Church History
161 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.
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Chapter J: Major Events in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
Students order important events from the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Chapter I: Tough Questions
The worksheet poses several questions that ask students to reflect on how they would have stood up for their faith during the French and American Revolution.
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Chapter E: Early Christians Plant the Seeds
On this worksheet, students solve clues to list the names of important early Christians. These answers are then used to decode a secret message.
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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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 …
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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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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.
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Exercise Your Catechism
This handout guides students as they become familiar with searching for information in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
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The Spirit in Multiple Acts
Students look up and read several passages that the Holy Spirit. The worksheet asks students to summarize each passage and describe the role of the Holy Spirit in spreading the Good News.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. …
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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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.
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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.
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She Is Your Mother
As students complete this worksheet, they will explore what it means when we say that Mary is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church.
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Cana Connections
Students match symbols from Jesus’ first miracle the wedding feast in Cana with their meaning and significance.
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Gospel Comparisons
On this worksheet, students read all four Gospel accounts of the resurrection before identifying similarities and differences between them.
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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.
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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.
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From the Apostles to Us
Students create a storyboard to show how God is revealed in Sacred Tradition.
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The Development of Catholic Trinitarian Theology
This worksheet has students fill in blanks from Chapter 2, Section 6-8, focusing on the faith changes during the early Church centered on the Trinity.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 14
A lesson plan for lesson 14 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 13
A lesson plan for lesson 13 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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A Healthy Approach to Life
It may be easy to think of church councils as having very little to do with our personal life. Yet the themes of Vatican Council II—change and renewal—are ones that we are called to live out for the rest of …
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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 Gift of Catholic Education: A Treasure to Inherit
A personal story about Catholic education.
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Unity Under Christ
A personal story about being open in sharing our faith and receiving the faith of others.
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Find the Source of Salvation
A personal story about the mission of the Church to share the good news of salvation with others.
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Reading Reflection: Pope John Paul II's 1992 Address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
In your group, read the excerpt from Pope Saint John Paul II’s 1992 Address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Work in your group to answer the questions about your assigned paragraph. Then complete the questions about the remaining paragraphs …
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Read and Reflect: A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indians
Complete this handout as you read the excerpt from Bartolomé de las Casas’s A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indians. Use a separate sheet of paper as needed.
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Film Reflection: The Mission
Complete this handout as you view the film The Mission (1986, 125 minutes, rated A-III and PG).
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Explorers, Conquistadors, and Missionaries Mind Map
Complete this mind map as you listen to the presentations of your classmates. Attach lines and boxes to each topic to add notes.
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Examining the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification
Answer the following questions as a group.
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Reflecting on Luther's Theses
Read these five excerpts from Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses. Then answer the reflection questions. Use a separate sheet of paper if you need more room.
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Reviewing Martin Luther's Complaint and the Church's Response
Use this handout to take notes from the in-class presentation on article 28, “Luther’s Complaint,” in the student book.
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Dialogue with Others
Excerpts from the address of Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the John Paul II center in Washington D.C.
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The Council of Trent
An article about The Council of Trent, excerpted from The Catholic Church: A Brief Popular History, by Cynthia Stewart.
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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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The Development of the New Testament
Use a separate sheet of paper to answer the following questions. Each group member must turn in an answer sheet.
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Handout: The Precepts of the Church
The Precepts of the Church direct us to participate in the sacramental life of the Church so that we might be nourished for living a moral life. Following are the Precepts of the Church as designated by the Catholic bishops …
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The Precepts of the Church
The Precepts of the Church are rooted in Scripture and Tradition. Do your best to locate Old and New Testament passages (in the Old Law and the New Law) that support each of the following precepts.
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Ritual Postures and Gestures
The different postures and gestures that take place during Mass.
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We'd Like to Know: Possible Questions While Visiting Other Churches
In your visit to a different Christian Church, be prepared to ask the church’s representative some thoughtful questions about what they believe, their mission, and their worship. Here are some questions to start with. You might also think of other …
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Marks of the Church
Write at least two examples of ways that the Church and you model the four Marks of the Church.
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One of Us
Answer the following questions with your group that are related to the questions asked in the song “One of Us”. Your instructor will lead you through Part II. Use the following questions as prompts for taking notes in your notebook.
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Covenant Hope
All of the Scripture passages used in this exercise are taken from the list in your student book (pages 81–82). These Scripture passages concern covenants or promises that provide an image of hope in a future messiah. As you answer …
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Created in God’s Image
You will be guided through this handout, taking notes and answering questions as directed in your class.
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Faith: Some Important Connections
In silence, answer all but the last question by yourself. The last question will be answered in small groups.
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Core Beliefs Practices and Attitudes of the Catholic Faith
Each statement below is a core belief of the Catholic faith. Choose a symbol (“I get it,” “I’m unsure,” or “I don’t get it”) that best reflects your understanding of each belief. Then briefly explain what you might know about …
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Letters in Paul's Day
An article that discusses the format of Paul’s letters and how they are different from letters today.
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The Patriarch Family Tree
A fill in the blank family tree of several generations of people in the Old Testament.
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Measuring Up David and Goliath
A worksheet where students fill in a chart using the story of David and Goliath as well as answering questions.
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All about Aaron
A matching worksheet about items and people that relate to Aaron in the Old Testament.
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Ignatian Discernment of Spirits
An article that breaks down the differences between good and evil spirits.
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Secular Institutes
A worksheet completed in groups about the history, role, and characteristics of secular institutes.
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Inspirations and Charisms Worksheet
A partially independent and partially group completed worksheet for students to fill out about the inspirations and charisms of a particular religious congregation or order.
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What Do Sisters Do?
An article that discusses the roles and responsibilities of religious sisters.
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“To Brother”: A Personal Story
An article written by Br. Armand Alcazar FSC, who discusses his view of his vocation as a verb, “to brother”, or “brothering” in teaching and community life.
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A Conversation about the Future of Priestly Ministry
A worksheet with questions about the future of priestly ministry.
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The Effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
A worksheet completed in groups about the effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders from both the book and the student’s personal knowledge.
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Understanding Christ the High Priest
A worksheet to help students understand Christ’s identity as the ultimate High Priest through examining scripture passages.
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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 About the Bad Popes?
A short video on how the Church is good, even though there have been bad popes.
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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.
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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.
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Does Excommunication Condemn Someone to Hell?
A brief discussion on if excommunication condemns someone to Hell.
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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.
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Did the Emperor Constantine Found the Catholic Church?
A short video segment on the early Church, and Emperor Constantine's role in it.
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Christian Persecutions in the Roman Empire
An article on the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
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Why the Second Vatican Council Really Is That Important
An article on the importance of the Second Vatican Council.
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Events at the Second Vatican Council
An article on the events that took place at the Second Vatican Council.
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Mysteries: Celibacy
A documentary discussing the historical/theological precedents for celibacy.
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Mysteries of the Church: SEMINARY
Explains how priests were formed in the early stages of Christianity.
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Mysteries of the Church: APOCALYPSE
An explanation of the apocalypse as discussed in the book of Revelation.
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Mysteries of the Church: Jesus' Arrest & Trial
A documentary explaining the events surrounding Jesus' arrest and trial.
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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.
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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.
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Mysteries of the Church: The Crusades
A documentary chronicling the events of the Crusades and their lasting impact.
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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.
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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.
Link
The List of Popes
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
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Political and Religious Structure in Jesus' Time
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the political and religious structures and influences at work in Jesus' time.
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The Apostles
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Apostles and followers of Jesus who are known in Scripture, including Peter and Mary Magdalene, among others.
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Canons and Their Development
This article discusses the development of the Old and New Testament Canons and provides charts which compare and contrast different Christian or Jewish canons.
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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.
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Early Church Fathers
This video presents an explanation of who the Early Church Fathers were and what they did for the Church.
Article
Who Does the Movie Say Killed Jesus?
Much of the controversy about The Passion of the Christ centers around one question: Who killed Jesus? The Anti-Defamation League feels the movie lays the blame at the feet of the Jews. Mel Gibson, the movie's director, producer and cowriter, …
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope
What is the pope? The pope is the bishop of the Church of Rome, Italy. Because of the importance of Rome, Tradition recognizes the pope as the supreme pastor of all Christians. Why is the Church of Rome so important? …
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Until a "lack of discretion" do us part
Ever since the church got involved in the wedding ceremony, relatively late in Christian history, it has stood by its main belief about a marriage. Its the consent of the couple that binds. SEVENTH IN A 10-PART SERIES ON CHURCH …
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In the Name of the Father
Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is a Catholic. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history, for example: movie …
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Fighting Catholic Amnesia
I was a high school junior before I learned that the Catholic faith was something more than Mass, folk songs and the Bible. Father Corry turned me on to Church history in his religion class. He showed me how our …
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The Church and the Bible: A New Understanding
The Catholic Church's attitude toward biblical study has undergone a sea of change in recent times. A world-renowned Scripture scholar explains why and how. Very often when older Catholics hear at Mass a presentation about the Bible they are puzzled. …
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Saint Jerome: The Perils of a Bible Translator
“WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?” This is the question that people who teach biblical studies hear more than any other. A bewildering abundance of alternatives is available to those who want to begin reading the Bible. This …
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Six Ways to be Truly Catholic
I always thought that I would have made a great archbishop in Salzburg during the time of Mozart. But instead I'm the archbishop of Milwaukee in the time of rock 'n' roll. That's the way life turns out. We live …
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The Church
Central Characteristics of Roman Catholicism Catholicism is a remarkably rich religion, characterized by a complex tapestry of beliefs, practices, values, rituals, traditions, and more. When viewed from the outsidethat is, by those who do not share its communal lifeCatholicism is …
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Using Literature in Theology Classes
Editor's note: The author of our feature article, Kathleen Hodapp, was one of the participants in last summer's workshop "The Catholic High School As Faith Community," held here in Winona, Minnesota, as well as on the East Coast and the …
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The Quincentenary
As we are all aware, 1992 marks the quincentenary of Christopher Columbus's landing in the West Indiesthus, the "discovery" of America. For religious educators, this anniversary offers an opportunity to examine the injustices done to Native Americans by the colonizers …
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Teaching Church History
In teaching church history, I have used, with some degree of success, the approach of showing links between the events and issues of the past and the concerns the church is facing today and will be facing in the future. …
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Expect Much, Praise Much, Be Present to Them
Course materials, such as the high school religion textbooks and teacher's manuals published by Saint Mary's Press, are a significant ingredient in the education of our young people. But we all know that the most important factor in a student's …
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Curriculum Offerings of Theology Departments
For a couple of years, Saint Marys Press sponsored a listserv discussion group online. Discussions on a variety of topics were pursued via e-mail. In this section of the web site, I summarize some of the highlights from these old …