Church History
119 results
Video
Jesus the Lord, by Roc O’Connor and the Saint Louis Jesuits
The song/video "Jesus the Lord,” by Roc O’Connor and the Saint Louis Jesuits," available on YouTube (6:24) with lyrics, is best used on day 4.
Document
Chapter J: Major Events in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Students order important events from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Document
Chapter F: Church Father Unscramble
Unscramble the names of the Church Fathers below. Then, under each unscrambled name, write one important contribution that the Church Father made to the Church.
Video
Pope Francis Joins Religious Leaders of Different Faiths, in Fight against Modern Slavery
The video "Pope Francis Joins Religious Leaders of Different Faiths, in Fight against Modern Slavery," by Rome Reports, available on YouTube (3:07), shows people of faith working together to eliminate one of the world’s greatest evils, slavery. It is best …
Video
Pope Francis in Action
The video "Pope Francis in Action," by Catholic News Service, available on YouTube (1:26), features the Pope at World Youth Day 2013. It is best used on day 3 or day 4.
Video
Pope Francis Speaks
The video "Pope Francis Speaks," by Catholic News Service, available on YouTube (9:27), is a video of the Pope’s remarks from the balcony of Saint Peter’s on the night of his election. It is best used on day 3.
Video
Pope Paul VI—The Pilgrim Pope
The video "Pope Paul VI—The Pilgrim Pope," by Salt and Light, available on YouTube (2:37), chronicles Pope Paul VI’s role in the Second Vatican Council, increasing Christian unity—including lifting the excommunication of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch—and bringing the Good News …
Video
Vaticanum Secundum (Opening of the Second Vatican Council)
The video "Vaticanum Secundum (Opening of the Second Vatican Council)," by Caeremoniale Romanum, available on YouTube (3:33), is the opening ceremony of Vatican Council II. The first of three videos. In Italian (no subtitles), but the pictures are worth a …
Video
The Catholic Church during World War II
The video "The Catholic Church during World War II," by heptagonofnerds, available on YouTube (2:47), is done by a teen and addresses the issue of the Catholic Church and the Jews. It presents realistically what Pope Pius XII and the …
Video
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
Turning Points in History—The Reformation
The video "Turning Points in History—The Reformation," available on YouTube (2:28), is a good presentation of the conflict between Martin Luther and the Catholic Church. It is best used on day 2.
Video
Crusades
In the video "Crusades," by Mr. Corwin, available on YouTube (9:35), a middle-school history teacher explains it all, with good visuals. It is appropriate for use on day 3.
Video
Fall of the Roman Empire
The video "Fall of the Roman Empire," available on YouTube (12:44), is an entertaining crash course in Roman history. Two segments show the differences between the Eastern and Western Empires (begin at 5:06) and the Eastern and Western Churches (begin …
Video
The Nicene Creed in Original Greek
The video "The Nicene Creed in Original Greek," proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI and the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, is available on YouTube (2:28) with excellent photos of the two prelates, art, and icons. 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.
Video
Jesus Urging His Disciples to Stay Awake
The video "Jesus Urging His Disciples to Stay Awake," by Turnback to God, available on YouTube (5:32), is an animated account of Jesus at prayer in Gethsemane (an amalgamation of Gospel accounts). It is best used on day 4.
Video
Burning in My Soul
The song/video "Burning in My Soul," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (3:45), provides a nice connection to Pentecost and the modern listener and is appropriate for use on day 4.
Video
Forever (Live)
The song/video "Forever (Live)," by Kari Jobe, available on YouTube (6:50) with lyrics, is a good opening prayer for day 4. The video can be shortened to 4:38.
Video
Resurrection Cartoon
The video "Resurrection Cartoon," available on YouTube (3:05), offers a fun portrayal of the Resurrection and is appropriate for use on day 1.
Video
Mary's Role in the Catholic Church
The video "Mary’s Role in the Catholic Church," available on YouTube (3:52), is used in the "She Is Your Mother" activity on day 2.
Video
Mary, Did You Know? (The Bible)
The song/video "Mary, Did You Know? (The Bible)," by CeeLo Green, available on YouTube (4:12), incorporates video about the life of Mary and Jesus and is also appropriate for day 1.
Video
Mary, Did You Know?
The song/video "Mary, Did You Know?" by Pentatonix, available on YouTube (3:24) with lyrics, is an a cappella rendition that is appropriate for day 1.
Video
Mary in 2 Minutes
The video "Mary in 2 Minutes," available on YouTube (2:43), addresses many important questions regarding Mary to support day 1 activities.
Video
The Day of the Dead
The video "The Day of the Dead," available on YouTube (3:49), offers a good overview of the Mexican celebration for the "Day of the Dead" activity on day 4.
Video
Christ Is Risen
The song/video "Christ Is Risen," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (4:55) with lyrics, can be used for prayer on day 1.
Video
I Will Rise
The song/video "I Will Rise," by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (5:02) with lyrics, is good for prayer any day this week.
Video
How Can Jesus Be Both God and Human?
The video "How Can Jesus Be Both God and Human?" available on YouTube (2:42). This short video by Bishop Robert Barron explains the two natures of Jesus and some of the false teachings that the early Christian communities were battling. …
Video
Fully Human, Fully God
The video "Fully Human, Fully God," by The Skit Guys, available on YouTube (14:37), is used for the "True God and True Man" activity on day 3. Cue to 12:00 for the pertinent 2:37 segment.
Video
Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes
The video "Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes," available on YouTube (2:08), is used for the "Happy Are You!" activity on day 2. The first 1:15 is sufficient.
Video
Blest Are They—The Beatitudes
The song/video "Blest Are They—The Beatitudes," available on YouTube (8:19), is used for the Engage activity on day 2. The segment between 6:01 and 6:50 focuses on the lesson’s topic of persecution. The first 6:50 is worth showing for context …
Video
The Monastic Life, an Opportunity for the Church
The video "The Monastic Life, an Opportunity for the Church," available on YouTube (2:55), provides background material on monastic life for day 3.
Video
Vocation Testimonial
A simple search of "vocation stories" on YouTube provides many possibilities. Preselect two or three videos based on your time limitations, student familiarity with certain orders, and potential interest. "The Story of a Voca-tion," posted by OrderofPreachers (3:33), and "Vocation …
Video
Go Make a Difference
The song/video "Go Make a Difference Lyrics," by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek, available on YouTube (3:03), can serve as opening prayer any day.
Video
Hands and Feet
The song/video "Hands and Feet," by Audio Adrenaline, available on YouTube (4:04) with lyrics, enhances the Pray It! activity at the start of day 2.
Video
Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)—The Nativity Story
The song/video "Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)—The Nativity Story," by Amy Grant, available on YouTube (5:20), tells of the calling of Mary to bring Christ into the world. A video with scenes from the movie The Nativity Story illustrates the …
Video
Big House
The song/video "Big House," by Audio Adrenaline, available on YouTube (3:29) with lyrics, offers an alternate, more upbeat opening prayer for any day.
Video
One Spirit, One Church
The song/video "One Spirit, One Church," by Kevin Keil and Maryanne Quinlivan, available on YouTube (3:56), offers a good opening prayer for any day this week.
Video
1 Timothy 4:12— Seeds Family Worship—'Young'
The song/video "1 Timothy 4:12—Seeds Family Worship—‘Young,’" available on YouTube (2:05), is used for the "Be an Example" activity on day 4. The first 1:00 is sufficient.
Video
Heaven in the Real World
The song/video "Heaven in the Real World," by Steven Curtis Chapman, available on YouTube (4:20), is used for the "Gear Up" activity on day 3.
Video
Veggietales "Madame Blueberry"
The video "Veggie Tales Madame Blueberry," available on YouTube (1:27), is used for the Engage activity on day 2. Consider starting at the 0:24 mark.
Video
C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith—What are the Marks of the Church?
The video "C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith—What Are the Marks of the Church?" is available on YouTube (3:32), and is used for the "On Your Marks" activity on day 1.
Video
Run the Race
The song/video "Run the Race," by Paul Taylor Smith, available on YouTube (4:28), can be used for prayer any day and also complements the "Go the Distance" activity on day 4.
Video
Pope to Youth: 'Forget about false idols. Only God offers true hope'
The video "Pope to Youth: ‘Forget about false idols. Only God offers true hope,’" available on YouTube (3:10), is used for the "Think Positive!" activity on day 4. The pertinent quotes begin at the 0:56 mark.
Video
Trip Lee—Reflections on Romans 8
The video "Trip Lee—Reflections on Romans 8," available on YouTube (2:59), is used for the "Clear the Way" activity on day 4.
Video
Gospel Music by Shai Linne, 116 Clique (Romans)
The song/video "Gospel Music by Shai Linne, 116 Clique (Romans)," available on YouTube (4:55), is used for the “Clear the Way” activity on day 4. Though the video is 4:55, the song concludes at the 4:11 mark. It is helpful …
Video
Acts 15 The Council of Jerusalem
The video "Acts 15 The Council of Jerusalem," available on YouTube (3:52), is used for the "Paul Is Appalled" activity on day 2.
Video
Inculturation: The Case of Matteo Ricci
The Catholic News Service video "Inculturation: The Case of Matteo Ricci," available on YouTube (2:21), provides a clear, concise explanation of enculturation for the chapter project.
Video
World Peace Prayer
The song/video "World Peace Prayer," by Marty Haugen, available on YouTube (4:06), provides a hopeful litany that complements the "Opposites" activity on day 4.
Video
Matthew 1:1–16: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
The video "Matthew 1:1–16: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ," available on YouTube (2:19), is an animation of the lineage of Jesus that shows his connection to the tribe of Judah (see 0:18). It is used on day 3.
Video
Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church
The song "Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church," by Judith Gayle and Shamar Barrett, available on YouTube (4:33), makes a personal statement about faith in a Caribbean style. It is best used on day 4.
Document
The Mission of the Church
Jesus has just risen from the tomb. Although you and all the other Christians are overjoyed, you now have to decide what to do. You are one of the followers who has been with Jesus for more than two years. …
Document
Revelation, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition
Using the information in chapter 1 of The Catholic Connections Handbook, find the word or words described in the clues below. Fill in the blank spaces below each clue. Then, use the letters from the numbered spaces to fill in …
Video
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.
Document
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.
Video
The Gift of Catholic Education: A Treasure to Inherit
A personal story about Catholic education.
Video
Unity Under Christ
A personal story about being open in sharing our faith and receiving the faith of others.
Video
Find the Source of Salvation
A personal story about the mission of the Church to share the good news of salvation with others.
Document
Developments after the Second Vatican Council
A list of developments made after the Second Vatican Council that can be cut out.
Document
Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7
The final performance task options for Unit 7 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The options include creating a children’s book about the Catholic Church in the United States, or creating a PowerPoint presentation about the Catholic Church in …
Document
Chapter 15 Activities
Activities for Chapter 15 The Last Things, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Chapter 14 Activities
Activities for Chapter 14 The Organization of the Catholic Church, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Chapter 13 Activities
Activities for Chapter 13 The Mission of the Catholic Church, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Chapter 4 Activities
Activities for Chapter 4 Faith, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Chapter 2 Activities
Activities for Chapter 2 Knowing God: Reason and Revelation, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Chapter 1 Activities
Activities for Chapter 1: Being Catholic, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.
Document
Handout: Scripture in the Mass
Find the biblical passages assigned to you, and then write on the line the words from the Mass that refer to or echo the passage.
Document
Catholic / catholic
A worksheet that visually explores the differences between Catholic and catholic.
Video
30th Anniversary of John Paul II’s Assassination Attempt
A video explaining the assassination attempt on Pope Saint John Paul II's life.
Video
What About the Bad Popes?
A short video on how the Church is good, even though there have been bad popes.
Video
Leading with Humility: Pope Francis Blesses a Man with a Disability
A video clip of Pope Francis stopping to bless a man with a disability.
Video
Jesus and Mary Compared to Adam and Eve
A brief clip on the similarities and differences between Adam and Eve, and Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Video
Does Excommunication Condemn Someone to Hell?
A brief discussion on if excommunication condemns someone to Hell.
Video
Can Non-Catholic Christians Receive Communion in the Catholic Church?
A short discussion on if non-Catholic Christians can receive Communion in the Catholic Church.
Video
Did the Emperor Constantine Found the Catholic Church?
A short video segment on the early Church, and Emperor Constantine's role in it.
Document
Researching the Role of the Magisterium
Several strips of paper that may come in handy when researching the role of the Magisterium.
Document
Where Does the Church Say…?
A chart outlining different types of Church documents, the author and audience of each particular document, and what’s in each document.
Document
Who? What? When? Where? How? in the Local Diocese
An activity where students are asked to locate information about their local diocese.
Document
My Charisms
A worksheet where students are asked about ordinary charisms and religious charisms.
Document
Gifts of Holy Spirit
A worksheet where students are asked to explain each of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and then compose a short essay on instances where the gifts helped them out in difficult situations.
Document
Marks of the Church
A chart that students are asked to fill in with at least two examples of ways the Church models the four marks of the Church, and at least two examples of ways they model the four marks of the Church.
Document
Five Models of the Church
An activity where students are given a chart containing the meanings, strengths, and limitations of each of the five models of the Church and asked to answer related questions.
Document
The Two Pentecosts
A chart used to draw parallels between the feasts of Shavuot and Christian Pentecost.
Video
Mysteries: Celibacy
A documentary discussing the historical/theological precedents for celibacy.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: SEMINARY
Explains how priests were formed in the early stages of Christianity.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: APOCALYPSE
An explanation of the apocalypse as discussed in the book of Revelation.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: Jesus' Arrest & Trial
A documentary explaining the events surrounding Jesus' arrest and trial.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: The Early Evangelists
A documentary discussing the early church, its members, and the means by which it expanded. Note: Viewing begins at 1:10.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: Women in the Church
A documentary discussing the integral and often contentious role of women, past and present, in the Catholic Church. Note: Viewing begins at 1:01.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: The Crusades
A documentary chronicling the events of the Crusades and their lasting impact.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: Christianity and Science
A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the unexpectedly amicable relationship between science and Christianity.
Video
Mysteries of the Church: Christian Denominations
A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the history of the development of many Christian denominations.
Document
Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for assessing students who have recently learned about the Church, especially the birth of the Church at Pentecost.
Link
The List of Popes
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
Document
Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery, especially the birth of the Church at Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the …
Document
The Development of Catholic Trinitarian Theology
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can fill in the blanks to learn or review key concepts about the development of Trinitarian theology.
Document
Vocabulary Review
This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it to review key theological terms.
Video
Why is the Mass Changing?
The Mass Is Changing...How? Why? And what does it all mean for you? Catholic Answers Senior Apologist Jimmy Akin explains why the Church has decided to issue a new translation of the Roman Missal.
Video
Early Church Fathers
This video presents an explanation of who the Early Church Fathers were and what they did for the Church.
Article
A Christmas Legend: The Birth of Jesus and Gift Giving
Session Overview: This 2-hour session is designed to use role-playing skills for a presentation to an audience. Scripture: This session is based on Luke 2:1-20. Read the Scripture passage to the young people after the role-play, "Christmas Legend," has been …