.

Concern For The Environment 'Energizes' Laity Toward A New Mission
Laypeople’s lead in caring for the environment must be welcomed as a new « religious and moral mission » for the 21st-century, but this is not their first faith commitment to tackle urgent current problems. Before laypeople got structured as Religious congregations, several Church ministries for the sick, the orphaned, the elderly or dying began as lay initiatives.

Conclave
The Politics, Personalities, and Process of the Next Papal Election
by John L. Allen Jr.
Publisher: Doubleday; ISBN: 0385504535
The book also describes in clear detail, the rituals and procedures for the entire process from the death of the Pope to the conclave culminating in the election and installation of the new Pontiff.

Conference of Major Superiors of Men
CMSM serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the 25,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the United States, ten percent of whom are foreign missionaries. CMSM provides a voice for these communities in U.S. church and society. CMSM also collaborates with the U.S. bishops and other key groups and organizations that serve church and society.

Confession 101
What is it & how to do it (even if it's been a long time). Busted Halo® looks at the Sacrament of Reconciliation from the perspective of the seeker who has been thinking about confession.

Confessions of a Modern Nun
The Vatican visitation prompts reflection on a religious divide.
Religious life among women is undergoing a massive evolutionary change that can only be described as cataclysmic. The Vatican’s apostolic visitation of congregations of women religious in the United States and the recent investigation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious indicate that Rome is unhappy with so-called post-Vatican II nuns who have donned secular clothes and abandoned traditional community life.

Consilium Versus Curia
Archbishop Piero Marini served as the leading liturgist of the Holy See for 25 years. As master of papal liturgical ceremonies and as secretary/confidant to Archbishop Annibale Bugnini, the chief architect of the liturgical reform that followed the Second Vatican Council, Marini now presents the inside story of the fierce struggle fought within the Vatican to implement the liturgical restoration overwhelmingly approved by the council fathers. This is a review of Archbishop's book, A Challenging Reform, by Bishop Donald Trautman.

Consistent Life
Consistent Life is a coalition uniting many organizations which support the consistent ethic of reverence for life, as expressed in our Mission Statement, by maintaining a cooperative spirit of peace, reconciliation, and respect in protecting the unprotected.

Constitution on the Church
Chapter 3 of Lumen Gentium deals specifically with the hierarchical structure of the church and in particular the episcopate.

Contemplative Outreach Of Dallas
Centering Prayer is an effort to renew the teaching of the Christian tradition on contemplative prayer. Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals who practice Centering Prayer and whose mission is to support and sustain one other on the spiritual journey.

Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis
A spiritual network of individuals committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday life through the practice of Centering Prayer.

Contemplative Prayer for Everyone
Fr. William Meninger, a Trappist monk and retreat master, offers a series of workshops as a way to learn more about prayer in general and in particular how to practice contemplative meditation. You will need QuickTime player to view the video clips.

Contemplatives in the Marketplace
Christ calls each of us to follow Him -- today! In reflecting on Christ's life and the mystics, this site contemplatively reflects and meditates on the mystery of bringing Christ to our world in the 21st Century!

Contemplatives in the Marketplace
Christ calls us today to live as first century disciples in the thrid millenium - from spiritual director, Suzanne Harker.

Contemporary Catholic
The Association for Contemporary Catholic Life is an organization that supports the living of the message of Christ Jesus in a contemporary Christian way.

Continuing the Mission
We gather every Sunday as a community precisely because we have come to understand and accept our identity. We face again the challenging truth that we are the ones called to continue the saving presence of Jesus in our world, to continue the work of Christmas. We come face-to-face with the fact that even though we may not be always conscious of this incredible gift, we too are sent today - and every day - to "take away the sins of the world.".

Controversial theologian claims right to be in popes loyal opposition
Swiss-born theologian Father Hans Küng said he has a “right to be in his holiness’ loyal opposition,” representing thousands of liberal-leaning Catholics who remain disappointed the Second Vatican Council renewal did not go far enough.

Controversy Surrounds Beatification Cause of Slain Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero
Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, the outspoken church leader who was killed in 1980 as he celebrated Mass, has become as polarizing in death as he was in life. The campaign to make him a Roman Catholic saint appears to be languishing, as Vatican officials privately debate whether Romero was a martyr for the faith or for the political left.

Conversation with Karen Armstrong
Compassion is not just a sloppy emotional bonhomie; it requires a serious intellectual effort to learn about one another, even if it’s unflattering to ourselves. Religion Dispatches contributor and religion scholar Laurie Patton interviews Karen Armstrong upon the launch of her global call to action, the Charter for Compassion.

Coping with Disaster Within the Faith Community
Originally presented in the aftermath of 9/11, The National Mental Health Association and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors have developed this fact sheet to assist people of faith and their communities in coping with emotional and spiritual impact of tragedy and war.

Core Catholic issues at stake in Haight fray
A recent Vatican move barring American Jesuit theologian Fr. Roger Haight from teaching and publishing while he works with the order’s leadership to clarify his views could, at least theoretically, be analyzed in a variety of ways - by John Allen, NCR Online.

Covenant House
Covenant House is the largest privately-funded childcare agency shelter and service to homeless and runaway youth.

Covenant with the Jews
It is urgent that the Pope should clarify as soon as possible that his amendment to the Good Friday liturgy in the Tridentine Rite is not meant to call in question any of that progress. Otherwise one of the most significant achievements of the Second Vatican Council is at risk.

Coverage of Bishops Synod on the Eucharist
John Allen of The National Catholic Reporter is posting daily news coverage of the 21st Synod of Bishops, which runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 23 and is dedicated to the theme of the Eucharist. The latest report and links to all the coverage can be found here.

Creation Spirituality
The Creation Spirituality movement seeks to integrate the wisdom of western spirituality and global indigenous cultures with the emerging scientific understanding of the universe and the passionate creativity of art.

Creator Mundi
Creator Mundi brings to you the art of the studios of Butzon & Bercker, the Abbey of Maria Laach, and Egino Weinert. They present a remarkable collection of inspired art that portrays fresh expressions of our ancient Christian faith.

Creator, Savior, Sanctifier
We believe that our good and gracious God continues to reveal Himself to us out of love: as Creator, Savior and Sanctifier. He fills out our understanding of His greatness by speaking to us through the power and majesty of creation, through the life, death and resurrection of His Word-Made-Flesh, Jesus Christ, and He continues to reveal Himself to us by the indwelling of the Spirit, that enables us to live our faith with courage, wisdom, reverence, and abiding trust.

Crime and Sacrifice: What the cross tells us about capital punishment
At Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death and the tomb. We praise God who raised, and thereby vindicated, the falsely accused Innocent One who three days earlier was executed by crucifixion at the hands of an occupying Roman military force. Considered one of the cruelest, most humiliating methods of capital punishment, the cross was reserved by the Romans for slaves who were thieves and for rebels who were not Roman citizens.

Cristo Rey
A web resource, mostly in Spanish, where young adult catholics can look for the true meaning of life, our mission here in the earth - contains prayers, articles and links.

Critical Mass
From Canada, this group has provided music ministry for youth liturgies over the past 2 years and have played for 7000 people.

Crossing Boundaries
Jesus very seldom ventured across geographical boundaries. Yet he always ventured across political boundaries, religious boundaries and societal boundaries. The cure of the deaf-mute in today's Gospel passage points to a deeper reality - it is much more than just the healing of a person in need...

Crosswalk.com
The Intersection of Faith and Life: Real-time access to inspiring news, information, entertainment, and fellowship with other Christians.

CRS Fair Trade
This web site from Catholic Relief Services provides numerous resources about fair trade products, educational materials on fair trade that could be used in religious ed and school or other parish programs and useful suggestions for those interested in supporting one or more fair trade programs.

Crucified King
The feast of Christ the King signals the end of the liturgical year, and our preparation for the season of Advent We acknowledge Jesus the Christ as our King, we look to His kingdom - already but not fully present - and we proclaim Him as Lord of the Universe. We acknowledge that in the realm of faith, our leader is, now and always, Jesus Christ, the shepherd-king, who remains always the perfect example of how power is to be used for service. And yet the Scriptural readings for this feast always point to suffering and death, and what looks to be total human failure.

Cry Out in the Desert
We gather as people of faith in a holy season of hope, preparing for another year of liberation. So the voice of fear is drowned out for us by the voice at Isaiah the Prophet: "Be strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes with vindication!" The voice of John the Baptist cries out in the desert, reminding us that we, too, are to prepare His way.

CTA: Recommendations on Sexual Abuse of Minors
Call to Action's recommendations to support efforts to restore confidence and trust in our Church which has been so eroded by the revelations of clergy sexual abuse of minors.

Cultivation Ministries
Cultivation Ministries offers Catholic youth ministry training, consulting, resourcing, evangelistic events and leadership development for youth and youthworkers, as well as numerous services to support parish youth ministries.

Culture et Foi
French-language online e-Magazine highlighting current news and events pertaining to Culture and Faith.

Culture of Conversation
Founded by leaders ﾗ women, men, lay, religious, clergy ﾗ of diverse Catholic organizations, The Culture of Conversation calls for a transformation of the culture of silence that prevails in our Church. "Let us work together to create a culture of conversation, consultation, and collaboration among ourselves, within our organizations, and with the official structures of our Church."

Culture Wars
A new online independent Catholic magazine about faith, morals, culture in our time.

Curial Cardinals At Odds Over Remarried Divorcees
The increasingly controversial issue of Holy Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics has highlighted a sharp disagreement between at least two cardinals who head Vatican offices.

Cursillo Pages
From One Foundation Ministries, take some time to explore these pages dedicated to all things Cursillo.

Custodia
An International Catholic Directory, with lots of links to Catholic resources worldwide. [French and English website]

CyberFaith
An online e-zine for the Catholic Community, with special areas devoted to Proclaiming, Examining, Witnessing and Nurturing Faith.

CyberFaith
Edited by Sister Jane Keegan, RDC, the Sadlier CyberFaith E-Zine for the Catholic Community is a top-quality online teaching resource in the areas of social justice ministry and Catholic teaching.

CyberFaith Newsletter
CyberFaith is chock full of material for principals, teachers and religious educators: prayer services for children, reflections on Sunday and holyday liturgies are also available.

Daily 3-Minute Online Retreat
From Loyola Press: Take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage. Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat.

Daily Bread
Meditations on Scripture and the Rule of Saint Benedict and the daily life of a contemplative monastery in the city. Prior Peter, OSB, Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago, Illinois

Daily Family Calendar
A daily family calendar entry - a prayer, Scripture reading, ritual, learning activity, service idea, or seasonal family activity - to nourish your family's faith.

Daily Prayers for Lent
From the Irish Jesuits at Sacred Space, you are invited to pray, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day.

Daily Ray of Hope
Good News and Inspirational Words
Want a good reason to get out of bed in the morning? Subscribe to the Daily Ray of Hope and the Sierra Club will send you an email each weekday with a new inspirational quote and user-generated image to get you going.

Daily Readings Podcast
The Daily Readings from the New American Bible are now available as podcasts at USCCB website. Sign up to receive the podcasts or listen to the podcasts at your computer.

Daily Word of Life
From Kay Murdy, author, columnist and speaker, commentaries on the Sunday and weekday scriptures of the liturgy.

Dallas Notes
Daily reports from the June meeting of U.S. Bishops in Dallas, TX, by the Editor and staff of the NCR: inluding News, Commentary and Global perspectives.

Dangers of a narrow faith
From The Tablet: Pope Benedict XVI has made it clear that he would like to end the almost universal prohibition on celebration of the Tridentine Mass. He has run into some opposition, and the reasons are worth examining.

Daniel Callahan & Bioethics
From Commonweal magazine: Medical progress is certainly an important social good, but it must be weighed against competing social goods, such as education or decent housing.

Darkness Dispelled
The proclaiming, listening and exploring of Scripture has been, since the time of Jesus, the ministry and work of disciples throughout the world. This is the "good news" that has echoed down the centuries, catching the imagination, generating inspiration and courage and inviting commitment. The Gospels over the last few weeks have asked us to think about those very things: the very personal invitation that we have received from the Lord at our baptism - and the commitment we that we make to that invitation.

Daughters of Charity in Great Britain
An international community of Christian women within the Catholic Church, who strive to follow Jesus Christ by serving and sharing the spirit of St Vincent and St Louise with people who are broken, disadvantaged or marginalized by society.

Daughters of Isabella
One of the largest Catholic women's organizations, fostering spiritual, social and charitable development and growth.

Daughters of St. Paul
Religious community spreading the Gospel through Publishing, preparing people for life, fostering solidarity and peace.

David Gibson: A candid conversation about the papacy
From BustedHalo.com: Following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II—one of the most significant world figures of the past 50 years—is not an enviable task. But as David Gibson’s insightful new book The Rule of Benedict makes clear, Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate will not simply be a transitional one.

DaVinci Outreach
From Ascension Press, free resources for Dioceses, Parishes, Priests, DREs and parish ministers for use in group discussions and outreach nights concerning the film, The DaVinci Code.

Days of Tribulation
The fullness of God's kingdom will come. The Gospel tells us, " ... of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Although it is not pleasant for many of us to reflect on these images, it's important for us to do so.

DCLOnline
Sponsored by MIP and published bi-weekly, DCLOnline is a free e-newsletter written exclusively for Catholic professionals.

Deacons Net
Information for and about the Permanent Diaconate of the Catholic Church.

Dead Man Walking
Speech given by Sr. Helen Prejean C.S.J. to protest the death penalty on January 24, 1995, in Albany, New York.

Death and Dying
Hospice Foundation of America Dedicated to provide comfort and support to patients and their families in the final stages of a terminal illness.
Hospice Foundation of America

A Witness to Life Cardinal Roger Mahony's May 25th address to the The National Press Club regarding the Catholic Church's position on the Death Penalty.
A Witness to Life

Abolition of the Death Penalty
The November 2, 1999 address of Archbishop Renato Martino to the United Nations re-emphasizing the Church's position on the Death Penalty.
Abolition of the Death Penalty

Capital Punishment: Why the Church Has Changed
A poignant article by Rev. Msgr. James T. Mahoney of the Paterson Diocese, NJ, reflecting upon the teaching and evolution of official Church thought concerning the Death Penalty and Capital Punishment to the present day.
Capital Punishment: Why the Church Has Changed

Moratorium 2000
The Moratorium 2000 campaign is a global petition drive calling for a moratorium on the death penalty. Worldwide, almost two million people have signed on to the petition - in the U.S., this effort is being led by Sister Helen Prejean, author of the book, Dead Man Walking.
Moratorium 2000

Death Row Conversion
Traditional opponents of capital punishment have gained powerful and unlikely allies: American Catholics, many of them conservatives defending a ﾓculture of life.ﾔ

Debate Over 1968 Encyclical Rages On
It was 1968, and the Vietnam War, assassinations, and urban riots had shredded faith in institutional authority. That summer got a little hotter on July 29, when Pope Paul VI released his encyclical on sexuality and birth control, "Humanae Vitae." Catholicism has never been the same.

Debate over role of 'bishop' in apostolic succession is a church-dividing issue
From Richard McBrien: It is one thing to affirm the connection between the present-day church and the church of the apostles. It is quite another to explain the basis of that connection. In what sense is the church of today in “apostolic succession” with the church of the first century of the Christian era?

Decree On The Apostolate Of Lay People
Vatican II - Apostolicam Actuositatem - Indeed, the Church can never be without the lay apostolate; it is something that derives from the layman's very vocation as a Christian.

Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran
November 9th marks the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran. So why make so much fuss about the dedication of a church? The Basilica St. John Laateran reminds us of our unity with the Holy Father. It reminds us of the fact that we are Catholic Christians -- not simply Christians -- but Catholic Christians.

Defending the New Missal
From America magazine, Fr. Peter Stravinskas writes: What curial officials and the pope are arguing for, with the enthusiastic support of junior clergy, is not a moribund "rubricism" but a genuine ars celebrandi that makes the sacred mysteries palpable. Not a few observers have noted that much of the liturgical change that occurred after the council - both officially sanctioned as well as in explicit violation of church law - would have been unthinkable to the council fathers.

Defining Food: Sustenance, Fuel, or Profit?
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization is hosting a World Food Security Conference in Rome. Originally conceived as an opportunity for the international community to explore the potential implications of climate change on world food security in the coming decades, the current global food crisis has highlighted not just the relevancy, but the desperate urgency of the issue.

Deus Caritas Est
Here is the English-language text of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est" ("God Is Love"), dated Dec. 25 and released at the Vatican Jan. 25. It is addressed to bishops, priests and deacons, men and women religious and all the lay faithful.

Development And Peace
The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development And Peace - One of Canada's leading international development agencies, helping to improve living and working conditions in 70 countries around the globe since 1967.

Development and Peace
Development And Peace is the official international development agency of the Canadian Catholic Church. It is a membership-based organization founded in 1967 by Canada's bishops, laity and clergy to fight poverty in the countries of the South, and to promote greater international justice.

Development and Peace
The Canadian Catholic Organization for DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is one of Canada's leading international development agencies, working for human rights, community development and humanitarian aid.

Devo'Zine
Devo'Zine is a devotional magazine designed just for youth and published by Upper Room Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. It is written by teenagers and by persons who work with and care about teens.

Devotees of Mary Cybercenter
An interactive site featuring all aspects of Marian Devotion, including art galleries, MIDI hymns, discussion forums, chat rooms, free e-mail greeting cards, links to sites and books, news, meditation rooms, and more.

Dialog Between Cultures
Pope John Paul IIﾦs Message For the World Day Of Peace, January 1, 2001. Humanity is beginning this new chapter of its history with still open wounds - A dialog between cultures is necessary for a civilization of love and peace.

Dialogue Not Monologue
From Commonweal Magazine: Does Benedict XVI see religious pluralism and tolerance as little more than an enticement to indifferentism or as something potentially more spiritually and intellectually fruitful?

Did the Resurrection Actually Happen?
The evidence for Christ's existence is much stronger than that for Socrates, Alexander the Great, and numerous figures of ancient times whose historicity no one doubts. Historians are unanimous that Christ was born, that he developed a following, that he antagonized the Jewish and Roman authorities, and that he was put to death. But what about the resurrection?

Digital Liturgy
The purpose of this site is to contribute to Roman Catholic liturgies around the world by sharing resources of interest to ￬ the professional liturgist, parish liturgical musician, and to all other parish ministers.

Dilecti Amici
To The Youth Of The World On The Occasion Of International Youth Year, 31-March-1985.

Diocesan Newspapers
A listing of Diocesan, National and International Catholic Newspapers which are members of the Catholic Press Association. The site contains links to the website as well as contact information.

Diocese Report
Links to reports in the online press on the US Catholic Church and issues that might be of particular interest to Catholics.

Directed Prayer
Online manual about the use of the directed retreat in the local church or parish setting, by John Veltri, SJ, Ignatius College, Guelph, Ontario

Disagreement on why abuse warnings were ignored
Two priests who have played prominent roles in attempting to understand the clergy sex-abuse crisis come to very different conclusions about why the early warnings regarding sexually abusive priests by Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald, founder of the Servants of the Paracletes, went unheeded.

Discerning ministerial religious life today
In the distressing ferment generated by the Vatican investigation of U.S. women religious one question has arisen repeatedly and been "answered," sometimes quite dogmatically, by people who have no lived experience of or academic competence in regard to religious Life. The question, important to religious themselves and to their many concerned lay friends, is: "What is 'apostolic religious life'?"

Disciples in Mission
Disciples in Missionuses the three goals of the U.S. Bishops' document Go and Make Disciples as the basis for a spiritual formation of the parish, a formation oriented to evangelization. It revolves around the call to holiness, the call to welcome and invite, and the call to transform the world in Christ.

Disciples Now
Disciples Now is a web-based ministry for youth focused on the traditions, life, and mission of the Catholic faith community. As a informational resource, Disciples Now provides opportunities to learn, to discuss, and to celebrate the challenges of discipleship in the context of daily life.

Discussion On Woman's Ordination
Providing both sides of the issues that the Church is discussing. From the June 97 issue of the San Francisco Bay Catholic magazine.

Dives in Misericordia
The Revelation of Mercy: The calling of mankind is revealed in Christ through the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, 30-Nov-1980.

Divisions that must be avoided
A gathering of a family around the supper table is a moment when the bonds that are shared are reinforced, the love its members have for one another is enhanced and the very experience of coming together can strengthen them as they go out into the world. But it is also a place where old jealousies can resurface, where squabbling can break out and enmities occur. That, sadly, is also true of those called to the Lord's table.

Do Not Be Afraid to Encounter Jesus
A translation of the address John Paul II delivered June 5 to thousands of Swiss youths gathered in the BernArena Sports Palace.

Do You Hear What I Hear?
The Sounds of Christmas invite us to dwell not so much on the Infant in the Crib, but rather on the adult Jesus, who stands with all human beings who yearn for a radical change of heart and life, who crave liberation from the power of sin and evil, who seek release from all forms of oppression - religious, political, social and economic...

Does it pay to work for the church?
From U.S. Catholic online: Laypeople who make a living in the church love what they do-but don't always love the pay.

Does That One Come in My Size?
Young churchgoers are shopping around for the perfect fit
While some may see the concept of church shopping as another example of the clichéd “cafeteria Catholicism” — picking and choosing faith specifics — others don’t see a problem with shopping around.

Does the earth have a prayer?
Love of creation has deep roots in our Catholic spiritual traditions.
It is our practices—spiritual and otherwise—that will make a difference in the way we care for creation. In the past we often compartmentalized our lives into holy actions and mundane tasks. If we are to care for earth for future generations, the holy and mundane must meet.

Does This Mass Have Mass Appeal?
Analysis: In voting for a new, more strict English version of the daily Mass, the Catholic Church may lose something in translation.

Dogmatic Constitution On The Church
Lumen Gentium - refer to Chapter 4 - The Laity: the faithful who by Baptism are incorporated into Christ, are placed in the People of God, and in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ.

Doing as Jesus Commands
Commentaries on the readings for Sundays and Holy Days, along with ideas, prayers, articles and liturgical resources.

Dom Helder Camara
Honoring the late Dom. Helder Camara, in recognition of his contribution to the development and integration of the Church with the society.

Dominicae Cenae
John Paul II: On the Mystery and Worship of the Eucharist, February 24, 1980.

Dominican Central
The American Central Province of the Dominican Friars, Roman Catholic priests and brothers

Dominican Shrine of St. Jude
Interactive novenas, requests for prayers, information and acknowledgements of requests received.

Don't Look Back
Jesus tells us right up front that we can only follow Him if we are willing to die to self and surrender control over our lives to Him. There's no looking back - and there's no going back...

Dorothy Day's anarcho-Catholicism: The way of love
Dorothy Day - a radical pacifist who had been a member of the I.W.W., met Leon Trotsky, had an abortion, and raised a daughter as a divorced single mother - may be the next American canonized a saint in the Catholic Church.

DotCommonweal
A Catholic blog by the editors and contributors of Commonweal Magazine.

Doubts and Fears...
These have been very difficult days for all of us who care deeply about the Church and the priesthood. There have been countless reports in newspapers, periodicals, radio and television programs as well as personal conversations concerning the recent disclosures of sexual misconduct by priests. The aftershocks of this current scandal raise many important questions that need to be answered...

DRE Online
This site is meant for the Parish DRE. The purpose of this site is to have different areas so that all who visit will be able to share ideas, get answers to problems they are having, or just sound off about this or that.

DRE-Talk
This is an online e-group for Catholic Parish Directors of Religious Education and Catechetical Leaders: a lively place to share visions, hopes, ideas and struggles. It was created by the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors, part of the Religious Education Dept. of NCEA.

Dreaming of a Spiritual Community?
Dreams of living in Christian community, even contemplative Christian communities, are in the hearts and minds of many lay people today. But when we dream those dreams, they often unconsciously drift along in the well-worn paths of community models drawn from religious life. Can we really have a lay contemplative community?

Dry Bones
Why Religion Can’t Live without Mysticism
From Commonweal magazine: The great religious battle of our time is not the one being waged between believers and unbelievers. To be sure, that is an important and certainly a noisy conflict—never before have the voices of religion’s despisers been more numerous, loud, or confident than those of our proselytizing atheists today. More significant even than that struggle, though, is the clash occurring within religious traditions. - by Luke Timothy Johnson

Dying and Rising...
We remember that God's love for us does not exclude the possibility of serious illness and that it does include death for all of us. But we are a people of faith - there are no endings... only discoveries.

E Pluribus Unum : Being Catholic and Being American
In a cultural climate such as the United States—where the sense of polarization along social, economic, political and religious lines seems to be the default posture— maintaining unity amidst great diversity has become a profound challenge. As this division grows it can become increasingly difficult to hold onto one's identity while being open to the values, beliefs, and cultures of others.

E.Book Of Common Prayers
A compilation of Catholic Prayers, organized by topic, liturgical season and category. If you're looking for a jumping off point for your own prayer, or if you're just looking for an insight into the spiritual mind of one of the Churh's saints - here's a great place to start.

e3mil.com
A cyber-portal for Catholics, offering a vast array of services aimed at fulfilling the life needs of Catholic users around the globe.

Earth Ministry
Earth Ministry was born out of a recognition of the underlying spiritual and moral roots of the environmental crisis, and the desire to help people of faith see more clearly the connections between their faith, their daily lives and ecological concerns.

Easter 2009; What does any of this mean?
Easter is at the heart and center of the Christian faith, and yet every year it seems more and more difficult to say or write anything about it that doesn’t strike many listeners or readers as repetitive or riddled with clichés - by Richard McBrien

Easter calls us to resurrection - our own
The old news about Easter is that it is about resurrection. The new news may be that it is not so much about the resurrection of Jesus as it is about our own - by Joan Chittister, osb.

Easter Herald
On Easter Sunday millions of people will see on television or hear on the radio Pope Benedict XVI’s broadcast and blessing. In many languages he will announce to the city of Rome and to the world the glorious news that lies at the heart of Christianity: “Jesus is risen from the dead. Alleluia.”

Easter Hope in New Orleans
Nineteen months after Hurricane Katrina, recovery in New Orleans remains painfully slow. Many of the churches and homes that were damaged are still in the process of being rebuilt and residents are more frustrated than ever by the official response at the city, state and federal levels.

Easter Hope in Time of War
From Religion and Ethics online: Kim Lawton interviews Christian writer Frederick Buechner. Even amid war, sickness, fear and death, Buechner believes, "Beneath the level of all the madness and horror is this saving, life-giving, nourishing, healing, beautiful mystery... somehow an elusive, holy plan is being worked out in the affairs of the earth ... All shall be well, and all manner of things will be well. That somehow remains true no matter what."

Easter in Baghdad
Theology in the Shadow of War
We do see Jesus-the broken and bloody body of Christ-scattered across the margins of the American empire. If that is helpful, it may be because we know who Jesus is and what his death meant and can therefore get a handle on what senseless death means.

ECanon
The ECanon is a searchable online database of canonical texts, currently containing various versions of the Bible. It is part of TC: A Journal of Biblical Textual Criticism, and it is designed to be a free online tool for scholars, students, clergy, and other interested people.

Ecce Mater Dei
From catholic.net, a site devoted to Mary, Mother of God, including links, prayers, Church teachings and resources.

Ecclesia De Eucharistia
Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II on the Eucharist in Its Relationship to the Church, Holy Thursday 2003.

Ecclesia in America
The Holy Father's 1999 Post-Synodal exhortation: the way to conversion, communion and solidarity in America.

Ecclesia Virtualis
Catholics in the Blogosphere - As part of their Catholic Intellectual Series, Saint Joseph's University's Office of Mission & Identity organized a panel discussion entitled "Ecclesia Virtualis: Catholics in the Blogosphere" The discussion focused on how the internet and blogs affect both the discourse on and the practice of Catholicism in America.

Ecclesiology: A Study in Church History
It is impossible to know where the present-day Catholic Church is heading without having some idea of where it is presently at, and where it has been. This site will enable you to identify some of the models of the Church as they operated in various times in history and to analyze and understand the contemporary life of the Church.

Echoing the Word
This is a bi-monthly e-magazine for catechists and religious educators, a project of the electronic publishing ministry of the Australian Daughters of St Paul. The site also contains a forum and other resources for teachers.

Ecumene
The ECUMENE domain provides cyber-homes for organizations dedicated to bridging the ideological boundaries that divide humanity and have been used for millennia to rationalize suspicion, proselytism, hatred, aggression, and warfare -Ingrid H. Shafer, Ph.D.

Ecumenical Miracle Rosary
This web site will introduce you to a group of prayers called the Ecumenical Miracle Rosary, covering key moments in the New Testament.

Ecumenism for Catholic Educators
Lots of resources for teachers and eduators, including Church documents, declarations and fairly extensive list of Ecumenical groups and organizations.

Educataing for Justice
Educating for Justice, Inc. (EFJ) is a non-profit corporation that develops, produces and distributes social justice-oriented programming and content to the educational marketplace.

Education for Justice
The Education for Justice Project at the Center of Concern.
This site offers a wide range of resources to help promote Catholic Social Teaching and social justice issues through interactive group activities and discussions.

Education for Justice
The Education for Justice Web Site was created to help teachers, social action directors, parish members, campus ministers, and others in leadership roles to meet the challenge of sharing Catholic Social Teaching and bring greater awareness to social justice issues. Through all of the materials available on the web site, we seek not only to introduce Catholic Social Teaching to a wider audience but to help deepen the knowledge of this essential element of faith.

Effective Fathers
Calling fathers and grandfathers to train their children as the next generation for Christ; the goal is to have groups of fathers and grandfathers meeting across the U.S. to pray, share and implement God's plan for their lives.

Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry is an international movement designed to support women and their families during the joys, trials and sorrows of the childbearing years, by cherishing children, encouraging families and building community.

ElVaticano.com - Portal Cat￳lico Hispano
Portal Cat￳lico Hispano. Miembro de la RIIAL.Directorio de enlaces.Foros.Altares virtuales.Video.Interactividad.Red de Oraci￳n del Santo Rosario.

Embracing Change: From Talk to Action
From the Pastoral Review: Both in the service of the contemporary Church and within our personal lives there is a danger that 'talk can be a substitute for action.' - by Roderick Strange.

Emmanuel Community
Emmanuel is a new community in the Catholic Church. We spring from Catholic Charismatic Renewal. If you are looking for information on spiritual or intellectual formation, a meeting place, or a prayer time with the Emmanuel Community, then this is the website for you.

Emmaus Journey
Encourages enthusiasm and commitment of reading and studying the Scriptures and participation in small communities focused around Christ and the Scriptures, and provides small-group materials, evangelization and discipleship resources, seminars, and ministry events.

Emmaus Journey
A free small-group bible study on the Sunday Mass readings. Reflecting on Sunday's Readings introduces participants to small-group discussion materials based on the Scripture passages used in the upcoming Sunday's Mass.

Empires Prefer A Baby And The Cross To The Adult Jesus
From Constantine to Bush, power has needed to stifle a revolutionary message, from The Guardian, by the Rev Dr Giles Fraser, vicar of Putney and lecturer in philosophy at Wadham College, Oxford.

Encouraging priests to be lifelong learners
Mission Management
Ask any doctor, lawyer or accountant how many continuing education credits they are required to take each year to maintain their license and they will quickly rattle off the number. Satisfying these rules is often time-consuming, not particularly exciting, but necessary and enriching. It’s what professionals have to do in order to properly serve their clients and to remain in good standing with regulators. Not so with priests.

Encuentra
A Catholic Information Site, presented in an appealing way to provide for daily spiritual needs. This site is available only in Spanish.

Encyclical finds favor in unexpected quarters
From the National Catholic Reporter: Perhaps the most intriguing reaction to Pope Benedict XVIﾒs first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, is the generally positive response of liberal Catholics who were the most apprehensive about the election to the papacy of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, long known as the churchﾒs doctrinal watchdog - by John Allen..

Endgame
From America magazine online: The United States went to war in Iraq to destroy weapons of mass destruction and depose Saddam Hussein. No weapons have been found; Saddam is under arrest. The time has come to declare "mission accomplished" and announce a deadline for bringing the troops home.

Enjoy The Feast
Carmelite Father Pius Sammut reminds us that God indeed is a feast, and in Him we are truly free!

Entering into the Paschal Mystery
We again enter into the invitation and the challenge of Lent. It is a preparation for Easter - but it is so much more. It reminds us of our own temptations. It reminds us of our weakness, and our sins, and our failures. It reminds of everything that tarnishes or warps Christ's image, whether in the individual or in the community. More importantly, however, it reminds that God really doesn't care about these things.

Entertaining Angels
In our dealings with one another, we must touch the most fundamental needs of our humanity, and help one other to see how uniquely the gift of Jesus and His Gospel fulfill those needs.

Envoy Magazine
Envoy magazine is a bimonthly journal of Catholic apologetics and evangelization. Its mission is to present the truths of the Catholic Faith in a fresh, contemporary style, featuring today's top Catholic writers.

Ephphatha
Christ has touched our ears and opened them to hear the Gospel and having heard it, we have received a whole new way of listening and acting. The deaf man, once cured, speaks "plainly" - and so should we speak and act plainly as witnesses to the Gospel – a way of life that we are still in the process of learning.

Episcopal Church Web Site
This website is dedicated to Episcopal/Anglican ministries engaged in the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Episcopal Vacancy
The U.S. Catholic bishops, who meet June 17-19 in San Antonio, must find a way to inspire as well as to lead an increasingly polarized and alienated flock. Sadly, long-standing divisions within the church have been exacerbated by the recent actions and imprudent words of too many bishops. It is not apparent that the bishops as a group are fully aware of the damage that has been done both to the unity of the church and to its ability to effectively engage the larger culture.

ePriest.com
A site that offers resources for priests, such as weekly homily packs, ideas for "best practices" for running a parish, and a library of articles and news for the ongoing formation of the clergy.

Erasing women from history
NCR online editorial: Why did this church, and the Christ it modeled, in which there is “neither male nor female” (Galatians 3:28), get lost? Why is there so little female authority in our church, starving it of domestic sensitivity, common sense, compassion and simple balance?

Erasmus Institute at the University of Notre Dame
The Erasmus Institute was founded to foster research grounded in Catholic intellectual traditions and focused on significant issues in contemporary scholarship. Its mission is not to advance study of the church or theology as such, but rather to bring resources from two millennia of Catholic thought to bear on problems in the humanities, social sciences, and arts.

eSermons.com
A subscription-based resource for those involved in preaching the Word of God to people of all ages. Thousands of professionally published sermons, illustrations, children's sermons, worship aids, and dramas.

Essays in Theology: Richard M. McBrien
The personal home page of well-known US Catholic theologian Fr Richard McBrien. It provides easy online access to his many articles, and to the courses he teaches at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.

Essential Reading for the Spiritual Seeker
Most of us can identify certain teachers or mentors who have had
a profound impact on our lives. The same can be said for particular books that have shaped our view of the world. With that in mind, BustedHalo asks the question: "What books have helped you on your spiritual journey?"

Ethical issues facing Benedict XVI
Excerpts from the last part of a lecture given by John Allen to the Society for Christian Ethics, which examined four specific ethical issues facing Benedict XVI.

Ethics
Catholic Resources for Medical Ethics
From the USC Newman Center, Major statements from the Holy See and Catholic Bishops that include important passages dealing with ethics in medicine.
Catholic Resources for Medical Ethics

Ethics in Communications
From the Pontifical Council For Social Communications, Archbishop John P. Foley encourages personal reflection on the moral use of the powerful media instruments that we have at our disposal.
Ethics in Communications

National Catholic Bioethics Center
Commentary on the latest news, books on medical-moral issues, detailed consultation, cyber-links and timely information.
National Catholic Bioethics Center

Eucharist Without Walls
A Vision of Church for the Year 2000 - a pastoral letter from Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., Archbishop of Milwaukee and Richard J. Sklba, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee.

Eucharistic Message Boards & Prayer Forum
Roman Catholics United in Eucharistic Prayer and Fellowship... This site offers tranquility, fortitude, & inspiration for your spiritual journey - there are forums with a variety of topics, resources, links and areas of interest. Masses, rosaries, & chaplets of divine mercy are offered daily for all prayer requests

Eucharistic Theology
An online collection of articles and essays on the theology of the Eucharist & Liturgy from a Roman Catholic perspective.

Evaluating Parish Social Ministry
Originally designed for parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, this assessment tool for Parish Staff and Leaders is a great device for all parishes in evaluating and improving their social ministry and social justice programs.

Evangelium Vitae
On The Value And Inviolability Of Human Life: The issue of life and its defence and promotion is not a concern of Christians alone..., 25-March-1995 .

Evangelizing a Digital World
How Churches Can Communicate With Youth Today - By Father John Flynn, LC
ROME, OCT. 28, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Passing on the faith to the next generation is harder than ever in a world that is more and more secularized. A recent book offers recommendations on how to get the message across to a new mentality strongly influenced by changes in media technology.

Evangelizing in a secular world
Evangelizing to a secular world takes more than the fire-and-brimstone preaching of generations ago. (Father Ron) Rolheiser said that God appears in some form or another about 365 times in the Bible, always with the introduction, 'Don't be afraid.' With this in mind, he urged people to never preach fear in Jesus' name, and that changing somebody through fear is not real conversion. 'You might be able to save somebody from hell through fear, but you can't use fear to get them into heaven,' said Rolheiser.

Every Day Catholic
Every Day Catholic offers short, to-the-point features designed to help busy people be Catholic every day.

EveryDay Catholic
Every Day Catholic offers short, to-the-point features designed to help busy people be Catholic every day, including articles, prayers for the family dinner table or the fridge, and a brief quote offering food for thought.

Everyday Christianity
The important November '98 U.S. Bishops' statement on lay discipleship for the Millennium.

Everyday Christianity
From the USCCB: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice - A Pastoral Reflection on Lay Discipleship for Justice in a New Millennium.

EveryStudent.com
EveryStudent.com is an opportunity for college students to explore ideas and information about God, and learn what it might be like to have a relationship with God. What is the benefit of knowing God? Is there really a God who can be known? EveryStudent.com tries to address these and other related questions. Not specifically a Catholic site, however, the goal here is not to promote religion, but to talk about knowing God in a simple, relevant and respectful manner.

Evolution and the Catholic Church
Father George Coyne, SJ, former director of the Vatican Observatory, talks with host Mike Hayes about the Catholic Church’s official view on evolution with regards to scientific theories and religious interpretations of the origin of the world.

EWTN Online Services
This is the online home of the Eternal Word Television Network and is a truly well-done website. Lots of information and links! A traditional spirituality in a modern medium.

EWTN's Ask the Experts
Apologetics in a question/answer format - Questions about basic Catholic teaching, catechetical programs, morality and much more - from Mother Angelica's EWTN website.
EWTN's Ask the Experts

Exclusivity IS Religiously Sinful
From Creations Magazine: Exclusivity is religion’s besetting sin. In its purist form, exclusivity is the belief that only my religion can really teach the truth, lead you to God, offer enlightenment or bring you salvation - by Daniel O'Rourke.

Exiled in life, Jeanne Jugan soon to gain full recognition
The once banished and forgotten foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan, will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI Oct. 11, receiving the fullness of recognition she was denied in life.

Exodus Under Fire
From The Tablet: A profound series of crises has overtaken Middle Eastern Christianity in modern times. Displacement by war, genocide and interreligious conflict, leading to loss, emigration and exile are the main experiences of its followers. Some observers have even suggested that there is a "Christian barometer" that provides the world with an accurate measurement of the political atmosphere in the Middle East, according to how the Christian minorities are treated

Expanding the Catholic view on faith and politics
Tom Roberts of NCRonline reviews three new books: If the three books under consideration could somehow transform into individuals around a table, the result would be a high-level, compelling Catholic conversation rich with a sense of history and an understanding of the complexity and tensions inherent in considering the place of belief and believers in the public debates of the day. Not a bad group to consult before the upcoming election.

Explanatory Letter on "Summorum Pontificum"
English translation, issued by the Vatican Information Service, of Benedict XVI's apostolic letter "Summorum Pontificum," issued "motu proprio," on one's own initiative, concerning the use of the Roman Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962.

Explore Eucharistic Spirituality
The Year of the Eucharist offers Catholics the opportunity to explore more fully their understanding of the great gift that the Eucharist is in their lives. St. Anthony Messenger Press and Servant Books offer a wide variety of resources to help in this exploration.

Faced with Bereavement
How to support a friend or loved one who's grieving
Some practical research on bereavement within a Catholic context, especially for young adults.

Faith and Best Practices
The young director of the Leadership Roundtable makes the connection between faith and best practices. Introduction and interview by Bill McGarvey of BustedHalo.com

Faith and Politics 2008
NCR online's special coverage of the role that faith has in the political scene during this election year. There are essays, resources and articles, as well as opportunities for you to leave your comments to the various articles.

Faith at Home
Explore and enjoy your faith with your kids! Ideas for church seasons, Sundays, and holy days. Tips for playtime, stories, art & craft, family traditions, and lots more. Parenting articles, books and resources, and an ezine.

Faith Central
FaithCentral is an online Faith community produced by the Marist Internet Project and is currently sponsored by the Society of Mary, New Zealand.

Faith Direct
Faith Direct was founded in 2003 on the premise that a "cash-less society" will have a major impact on offertory and second collections for the Christian community. They provide a full service approach to electronic giving that would enable churches to focus on their ministry of building God's kingdom on earth.

Faith First
Published by RCL, Enterprises, Inc., Faith First a religious education program which introduces students and families to the pillars of the Catechism - Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayer - every year, in every grade level. This is an interactive website, with activities, games, lectionary-based resources for catechists, and for parents to extend religious education into the home.

Faith Formation Update
Faith Formation Update is a free monthly e-newsletter for catechetical leaders with a focus on parish catechesis beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Faith in Politics
The purpose of the church is not to be socially agreeable; it is to speak robustly to the state on behalf of those who cannot speak effectively for themselves. The church's increasing engagement on the environment - and specifically on global climate change - falls into a similar category. By definition, the planet cannot speak for itself. It is the fundamental ethical challenge of our age to protect the planet - in the language of the Bible, to be proper stewards of creation.

Faith in the Workplace
From Chriatianity Today: What are the practical, day-to-day implications of "the priesthood of all believers" (I Peter 2:9)? Chief among these is that our everyday, ordinary work is sacred, holy … an offering to God. Here are some practical tools for a Christian in the workplace.

Faith in the Workplace
From Religion and Ethics online: Ten years ago, there were only 25 workplace ministries. Today there are more than 900, along with thousands of Bible and prayer groups that meet regularly at the office. And several of those companies that allow employee prayer groups include a range of Fortune 500 -- like Pepsi, Coca Cola, Ford Motors, American Airlines, Intel, Texas Instruments, and Sears. What are the reasons for such an explosion of faith in the workplace and what impact is it having on employees?

Faith Streams
FaithStreams brings you faith-based video and text -- resources to inspire, inform and entertain. Enjoy streaming video, video-on-demand and a vast library of articles and features. Explore a topic to find information on everything from religion and spirituality to arts and culture to faith and healing. Browse our video library for religious video like worship, and faith-related programs like docu-dramas, music, talk shows and special events.

Faith, reason and modernity
From the Tablet: Words from the lecture given by Benedict XVI in Regensburg earlier this month have reverberated around the world, because of their perceived criticism of Islam. - by Anthony Carroll

Faith.org
A group of priests, religious and lay Catholics working to foster the Catholic faith and spiritual life of many people, especially through youth events and various publications.

Faithful Citizenship
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States. The U.S. Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life - promlulgated at their November 2007 meeting.

Faithful Citizenship
From the USCCB: In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. This is the homepage for the US Bishops' General Counsel Guidelines for Catholic Organizations regarding Catholicism and the Political process. Visit this site often as additional information and resources will be added periodically.

Faithful Disagreement
On the day Benedict XVI was installed as the Catholic Church's new Pope, NBC News' Meet The Press assembled a panel to address some important issues facing the Church.

Faithful in a Very Little
It has been three years since 9/11; and it is a little over two and a half years since the clergy abuse scandal came into the public eye. We are not as confident in our leadership as we once were. We are no longer sure that we are powerful enough in our faith to overcome the clouds that hang over us. We are not certain that we are strong enough in our love of God to turn our society around... to continually re-create our world and our church. Jesus assures us otherwise...

FaithTrust Institute
FaithTrust Institute is an international, multifaith organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. We provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse.

Familia
Familia is a Catholic program committed to strengthening all families. Its mission is to strengthen families by helping men and women live their vocation to marriage and parenthood in all its fullness.

Family and Society Database
The Heritage Foundationﾒs Family & Society Database catalogs social science findings on the family gleaned from peer-reviewed journals, books, and government surveys. Serving legislators and staffers, journalists and writers, teachers and students, as well as clergymen and helping professionals, the Database makes social science research easily accessible to the non-specialist.

Family Caregiver Alliance
FCA was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Long recognized as a pioneer in health services, FCA now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.

Family Life Center
Here you’ll find articles and resources on faith and family life. Whether it’s strengthening your Catholic marriage, building the Catholic family, tackling the terrible two’s, passing on the Faith, or parenting teens, you’ll find the practical help you need.

Family Prayer Night
Family Prayer Night is a lay organized, Eucharist-centered, family-led Marian devotion for the universal restoration of marriages and families by means of prayer and the graces flowing from the Sacramental Life of the Church.

Father Donald Cozzens: How to Build Better Church
While some people try to ignore the fractured foundation of our Church, Father Donald Cozzens calls attention to the cracks in hopes of inspiring enough people to work together to repair the damage.

Father Leo- Web chef
Father Leo Patalinghug believes that the key to a healthy family are healthy meals eaten together, and he's sending that message out through his web show, "Grace Before Meals." With 10,000 hits a day, Father Leo is able to share his wisdom and his family-friendly recipes in order to feed his flock: body, mind and soul.

Father Paul Keenan
The website of Fr. Keenan, Director Of Radio Ministry for the Archdiocese Of New York and co-host "Religion On The Line" radio program. Listen online to samples of his "As You Think" broadcast programs.

Father Ray's 'Other' Corner
Blog of Fr. Ray Suriani, containing Homilies, reflections on the daily readings and articles of interest.

Fatima
Sister Lucia, the last survivor among the three Portuguese children to whom the Virgin Mary appeared at Fatima, has died at the age of 97. Visit ewtn.com's tribute to "Fatima: A Grace for Mankind."

Fear Not, Here is Your God!
We approach Christmas with vivid, violent reminders of the evils caused in our society by selfishness, ruthless ambition, twisted hatred and the craze for power at every level. But we are gathered as people of faith in a holy season of hope. The voice of fear is drowned out for us by the message of Advent: "Be strong, fear not! Here is your God!"

Feast of All Saints
We come to this feast in faith because we have learned to believe in, to hope in God's promise of eternal life. We know that hope, like faith, is a gift of God. We can't earn it; we can't arrive at it by intellectual searching. We must pray for the grace to believe in Jesus as the final and fullest revelation of God's love for us. We must come to know and trust Jesus as our God-given way and truth and life.

Feast of the Annunciation Celebrates a Proud Mary
Depending on whether you are of Orthodox or Catholic faith, the feast of the Annunciation was either Sunday or Monday. For one woman, it's a holiday that's always worth celebrating. - Available in audio and as a podcast.

Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions represents Roman Catholic Diocesan Offices of Worship and Liturgical Commissions throughout the United States.

Feed My Sheep
In the Scriptures, every Resurrection appearance story is accompanied by a mandate, a call - a challenge to commitment. Through his death and resurrection, Christ is asking if we are willing to carry on in the "real world" of human beings, according to his teachings, his understanding of God, his love for people.

Fellowship of Reconciliation
The Fellowship of Reconciliation is the largest, oldest Interfaith Peace organization in the United States and is dedicated to the promotion of nonviolent conflict resolution.

Fellowship of Reconciliation
The Fellowship of Reconciliation is an international, spiritually-based movement of people who, from the basis of a belief in the power of love and truth to create justice and restore community, commit themselves to active nonviolence as a way of life and as a means of personal, social, economic and political transformation.

Feminism, Vatican-style
From The Tablet, Tina Beattie writes: Rome's new document on men and women shows that feminists and the Church have more in common than perhaps either realises, but Catholic theology has yet to describe the sacramental nature of women.

Fiddling while Earth burns
Last week it was the G8 environment ministers; this week it's a UN summit in Rome on the food crisis; next week it's finance ministers ahead of the G8 summit proper in Japan next month: all producing little more than hot air to add to the greenhouse gases threatening our planet.

Fidelity in a Broken World
The gospel presents the vision of a whole new way of acting and being. Whether we are married, divorced, single or celibate, we all know how far we are from fully embracing that vision of new life. We struggle to live the gospel ideal in all walks of life, including marriage, but we fall short. But the Lord comforts us with the realization of how much we are loved by our God and the assurance that this love is unbreakable.

Fides et Ratio
On The Relationship of Faith and Reason: Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth... 14-Sep-1998.

Fifty years ago today, Pope John XXIII called a council
The Council after 50 years: an author's invitation to forgiveness, to moving ahead.
Ninety-three years passed between Vatican I (1869 -1870) and Vatican II (1962 -1965). Many believed the church had been doing quite well as it was, and should resist any enterprise that would disturb its temporal order. But not Pope John XXIII.

Filling the Gaps
The pope calls for neither one world government nor untrammeled sovereign autonomy, but for effective global governance. Institutional pluralism carries costs, including overlapping jurisdictions and coordination difficulties. But these institutions already exist, and so can be more quickly reformed to serve better the needs of the world’s most vulnerable.

Film review
From HollywoodJesus.com host, David Bruce: The reason why Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ is such an important film is that it underscores the emotion, pain and passion of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Film Review: The Nativity Story
From Religion and Ethics online: The Vatican has just hosted the world premiere of THE NATIVITY STORY, a movie from Hollywood's New Line Cinema about the birth of Jesus. THE NATIVITY STORY is being heavily promoted to Christians and Kim Lawton has a preview.

Fired by the Spirit
Small communities are not only an integral part of the communion which is the Church. They are also an important spur to renewing the mission of the Church. In 2003, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster wrote a series of articles in The Tablet where he stated his conviction that small faith communities hold the key to parish renewal. This article is worth a re-read.

Fired! Do Church Employees Get Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment is difficult. For many, it's downright tragic. But at least when the hammer falls there's the guarantee of a half year's worth of benefits through the government's unemployment compensation system. Unless you work for the church. Churches and religious organizations are exempt from paying unemployment taxes, which fund the system.

Fireside Catholic Publishing
Fireside has been and continues to be the leading Catholic Family Bible publisher since the introduction of the New American Bible text in 1970.

Firewatch
Firewatch is dedicated to distributing information on the works of Thomas Merton and on religious contemplation in general. This site has been chosen as one of the 500 most significant Catholic web sites on the Net.

First Appearances: Why Mary Magdalene was ready to see
From BustedHalo.com: It has always fascinated me that in every Gospel account when Jesus first appears back from the dead Mary Magdalene is there. Other women are named, but Mary is always among them and in John’s Gospel is the powerful story of her face-to-face solitary encounter with the Risen Christ.

Fishers of Men
A new program launched today by the bishopsﾒ Committee on Vocations is meant to renew priestsﾒ sense of vocational fulfillment and to encourage them to draw on that satisfaction and invite other men to pursue the priesthood.

Five Questions for Andrew Greeley
In the August 13-20 edition of America, Father Andrew Greeley writes about American Catholics Today, a recent sociological study that seeks to gauge what “elements” of Catholicism are most important to people in the pews. For more than three quarters of respondents, helping the poor, the Resurrection, the sacraments and Mary were “very important.” “At the bottom of the list were abortion, teaching authority, death penalty and celibate male clergy,” Father Greeley writes.

FMAVIN.org
FAMVIN is both … a news site and a community of more than 2 million people. The word "FAMVIN" refers to those who try to follow Christ evangelizer of the poor in the model presented by the life of Vincent de Paul and his collaborator, Louise de Marillac.

Foccus and ReFoccus
Foccus & ReFoccus is an internationally used personal inventory, available in ten languages, that helps couples become more aware of what is important to themselves and each other. Couples learn how to identify and work through issues before marriage and to better understand the many aspects of a successful relationship

Focus on Holy Week
Homilies, activities and liturgical moments from the Holy Week and Easter Services at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, 2004.

Focusing on the Three Cs
That loud noise you hear is the sound of teenagers rejoicing that the school year is finally over and they are free to pursue the joys of summer. No doubt for most, that includes lying in the sun, going to the beach with friends, and resting up for the fall. For pro-life teens, the story should be different

Follow Me
God beckons us in the most unusual and exciting ways. Slow to anger and quite creative, He challenges us to pay attention to the small things in life, and to follow Him. Whenever He calls us to serve, we are transformed by an experience that strengthens our faith and conviction in the love of Christ. It is especially in these times that we can clearly see what Christ calls us to do - love unconditionally.

Food aid experts; 'world hunger can be eliminated'
Despite the global economic crisis, soaring food prices and reports that millions more people joined the ranks of the undernourished in 2008, key experts at a major food aid conference here April 6-8 shared a tangible optimism that both the will and means are now at hand to attack and even possibly conquer world hunger.

Food Aid: When generosity isn't enough
The U.S. sends more food aid overseas than any other nation. Are U.S. food aid policies helping the poor -- or helping to keep them poor? Tom Fox interviews Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Minneapolis-based Institute on Agriculture and Trade Policies to learn how U.S. food aid policies are working -- or not working. (Podcast from NCR online)

For Catholic Schools, Crisis and Catharsis
It is a familiar drill in nearly all of the nation’s Roman Catholic school systems: a new alarm every few years over falling enrollment; church leaders huddling over what to do; parents rallying to save their schools. And then the bad news.

For I Was Ill and You Cared For Me
A Catholic convert calls on his Church to be a positive force in extending health care to all.
Some would argue that even if President Obama is a righteous leader, some future administration will add abortion and euthanasia to the list of mandatory services. This is a valid concern, however it calls not for stonewalling but for continued political engagement.

For many of us, faith is in flux
Young adults are most likely to switch churches - or stop going, study finds
About half of all American adults have changed religious affiliation, most often because they felt spiritually unfulfilled or found a church they liked better, according to a recent study.

For the love of justice
From The Tablet: Much of the reaction to Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical has dwelt on the practice of personal love and less on the practice of charity and social action. But both are crucial to the Pope's powerful message.

For Your Marriage
This attractive, easy-to-navigate site of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops bills itself as offering "resources for living happily ever after." The Web site is just one element of the multi-year National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage project, which is aimed at communicating the meaning and value of married life for the Church and society and to work to build a culture of marriage.

Forgive? Excuse Me?
From Trauma and Chaplaincy, The issue of forgiveness can be critical for those who have been severely abused, by Fr. J. Mahoney, M.Div.

Forming Disciples For The Third Millennium
From Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, opening remarks to the 30th annual Mile Hi Congress -- the largest Catholic conference on religious education in the Rocky Mountain region.

Foundations of Christian Faith
Karl Rahner's Foundations of Christian Faith has been described as a "summa" of Catholic theology for the twentieth century. This web site, created by Mark F. Fischer, outlines the Foundations and paraphrases Rahner's thought from the view point of the pastoral minister.

Four years of Pope Benedict XVI
On April 19 Pope Benedict XVI marked his fourth year in the papacy. Three days earlier, he had turned 82. At age 78, Joseph Ratzinger was the oldest person elected to the papacy since Clement XII in 1730.

Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk
A SocialEdge.com inteview: When a Gallup Poll taken in 1999 asked Americans to name the people they most admired from the twentieth-century, Mother Teresa topped the list. Revered and beloved the world over for her work with the poor, Mother Teresa was quickly put on the fast track toward being considered an official saint. Yet while millions already consider her a saint, little if anything was known to the world about the intensity and difficulty of her interior spiritual life.

Fr. Charles Curran: A Place for Dissent
"Habemus papam. I heard these words in St. Peter's Square as a young seminarian on October 28, 1958. My first impression of Pope John XXIII was disappointing. Pope Pius XII was an austere and ascetic figure, but John XXIII was a roly-poly Italian who was waving to the crowd even before he finished his first blessing."

Fr. Pat's Place
Father Pat Umberger is a Roman Catholic Priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who offers resources in prayer, faith formation, life issues and Catholic spirituality.

Fr. Peter West's Catholic Blog
"My intention is to use this blog to educate people about the Catholic faith and culture, especially to promote respect for human life, especially where it is most threatened; in the beginning by abortion, in its end stages by euthanasia and by threats to our national security by terrorists. I especially hope my blog will become a resource for priests to help them with their preaching. I'll also give my own opinion on current events."

Francis of Assisi
Most people know Francis as a middle-ages ascetic who loved animals. The complete story is even more interesting - An interfaith appreciation of one of the most popular catholic saints.

Franciscan Action Network
The need to hold up the value of all human life, from beginning to end is critical. At the Franciscan Action Network site, you will find many resources to help with prayer and reflecdtion on these issues.

Franciscan Guide To Dialogue
From the Tablet: The patron saint of animals and ecology - whose feast day was celebrated on 4 October - is often characterised as an idealist. But a close look at St Francis of Assisi's approach to peacemaking, interreligious dialogue and international relations reveals a model eminently suited to today's world.

Franciscan Renewal Center
Since 1951 ~ A Community of Faith Through Liturgy, Retreats, Education, Counseling, Social Justice, Spiritual Direction, Meetings & Conferences, in the Tradition & Hospitality of St. Francis of Assisi.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Designed to prompt thoughtful interactive reflection among young Catholic women discerning their vocations in life, “Franciscanized World” will feature a new image for reflection and free song download each month.

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Established in 1869, the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parish ministries in 11 U.S. dioceses (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Tucson, Honolulu, Chicago, Marquette, Jackson, Omaha, Columbus and Steubenville).

Franciscan Web Page
Pax et Bonum from the Franciscans: Resources, links, directories and publications.

Fraternity and the modern age; Caritas in Veritate
Benedict XVI has made a habit of refuting his own stereotype. None of his three encyclicals, least of all the third published this week, confirms the image of 'Ratzinger the conservative autocrat' that he gained as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under John Paul II. The left-right, progressive-conservative polarity which many commentators apply to modern Catholicism breaks down completely in the case of Caritas in Veritate, his first social encyclical. And that may be its greatest achievement.

Fraternity of Charles de Foucauld
One of the branches of the spiritual Family that arose from the charism of Charles de Foucauld, centering on Jesus, his "beloved Brother," and on three aspects of our Lord's life: his hidden life in Nazareth, his stay in the wilderness, and his three-year ministry.

Freeing Celibacy
From Americancatholic.org, a review of Donald Cozzens' book, Freeing Celibacy, by Arline B. Tehan: "Writing with courage and compassion, Father Cozzens never sounds shrill or confrontational. Instead, in a quiet, thoughtful voice, he offers a reasonable solution to a many-faceted problem for today’s Church: 'I am trying to say to the church, that the charism of celibacy needs to be celebrated, the obligation of celibacy needs to be reviewed.'"

From Ashes to Easter
An extensive collection of Lenten Resource links from St Luke's Church, Gondola Point, in the Diocese of Fredericton, Canada.

From Cross to Crescent
Why Latinos are increasingly converting to Islam. Latino Muslims are on the rise. In America, they are close to 100,000 and growing, more than doubling their numbers in less than a decade.

From Division to Unity
It has been 12 months since Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger succeeded John Paul II as Bishop of Rome. The new Popeﾒs election delighted many but also alarmed plenty. Here, a theologian whom he barred from teaching offers his ﾖ somewhat surprising ﾖ assessment of Benedict XVIﾒs first year.

From East to West
A really informative site, introducing Western Christians to the treasures of Byzantine Catholicism.

From Easter to Pentecost
From American Catholic Online, understanding the Easter cyclewith articles, resources and meditations.

From Holland, a refreshing notion
American Catholics should take note of what is happening in the Netherlands. Not that it will result in sudden, dramatic change in the church, or that it needs to, but because it reveals a different, much freer way of being church than American Catholics are normally used to.

From Istanbul to Fort Benning, tales of peacemaking
This week’s issue (of NCR) is dominated by two stories, both of which represent remarkable leaps of faith and peacemaking. One of the stories captured world attention when Pope Benedict XVI traveled to Turkey. The other remained relatively unknown outside a small circle of activists, confined as it was to a short, dead-end street in southwest Georgia.

From Italy to Iran, voters hand the church a mandate on Islam
Every so often, the Catholic church is dealt a set of cards that allow it to make a crucial difference in the world. Without realizing it, voters may have shuffled the deck in precisely that fashion in the last couple of weeks, and one hopes the church's opinion-makers play their hand wisely.

From Priest to Minister
How common is Alberto Cutié’s journey to Protestant ministry?
From America magazine: How unique is Cutié’s story? How many other Catholic priests have left the church for another denomination in order to marry? Could Cutié’s conversion signal the beginning of another wave of men leaving the priesthood?

From soul catcher to adventurer
From the Tablet: The modern missionary is someone who steeps him- or herself in new cultures and enters sympathetically in the lives of others. It is a process that is demanding and poses major psychological challenges - by Patrick Noonan OFM

From the heart
A healthy spirit can make us energetic and vibrant people with a hopeful outlook and a sense of life’s possibilities for the good. It can energize us to face the most intractable of social ills and not be discouraged. It can prevent us from giving up when we don’t get immediate results. A neglected spirit causes disintegration, sours how we look at our lives, turns us cynical, and leaves us with a narrowness of vision that isolates us from others.

From Violence to Wholeness
Pace e Bene is the Franciscan nonviolence program and its mission is to address our society's epidemic of violence through the spirituality and practice of active nonviolence.

From Where I Stand
From the National Catholic Reporter, a new weekly web column by Sister Joan Chittister, OSB, providing insight about justice, peace and the role of women in the Church.

From Words to Deeds
From the NCCB, Continuing Reflections on the Role of Women in the Church

Full participation before all else
NCR editorial: John Allen thinks the avalanche of commentary the Latin Mass issue has generated comes from small minorities with vested interests. To those who would see this as another sign of a rollback on Vatican II, Allen suggests that if they look at Benedict’s full record as pope, they will find little to support the lurch to the right they feared at his election two years ago. Furthermore, Allen finds scant evidence of a pent-up demand for the old Mass. Individual bishops have been granting permission for use of the 1962 Missal since 1984, and according to Allen, dioceses where it has been allowed report that the celebrations are often well attended, sometimes with a surprising number of younger Catholics, but there has been no widespread exodus from the new rite to the old.

Full-bodied row in Bordeaux
The Vatican's establishment of an institute for ex-Lefebvrists in Bordeaux, to operate in parallel with the existing Church, has caused deep anger in France. It is a major challenge to the authority of Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard - and to the Church, shaped by the Second Vatican Council.

Gamekeeper Turned Pastor
From the Tablet: As the Churchﾒs keeper of doctrinal correctness for more than a quarter of a century, he was the enforcer to John Paul IIﾒs communicator. Now he is Pope how will Benedict XVI face up to his fragmented flock?

Gathering the Remnant
The Church today is suffering with the perennial virus of a people in transition: loss of perspective, polarization and disunity. We know something about the agony of transition, of being scattered, of discontinuity and the turbulence of crisis. But crisis has always triggered the best of Christian reflection. The experience of change, of suffering, of hopes uncertain, can force us to dig deep into our tradition and to discover its power anew.

Gauging What "Quality of Life" Means
The term "quality of life" was the theme of the annual meeting of the Pontifical Academy for Life. The Feb. 21-23 general assembly of the Vatican body brought together Church dignitaries, along with experts in medicine and bioethics, to reflect on the subject of "Quality of Life and the Ethics of Health."

Gazing Upon Everlasting Day
The Catholic vision of J.R.R. Tolkien - Far from being escapist or reactionary, The Lord of the Rings addresses the greatest struggle of this century and beyond....

General Information
A Moral Muddle From the Human Life Review, what modern society needs is a good, consistent theology of human life - by William Murchison
A Moral Muddle

Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 4 - The Morality Of Human Acts: What the Catechism says on Morality.
Catechism of the Catholic Church

Generation Cross
Catholic Q&A, links, recipes...all with a real sense of humor for generation x'ers.

Genetic Enhancement
From the Tablet: Ten years after the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, her mission to care for the poor is flourishing in the hands of her fellow sisters, who, helped by more volunteers than ever, are committed to carrying their charismatic founder's compassionate vision into the future.

Genetic Enhancement
From Religion and Ethics Online: Kim Lawton explores the moral and ethical concerns raised by medical breakthroughs in genetics. According to biophysicist and UCLA professor Gregory Stock, Anytime there is a reduction in some disease process, in some affliction -- which we can all support --the possibility exists of other enhancements.

Gentle Spirit Music
From the lofty traditions of the Church to the contemporary feel of today; from the myriad delights of music combined with nature, to the realms of fantasy, we are striving to provide musical excellence for you.

Get Up and Eat
How often our journey becomes tiring and discouraging! We lose heart; sometimes, like Elijah, we even pray for death. Yet the Lord has provided us with appropriate nourishment - food that fulfills all of our hungers and thirsts... His own Body and Blood.

Getting deeper, Getting smaller
Fron NCRonline: Small Christian communities revitalize faith, strengthen parishes, participants say. As many as 45,000 to 50,000 small Christian communities may exist in the United States today, and there are surely at least 37,000, according to “Small Christian Communities in the U.S. Catholic Church,” a study funded by the Lilly Endowment and conducted in the late 1990s. By Emilie Lemmons.

Getting To Know Him
100 Days: How the Pope is showing hints of being his own man
From Time Magazine: "It is Day 97. At noon sharp, the light rain that has been falling on the village of Les Combes, high in the Italian Alps, gives way to golden sunshine. Equally punctually, the white-shocked man with an increasingly comfortable smile walks across a small meadow to greet about 8,000 believers. Pope Benedict XVI, officially on a summer "retreat," waves his two-handed wave, sits graciously through a local bishop's introduction and speaks."

Getting to Know Paul
From US Catholic Online, an interview with Father Joseph Fitzmyer, S.J., who offers us some clues to understanding the Apostle to the Gentiles.

GIA Publications, Inc.
Publisher of WORSHIP, GATHER and other hymnals plus a vast and varied music repertoire.

Gifts and Challenges
The invitation to discipleship is one that is a call to build up The Kingdom in the here and now, and is not determined by our own qualifications or our own merits. It is at once both Gift and Challenge.

Give me a sign
Many people struggle to discern what they are 'meant' to do, often described in religious terms as seeking 'God's will.' Whether it's a decision about career, family, relocation, or a medical issue, Catholics use a variety of spiritual discernment methods to determine their next step. Does God have a plan for each person's life? Many Catholics acknowledge they'll never know for sure, but that hasn't stopped them from devoting lots of time to discerning God's will for their lives.

Given the Keys
The revelation that opened Peter's eyes to see and his tongue to proclaim Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God," is our gift as well, as we live our Christian lives day by day. We face many of the same challenges as the first disciples: cynicism in dealing with others; despair as we face large issues of violence and war; greed that puts ourselves above others; indifference to the pain of others; cowardice when our faith is challenged; conformity when prophetic witness is called for, and lukewarm religious practice that has stalled through neglect.

Global Ethic Foundation
There cannot be world peace without dialogue among and peace among world religions. Based on the work of Hans Kung, this site holds that the religions of the world can make a contribution to the peace of humankind only if they reflect on those elements of an ethic which they already have in common.

Global Peace Through Compassion
Read or watch excerpts from the Dalai Lama's November 15, 2005 lecture at the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C.

Global Warming Hits Home
Gallup released numbers from its annual Environmental poll in April, showing that Americans feel more informed about global warming than in previous years, and that a majority believe the effects of global warming to have already begun. Yet, despite this knowledge, Americans are no more concerned now about global warming than when the survey was first launched nearly two decades ago, and, in fact, rank it tenth in a list of twelve environmental problems.

Global warming: time to reverse it
Presentations like former Vice President Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth” and, increasingly, nature itself, seem to pound home a truth: Global warming is beyond doubt, human activity has a great deal to do with it and we need to act quickly to reverse the trend.

Go and Feed Them Yourselves...
Jesus is the compassionate healer who cannot resist the tattered crowd and the Gospel stresses the inclusion of the disciples in His power to feed and heal. The whole point of the Eucharist is not simply the presence of Christ, but how each one of us allows Him to be present in ourselves and present in the world. How do we become Eucharist - His body and blood - for one another.

Go4th Collected Prayers
Go4th is a pretty extensive site with online prayers, devotions and Christian music, subdivided by category.

God Isn't - My own dark night of the soul in Calcutta
From BustedHalo.com: A new book of the letters of Mother Teresa, edited by Rev. Brian Kolodiejchuk, a Missionaries of Charity priest who is responsible for presenting her case for sainthood to the Vatican, reveals that the founder of the Missionaries of Charity suffered for years with what St. John of the Cross termed "the dark night of the soul." - By Eileen Markey

God So Loved the World...
We Christians are used to the sight of the cross in our churches. We wear them around our necks; they hang from charm bracelets. Not surprisingly, the cross can easily become lost in the background - part of the architecture - just another piece of jewelry. We lose focus - so much so that we tend to take it for granted. But there is irony in this feast; we are praising and "exalting" a vicious instrument of execution. The Romans inherited the cross from the Persians used it extensively and became "masters of the craft."

God So Loves the World...
There is a sense of closure about this feast of the Holy Trinity, at least in terms of major celebrations. We have journeyed through salvation history, from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost, commemorating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, his ascension to the Father, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Today we summarize all of these events in terms of how they help us understand the mysterious nature of our God, and his presence in our world and in our lives.