top
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.
Magazines/Newsletters/Periodicals
Magazines, Periodicals and Online Newsletters especially focused on current issues facing the Church.
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
PodCasts
Listen in realtime or subscribe to Catholic Podcasts
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 ￢ﾀﾓ 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 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 ￢ﾀﾜclickable￢ﾀﾝ activities, which they￢ﾀﾙ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 in Crisis
From Americancatholic.org: American Catholics are struggling to understand what went wrong and how to make sure it never happens again.
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 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 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￢ﾀﾦ 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 History of the Church
By Yuri Josef Koszarycz, Department of Theology, Australian Catholic University.
A History of the Church
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 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 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￢ﾀﾦ 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 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 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 That Dares to Question
Author: Bishop John Heaps
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
April 2002 
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 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 Feminism
The need for a new feminism to address today's challenges, by Helen Alvarￃﾩ.
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 Peacemaker's Response to Welfare Reform Legislation
Betsy Clark, SSJ describes in this essay the work of NETWORK, a national social justice lobby, and provides questions we can ask to monitor the situation in our locality.
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 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 Selective Guide to Catholic Resources on the World Wide Web
by John L Gresham MLS PhD Instructor in Catholic Theology Kenrick-Glennon Seminary / Paul VI Catechetical Institute & the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
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 Study in Church History
A view of Catholic Church history from an Australian Catholic's perspective.
Ecclesiology: A Study in Church History
A Teaching Not Received
San Francisco Bay Catholic's Hugh O'Regan in response to Ordinatio Sacerdotalis
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 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 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
Combatting Abortion and Euthanasia
Letter of Pope John Paul II To All the World's Bishops, May 1991.
Partial-birth abortion and Catholics
Preach to the Choir
Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty
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
On Combatting Abortion and Euthanasia
From Lay Witness online magazine, reflections by William E. May on the serious impact this issue has on Catholics.
Partial-birth abortion and Catholics
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
From America Magazine, showing the interesting connection between attitudes on abortion and capital punishment.
Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty
About Peace
Web resources concerning Peace: peace related organizations & groups, news, books and web articles.
About.com
Alternative Religions
From About.com, selections from their Religion/Spirituality topic area - featuring experts in a wide variety of Religious Faith expression... 
Buddhism
Christianity - General
Latter-Day Saints
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
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.
Access to Catholic Social Justice Teaching
A great resource for all interested in the study, practice, and spirituality of Catholic social justice teachings.
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.
Activities & Lesson Plans for Religious Educators
Lesson plans, worksheets, activities and general information for Religious Educators on a variety of subjects and themes.
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 Calendar 2006
From BustedHalo.com: For Christians, the four week Advent season that leads up to Christmas is a celebration of God's gift of Himself through the incarnation of Jesus. God literally gifts His very self to us in the form of a human being. Readers and contributors were asked to reflect on the greatest spiritual gift they have ever received
Advent Calendar 2007
Advent is a reminder that Christmas doesn’t happen until December 25 and we are called to wait patiently and prepare for this momentous event. Here is another great Advent Calendar from the folks at BustedHalo.com
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 for the Catholic Catechist
From catholiccatechist.org, resources, lesson plans and classroom ideas that catechists might find useful during the Season of Advent.
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.
Advent: Old and New Traditions
The Internet provides a tremendous wealth of information about the Liturgical Cycles and the celebration of the holiday seasons. It can describe the various family celebrations of prayer and traditions that have grown throughout the ages, and can provide the inspiration for the beginning of many new traditions.
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 50: Spiritually Embracing Your Own Wisdom Years
Author: Robert Wicks
Paulist Press; ISBN: 0809104830
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.
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 - 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
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 Casaldￃﾟliga, Bishop of Spo Felix do Araguaia in Brazil, speaks of the fears within the Church today and a new way of Being Church.
Answers about Medjugorje
From Richard Chonak, a compilation of official statements and source materials.
Antioch Consultancy Page
A free on-line service to provide information and support to pastoral workers.
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.
Archbishop: Inside the Power Structure of the American Catholic Church
An online version of the book by Thomas J. Reese, S.J. of America magazine.
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.
Art for the Catholic Restoration
The most traditional and contemporary catholic fine art and culture site on the web.
Art for the Catholic Restoration
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￢ﾀﾙ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 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.
Augustine
Texts, Sermons and Translations.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Official website of the Catholic Church in Australia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Being Noticed
We are coming to the end of our liturgical year. In the he next few weeks the Gospels will show Jesus speaking in apocalyptical terms about the end of things; our securities and where we place our trust will be challenged and tested under trial. Perhaps this is why he spent so much time teaching his disciples about the gracious love of the Father; His words always resonated with trust and hope. Today, we are once again reminded that our religious practice must flow from a sincere love of God and generous service to others.
Being Remembered￢ﾀﾦ 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￢ﾀﾦ 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
Advent: a special time of prayer and reflection on the person of Jesus and His place in our life and our world...a time for the seeds of holiness to grow and bear fruit; a time for reconciliation with God, family and neighbor; a time for contemplation in quiet joy of the mystery of Christ taking flesh in each of us.
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.