Video
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1Lxt5s1 · Amazon: http://amzn.to/21ek9Ru · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Lb1bHy · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1Q0m9aZ. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Start a Fire
Start a Fire is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1XLQywI · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PYujke · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Qxgt5x · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1T750Rf. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Scandal of Love
Scandal of Love is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1SWQlbf · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ok31AB · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1T61tCK · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1Lcm05i. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1LxreDP · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VsJd3S · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1mWH6JJ · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1LG5k0Z. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Despite
Despite is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1SWQlbf · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ok31AB · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1KJgDLd · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1VEu1R9. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Scandal of Mercy (Acoustic)
Scandal of Mercy (Acoustic) is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/1SSPEiI · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1oAiTK8 · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1oGlXFd · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1T75l6d. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
Video
Searching
Searching is taken from the album, Scandal of Mercy, available now! Find it on iTunes: http://apple.co/21eDzsQ · Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QbgfBV · Google Play: http://bit.ly/1QeApOJ · and CD Baby: http://bit.ly/1R1xsO7. Discover more music of mercy on http://mission85music.com.
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St. Maximilian Kolbe—Martyr
The video "St. Maximilian Kolbe—Martyr," by The Story of Liberty, available on YouTube (4:52), presents this saint to the students in a way that brings his sacrifice to life. Best with Chapter Project.
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St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
The video "St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross," available on YouTube (7:13), is an engaging short film on the life of this saint. It would tie well to the "People of Faith" segment at the end of the chapter. It …
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When the Saints Go Marchin’ In
The song/video "When the Saints Go Marchin’ In," by The Weavers, available on YouTube (2:39) with lyrics, is best used on day 4.
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St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
The video "St. Rose Philippine Duchesne," by apostleshipofprayer, available on YouTube (2:00), introduces Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne. It is best used on day 4.
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St. John Neumann
The video "St. John Neumann," by apostleshipofprayer, available on YouTube (2:01), introduces Saint John Neumann. It is best used on day 4.
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St. Francis Xavier
The video "St. Francis Xavier," by apostleshipofprayer, available on YouTube (2:00), documents the life, travels, and missionary spirit of Saint Francis Xavier. It is best used on day 4.
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St. Thomas More
The video "St. Thomas More," by catholicnewsagency, available on YouTube (2:01), shows the strong Catholic faith of Saint Thomas More and how he stood up to King Henry VIII instead of recognizing the Church of England. It is best used …
Video
Catholic History in Less than Five Minutes: (4) The Early Church Fathers
The video "Catholic History in Less than Five Minutes: (4) The Early Church Fathers," by Pat McNamara, is available on YouTube (4:47). It is best used on day 1.
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A Little Help Here!
After reading several real-life examples of conflict, students provide suggestions to mediate each situation.
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Song/video "Man in the Mirror"
The song/video “Man in the Mirror,” by Michael Jackson, is available on YouTube in a variety of versions. This contemporary song encourages individuals to change the world by first changing the way they act themselves. It is appropriate for use …
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Crystalina’s Testimony (Part 1)—Love or Lust?
The Crystalina Evert video "Crystalina’s Testimony (Part 1)—Love or Lust?" available on YouTube (12:20), is best used on day 2 or day 3.
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Sacred Scripture and the Rules of the Saints
This activity has students work individually and in small groups to read and reflect on the rules of St. Augustine, St. Benedict, and St. Francis.
Presentation
Discovering God in Creation
This PowerPoint accompanies Unit 2, Chapter 4, by discussing the revelation of God through creation, prayer, and the saints.
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Unit 2 Preassessment
This preassessment helps students identify what they know and want to know about concepts from Unit 2.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 15
A lesson plan for lesson 15 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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The Narrow Door: A Guided Meditation
This guided meditation communicates the Gospel message of simple living in a way that engages the imagination and inspires young people to actively simplify their lives. This activity is an excerpt from the book Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry …
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The Disciples' Dilemma
This handout challenges students to decide how they would have reacted as a disciple after Jesus’ trial, death, and resurrection
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Who Is Your God?
A reflective worksheet where students identify meaningful definitions of God
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Jesus' Priorities
An individual worksheet where students rank the priority Jesus placed on certain values in his ministry
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Searching the Scriptures for the World of Jesus
Small-group activity that guides students to discover the culture of Jesus’ world by searching the Gospels
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To Know Another
An individual worksheet where students rank the importance of discovering specific types of information about another person
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Parish Council Committee Assignments
This handout assigns students to a made-up Parish Council Committee. Students must then brainstorm ideas and activities to help engage young people in the life of the parish.
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The Resurrected Jesus
Students answer questions about the story of Jesus' Resurrection from one of the four Gospels.
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The Miracles of Jesus
Students review many familiar miracles performed by Jesus in the gospels before choosing a favorite.
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The Good News Proclaimed to Me!
This handout asks students to reflect and write about the ways that Jesus' healing is needed in their lives.
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Called to Share the Mission of Jesus
This small-group activity provides each group with an example of Christ's mission. Groups must answer questions surrounding their particular example.
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Jesus Had Feelings Too
Students read passages from the Gospels to explore the numerous emotions that Jesus experienced during his time on Earth.
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Who Is Your God?
This handout presents a list of different definitions and identities for God. Students are asked to choose ones that resonate with them.
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Our Culture, Our Selves
This handout asks students to rank a list of items in life and society according to their importance.
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Prayer Service: Reflections on Relationships
This prayer service reflects on some of the aspects of relationships.
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Communication in My Family
This handout helps students to explore the communication and relationship they have with their parents by asking a series of reflective questions for students to answer.
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Telling Our Body's Story
This handout helps teens reflect on their body image and the influences on their attitudes towards their bodies.
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Relationships in Marriage
This handout presents numerous questions about healthy, life-long marriages for students to think about and answer.
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Cases to Examine: Changing Roles
This handout presents several real-life family situations about which students must evaluate and make a decision.
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Cases to Examine: Parenting Dilemmas
This handout provides several examples of parenting dilemmas. Students are to read the situations, choose a course of action, and explain their thoughts.
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Paths to Marriage
This handout gives a brief explanation for several types of relationships that end in marriage. Students are then asked to evaluate the reading and complete a journal prompt.
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Reflections on Relating
This poem provides a reflection on the fears and insecurities that we all carry underneath the outward impressions we give off.
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Scoring "My Responses to Conflict"
This handout provides the scoring that should be used to interpret the accompanying Handout 9-D.
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My Responses to Conflict
For this worksheet, students choose which behaviors match how they typically respond to conflict in relationships.
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Whom Will You Tell?
Students identify with whom in their life they would share a list of personal pieces of information.
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Listening Traps
Students reflect on and answer a series of questions about their listening skills.
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Interpersonal Style
Students reflect on and answer a series of questions about their interpersonal style and relationships with others.
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Cases to Examine: Where Is Love?
Students read and respond to several stories about what it means to love yourself and others.
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Please Help
This is a writing prompt to help students reflect on what it is like to be a virgin in society today.
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Facts About Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
This article gives information about common STDs and AIDS.
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Questionnaire on Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
This handout provides a list of True/False statements about sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
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Role-play: "I'm Pregnant"
This handout provides two role-play situations in which a couple has discovered they are pregnant.
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Opinionnaire on Gender Roles (Part 2)
Students share their opinions in response to a series of statements about gender roles in society.
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Opinionnaire on Gender Roles (Part 1)
Students share their opinions in response to a series of statements about gender roles in society.
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Word Association
Students identify the different associations with and meanings of sexuality as portrayed in the media, by peers, and from adults.
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Attitudes About Sexuality
This handout presents a series of statements about sexuality. Students are to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each.
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Measuring Fixed Costs
On this handout students calculate the fixed expenses of an independent adult on a monthly and yearly basis.
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How Much Did You Pay for That?
Students estimate the cost of a list of items needed to live independently. This exercise is meant to help students understand the amount of money needed to survive.
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Work Values
On this handout students explore the qualities they look for or want in a job and brainstorm possible jobs that fit those qualities.
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Ranking the Prestige of Occupations
Students rank a list of careers based on their importance and prestige in society.
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Perceptions of Leisureliness
This handout provides a list of statements designed to help students evaluate the leisureliness of a specific person.
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Support for Leisure Activities
This handout asks students to decide which types of leisure activities their peers encourage them to participate in.
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Checking Your Leisure Benefits
Students categorize their favorite leisure activities based on the primary benefit they receive from each.
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Cases to Examine: Leisure or Work?
This handout presents two real-life scenarios for which students must read and answer questions.
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Leisure Satisfaction
Students list leisure activities in which they participate before rating the frequency and satisfaction for each.
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Circles of Learning
This handout provides a diagram for students to fill in as they reflect on the impact of friendship and relationships.
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Goals of Formal Education
Students rank eight possible goals of formal education based on their importance or relevance.
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Cases to Examine: Levels of Independence
Students read several scenarios and rank the level of independence demonstrated.
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Personality Perceptions of __________
Students choose adjectives from a list to describe a specific person.
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About Myself
This handout provides a series of questions for students to answer about themselves.
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How Do I Know That I Am Fully Alive?
This handout asks students to rank statements according to their beliefs about what it means to be fully alive.
Video
How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints?
This video from Busted Halo takes a fun spin on answering common questions about being named a saint in the Catholic Church.
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Cases to Examine: Dealing with Conflict
This handout provides three situations for students to read and evaluate. Students must give a suggestion for how to respond to the conflict in each scenario based on the strategies in the book.
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The Ending is Yours
This handout provides the beginning of a story about a teen who is about to break up with his girlfriend. Students are to complete the story following teacher instructions.
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Cases to Examine: Self-respect
This handout provides three situations where teenagers are not fully respecting themselves. Students read the situations and respond with suggestions that demonstrate more self-respect.
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Role-plays: Kindness and Truth
This handout provides two role-play situations for students to practice open, honest communication in a kind, truthful way.
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TV Truth: Keeping a Record
This handout provides a chart to help students keep track of the types of truths and lies portrayed on TV.
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An Inventory on Money Matters
This handout provides a chart to help students keep track of their expenditures during one week
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Perspectives on Sex
This handout provides several comments from teenagers about sex. It can be used as a discussion starter or writing prompt.
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Three Perspectives on Drugs
This handout provides three different comments from teens about their drug and alcohol usage. This can be used as a discussion starter.
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Cases to Examine: What Are We Afraid Of?
Students read several real-life scenarios and explore the many fears, anxieties, and pressures that influence decisions.
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The Plight of the Worlds' Children
This handout provides several statistics and pieces of information about the alarming needs of children in our world.
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Correlation to Curriculum Framework
Correlation to Curriculum Framework Course IV: Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church from The Church: Christ in the World Today.
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The Trinity - 3 in 1
A short video that uses the three forms of water (solid, liquid, gas) to explain the trinity.
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Tradition – Who We Are
A brief explanation of tradition versus Tradition. A short video about how Catholic traditions that have been handed down help God reveal himself to us.
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The Paschal Mystery
A personal reflection on how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension save us from sin and death and bring us to new life in him.
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Asking the Saints and Mary for Prayers
A personal reflection on why Catholics ask the saints and Mary for prayers.
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Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
An easy-to-understand explanation of what Catholics believe about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.
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Jesus’ Unconditional Love
A personal story about turning to Jesus for help and loving others unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us.
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What is Catholic Social Teaching?
A personal story about living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
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Catholicism is Universal
A personal story about discovering how Catholicism is truly universal.
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How the Trinity is Like an Apple Tree
A wonderful analogy on how the Trinity is like an apple tree.
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Life Issues F Summary: Saints as Role Models
A summary and the learning objectives of Life Issues F Summary: Saints as Role Models from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.
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Life Issues A Activity: Saint Augustine: The Reluctant Saint
Read the article on Saint Augustine on page 351 in The Catholic Connections Handbook and then, thoughtfully and reflectively, respond to the following questions.
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Life Issues A Summary: The Ultimate Question: Why Am I Here?
A summary and the learning objectives of Life Issues A Summary: The Ultimate Question: Why Am I Here? from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.
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Chapter 44 Activity: Ask Annie and Andy
Students are asked to answer a series of “Dear Abby” style questions that deal with Internet safety.
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Chapter 44 Summary: Respecting Sexuality
A nice summary of the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, and how God wants us to conduct ourselves in sexual matters.
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Life Issues B Activity: Meeting Jesus: A Guided Meditation
A guided meditation that uses the imagination to spend time with Jesus and understand how he wants us to live.
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Life Issues B Summary: God, Where Are You?
A nice summary of the ways God promises to be with us always.
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Life Issues A Summary: Dealing with Peer Pressure
A good summary on dealing with peer pressure.
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Chapter 25 Activity: People of Faith
Use some or all of these people for the “People of Faith” activity, making sure to include a mix from different time periods. Instruct the participants to research their person of faith by referring to the page numbers in The …
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Chapter 23 Activity: How Much Do You Know about the Church?
The descriptions below relate to the Church, present and past. Write the word or name from the box that matches each description. Some words will be used more than once.
Saint Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)
Saint Joseph Cafasso was born to peasant parents in Castelnuovo d'Asti, which is in the Piedmont region of Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a popular professor of theology at the Institute of Saint Francis. Saint Joseph …
Presentation
Chapter 15
A PowerPoint on The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition Chapter 15, The Last Things.
Saint John Nepomucene (1345-1393)
Saint John Nepomucene was a renowned preacher and a member of the 14th-century Bohemian court of King Wenceslaus IV. While at court, Saint John was a peacemaker and solved many arguments and disagreements. He was also the queen's confessor. When …
Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)
Two of the first people Pope John Paul II beatified in the new millennium were Luigi and Maria (Corsini) Beltrame Quattrocchi. They were an Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered …
Blessed Julian of Norwich (c.1342-1420)
Julian of Norwich was an anchoress (from the Greek word for recluse) who lived a life of solitude and contemplation. Julian stepped away from worldly activity to spend her days contemplating God. As part of her daily life, she lived …
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Characteristics of Apologetics
With your group, read Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Romans. Then answer the following questions.
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Themes in Paul’s Epistles
An artistic presentation of several themes in Paul’s epistles, and the Scripture passages they correspond to.
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How Paul’s Conversion Changed His Life
A worksheet using Scripture passages to show how Saint Paul’s attitude toward Christ and Christians, Gentiles, and his enemies changed after his conversion.
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The Road to Damascus: A Scripted Version of Acts 9:1-22
A scripted version of Saint Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus, found in Acts 9:1-22.
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Worksheet About Paul
On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An Introduction to People of Faith, you will find a crossword puzzle as well as facts and reflections questions on Paul's life and his conversion.
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Interview with Paul
This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy.
Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)
From the time that she was a young child, Saint Catherine Laboure felt called to religious life. However, after her mother passed away, young Catherine was charged with taking care of the household, while her older sister joined a religious …
Saint Junipero Serra (1713-1784)
Junipero Serra was born in Majorca, Spain, in 1713, and was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1737. He spent most of his priestly life as a missionary in Mexico, Texas, and California. During his ministry Father Serra is believed to …
Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1265-1308)
Blessed John Duns Scotus was part of a well-off family of farmers. He is referred to as "Duns Scotus" to specify where he was born--Scotland. He joined the Friars Minor at Dumfries, and began his studies after novitiate. In those …
Saint Columba (521-597)
Tradition tells us that Saint Columba was born in Donegal, Ireland. After completing his studies, Saint Columba was ordained to the priesthood, and devoted a large portion of his life to preaching throughout Ireland and Scotland. At the age of …
Saint Pothinus (87-177)
Saint Pothinus was the bishop of Lyons, France. When he was at the advanced age of 90 years old, he and his Christian companions were detained by an angry mob and brought to the magistrate for trial based on their …
Saint John of Cassian (360-435)
Saint John of Cassian was a monk and religious writer. He befriended and defended Saint John Chrysostom in Rome. After his defense, Saint John of Cassian was ordained to the priesthood and he established several monasteries in Europe. He is …
Saint Anastasia (d.304)
Saint Anastasia was a Roman of noble lineage. Her father was a pagan, but her mother, a Christian, had Saint Anastasia baptized as a baby and secretly raised in the Christian faith. Saint Anastasia married a man named Publius, who …
Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)
When Saint Gregory VII became pope, the corruption of the clergy had become a serious scandal to the faithful of the Church. Pope Gregory VII saw the need for reform, so he dismissed the members of the clergy who had …
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Chapter 37 Activities
Activities for Chapter 37 Praying Together including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
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Living in a Material World
A worksheet where students are asked to rank items on their necessity for living a happy life.
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Aquinas’s Five Proofs for the Existence of God
The Summa Theologica is a famous work written by Saint Thomas Aquinas between AD 1265 and 1274. It is divided into three main parts and presents reasoning for almost all core Christian beliefs. The Summa Theologica is well known for …
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What Do Sisters Do?
An article that discusses the roles and responsibilities of religious sisters.
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Litany Promises Promises
Rev. John P. Mack Jr. discusses the rite of ordination, including the litany and the promise to obedience that priests make. He also talks about the challenges that priests face, and questions that he is often asked by high school …
Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon (d.1940)
The Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon were seven Roman Catholics who were martyred in the village of Songkhon in northern Thailand. They were executed in December of 1940, in the midst of the Franco-Thai War, after being falsely accused of …
498 Spanish Martyrs (d.1934; d.1936; d.1937)
The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and raged on until 1939. It was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, who opposed the Republicans and their persecution of Catholics. This period of …
Saints of the Cristero War (1926-1929)
The Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, was a rebellion against the anti-Catholic government in Mexico. This oppressive government was set on breaking down the Catholic faith of its people. Catholic institutions were shut down, foreign clergy …
Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek (d.1943)
The Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek are comprised of a group of Roman Catholic nuns from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. These nuns were an important part of the town of Nowogrodek. During the oppressive occupation of Poland …
Saint Theophane Venard (1829-1861)
Saint Theophane Venard was brought up in a devout family. He was ordained to the priesthood and followed God's call to become a missionary to southeast Asia. Saint Theophane spent several months ministering to the faithful in Hong Kong, then …
Video
Early Church Fathers: Saint John Chrysostom
A short video on the life and works of the early Church father, Saint John Chrysostom.
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
A short video on the life and works of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint.
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Matthew Leonard on Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Matthew Leonard comments on the life and works of Saint Ignatius of Antioch.
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Saint Athanasius
A short video on Saint Athanasius' special love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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30th Anniversary of John Paul II’s Assassination Attempt
A video explaining the assassination attempt on Pope Saint John Paul II's life.
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What’s in the Name ‘Francis’?
A video on Saint Francis of Assisi, and why Pope Francis chose his name.
Saint Pachomius (292-348)
Saint Pachomius joined the army when he was a young man. His unit was stationed in Thebes, Egypt. The Christians at Thebes showed the soldiers such great kindness that Saint Pachomius was inspired to convert to Christianity. After joining the …
Saint Marianne Cope (1838-1918)
Saint Marianne Cope was born in Germany, but emigrated to the United States when she was a young child. Her family settled in Utica, New York. When her father became too ill to work, Saint Marianne went to work in …
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque lost her father at the tender age of eight years old. After his death, she was sent to the Poor Clares School. During this time, Saint Margaret Mary was afflicted with rheumatic fever and became confined …
Venerable Catherine McAuley (1778-1841)
Venerable Catherine McAuley was born to devout Catholic parents in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents lived out their faith by ministering to the needs of the poor. Sadly, Catherine's parents passed away, and she was sent to live with relatives. Catherine's …
Saint John Houghton (1486-1535)
Saint John Houghton graduated from the University of Cambridge with degrees in both civil law and canon law. He served as a parish priest for several years and then felt the call to become a Carthusian monk. Saint John became …
Saint Caesaria the Younger (c.465-c.530)
Saint Caesaria the Younger established a convent in 512, and served as its first abbess. Her convent became very popular, especially with women who had been widowed. Saint Caesaria's house soon expanded to include hundreds of sisters. She and her …
Saint Fulgence of Ruspe (c.465-533)
Saint Fulgence of Ruspe was a high-ranking Roman who was born in North Africa. He felt called to become a monk, even though his widowed mother opposed his decision. Saint Fulgence became abbot of his monastery, but had to flee …
Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c.330-c.395)
Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a member of a very holy family. His grandmother was Saint Macrina the Elder, his parents were Saint Basil and Saint Emmilia, his older brother was Saint Basil the Great, and his sister was Saint …
Saint Clement of Rome (d.101)
Saint Clement of Rome was a convert who was brought into the Christian faith by either Saint Peter or Saint Paul. He was selected to serve as bishop of Rome. Saint Clement penned a letter, known as Clement's First Epistle …
Saint Gianna Molla (1922-1962)
Saint Gianna Molla was born into a very devout family. She became involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and received degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia. Gianna opened a clinic where she specialized in …
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus was a friend of Saint Basil the Great, and accepted his invitation to join him in monastic life at Basil's newly founded desert monastery. Saint Gregory enjoyed a life of prayerful solitude at the monastery, but …
Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792 - 1878)
Blessed Pope Pius IX was born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti. He was an intelligent and reverent young man who was afflicted with epilepsy. Giovanni attended Piarist College in Volterra, Italy, and then continued his studies in Rome. He wished to join …
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Blessed John Henry Newman spent the first half of his life as an Anglican. He was an important member of the Oxford Movement, which highlighted the Church's debt to the early Church Fathers, and opposed the complete subjectivity of the …
Saints Cyril and Methodius (d.869; d.884)
Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers. They were raised in Thessalonica by a well-known Christian family. Because numerous Slavic peoples inhabited Thessalonica, Cyril and Methodius knew the Slavic language. The brothers joined the same monastery, but were summoned to become …
Saint Simeon of Thessalonica (d.1429)
Saint Simeon of Thessalonica is well known for his liturgical writings. His most famous work is "Against All Heresies." This tome is made up of two treatises: one regarding doctrine and another on the liturgy and Sacraments. We celebrate Saint …
Pope Saint John Paul II (1920-2005)
Saint John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland. His mother, father, and older brother passed away before he turned 21. Karol attended Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, but had to abandon his studies when World War II …
Saints Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, Archangels
Angels are God’s messengers. They appear often in the Bible, but only these three are named. Gabriel is the most well-known, as he is the messenger who asks Mary, the young Jewish girl, to bear the Messiah. In the Scriptures …
Saint Benedict the Moor (1524-1589)
Saint Benedict was not a Moor; his name comes from the Italian phrase "il Moro," or "the Black One." He was granted freedom from slavery at the age of 18. Even though he was free, he continued to work for …
Saint Melito of Sardis (d.180)
Saint Melito of Sardis was a second-century exegete and apologist. He acted as bishop of Sardis, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Little is known of Saint Melito's life, but fragments of his ecclesiastical writings remain. …
Saint Clement of Alexandria (150-215)
Saint Clement of Alexandria taught at the famed Catechetical School of Alexandria. One of his students was the famous theologian and teacher, Origen. Saint Clement preached that Christians must live moral lives to attain perfection and, ultimately, God. He also …
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)
Kateri Tekakwitha, born in present-day Auriesville, New York, to a Christian Algonquin mother and a non-Christian Mohawk chief, was the first Native American to be canonized. When she was four, smallpox killed her parents and younger brother and left her …
Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897-1980)
If changing the world seems impossible, get to know Dorothy Day. She was your age about a century ago, but her legacy of compassion lives on today. An earthquake rocked Dorothy’s family in 1906, and they moved to Chicago’s slums. …
Saint Elizabeth (1st century)
Most everything we know about Saint Elizabeth comes from the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. In it, Elizabeth is married to Zechariah, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem. She is also the cousin of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. One …
Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)
He was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Italy. Later he became known as "Good Pope John." During his lifetime, the world experienced two World Wars, the rise of communism, and the Holocaust. In the Church, there was fear of the …
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
Saint Mother Teresa was a woman of great faith. She was born Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia. At age 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and took the name Teresa in honor of Saint Thérèse of …
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Ignatius of Loyola was the youngest of 11 children of a noble family in Spain. As a young adult, his goal in life was to achieve fame and fortune. At the age of 30, he was seriously injured in a …
Saint Peter Chrysologus (d.450)
Born during the early fifth century, Saint Peter Chrysologus was appointed Bishop of Ravenna, a diocese located in northern Italy. As a young priest, Saint Peter Chrysologus quickly noticed that many of his parishioners unwittingly adhered to remnants of their …
Saint Martha (1st century)
The story of Saint Martha, and her profound friendship with Jesus and trust in his power, is found in the Gospels. Martha is first mentioned as the busy and frustrated hostess of Jesus and his followers. Poor Martha. She was …
