Church History
134 results
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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 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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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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Around the World in More Than Eighty Days
Let’s take a glance around the globe to see some of the missionary efforts that began during the Fifteenth through Seventeenth centuries.
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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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The East-West Split
Looking back over the first 1500 years of Church history, the picture is not one of perfect harmony. Political conflicts, religious controversies, invasions, and condemnations created sometimes occasional, sometimes lasting rifts. For the Eastern Church and the Latin Church, the …
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The Divinity of Jesus: An Early Christian Debate
A reading about the early Christian debate over the divinity of Jesus.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.