Average Joe Catholic

The only Youth Ministry resource you will ever need

2011-04-11T13:27:00.004-04:00

Take all of your current Youth Ministry books and recycle them. YOUCAT is now available.

Alright, I admit I am being a tad hyperbolic, but not by much.

YOUCAT (which is short for YOUth CATechism) has been created by the very same people who brought us the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). In other words, it is not just another Youth Ministry book.

Published in the U.S. by Ignatius Press, this softcover book is uniquely, and sturdily bound in such a way that it impresses upon the recipient both its importance and usability. It is organized around the same four pillars as the CCC, and it utilizes the same Q & A format as the Compendium of the CCC.

This offering definitely fills a need, though. It is geared towards youth, which comes across in the attractive layout and readable language. Ignatius Press has posted sample pages of YOUCAT to give you an idea of what it looks like.

If you are looking for a Confirmation gift or graduation gift to get the Catholic teen (or tween) in your life, this is the one to get.

New home for Catechesis of the Popes website

2010-09-14T07:58:00.002-04:00

Today, I launched a new site for Catechesis of the Popes. Here is an excerpt from the Welcome post:

I have decided to utilize the capabilities of WordPress to create a more visually pleasing site, in addition to making the content even more accessible. The content from the old site is still here, but the tabs above make it easier to navigate between
sections.

I have divided the site into two principle categories: Major Catechetical Themes and Other Themes. The “Major Catechetical Themes” are the 13 major series of catecheses given by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI from 1979 to the present. The “Other Themes” are more informal arrangements of various audiences around a particular theme of interest. These other themes are the result of my own organization and should not be construed as any sort of official Church listing. They are given solely for the benefit of those who seek to delve more deeply into a given topic of study.

As this site is also fully blog-ready, I can post the latest updates on the General Audiences as they are given. I hope this will be a beneficial addition.
(read more)

Average Joe Catholic Search Engine

2010-01-11T14:37:00.002-05:00

I recently put together a handy customized Google-powered search engine. I added several of the websites from my links column (and hope to keep adding more).

I have already found it quite useful in searching for answers to Catholic questions. Certain words and phrases have much different meanings in a Catholic context, which can sometimes make it frustrating using the larger Google.

Here it is in all its glory!

And here is the link to its' own special Google page:

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=015178979573262285415%3Aqoqqvb9rdni

Ignatius Critical Editions of the Classics of Literature

2009-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is awesome news for Catholics who love literature!

Ignatius Press is working with Joseph Pearce to produce the Ignatius Critical Editions series. These are critical editions of the classics of literature that approach them from a traditional moral vantage point, rather than the modernist, feminist, deconstructionist view which dominates academia today. They even have corresponding study guides to help teach from these editions!

Here's what Ignatius Press says about the series:

The Ignatius Critical Editions represent a tradition-oriented alternative to popular textbook series such as the Norton Critical Editions or Oxford World Classics, and are designed to concentrate on traditional readings of the Classics of world literature. While many modern critical editions have succumbed to the fads of modernism and postmodernism, this series will concentrate on tradition-oriented criticism of these great works.

Edited by acclaimed literary biographer Joseph Pearce, the Ignatius Critical Editions will ensure that traditional moral readings of the works are given prominence, instead of the feminist or deconstructionist readings that often proliferate in other series of 'critical editions'. As such, they represent a genuine extension of consumer choice, enabling educators, students, and lovers of good literature to buy editions of classic literary works without having to 'buy into' the ideologies of secular fundamentalism.

The series is ideal for anyone wishing to understand the great works of Western civilization, enabling the modern reader to enjoy these classics in the company of some of the finest literature professors alive today.

There are half a dozen titles out already, with many more on the way. Here's what they have so far:

Hamlet - William Shakespeare
King Lear - William Shakespeare
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë
Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

Here are the titles listed as "Coming Soon":

The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
Merchant of Venice - William Shakespeare
Macbeth - William Shakespeare
The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer
Metaphysical Poets - Donne, Crashaw, Herbert, Marvell, etc.
Uncle Tom's Cabin - Harriet Beecher Stowe
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift
Romantic Poets - Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Byron, Shelley, etc.

Thank you Ignatius Press! It's time to take the world of literary interpretation back from those who have led it down a dark, dismal path for so long.

The Beginning of Lent: A Call to Fast

2009-02-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

On this Ash Wednesday, it is good to look over and reflect upon Pope Benedict's Message for Lent 2009.

In this message, Benedict reflects specifically on the practice of fasting: its place in Scripture, its place in the Church, and its place in our personal spiritual lives.

Pope Benedict brings up something profound that was new to me. He brings up the very first command of God to Adam in Genesis 2:16-17. God tells Adam that he can eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden except for the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God's first command, even before sin entered the world, was one of fasting. This spiritual practice has truly been part of human history from the very beginning. That is certainly something to ponder.

The rest of the message is also very good. I encourage you to read and reflect upon it. It's a good prayerful activity for Ash Wednesday!

Newly created website for "The Catechesis of the Popes"

2008-12-22T10:06:00.003-05:00

The more I worked on this project, the more I thought that it deserved it's own space on the web which would, hopefully, make it even more accessible. So here it is:

http://catechesisofthepopes.wikispaces.com/

(I know the "Google Ads" are somewhat annoying, but it will have to do for now. You have to pay to get rid of them, unfortunately. Feel free to ignore them!)

We have been truly blessed to have such great popes in John Paul II and Benedict XVI. These catecheses are so remarkable that I would like to see as many people as possible have access to them so that they might achieve their intended end: to increase the knowledge and faith of everyday Catholics.

If you like what you see, please let others know about the site. It's there to be used!

And if you have any comments or suggestions for that site (or this one), please email me and let me know!

The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan

2008-12-17T13:43:00.004-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Theology of the Body by Pope John Paul II. This series precedes his Catechesis on God, the Father. It began on September 5, 1979, and concluded on November 28, 1984, and it includes 129 general audiences.

These audiences were first published in book form by Pauline Books & Media under the title The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1997). This version is now out of print and has been replaced by Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 2006). This new edition is touted as the "Critical edition" as it is the work of one, educated translator, as opposed to the first edition, which is culled from the pages of the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. Thus, the first edition is the work of many different translators, which can lead to inconsistencies in the use of language, among other things.

The first part of the Theology of the Body (which consists in the first 23 audiences that are a catechesis on the Book of Genesis) is available on a special section of the Vatican website. All of the audiences are also available on EWTN's website.

*Note: The headings are taken from John Paul II's The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1997). The chapter titles for the first 23 audiences are taken from the Vatican website. The remainder are taken from EWTN's website.

PART ONE

Original Unity of Man and Woman

Catechesis on the Book of Genesis

The Unity and Indissolubility of Marriage (Sep. 5, 1979) [Vatican Link]
Analysis of the Biblical Account of Creation (Sep. 12, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Second Account of Creation:The Subjective Definition of Man (Sep. 19, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Boundary between Original Innocence and Redemption (Sep. 26, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Meaning of Man's Original Solitude (Oct. 10, 1979) [Vatican Link]
Man's Awareness of Being a Person (Oct. 24, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Alternative between Death and Immortality Enters the Definition of Man (Oct. 31, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Original Unity of Man and Woman (Nov. 7, 1979) [Vatican Link]
By the Communion of Persons Man Becomes the Image of God (Nov. 14, 1979) [Vatican Link]
In the First Chapters of Genesis, Marriage Is One and Indissoluble (Nov. 21, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Meaning of Original Human Experiences (Dec. 12, 1979) [Vatican Link]
The Fullness of Interpersonal Communication (Dec. 19, 1979) [Vatican Link]
Creation As a Fundamental and Original Gift (Jan. 2, 1980) [Vatican Link]
The Nuptial Meaning of the Body (Jan. 9, 1980) [Vatican Link]
The Human Person Becomes a Gift in the Freedom of Love (Jan. 16, 1980) [Vatican Link]
The Mystery of Man's Original Innocence (Jan. 30, 1980) [Vatican Link]
Man and Woman: A Gift for Each Other (Feb. 6, 1980) [Vatican Link]
Original Innocence and Man's Historical State (Feb. 13, 1980) [Vatican Link]
Man Enters the World As a Subject of Truth and Love (Feb. 20, 1980) [Vatican Link]
Analysis of Knowledge and of Procreation (Mar. 5, 1980) [Vatican Link]
The Mystery of Woman Is Revealed in Motherhood (Mar. 12, 1980) [Vatican Link]
The Knowledge-Generation Cycle and the Perspective of Death (Mar. 26, 1980) [Vatican Link]
Marriage in the Integral Vision of Man (Apr. 2, 1980) [Vatican Link]

Blessed Are the Pure of Heart

Catechesis on the Sermon on the Mount

Christ Appeals to Man's Heart (Apr. 16, 1980)
The Ethical and Anthropological Content of the Commandment: "You Shall Not Commit Adultery" (Apr. 23, 1980)
Lust Is the Fruit of the Breach of the Covenant with God (Apr. 30, 1980)
Real Significance of Original Nakedness (May 14, 1980)
A Fundamental Disquiet in All Human Existence (May 28, 1980)
Relationship of Lust to Communion of Persons (Jun. 4, 1980)
Dominion over the Other in the Interpersonal Relation (Jun. 18, 1980)
Lust Limits Nuptial Meaning of the Body (Jun. 25, 1980)
The Heart—a Battlefield Between Love and Lust (Jul. 23, 1980)
Opposition in the Human Heart between the Spirit and the Body (Jul. 30, 1980)
Sermon on the Mount to the Men of Our Day (Aug. 6, 1980)
The Content of the Commandment: "You Shall Not Commit Adultery" (Aug. 13, 1980)
Adultery According to the Law and as Spoken by the Prophets (Aug. 20, 1980)
Adultery: A Breakdown of the Personal Covenant (Aug. 27, 1980)
Meaning of Adultery Transferred from the Body to the Heart (Sep. 3, 1980)
Concupiscence as a Separation From Matrimonial Significance of the Body (Sep. 10, 1980)
Mutual Attraction Differs from Lust (Sep. 17, 1980)
Depersonalizing Effect of Concupiscence (Sep. 24, 1980)
Establishing the Ethical Sense (Oct. 1, 1980)
Interpreting the Concept of Concupiscence (Oct. 8, 1980)
Gospel Values and Duties of the Human Heart (Oct. 15, 1980)
Realization of the Value of the Body According to the Plan of the Creator (Oct. 22, 1980)
Power of Redeeming Completes Power of Creating (Oct. 29, 1980)
Eros and Ethos Meet and Bear Fruit in the Human Heart (Nov. 5, 1980)
Spontaneity: The Mature Result of Conscience (Nov. 12, 1980)
Christ Calls Us to Rediscover the Living Forms of the New Man (Dec. 3, 1980)
Purity of Heart (Dec. 10, 1980)

PART TWO

Life according to the Spirit

St. Paul's Teaching on the Human Body

Justification in Christ (Dec. 17, 1980)
Opposition Between the Flesh and the Spirit (Jan. 7, 1981)
Life in the Spirit Based on True Freedom (Jan. 14, 1981)
St. Paul's Teaching on the Sanctity and Respect of the Human Body (Jan. 28, 1981)
St. Paul's Description of the Body and Teaching on Purity (Feb. 4, 1981)
The Virtue of Purity Is the Expression and Fruit of Life According to the Spirit (Feb. 11, 1981)
The Pauline Doctrine of Purity as Life According to the Spirit (Mar. 18, 1981)
Positive Function of Purity of Heart (Apr. 1, 1981)
Pronouncements of Magisterium Apply Christ's Words Today (Apr. 8, 1981)
The Human Body, Subject of Works of Art (Apr. 15, 1981)
Reflections on the Ethos of the Human Body in Works of Artistic Culture (Apr. 22, 1981)
Art Must Not Violate the Right to Privacy (Apr. 29, 1981)
Ethical Responsibilities in Art (May 6, 1981)

The Resurrection of the Body

Marriage and Celibacy in the Light of the Resurrection of the Body (Nov. 11, 1981)
The Living God Continually Renews the Very Reality of Life (Nov. 18, 1981)
The Resurrection and Theological Anthropology (Dec. 2, 1981)
The Resurrection Perfects the Person (Dec. 9, 1981)
Christ's Words on the Resurrection Complete the Revelation of the Body (Dec. 16, 1981)
New Threshold of Complete Truth About Man (Jan. 13, 1982)
Doctrine of the Resurrection according to St. Paul (Jan. 27, 1982)
The Risen Body Will Be Incorruptible, Glorious, Full of Dynamism, and Spiritual (Feb. 3, 1982)
Body's Spiritualization Will Be Source of Its Power and Incorruptibility (Feb. 10, 1982)

Virginity for the Sake of the Kingdom

Virginity or Celibacy for the Sake of the Kingdom (Mar. 10, 1982)
The Vocation to Continence in This Earthly Life (Mar. 17, 1982)
Continence for the Sake of the Kingdom Meant to Have Spiritual Fulfillment (Mar. 24, 1982)
The Effective and Privileged Way of Continence (Mar. 31, 1982)
The Superiority of Continence Does Not Devalue Marriage (Apr. 7, 1982)
Marriage and Continence Complement Each Other (Apr. 14, 1982)
The Value of Continence Is Found in Love (Apr. 21, 1982)
Celibacy Is a Particular Response to the Love of the Divine Spouse (Apr. 28, 1982)
Celibacy for the Kingdom Affirms Marriage (May 5, 1982)
Voluntary Continence Derives From a Counsel, Not From a Command (Jun. 23, 1982)
The Unmarried Person Is Anxious to Please the Lord (Jun. 30, 1982)
Everyone Has His Own Gift from God, Suited to His Vocation (Jul. 7, 1982)
The Kingdom of God, Not the World, Is Man's Eternal Destiny (Jul. 14, 1982)
Mystery of the Body's Redemption Basis of Teaching on Marriage and Voluntary Continence (Jul. 21, 1982)

The Sacramentality of Marriage

Marital Love Reflects God's Love for His People (Jul. 28, 1982)
The Call to Be Imitators of God and to Walk in Love (Aug. 4, 1982)
Reverence for Christ the Basis of Relationship Between Spouses (Aug. 11, 1982)
A Deeper Understanding of the Church and Marriage (Aug. 18, 1982)
St Paul's Analogy of Union of Head and Body Does Not Destroy Individuality of the Person (Aug. 25, 1982)
Sacredness of Human Body and Marriage (Sep. 1, 1982)
Christ's Redemptive Love Has Spousal Nature (Sep. 8, 1982)
Moral Aspects of the Christian's Vocation (Sep. 15, 1982)
The Relationship of Christ to the Church Connected With the Tradition of the Prophets (Sep. 22, 1982)
Analogy of Spousal Love Indicates the Radical Character of Grace (Sep. 29, 1982)
Marriage Is the Central Point of the Sacrament of Creation (Oct. 6, 1982)
Loss of Original Sacrament Restored with Redemption in Marriage-Sacrament (Oct. 13, 1982)
Marriage an Integral Part of New Sacramental Economy (Oct. 20, 1982)
Indissolubility of Sacrament of Marriage in Mystery of the Redemption of the Body (Oct. 7, 1982)
Christ Opened Marriage to the Saving Action of God (Nov. 24, 1982)
Marriage Sacrament an Effective Sign of God's Saving Power (Dec. 1, 1982)
The Redemptive and Spousal Dimensions of Love (Dec. 15, 1982)
Language of the Body, the Substratum and Content of the Sacramental Sign of Spousal Communion (Jan. 5, 1983)
The Language of the Body in the Structure of Marriage (Jan. 12, 1983)
The Sacramental Covenant in the Dimension of Sign (Jan. 19, 1983)
Language of the Body Strengthens the Marriage Covenant (Jan. 26, 1983)
Man Called to Overcome Concupiscence (Feb. 9, 1983)
Return to the Subject of Human Love in the Divine Plan (May 23, 1984)
Truth and Freedom the Foundation of True Love (May 30, 1984)
Love Is Ever Seeking and Never Satisfied (Jun. 6, 1984)
Love Is Victorious in the Struggle Between Good and Evil (Jun. 27, 1984)
The Language of the Body: Actions and Duties Forming the Spirituality of Marriage (Jul. 4, 1984)

Reflections on "Humanae Vitae"

Morality of Marriage Act Determined by Nature of the Act and of the Subjects (Jul. 11, 1984)
The Norm of Humanae Vitae Arises from the Natural Law and the Revealed Order (Jul. 18, 1984)
Importance of Harmonizing Human Love with Respect for Life (Jul. 25, 1984)
Responsible Parenthood (Aug. 1, 1984)
Faithfulness to the Divine Plan in the Transmission of Life (Aug. 8, 1984)
Church's Position on Transmission of Life (Aug. 22, 1984)
A Discipline That Ennobles Human Love (Aug. 28, 1984)
Responsible Parenthood Linked to Moral Maturity (Sep. 5, 1984)
Prayer, Penance and the Eucharist Are Principal Sources of Spirituality for Married Couples (Oct. 3, 1984)
The Power of Love Is Given to Man and Woman as a Share in God's Love (Oct. 10, 1984)
Continence Protects the Dignity of the Conjugal Act (Oct. 24, 1984)
Continence Frees One from Inner Tension (Oct. 31, 1984)
Continence Deepens Personal Communion (Nov. 7, 1984)
Christian Spirituality of Marriage Possible Only by Living According to the Spirit (Nov. 14, 1984)
Respect for the Work of God (Nov. 21, 1984)
Conclusion to the Series on the Redemption of the Body and Sacramentality of Marriage (Nov. 28, 1984)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

God, the Father: Part I of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed

2008-12-17T13:06:00.003-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on God, the Father by Pope John Paul II. This is the first part of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed. This series follows John Paul II's Theology of the Body and precedes his Catechesis on Jesus. It began on January 9, 1985, and concluded on August 20, 1986, and it includes 64 general audiences.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: The headings and the chapter title marked with an * are taken from John Paul II's God: Father and Creator (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1996). All other chapter titles are taken from the Vatican website.

*Note #2: These General Audiences of John Paul II are not available in English on the regular part of Vatican website (under John Paul II's Audiences). However, they are available in a special section of the Vatican website.

*Note #3: The audience marked with an * appears in God: Father and Creator, but it does not appear in the special section of the Vatican website. It is available in Spanish on the regular part of the Vatican website.

Catechesis Hands on the Fullness of Revelation

Every Catechist Must Be Faithful to the Integrity of Revealed Truth * (Jan. 9, 1985)
The Spirit of Faith Is Essential to Every Christian Catechesis (Jan. 16, 1985)
Adequate Doctrinal Preparation Is Fundamental for Catechists (Mar. 6, 1985)
What Does It Mean to Believe? (Mar. 13, 1985)

Revelation and Faith

One Can Know God By the Natural Light of Human Reason (Mar. 20, 1985)
God Who Reveals Himself Is the Source of Our Faith (Mar. 27, 1985)
Jesus Is the Definitive Fulfillment of the Revelation of God (Apr. 3, 1985)
The Holy Spirit Constantly Perfects Our Faith So That Revelation May Be Better Understood (Apr. 10, 1985)
Through Faith Man Accepts in a Free and Convincing Manner the Truths Contained in God's Revelation (Apr. 17, 1985)
The Transmission of Divine Revelation (Apr. 24, 1985)
Divine Inspiration of Sacred Scripture (May 1, 1985)
The Light of Revelation in the Old Testament (May 8, 1985)
The New Testament Is a Perpetual and Divine Witness to Christ (May 22, 1985)
Relations with Non-Christian Religions (Jun. 5, 1985)
The Problem of Unbelief and Atheism (Jun. 12, 1985)
The Faith Rooted in the Word of God (Jun. 19, 1985)
Faith Is the Stimulus to Work for the Union of Christians (Jun. 26, 1985)

The Existence and Nature of God

The Right Attitude Before God (Jul. 3, 1985)
The Proofs for God's Existence (Jul. 10, 1985)
Scientists and God (Jul. 17, 1985)
The God of Our Faith (Jul. 24, 1985)
God Who Reveals Himself Is He Who Exists (Jul. 31, 1985)
The God of Infinite Majesty (Aug. 7, 1985)
Man Contacts God in the Obscurity of Faith (Aug. 28, 1985)
The Living God Has Revealed Himself As Eternity Itself (Sep. 4, 1985)
God, the Fullness of Life, Is Spirit, Immense and Invisible (Sep. 11, 1985)
God the Almighty Father (Sep. 18, 1985)
The God of the Covenant (Sep. 25, 1985)
Faith Culminates in the Truth That God Is Love (Oct. 2, 1985)

The Blessed Trinity

God Is the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Oct. 9, 1985)
God Is the Father of All Humanity (Oct. 16, 1985)
Christ Reveals the Father's Countenance to Us (Oct. 23, 1985)
Christ Is the Son of the Living God (Oct. 30, 1985)
The Church Professes Her Faith in God the Son (Nov. 6, 1985)
Through Christ, the Spirit Guides Us to the Father (Nov. 13, 1985)
The Holy Spirit Proceeds from the Father and the Son (Nov. 20, 1985)
Unity and Distinction in the Eternal Communion of the Trinity (Nov. 27, 1985)
Distinction of Relations in the Trinity (Dec. 4, 1985)
The Thrice Holy God (Dec. 11, 1985)
The Moral Law Is Identified with the Will of God (Dec. 18, 1985)

God the Creator

The Mystery of Creation (Jan. 8, 1986)
God the Creator of Heaven and Earth (Jan. 15, 1986)
In Creation God Calls the World into Existence from Nothingness (Jan. 29, 1986)
Creation Is the Work of the Trinity (Mar. 5, 1986)
Creation Reveals God's Glory (Mar. 12, 1986)
Created Things Have a Legitimate Autonomy (Apr. 2, 1986)
Man Is Created in the Image of God (Apr. 9, 1986)
Man Is a Spiritual and Corporeal Being (Apr. 16, 1986)
Man Is a Subject of Knowledge and Freedom (Apr. 23, 1986)

Divine Providence

Faith in Divine Providence Strengthens Our Reasons for Hope (Apr. 30, 1986)
Divine Providence Continues to Care for Creation (May 7, 1986)
Divine Providence Carries out an Eternal Plan of Wisdom and Love (May 14, 1986)
Divine Providence and Human Freedom (May 21, 1986)
The Mystery of Predestination in Christ (May 28, 1986)
The Presence of Evil and Suffering in the World (Jun. 4, 1986)
In Jesus the Redeemer, Divine Providence Overcomes Evil (Jun. 11, 1986)
Divine Providence in the Light of Vatican II (Jun. 18, 1986)
Divine Providence and the Growth of the Kingdom of God (Jun. 25, 1986)

The Angels

Creator of All Things, Seen and Unseen (Jul. 9, 1986)
Creator of the Angels Who Are Free Beings (Jul. 23, 1986)
Creator of Things Unseen—the Angels (Jul. 30, 1986)
Angels Participate in the History of Salvation (Aug. 6, 1986)
The Fall of the Rebellious Angels (Aug. 13, 1986)
Christ's Victory Conquers Evil (Aug. 20, 1986)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

Jesus, the Son: Part II of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed

2008-12-17T11:07:00.006-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on Jesus by Pope John Paul II. This is the second part of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on God, the Father and precedes his Catechesis on the Holy Spirit. It began on August 27, 1986, and concluded on April 19, 1989, and it includes 97 general audiences.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: All chapter titles are taken from the Vatican website.

*Note #2: These General Audiences of John Paul II are not available in English on the regular part of Vatican website (under John Paul II's Audiences). However, they are available in a special section of the Vatican website.

*Note #3: Audiences marked with an * do not appear appear correctly on the special section of the Vatican website (rather, they appear there as a duplicate of another audience).

Sin Involves the Deep Deformation of Creation (Aug. 27, 1986)
Sin Involves the Misuse of God's Gifts (Sep. 3, 1986)
Original Sin Causes a Fundamental Change in Mankind (Sep. 10, 1986)
The Universality of Sin in Human History (Sep. 17, 1986)
The Church's Teaching on Original Sin (Sep. 24, 1986)
Consequences of Original Sin for All Humanity (Oct. 1, 1986)
The State of Man in Fallen Nature (Oct. 8, 1986)
Sin Breaks Man's Covenant with God (Oct. 29, 1986)
The Sin of Man and the "Sin of the World" (Nov. 5, 1986)
Sin Alienates the Human Person (Nov. 12, 1986)
The Entire Human Race Struggles Against the Forces of Evil (Dec. 10, 1986)
The Protoevangelium of Salvation (Dec. 17, 1986)
The Identity of Christ (Jan. 7, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior (Jan. 14, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit and Born of the Virgin Mary (Jan. 28, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Son of Israel, Chosen People of the Old Covenant (Feb. 4, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Messiah King (Feb. 11, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Messiah Priest (Feb. 18, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Messiah and Prophet (Feb. 25, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Fulfillment of the Messianic Prophecies (Mar. 4, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Inauguration and Fulfillment of the Kingdom of God (Mar. 18, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Messiah and Divine Wisdom (Apr. 22, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Son of Man (Apr. 29, 1987)
Jesus Christ, Son of God (May 13, 1987)
The Heart of the Gospel Witness (May 20, 1987)
The Father Bears Witness to the Son (May 27, 1987)
The Prologue of John's Gospel Synthesizes the Faith of the Apostolic Church (Jun. 3, 1987)
Jesus Christ, the Son Sent by the Father (Jun. 24, 1987)
Jesus' Awareness of His Unique Relationship to the Father (Jul. 1, 1987)
Jesus Christ, the Son Intimately United with the Father (Jul. 8, 1987)
Jesus Christ, the Son Who Lives for the Father (Jul. 15, 1987)
The Son Addresses the Father in Prayer (Jul. 22, 1987)
The Son Lives to Give Thanks to the Father * (Jul. 29, 1987)
Jesus Christ Comes in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Aug. 5, 1987)
Jesus Christ Brings the Holy Spirit to the Church and Humanity (Aug. 12, 1987)
Jesus Christ Reveals the Trinity (Aug. 19, 1987)
Jesus Christ, True God and True Man (Aug. 26, 1987)
Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word of God the Father (Sep. 2, 1987)
Jesus Claimed the Divine Attributes for Himself (Sep. 9, 1987)
Jesus Christ Has the Power to Judge (Sep. 30, 1987)
Jesus Christ Has the Power to Forgive Sins (Oct. 7, 1987)
Jesus Christ, the Divine Lawgiver (Oct. 14, 1987)
Have Faith in God and Have Faith in Me (Oct. 21, 1987)
Whoever Loses His Life for My Sake and that of the Gospel Will Save It (Oct. 28, 1987)
I Confer a Kingdom on You (Nov. 4, 1987)
The Fact and Significance of Christ's Miracles (Nov. 11, 1987)
I Say to You, Arise! (Nov. 18, 1987)
Miraculous Signs Reveal Christ's Power (Nov. 25, 1987)
Christ's Miracles—Salvific Signs (Dec. 2, 1987)
Christ's Miracles Manifest Salvific Love (Dec. 9, 1987)
Miracles Are a Call to Faith (Dec. 16, 1987)
Miracles Manifest the Supernatural Order (Jan. 13, 1988)
Jesus Christ Is True Man (Jan. 27, 1988)
Like Us in All Things Except Sin (Feb. 3, 1988)
Jesus, a Man in Solidarity with All Humanity (Feb. 10, 1988)
Jesus Christ Emptied Himself (Feb. 17, 1988)
The Formulation of the Church's Faith in Christ (Mar. 2, 1988)
Conciliar Definitions About Christ (Mar. 9, 1988)
The Church's Belief in Jesus Christ According to the Conciliar Definitions (Mar. 16, 1988)
The Council of Chalcedon and the Monothelite Heresy (Mar. 23, 1988)
The Christological Definitions and the Church's Faith Today (Apr. 13, 1988)
Christ's Mission (Apr. 20, 1988)
The Kingdom of God (Apr. 27, 1988)
"I Came into the World to Testify to the Truth" (May 4, 1988)
Christ's Mission is to Reveal the Father (Jun. 1, 1988)
Jesus Christ, "the Faithful Witness" (Jun. 8, 1988)
Jesus, Founder of His Church (Jun. 15, 1988)
Jesus, Founder of the Ministerial Structure of the Church (Jun. 22, 1988)
Jesus, Founder of the Sacramental Structure in the Life of the Church (Jul. 13, 1988)
The Church's Holiness Comes from Christ (Jul. 23, 1988)
Jesus Frees Us from the Slavery of Sin (Jul. 27, 1988)
Jesus Frees Us to Seek the Good in Truth (Aug. 3, 1988)
Jesus Frees Humanity for a New Life (Aug. 10, 1988)
Jesus Is Our Model (Aug. 17, 1988)
Jesus Is the Model of Prayer (Aug. 24, 1988)
Jesus Christ Is a Model of Perfect Love (Aug. 31, 1988)
Christ's Sacrifice Fulfills God's Design of Love (Sep. 7, 1988)
The Death of Christ as a Historical Event (Sep. 28, 1988)
Christ's Awareness of His Vocation to Redemptive Sacrifice (Oct. 5, 1988)
The Value of the Suffering and Death of Jesus Christ (Oct. 19, 1988)
The Redemptive Value of Christ's Sacrifice (Oct. 26, 1988)
The Meaning of Suffering in the Light of Christ's Passion (Nov. 9, 1988)
"Father, Forgive them..." (Nov. 16, 1988)
"Behold Your Mother!" (Nov. 23, 1988)
"My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" (Nov. 30, 1988)
Christ's Last Words on the Cross (Dec. 7, 1988)
The Fruitfulness of Christ's Redemptive Death (Dec. 14, 1988)
"He Descended Into Hell" (Jan. 11, 1989)
The Resurrection: A Historical Event and an Affirmation of Faith (Jan. 25, 1989)
From the Empty Tomb to the Meeting with the Risen Christ (Feb. 1, 1989)
The Apparitions of the Risen Christ (Feb. 22, 1989)
The Resurrection Is a Historical Event That Transcends History (Mar. 1, 1989)
The Resurrection Is the High Point of Revelation (Mar. 8, 1989)
The Saving Power of the Resurrection (Mar. 15, 1989)
The Ascension: a Mystery Announced Beforehand (Apr. 5, 1989)
The Ascension Is the Fulfillment of the Mystery of the Incarnation (Apr. 12, 1989)
Jesus Is Lord (Apr. 19, 1989)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Holy Spirit: Part III of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed

2008-12-17T09:31:00.006-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Holy Spirit by Pope John Paul II. This is the third part of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on Jesus and precedes his Catechesis on the Church. It began on April 26, 1989, and concluded on July 3, 1991, and it includes 82 general audiences.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: The headings are taken from John Paul II's The Spirit: Giver of Life and Love (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1996). All chapter titles are taken from the Vatican website.

*Note #2: These General Audiences of John Paul II are not available in English on the regular part of Vatican website (under John Paul II's Audiences). However, they are available in a special section of the Vatican website.

*Note #3: The Audiences marked with an * do not appear in The Spirit: Giver of Life and Love, nor do they appear correctly on the special section of the Vatican website (rather, they appear there as duplicates of other audiences).

The Coming of the Spirit of Truth

"I Believe in the Holy Spirit" (Apr. 26, 1989)
The Paraclete—the Spirit of Truth (May 17, 1989)
The Holy Spirit as Advocate (May 24, 1989)
The Coming of the Holy Spirit in the Light of the Old Testament Promises (May 31, 1989)
Preparation for the Coming of the Holy Spirit (Jun. 21, 1989)
Mary's Presence in the Upper Room at Jerusalem (Jun. 28, 1989)
Pentecost Was Originally a Celebration of the First Fruits of the Harvest (Jul. 5, 1989)
Pentecost Is a Powerful Manifestation of God (Jul. 12, 1989)
Pentecost: an Outpouring of Divine Life (Jul. 22, 1989)
Pentecost: God's Gift of Divine Adoption (Jul. 26, 1989)
Pentecost Is the Fulfillment of the New Covenant (Aug. 2, 1989)
Pentecost: The Law of the Spirit (Aug. 9, 1989)
Pentecost: People of God, a Holy People (Aug. 16, 1989)
The Birth of the Church (Aug. 30, 1989)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Sep. 6, 1989)
The Intrinsic Link between the Eucharist and the Gift of the Holy Spirit (Sep. 13, 1989)
Pentecost Marks the Beginning of the Church's Mission (Sep. 20, 1989)
The Church's Universality and Diversity (Sep. 27, 1989)
Peter's Discourse after the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Oct. 25, 1989)
The Initial Apostolic Preaching (Nov. 8, 1989)
The Effect of Peter's Discourse at Pentecost (Nov. 15, 1989)
The Presence of Christ's Kingdom in Human History (Nov. 22, 1989)
The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Primitive Church (Nov. 29, 1989)
The Pentecost of the Gentiles (Dec. 6, 1989)
The Holy Spirit in the Mission to the Gentiles (Dec. 13, 1989)
The Fruitfulness of Pentecost (Dec. 20, 1989)
The Meaning of "Spirit" in the Old Testament (Jan. 3, 1990)
The Creative Action of the Divine Spirit (Jan. 10, 1990)
"Spirit Lifted Me..." (Jan. 14, 1990)
The Guiding Action of the Spirit of God (Jan. 17, 1990)
The Holy Spirit as Sanctifier (Feb. 21, 1990)
God's Spirit Purifies (Feb. 28, 1990)
The Spirit, the Word and Wisdom (Mar. 14, 1990)
The Divine Spirit and the Servant * (Mar. 21, 1990)

The Holy Spirit in the Mission of Jesus

The Spirit's Greatest Wonder Is Christ (Mar. 28, 1990)
Virginal Conception (Apr. 4, 1990)
The Spirit's Special Presence in the Blessed Virgin Mary (Apr. 18, 1990)
The Holy Spirit and Mary: Model of the Nuptial Union of God with Humankind * (May 2, 1990)
A "New Anthropology" from the Spirit (May 23, 1990)
Christ Is Totally Holy (Jun. 6, 1990)
The Spirit at Work in Mary's Visitation (Jun. 13, 1990)
The Presentation in the Temple (Jun. 20, 1990)
The Spirit and the Child Jesus (Jun. 27, 1990)
The Spirit Helps Mary Understand (Jul. 4, 1990)
The Spirit Working at Jesus' Baptism (Jul. 11, 1990)
The Spirit Led Jesus into the Desert (Jul. 21, 1990)
The Spirit of Prayer Fueled the Master's Active Life (Jul. 25, 1990)
The Spirit at Work on Calvary (Aug. 1, 1990)
The Resurrection of the Body (Aug. 8, 1990)

The Holy Spirit: A Divine Person

The Revelation of the Person of the Spirit (Aug. 22, 1990)
The New Testament Fully Reveals the Trinity (Aug. 29, 1990)
The Spirit: Active Agent in Jesus' Work (Sep. 19, 1990)
An Advocate Who Dwells in Us (Sep. 26, 1990)
The Spirit in St. Paul's Letters (Oct. 3, 1990)
The Spirit "Searches Everything" (Oct. 10, 1990)
Wind and Fire: Signs of the Spirit (Oct. 17, 1990)
Anointing: Biblical Sign of the Spirit (Oct. 24, 1990)
The Holy Spirit in the Creed (Oct. 31, 1990)
The Spirit and the Filioque Debate (Nov. 7, 1990)
The Spirit as "Love Proceeding" (Nov. 14, 1990)
The Spirit as Gift (Nov. 21, 1990)

The Spirit and the Church

The Soul of the Church (Nov. 28, 1990)
The Spirit of Unity (Dec. 5, 1990)
The Spirit Is the Source of Holiness (Dec. 12, 1990)
The Spirit: Source of Catholicity (Jan. 2, 1991)
The Spirit: Safeguard of the Apostolic Bond (Jan. 9, 1991)
The Spirit: Guardian of Sacred Tradition (Jan. 16, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of Sacramental Life (Jan. 30, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of All Ministry (Feb. 6, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of Spiritual Gifts (Feb. 27, 1991)
The Spirit: Another Comforter (Mar. 13, 1990)
The Spirit: Dwelling in Individuals (Mar. 20, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of New Life (Apr. 3, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of Interior Life (Apr. 10, 1991)
The Spirit: Source of Prayer Life (Apr. 17, 1991)
The Holy Spirit: Light of the Soul (Apr. 24, 1991)
The Holy Spirit Is the Vital Principle of Faith (May 8, 1991)
The Spirit: Life-Giving Source of New Love (May 22, 1991)
The Spirit: Principle of Peace (May 29, 1991)
Only the Holy Spirit Gives True Joy (Jun. 19, 1991)
The Spirit Gives Strength to Christians (Jun. 26, 1991)
The Spirit: Pledge of Eschatological Hope (Jul. 3, 1991)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Church: Part IV of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed

2008-12-15T13:27:00.005-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Church by Pope John Paul II. This is the fourth and final part of John Paul II's Catechesis on the Creed. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on the Holy Spirit and precedes his Catechesis on Mary. It began on July 10, 1991, and concluded on August 30, 1995, and includes 137 general audiences.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: The headings are taken from John Paul II's The Church: Mystery, Sacrament, Community (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 1998). All other chapter titles are taken from the Vatican website.

*Note #2: These General Audiences of John Paul II are not available in English on the regular part of Vatican website (under John Paul II's Audiences). However, they are available in a special section of the Vatican website.

The Mystery of the Church in the Plan of God

Christ Founded the Catholic Church (Jul. 10, 1991)
Christ's Call Establishes the Church (Jul. 20, 1991)
Christ and the Church Are Inseparable (Jul. 24, 1991)
God's Plan for the Church Is Eternal (Jul. 31, 1991)
The Church in the Old Testament (Aug. 7, 1991)
The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Christ (Sep. 4, 1991)
The Church Is Also a Historical Fact (Sep. 11, 1991)
The Church Is Revealed in Parables (Sep. 18, 1991)
Parables Reveal the Church's Growth (Sep. 25, 1991)
The Birth of the Church at Pentecost (Oct. 2, 1991)
The Church Lives in the Trinity's Love (Oct. 9, 1991)
God Made a Covenant with Israel (Oct. 30, 1991)
The Church Is the New People of God (Nov. 6, 1991)
The Church Is Universal by Nature (Nov. 13, 1991)
The Church Is the Body of Christ (Nov. 20, 1991)
The Church Has a Sacramental Nature (Nov. 27, 1991)
Mary's "Yes" Is the Start of the New Covenant (Dec. 4, 1991)
Jesus Is the Bridegroom of His People (Dec. 11, 1991)
Christ Loves His Bride, the Church (Dec. 18, 1991)
The Spirit and the Bride Say "Come" (Jan. 8, 1992)
The Church Is a Communio of Love (Jan. 15, 1992)
The Church: A Communio of Prayer (Jan. 29, 1992)
The Church Lives in the Mystery of Communio (Feb. 5, 1992)
The Call to Holiness Is Essential for the Church (Feb. 12, 1992)
The Church Is a Priestly Community (Mar. 18, 1992)
Baptism: Entry into the Life of Grace (Mar. 25, 1992)
Confirmation Perfects Baptismal Grace (Apr. 1, 1992)
The Eucharist Is the Source of the Church's Life (Apr. 8, 1992)
Penance in the Ecclesial Community (Apr. 15, 1992)
Anointing Brings Spiritual Healing (Apr. 29, 1992)
Christ Made Marriage a Sacrament (May 6, 1992)
The Church Is a Prophetic Community (May 13, 1992)
The Church Bears Witness to Christ (May 20, 1992)
The Church Witnesses to Gospel Hope (May 27, 1992)
The Church Witnesses to Jesus' Love (Jun. 3, 1992)
The Role of Charisms in the Church's Life (Jun. 24, 1992)

The Ministry of Bishops

The Church Is a Structured Society (Jul. 1, 1992)
Bishops Are Successors of the Apostles (Jul. 8, 1992)
Bishops Are Consecrated by a Sacrament (Sep. 30, 1992)
Bishops Express the Unity of the Church (Oct. 7, 1992)
Bishops Teach, Sanctify and Govern (Oct. 28, 1992)
Bishops Are Heralds of the Gospel (Nov. 4, 1992)
Bishops Are Stewards of God's Grace (Nov. 11, 1992)
Bishops Govern Their Local Churches (Nov. 18, 1992)
Christ Builds His Church on Peter (Nov. 25, 1992)
Peter Strengthens His Brothers in Faith (Dec. 2, 1992)
Peter Is Charged with Feeding the Sheep (Dec. 9, 1992)
Peter Ranks First among the Apostles (Dec. 16, 1992)
Peter Allowed Gentiles to Be Baptized (Jan. 13, 1993)
The Bishop of Rome Is Peter's Successor (Jan. 27, 1993)
The Pope Exercises Supreme Jurisdiction (Feb. 24, 1993)
The Roman Pontiff Is the Supreme Teacher (Mar. 10, 1993)
The Successor of Peter Teaches Infallibly (Mar. 17, 1993)
The Holy Spirit Assists the Roman Pontiff (Mar. 24, 1993)

The Ministry of Priests and Deacons

Presbyters Share in Christ's Priesthood (Mar. 31, 1993)
Priests Exercise a Ministry of Preaching (Apr. 21, 1993)
Priests Sanctify through the Sacraments (May 5, 1993)
Priests Are Ordained to Celebrate Mass (May 12, 1993)
The Priest Is a Shepherd to the Community (May 19, 1993)
The Priesthood Requires Personal Holiness (May 26, 1993)
Priests Must Be Devoted to Prayer (Jun. 2, 1993)
The Eucharist Is at the Heart of the Priest's Spirituality (Jun. 9, 1993)
Priests Must Foster Devotion to Mary (Jun. 30, 1993)
The Priest Is Called to Be a Man of Charity (Jul. 7, 1993)
The Church Is Committed to Priestly Celibacy (Jul. 14, 1993)
Christ Is the Model of Priestly Poverty (Jul. 21, 1993)
Priests Do Not Have a Political Mission (Jul. 28, 1993)
Bishops and Priests Must Be United (Aug. 4, 1993)
Priestly Obedience Is an Act of Charity (Aug. 25, 1993)
Priestly Fraternity Means Cooperation (Sep. 1, 1993)
The Priest Must Serve Christ's Flock (Sep. 22, 1993)
The Harvest Is Great, but the Workers Are Few (Sep. 29, 1993)
Deacons Serve the Kingdom of God (Oct. 6, 1993)
The Deacon Has Many Pastoral Functions (Oct. 13, 1993)
Deacons Are Called to a Life of Holiness (Oct. 20, 1993)

The Role of the Laity

The Laity Have Full Membership in the Church (Oct. 27, 1993)
The Laity Fulfill Their Calling in the World (Nov. 3, 1993)
Jesus' Earthly Life Is a Model for the Laity (Nov. 10, 1993)
The Laity Answer God's Call in a Variety of Ways (Nov. 24, 1993)
Lay Spirituality Is Rooted in Christ (Dec. 1, 1993)
The Laity Share in the Priesthood of Christ (Dec. 15, 1993)
The Laity Witness to the Power of the Gospel (Jan. 26, 1994)
The Laity Work to Spread the Kingdom (Feb. 9, 1994)
The Laity Share in the Church's Saving Mission (Mar. 2, 1994)
Lay Charisms Build up the Church (Mar. 9, 1994)
Laity Witness to Christ in the World (Mar. 16, 1994)
Lay Groups Promote the Church's Mission (Mar. 23, 1994)
The Laity Are Called to Renew the Temporal Order (Apr. 13, 1994)
Human Work Involves Sharing in Christ's Mission (Apr. 20, 1994)
The Lord Sanctifies Those Who Suffer (Apr. 27, 1994)
The Church Sees Christ's Face in the Sick (Jun. 15, 1994)
Woman's Dignity Must Be Respected (Jun. 22, 1994)
Women Bear an Effective Witness to Faith (Jul. 6, 1994)
Women Are Essential to the Church's Mission (Jul. 13, 1994)
Mothers Share in God's Creative Work (Jul. 20, 1994)
Women and the Ministerial Priesthood (Jul. 27, 1994)
Married Life Is a True Way of Holiness (Aug. 3, 1994)
Single People Contribute to the Church's Holiness (Aug. 10, 1994)
Children Are a Special Gift to the Church (Aug. 17, 1994)
Young People's Involvement in the Lay Apostolate (Aug. 31, 1994)
The Elderly Can Devote Themselves to the Community or Parish (Sep. 7, 1994)
The Spirit Bestows Abundant Lay Charisms (Sep. 21, 1994)

Consecrated Life

Religious Intensely Live Their Baptismal Vows (Sep. 28, 1994)
The Spirit Continues Giving New Charisms (Oct. 5, 1994)
Jesus' Will Is the Origin of Consecrated Life (Oct. 12, 1994)
Prayer Is the Answer to the Vocation Shortage (Oct. 19, 1994)
Consecrated Life Is Rooted in Baptism (Oct. 26, 1994)
Gospel Counsels Are a Way of Perfection (Nov. 9, 1994)
Chastity for the Sake of the Kingdom (Nov. 16, 1994)
A Witness to Spousal Love for the Church (Nov. 23, 1994)
How Blest Are the Poor in Spirit! (Nov. 30, 1994)
Religious Offer Their Own Wills to God (Dec. 7, 1994)
Common Life Is Modeled on the Early Church (Dec. 14, 1994)
Prayer Is the One Thing Necessary (Jan. 4, 1995)
Religious Serve the Growth of God's Reign (Jan. 11, 1995)
A Witness to the World's True Destiny (Feb. 8, 1995)
Religious Life Can Greatly Assist Priests (Feb. 15, 1995)
The Role of Lay Religious in the Church (Feb. 22, 1995)
Women Religious Faithfully Serve Christ (Mar. 15, 1995)
The Holy Spirit Is the Soul of Community Life (Mar. 22, 1995)
Mary Shows the Nobility of Virginity (Mar. 29, 1995)

Missionary Activity and Unity among Christians

The Apostles Were Sent into the Whole World (Apr. 5, 1995)
The Church Is Missionary by Her Nature (Apr. 19, 1995)
The Church Preaches the Gospel to the End of Time (Apr. 26, 1995)
The Church Cannot Abandon Mission Work (May 3, 1995)
Missionary Activity Remains Urgent (May 10, 1995)
The Church Perseveres in Her Mission (May 17, 1995)
All Salvation Comes through Christ (May 31, 1995)
Local Churches Have a Missionary Task (Jun. 14, 1995)
The Church Shares the Hopes of the Human Family (Jun. 21, 1995)
Unity Results from Legitimate Diversity (Jun. 28, 1995)
All Must Strive for the Goal of Full Unity (Jul. 12, 1995)
Recognize the Importance of Prayer (Jul. 26, 1995)
Unity Is Furthered by Continual Renewal (Aug. 2, 1995)
Vatican II Praised Eastern Traditions (Aug. 9, 1995)
Dialogue with Reform Communities (Aug. 23, 1995)
Full Christian Unity Can Be Achieved (Aug. 30, 1995)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

Theotokos: A Catechesis on Mary by Pope John Paul II

2008-12-15T09:23:00.008-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Blessed Virgin Mary by Pope John Paul II. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on the Church and precedes his Catechesis on Salvation History. It began on September 6, 1995, and concluded on November 12, 1997, and includes 70 general audiences.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: The chapter titles marked with an * were taken from John Paul II's Theotokos: Woman, Mother, Disciple (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 2000). All other chapter titles are taken from the Vatican website.

*Note #2: Prior to December 18, 1996, the General Audiences of John Paul II are not available in English on the Vatican website. However, all of the audiences are available on EWTN's website.

A Catechesis on Mary, Mother of God

Mary is a pattern of the Church's holiness * (Sep. 6, 1995)
Mary is the Virgin Mother of God * (Sep. 13, 1995)
Mary was united to Jesus on the Cross * (Oct. 25, 1995)
The Church grew in understanding Mary's role * (Nov. 8, 1995)
To honor Mary is to go to Jesus * (Nov. 15, 1995)
Mary is a model of persevering silence * (Nov. 22, 1995)
Mary shows us God's respect for woman * (Nov. 29, 1995)
Mary sheds light on the role of woman * (Dec. 6, 1995)
The Council's teaching on Mary is rich and positive * (Dec. 13, 1995)
Mary's place is the highest after Christ * (Jan. 3, 1996)
Mary's relationship with the Trinity * (Jan. 10, 1996)
Victory over sin comes through a woman * (Jan. 24, 1996)
Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in the Incarnation * (Jan. 31, 1996)
Motherhood is God's special gift * (Mar. 6, 1996)
Woman's indispensable role in salvation history * (Mar. 27, 1996)
The ideal woman is a precious treasure * (Apr. 10, 1996)
God is ever faithful to his covenant * (Apr. 24, 1996)
Mary responds to God with spousal love * (May 1, 1996)
The Blessed Virgin was filled with God's grace * (May 8, 1996)
Mary was conceived without Original Sin * (May 15, 1996)
Mary's enmity toward Satan was absolute * (May 29, 1996)
Christ's grace preserved Mary from sin * (Jun. 5, 1996)
Pius IX defined the Immaculate Conception * (Jun. 12, 1996)
Mary was free from all personal sin * (Jun. 19, 1996)
Mary freely cooperated in God's plan * (Jul. 3, 1996)
The Virginal Conception is a biological fact * (Jul. 10, 1996)
Our Lady intended to remain a virgin * (Jul. 24, 1996)
The Eternal Son of God is also born of Mary * (Jul. 31, 1996)
Mary's choice inspires consecrated virginity * (Aug. 7, 1996)
Mary and Joseph lived the gift of virginity * (Aug. 21, 1996)
The Church presents Mary as Ever-Virgin * (Aug. 28, 1996)
Mary offers a sublime model of service * (Sep. 4, 1996)
Mary, the New Eve, freely obeyed God * (Sep. 18, 1996)
The Visitation is a prelude to Jesus' mission * (Oct. 2, 1996)
Mary sings the praises of God's mercy * (Nov. 6, 1996)
The nativity shows Mary's closeness to Jesus * (Nov. 20, 1996)
The Church proclaims Mary "Mother of God" * (Nov. 27, 1996)
The Blessed Virgin is a model of perfect love * (Dec. 4, 1996)
Simeon was open to the Lord's action * (Dec. 11, 1996)
Mary has role in Jesus’ saving mission (Dec. 18, 1996) [Vatican Link]
Christ calls women to share his mission (Jan. 8, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary co-operates by personal obedience (Jan. 15, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary’s ‘hidden life’ is example to mothers (Jan. 29, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Jesus works miracle at Mary’s request (Feb. 26, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary is active in her Son’s mission (Mar. 5, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary had role in Jesus’ public ministry (Mar. 12, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary united herself to Jesus’ offering (Apr. 2, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary’s co-operation is totally unique (Apr. 9, 1997) [Vatican Link]
To the disciple he said, ‘Behold your Mother’ (Apr. 23, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Devotion to Mary is based on Jesus’ will (May 7, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary was witness to whole paschal mystery (May 21, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary prays for outpouring of the Spirit (May 28, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary and the human drama of death (Jun. 25, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Church believes in Mary’s Assumption (Jul. 2, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary is first creature to enjoy eternal life (Jul. 9, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Christians look to Mary Queen (Jul. 23, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary is pre-eminent member of Church (Jul. 30, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary is an outstanding figure of the Church * (Aug. 6, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary is model for Church’s motherhood (Aug. 13, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary fully adhered to revealed Truth (Aug. 20, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary: model of faith, hope and charity (Sep. 3, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary: model of the Church at prayer (Sep. 10, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Blessed Virgin is Mother of the Church (Sep. 17, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary has universal spiritual motherhood (Sep. 24, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary’s mediation derives from Christ’s (Oct. 1, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Mary has always been specially venerated (Oct. 15, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Faithful have filial devotion to Mary (Oct. 22, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Church urges faithful to venerate Mary (Oct. 29, 1997) [Vatican Link]
We can count on Mary’s intercession (Nov. 5, 1997) [Vatican Link]
Separated brethren also honor Mary (Nov. 12, 1997) [Vatican Link]

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

God's Saving Plan: Pope John Paul II's Catechesis on Salvation History

2008-12-12T14:31:00.006-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on Salvation History by Pope John Paul II. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on Mary and precedes his Catechesis on Lauds. It began on November 19, 2001, and concluded on March 21, 2001, and includes 119 general audiences.

This catechesis largely follows the themes set out in John Paul II's Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio Adveniente (Nov. 10, 1994) in preparation for the Jubilee of the Year 2000.

These audiences were available in book form from Pauline Books & Media, however, the book is now (unfortunately) out of print. You might be able to find it on Amazon.com or other such places where used books are available.

*Note: The headings and the chapter titles marked with an * were taken from John Paul II's The Trinity's Embrace: God's Saving Plan (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 2002).

Salvation History

God is the Lord of creation and history (November 19, 1997)
With Jesus eternity has entered time (November 26, 1997)
True face of Messiah gradually revealed (December 3, 1997)
Time itself is now pervaded by eternity (December 10, 1997)
Jesus' life is a reference point for our faith * (December 17, 1997)
Jesus' "hour" is time of human salvation (January 14, 1998)
Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many (February 4, 1998)
Son of God brings fullness of salvation (February 18, 1998)
Continuation of Jesus' saving mission in human history through the Church (March 11, 1998)
Faith response to Christ's work of salvation and the impact this faith has on every aspect of life (March 18, 1998)
Baptism as the foundation of Christian life (April 1, 1998)
The one Baptism of the Christian community (April 15, 1998)
Second coming of Christ at the end of time (April 22, 1998)
Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual Mother (April 29, 1998)
Mary's steadfast faith throughout her life (May 6, 1998)

The Holy Spirit

The Spirit is gradually revealed in Scripture * (May 13, 1998)
Spirit is source of new and eternal life (May 20, 1998)
The Holy Spirit's role in the Incarnation (May 27, 1998)
The role of the Spirit in the baptism and public life of Jesus (June 3, 1998)
The Spirit's presence in the Paschal Mystery * (June 10, 1998)
The Holy Spirit gives birth to the Church * (June 17, 1998)
The Gospel is preached in the power of the Spirit * (July 1, 1998)
The Holy Spirit enlivens and animates the Church * (July 8, 1998)
The Holy Spirit sanctifies us * (July 22, 1998)
The Holy Spirit as the Source of Communion (July 29, 1998)
The Spirit is the source of ministries * (August 5, 1998)
The Spirit acts in all creation and history * (August 12, 1998)
Creation must be a dwelling place of peace * (August 19, 1998)
Created in the divine image and likeness, the human person is capable of knowing God and of welcoming the gift that God makes of himself (August 26, 1998)
The Holy Spirit is the source of true freedom * (September 2, 1998)
Seeds of truth are found in other religions * (September 9, 1998)
The Spirit is active wherever the truth is sought * (September 16, 1998)
In the Spirit we read the "signs of the times" * (September 23, 1998)
Confirmation perfects baptismal grace * (September 30, 1998)
Confirmation seals us with the gift of the Spirit * (October 14, 1998)
The Spirit bestows the gift of transcendant life * (October 21, 1998)
"Life in the Spirit transcends even death" (October 28, 1998)
Our bodies will share in the Resurrection (November 4, 1998)
The Holy Spirit is the source of hope * (November 11, 1998)
Signs of hope at the end of this century (November 18, 1998)
Spirit leads Church on path of renewal (November 25, 1998)
We await new heavens and a new earth (December 2, 1998)
Mary’s motherhood is linked to the Spirit (December 9, 1998)

God the Father

On Pilgrimage to the Father's house (December 16, 1998)
God gradually reveals his fatherhood (January 13, 1999)
God shows himself a father to Israel (January 20, 1999)
Jesus' experience of God as Father and his intimate relationship with him (March 3, 1999)
Jesus' relationship with the Father, which reveals the mystery of the Trinity (March 10, 1999)
Eternal life means knowing the Father * (March 17, 1999)
God the Father's providential love (March 24, 1999)
God the Father's love is demanding (April 7, 1999)
Christian response to modern atheism (April 14, 1999)
Dialogue is part of Church's saving mission (April 21, 1999)
Jews and Christians share much together * (April 28, 1999)
Muslims and Christians adore the one God * (May 5, 1999)
Dialogue with the great world religions (May 19, 1999)
Humanity's journey to the Father (May 26, 1999)
Believers in Christ need not fear death * (June 2, 1999)
The merciful nature of God's judgement (July 7, 1999)
Heaven is fullness of communion with God * (July 21, 1999)
Hell is the state of those who reject God * (July 28, 1999)
Purgatory is a necessary purification * (August 4, 1999)
Salvation is humanity's ultimate destiny * (August 11, 1999)
Fight evil and sin * (August 18, 1999)
Personal sin has repercussions on society * (August 25, 1999)
Church asks pardon for her members' sins * (September 1, 1999)
Jesus reveals the Father's merciful face * (September 8, 1999)
Penance: Encounter with the merciful Father * (September 15, 1999)
Reconciliation with God and one another * (September 22, 1999)
Indulgences are an expression of God's mercy * (September 29, 1999)
God's essence is a mystery of infinite love * (October 6, 1999)
Charity is a response to God's call to love * (October 13, 1999)
Love is the greatest of all the Spirit's gifts * (October 20, 1999)
The Church's preferential love for the poor * (October 27, 1999)
Reducing international debt * (November 3, 1999)
Commitment to promoting women's dignity * (November 24, 1999)
Society depends on stable families * (December 1, 1999)
Building a civilization of love (December 15, 1999)
Mary, the Father's beloved daughter * (January 5, 2000)
Mary cooperates in God's saving plan * (January 12, 2000)

The Trinity

The Trinity: fountain of love and light * (January 19, 2000)
The Trinity is mysteriously present in creation * (January 26, 2000)
The glory of the Trinity is revealed in history * (February 9, 2000)
The Incarnation reveals the glory of the Trinity * (April 5, 2000)
The Holy Trinity is revealed at Jesus' Baptism (April 12, 2000)
The promise of Tabor is fulfilled at Easter * (April 26, 2000)
Christ's passion revelas the glory of the Trinity * (May 3, 2000)
The Trinity is present at Christ's Resurrection * (May 10, 2000)
The glory of the Trinity in Christ's Ascension * (May 24, 2000)
Pentecost involves the three Divine Persons * (May 31, 2000)
The glory of the Trinity present in living human beings (June 7, 2000)
The Trinity in the life of the Church * (June 14, 2000)
Glory of the Trinity in the heavenly Jerusalem (June 28, 2000)
God always goes in search of us * (July 5, 2000)
God satisfies our longing for his presence (July 26, 2000)
God reveals himself in nature * (August 2, 2000)
The decisive meeting with Christ, the Word made flesh (August 9, 2000)
God continually calls us to repentance * (August 30, 2000)
The way Christ taught is demanding (September 6, 2000)
Christians are enlivened by the Holy Spirit (September 13, 2000)
The gift of the Spirit * (September 20, 2000)

The Eucharist and the Kingdom

The Eucharist is a celebration of divine glory (September 27, 2000)
The Eucharist: memorial of God's mighty work * (October 4, 2000)
Eucharist is perfect sacrifice of praise (October 11, 2000)
Eucharist, banquet of communion with God (October 18, 2000)
The Eucharist, "a taste of eternity in time" (October 25, 2000)
Eucharist is sacrament of the Church's unity (November 8, 2000)
Word, Eucharist and divided Christians (November 15, 2000)
Love binds all Christian communities (November 22, 2000)
God the Father offers salvation to all nations (November 29, 2000)
All are called to build God's kingdom (December 6, 2000)
God entrusted the earth to our stewardship (December 13, 2000)
God made man the steward of creation (January 17, 2001)
A future more worthy of the human person (January 24, 2001)
We look to new heavens and new earth (January 31, 2001)
The Church, a bride adorned for her husband (February 7, 2001)
All creation will be "recapitulated' in Christ (February 14, 2001)
Mary, eschatological icon of the Church (March 14, 2001)
Mary leads us on a pilgrimage of faith (March 21, 2001)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Psalms and Canticles of Lauds: John Paul II's Catechesis on Morning Prayer

2008-12-04T11:56:00.011-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Psalms and Canticles of Lauds (Morning Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours) by Pope John Paul II. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on Salvation History and precedes John Paull II's and Benedict XVI's Catechesis on Vespers. It began on March 28, 2001, and concluded on October 1, 2003.

These audiences are available in book form from Liturgy Training Publications. As with the Catechesis on Vespers, these audiences are also published by the Catholic Truth Society, which is the official publisher of the Holy See in the UK.

Introduction

Psalter is ideal source of Christian prayer (Mar. 28, 2001)

The Spirit prays through us in the Psalms (Apr. 4, 2001)

Week I

Sun. - Psalm 63:2-9 - My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord (Apr. 25, 2001)

Sun. - Daniel 3:57-88, 56 - Let every creature bless the Lord (May 2, 2001)

Sun. - Psalm 149 - Song of praise, joy sung by festive chorus and instruments (May 23, 2001)

Mon. - Psalm 5:2-10, 12-13 - Morning prayer for help (May 30, 2001)

Mon. - 1 Chronicles 29:10b-13 - To God alone be honor and glory (Jun. 6, 2001 )

Mon. - Psalm 29 - The Lord solemnly proclaims his word (Jun. 13, 2001)

Tue. - Psalm 24 - The Lord enters his temple! (Jun. 20, 2001)

Tue. - Tobit 13:1b-8 - I exalt my God (Jul. 25, 2001)

Tue. - Psalm 33 - Hymn of joy and acclamation to God’s Providence (Aug. 8, 2001)

Wed. - Psalm 36 - Malice of Sinner vs. Goodness of Lord (Aug. 22, 2001)

Wed. - Judith 16:1, 13-15 - The Lord, Creator of the World, protects his people (Aug. 29, 2001)

Wed. - Psalm 47 - Praise the Lord, King of all the earth (Sep. 5, 2001)

Thu. - Psalm 57 - It is a dark night (Sep. 19, 2001)

Thu. - Jeremiah 31:10-14 - Hear the word of the Lord, O nations (Oct. 10, 2001)

Thu. - Psalm 48 - O God we ponder your love within your temple (Oct. 17, 2001)

Fri. - Psalm 51 - Against you alone have I sinned (Oct. 24, 2001)

Fri. - Isaiah 45:15-25 - On the Mystery and Providence of God (Oct. 31, 2001)

Fri. - Psalm 100 - Let the world praise faithful God (Nov. 7, 2001)

Sat. - Psalm 119:145-152 - Praise God for the gift of His Law (Nov. 14, 2001)

Sat. - Exodus 15:1-4a, 8-13, 17-18 - Sing to the Lord for he is triumphant (Nov. 21, 2001)

Sat. - Psalm 117 - All peoples praise God’s faithful love (Nov. 28, 2001)

Week II

Sun. - Psalm 118 - The stone rejected ... has become cornerstone (Dec. 5, 2001)

Sun. - Daniel 3:52-57 - Canticle uses language of Love (Dec. 12, 2001)

Sun. - Psalm 150 - To you all flesh shall come with its burden of sin (Jan. 9, 2002)

Mon. - Psalm 42 - The thirsting deer longs for streams of living water (Jan. 16, 2002)

Mon. - Sirach 36:1-5, 10-13 - Glimmers of Hope During the Exile (Jan. 23, 2002)

Mon. - Psalm 19:1-7 - God Creator creates brilliance of Sun (Jan. 30, 2002)

Tue. - Psalm 43 - With confidence on road toward the heavenly ‘Zion’ (Feb. 6, 2002)

Tue. - Isaiah 38:10-14, 17b-20 - Canticle of thanksgiving after nightmare of illness (Feb. 27, 2002)

Tue. - Psalm 65 - To you all flesh shall come with its burden of sin (Mar. 6, 2002)

Wed. - Psalm 77 - God renews the saving wonders of his love (Mar. 13, 2002)

Wed. - 1 Samuel 2:1-10 - The humble hope in God, rejoice in him (Mar. 20, 2002)

Wed. - Psalm 97 - The Glory of the Lord, Judge of the world (Apr. 3, 2002)

Thu. - Psalm 80 - O Shepherd of Israel, come to our aid! (Apr. 10, 2002)

Thu. - Isaiah 12:1-6 - Draw water with joy at the fountain of salvation (Apr. 17, 2002)

Thu. - Psalm 81 - A love that frees the oppressed from their burdens (Apr. 24, 2002)

Fri. - Psalm 51 - Where sin abounded, grace was more abundant! (May 8, 2002)

Fri. - Habakkuk 3:2-4, 13a, 15-19 - The Lord comes to judge the earth (May 15, 2002)

Fri. - Psalm 147:12-20 - Jerusalem, praise your saving God (Jun. 5, 2002)

Sat. - Psalm 92 - Sing in praise of Christ’s redeeming work (Jun. 12, 2002)

Sat. - Deuteronomy 32:1-12 - Fidelity is the best response to God’s benefits (Jun. 19, 2002)

Sat. - Psalm 8 - How Great is Your Name through all the earth (Jun. 26, 2002)

Week III

Sun. - Psalm 93 - God is our strength in the storms of life (Jul. 3, 2002)

Sun. - Daniel 3:57-88, 56 - Give praise and glory to God for Creation (Jul. 10, 2002)

Sun. - Psalm 148 - Praise to him who sits upon the throne (Jul. 17, 2002)

Mon. - Psalm 84 - Heaven’s peace and life is our destination (Aug. 28, 2002)

Mon. - Isaiah 2:2-5 - They shall beat their swords into plowshares (Sep. 4, 2002)

Mon. - Psalm 96 - The Lord reigns from the Cross (Sep. 18, 2002)

Tue. - Psalm 85 - Show us, O Lord, your Mercy; grant salvation (Sep. 25, 2002)

Tue. - Isaiah 26:1b-4, 7-9, 12 - My peace I give to you, my peace I leave you (Oct. 2, 2002)

Tue. - Psalm 67 - God is offering His salvation to the whole world (Oct. 9, 2002)

Wed. - Psalm 86 - All nations shall come and adore You, O Lord (Oct. 23, 2002)

Wed. - Isaiah 33:13-16 - The Lord will Judge with Justice (Oct. 30, 2002)

Wed. - Psalm 98 - May Your Kingdom Come (Nov. 6, 2002)

Thu. - Psalm 87 - Jerusalem, Mother of all Peoples (Nov. 13, 2002)

Thu. - Isaiah 40:10-17 - Almighty God, Omniscient Lord, Loving Shepherd (Nov. 20, 2002)

Thu. - Psalm 99 - Holy is the Lord our God (Nov. 27, 2002)

Fri. - Psalm 51 - Take not your Holy Spirit from me (Dec. 4, 2002)

Fri. - Jeremiah 14:17-21 - Show us O Lord your mercy (Dec. 11, 2002)

Fri. - Psalm 100 - In prayer we abandon ourselves to God’s embrace (Jan. 8, 2003)

Sat. - Psalm 119:145-152 - Begin the day with prayer: let Christ be light of day (Jan. 15, 2003)

Sat. - Wisdom 9:1-6, 9-11 - True wisdom is a participation in the mind of God (Jan. 29, 2003)

Sat. - Psalm 117 - Prayer is ray of light in self-sufficient world (Feb. 5, 2003)

Week IV

Sun. - Psalm 118 - In all our trials, God has the last word (Feb. 12, 2003)

Sun. - Daniel 3:52-57 - Bless the Lord all you works of the Lord (Feb. 19, 2003)

Sun. - Psalm 150 - Music, hymnody should be worthy of the greatness of the Liturgy (Feb. 26, 2003)

Mon. - Psalm 90 - Teach us to number our days aright (Mar. 26, 2003)

Mon. - Isaiah 42:10-16 - Sing to the Lord a new song! (Apr. 2, 2003)

Mon. - Psalm 135:1-12 - Praise the name of the Lord! (Apr. 9, 2003)

Tue. - Psalm 101 - I will sing of loyalty and of justice! (Apr. 30, 2003)

Tue. - Daniel 3:26, 27, 29, 34-41 - We trust in your merciful love! (May 14, 2003)

Tue. - Psalm 144:1-10 - Blessed be the Lord, my rock! (May 21, 2003)

Wed. - Psalm 108 - My heart is steadfast, O God! (May 28, 2003)

Wed. - Isaiah 61:10-62:5 - The rebirth and renewal of Jerusalem: My soul exalts in my God! (Jun. 8, 2003)

Wed. - Psalm 146 - Praise the Lord, O my soul! (Jul. 2, 2003)

Thu. - Psalm 143:1-11 - Penitential Psalms (Jul. 9, 2003)

Thu. - Isaiah 66:10-14a - Rejoice with Jerusalem! (Jul. 16, 2003)

Thu. - Psalm 147:1-11 - Praise the Lord! (Jul. 23, 2003)

Fri. - Psalm 51 - Have mercy on me, O God! (Jul. 30, 2003)

Fri. - Tobit 13:8-11, 13-15 - Give thanks worthily to the Lord (Aug. 13, 2003)

Fri. - Psalm 147:12-20 - Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! (Aug. 20, 2003)

Sat. - Psalm 92 - Good vs. evil (Sep. 3, 2003)

Sat. - Ezekiel 36:24-28 - I will be your God! (Sep. 10, 2003)

Sat. - Psalm 8 - O Lord, our Lord! (Sep. 24, 2003)

Benedictus

Luke 1:68-79 - Benedictus (Oct. 1, 2003)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Psalms and Canticles of Vespers: Benedict XVI's and John Paul II's Catechesis on Evening Prayer

2008-12-04T10:05:00.009-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Psalms and Canticles of Vespers (Evening Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours). It was started by Pope John Paul II and completed by Pope Benedict XVI. This series follows John Paul II's Catechesis on Lauds and precedes Benedict XVI's Catechesis on the Apostles. It began on October 8, 2003, and concluded on February 15, 2006.

The only book form of these audiences I have ever seen is published by the Catholic Truth Society, which is the official publisher of the Holy See in the UK.

Introduction to Vespers

The origins of the Liturgy of Vespers and the symbolism of light (Oct. 8, 2003)

Vespers, Prayer of Sunset: Structure of Evening Prayer in the Roman rite (Oct. 15, 2003)

Week I

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 141:1-9 - Prayer in danger (Nov. 5, 2003)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 142 - I cry with my voice to the Lord! (Nov. 12, 2003)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Philippians 2:6-11 - Christ, servant of God (Nov. 19, 2003)

Sun. II - Psalm 110:1-5, 7 - Sit at my right hand! (Nov. 26, 2003)

Sun. II - Psalm 114 - They all sang with one voice (Dec. 3, 2003)

Sun. II - Revelation 19:1-7 - Let us rejoice and be glad! (Dec. 10, 2003)

Sun. II - 1 Peter 2:21b-24 - Our Lord’s glorious Passion as foreseen at his Baptism in the River Jordan (Jan. 14, 2004)

Mon. - Psalm 11 - A prayer of trust to the Lord who is not indifferent to right and wrong (Jan. 28, 2004)

Mon. - Psalm 15 - To dwell on your holy mountain (Feb. 4, 2004)

Mon. - Ephesians 1:3-10 - Blessed be the Lord! (Feb. 18, 2004)

Tue. - Psalm 20 - Grant victory, O Lord! (Mar. 10, 2004)

Tue. - Psalm 21:2-8, 14 - For the king trusts in the Lord! (Mar. 17, 2004)

Tue. - Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12 - Worthy is the lamb who was slain! (Mar. 31, 2004)

Wed. - Psalm 27:1-6 - The Lord is my light and my help! (Apr. 21, 2004)

Wed. - Psalm 27:7-14 - Confidence in God in times of tribulation (Apr. 28, 2004)

Wed. - Colossians 1:12-20 - Christological hymn (May 5, 2004)

Thu. - Psalm 30 - A hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance from death and from the experience of trial and crisis (May 12, 2004)

Thu. - Psalm 32 - Happy those who are forgiven! (May 19, 2004)

Thu. - Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a - Hymn of thanksgiving to God (May 26, 2004)

Fri. - Psalm 41 -Prayer of a sick man betrayed by his friends (Jun. 2, 2004)

Fri. - Psalm 46 - God our refuge and strength (Jun. 16, 2004)

Fri. - Revelation 15:3-4 - Just and true are your ways! (Jun. 23, 2004)

Week II

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 119:105-112 - Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path (Jul. 21, 2004)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 16 - My happiness lies in you alone (Jul. 28, 2004)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Philippians 2:6-11 - He emptied himself! (Aug. 4, 2004)

Sun. II - Psalm 110:1-5, 7 - Sit on my right: your foes I will put beneath your feet (Aug. 18, 2004)

Sun. II - Psalm 115 - We who live bless the Lord! (Sept. 1, 2004)

Sun. II - Revelation 19:1-7 - Alleluia... Praise our God! (Sept. 15, 2004)

Sun. II - 1 Peter 2:21b-24 - The face of the suffering Christ and his patience in bearing the burden of the Cross (Sept. 22, 2004)

Mon. - Psalm 45:2-10 - My heart overflows (Sept. 29, 2004)

Mon. - Psalm 45:11-18 - Listen, O daughter! (Oct. 6, 2004)

Mon. - Ephesians 1:3-10 - Blessed be God! (Oct. 13, 2004)

Tue. - Psalm 49:1-13 - In his riches, man lacks wisdom! (Oct. 20, 2004)

Tue. - Psalm 49:14-21 - God will ransom me! (Oct. 27, 2004)

Tue. - Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 10, 12 - Worthy is the Lamb (Nov. 3, 2004)

Wed. - Psalm 62 - In God alone be at rest! (Nov. 10, 2004)

Wed. - Psalm 67 - The earth has yielded its fruit (Nov. 17, 2004)

Wed. - Colossians 1:12-20 - Firstborn of all creation (Nov. 24, 2004)

Thu. - Psalm 72:1-11 - Justice shall flourish (Dec. 1, 2004)

Thu. - Psalm 72:12-19 - He shall save the poor! (Dec. 15, 2004)

Thu. - Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a - By the blood of the Lamb (Jan. 12, 2005)

Fri. - Psalm 116:1-9 - O Lord, deliver me! (Jan. 26, 2005)

Fri. - Psalm 121 - Israel’s guard (May 4, 2005)

Fri. - Revelation 15:3-4 - Just and true are your ways! (May 11, 2005)

Week III

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 113 - Praise the name of the Lord! (May 18, 2005)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 116:10-19 - Prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord (May 25, 2005)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Philippians 2:6-11 - He humbled himself (Jun. 1, 2005)

Sun. II - Psalm 111 - To fear the Lord (Jun. 8, 2005)

Mon. - Psalm 123 - Have mercy on us! (Jun. 15, 2005)

Mon. - Psalm 124 - If the Lord had not been on our side (Jun. 22, 2005)

Mon. - Ephesians 1:3-10 - He chose us (Jul. 6, 2005)

Tue. - Psalm 125 - On Israel, peace! (Aug. 3, 2005)

Tue. - Psalm 131 - My heart is not proud (Aug. 10, 2005)

Wed. - Psalm 126 - Deliver us, O Lord (Aug. 17, 2005)

Wed. - Psalm 127 - If the Lord does not build the house (Aug. 31, 2005)

Wed. - Colossians 1:12-20 - Firstborn of all creation! (Sept. 7, 2005)

Thu. - Psalm 132:1-10 - A place for the Lord (Sept. 14, 2005)

Thu. - Psalm 132:11-18 - My crown shall shine (Sept. 21, 2005)

Fri. - Psalm 135:1-12 - Praise the Lord for the Lord is good (Sept. 28, 2005)

Fri. - Psalm 135:13-21 - Sons of Israel, bless the Lord! (Oct. 5, 2005)

Week IV

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 122 - Peace upon you! (Oct. 12, 2005)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Psalm 130 - Lord, hear my voice! (Oct. 19, 2005)

Sun. I (Sat. evening) - Philippians 2:6-11 - Jesus Christ is Lord! (Oct. 26, 2005)

Sun. II - Psalm 112 - Open-handed, he gives to the poor (Nov. 2, 2005)

Mon. - Psalm 136:1-9 - His mercy endures for ever! (Nov. 9, 2005)

Mon. - Psalm 136:10-26 - To the God of Heaven give thanks (Nov. 16, 2005)

Mon. - Ephesians 1:3-10 - He chose us in him (Nov. 23, 2005)

Tue. - Psalm 137:1-6 - If I forget you, Jerusalem (Nov. 30, 2005)

Tue. - Psalm 138 - Judaic hymn of thanksgiving (Dec. 7, 2005)

Wed. - Psalm 139:1-12 - O where can I go? (Dec. 14, 2005)

Wed. - Psalm 139:13-18, 23-24 - The wonder of my being (Dec. 28, 2005)

Wed. - Colossians 1:12-20 - All the fullness of God (Jan. 4, 2006)

Thu. - Psalm 144:1-8 - He is my stronghold (Jan. 11, 2006)

Thu. - Psalm 144:9-15 - Sing a new song! (Jan. 25, 2006)

Fri. - Psalm 145:1-13a - I will give you glory! (Feb. 1, 2006)

Fri. - Psalm 145:13b-21 - The Lord is faithful in all his words (Feb. 8, 2006)

The Magnificat

Luke 1:46-55 - Magnificat: My soul glories the Lord (Feb. 15, 2006)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Apostles and the First Christians: Benedict XVI's Catechesis on the early Church

2008-12-04T09:19:00.007-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Apostles and the Early Church from Pope Benedict XVI. This series follows his Catechesis on Vespers and precedes his Catechesis on the Early Church Fathers. It began on March 15, 2006 and concluded on February 14, 2007.

This catechesis is available in book form from Our Sunday Visitor and Ignatius Press. Our Sunday Visitor has also published a corresponding Study Guide which is available for purchase and as a free downloadable .pdf file. Recently, OSV has also published a beautiful Illustrated Edition of The Apostles.

The Origins of the Church

Christ and the Church (March 15, 2006)
‘Witness of Christ’ (March 22, 2006)
The Gift of ‘Communion’ (March 29, 2006)
‘Safeguarding the Gift’ (April 5, 2006)
Communion in Time: Tradition (April 26, 2006)
The Apostolic Tradition of the Church (May 3, 2006)
Having a ‘Vision from on High’ (May 10, 2006)

The Apostles

Peter: The Fisherman (May 17, 2006)
Peter: The Apostle (May 24, 2006)
Peter: The Rock (June 7, 2006)
Andrew: The Protoclete (June 14, 2006)
James, the Greater (June 21, 2006)
James, the Lesser (June 28, 2006)
John: Son of Zebedee (July 5, 2006)
John: The Theologian (August 9, 2006)
John: The Seer of Patmos (August 23, 2006)
Matthew (August 30, 2006)
Philip the Apostle (September 6, 2006)
Thomas the Twin (September 27, 2006)
Bartholomew (October 4, 2006)
Simon and Jude (October 11, 2006)
Judas Iscariot and Matthias (October 18, 2006)

The First Disciples

Paul of Tarsus (October 25, 2006)
St. Paul’s New Outlook (November 8, 2006)
St. Paul and the Spirit (November 15, 2006)
St. Paul and the Church (November 22, 2006)
Timothy and Titus (December 13, 2006)
Stephen: The Protomartyr (January 10, 2007)
Barnabas, Silas, and Apollos (January 31, 2007)
Priscilla and Aquila (February 7, 2007)
Women at the Service of the Gospel (February 14, 2007)

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The Early Church Fathers: A Series of Catecheses from Pope Benedict XVI

2008-12-03T14:41:00.007-05:00

Here is the series of catecheses on the Early Church Fathers from Pope Benedict XVI. This series follows his Catechesis on the Apostles and precedes his Catechesis on St. Paul. It began on March 7, 2007, and concluded on June 25, 2008, and it includes 46 general audiences.

This catechesis is available in book form from Our Sunday Visitor and Ignatius Press. Our Sunday Visitor has also published a corresponding Study Guide which is available for purchase and as a free downloadable .pdf file. (*note: Both books end with Pope Benedict's catechesis on St. Augustine. Neither includes the catecheses from St. Leo the Great through St. Maximus the Confessor.)

St. Clement, Bishop of Rome (March 7, 2007)
St. Ignatius of Antioch (March 14, 2007)
St. Justin, Philosopher and Martyr (March 21, 2007)
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (March 28, 2007)
St. Clement of Alexandria (April 18, 2007)
Origen of Alexandria: Life and Work (April 25, 2007)
Origen of Alexandria: The Thought (May 2, 2007)
Tertullian (May 30, 2007)
St. Cyprian (June 6, 2007)
Eusebius of Caesarea (June 13, 2007)
St. Athanasius of Alexandria (June 20, 2007)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (June 27, 2007)
St. Basil: Life and Work (July 4, 2007)
St. Basil: The Thought (August 1, 2007)
St. Gregory Nazianzus: Life and Work (August 8, 2007)
St. Gregory Nazianzus: The Thought (August 22, 2007)
St. Gregory of Nyssa: Life and Work (August 29, 2007)
St. Gregory of Nyssa: The Thought (September 5, 2007)
St. John Chrysostom: The Years in Antioch (September 19, 2007)
St. John Chrysostom: The Years in Constantinople (September 26, 2007)
St. Cyril of Alexandria (October 3, 2007)
St. Hilary of Poitiers (October 10, 2007)
St. Eusebius of Vercelli (October 17, 2007)
St. Ambrose of Milan (October 24, 2007)
St. Maximus of Turin (October 31, 2007)
St. Jerome: Life and Work (November 7, 2007)
St. Jerome: The Thought (November 14, 2007)
Aphraates, “the Sage” (November 21, 2007)
St. Ephrem (November 28, 2007)
St. Chromatius of Aquileia (December 5, 2007)
St. Paulinus, Bishop of Nola (December 12, 2007)
St. Augustine of Hippo: Early Life (January 9, 2008)
St. Augustine of Hippo: Later Life (January 16, 2008)
St. Augustine of Hippo: Teachings (January 30, 2008)
St. Augustine of Hippo: Writings (February 20, 2008)
St. Augustine of Hippo: Triple Conversion (February 27, 2008)
St. Leo the Great (March 5, 2008)
Boethius and Cassiodorus (March 12, 2008)
St. Benedict of Nursia (April 9, 2008)
Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (May 14, 2008)
St. Romanus the Melodist (May 21, 2008)
St. Gregory the Great: Life and Work (May 28, 2008)
St. Gregory the Great: The Thought (June 4, 2008)
St. Columban (June 11, 2008)
St. Isidore of Seville (June 18, 2008)
St. Maximus the Confessor (June 25, 2008)

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The Year of St. Paul: Pope Benedict XVI's Catechesis on St. Paul

2008-12-03T14:16:00.010-05:00

Here is a list of Pope Benedict XVI's audiences on St. Paul. This series is preceded by Benedict's Catechesis on the Early Church Fathers. Pope Benedict began this catechesis on July 2, 2008, and it ended on February 4, 2009. It consists of 20 general audiences.

The series was started in honor of the Year of St. Paul (June 28, 2008-June 29, 2009) which was declared to celebrate St. Paul's 2000th birthday.

Religious and Cultural Environment (July 2, 2008)
The Life of St. Paul before and after Damascus (August 27, 2008)
St. Paul’s “Conversion” (September 3, 2008)
St. Paul’s Concept of Apostolate (September 10, 2008)
Paul, the Twelve and the pre-Pauline Church (September 24, 2008)
The “Council” of Jerusalem and the Incident in Antioch (October 1, 2008)
The Relationship with the Historical Jesus (October 8, 2008)
Paul’s Ecclesiological Dimension (October 15, 2008)
The Importance of Christology – Pre-existence and Incarnation (October 22, 2008)
The Importance of Christology – The Theology of the Cross (October 29, 2008)
The Importance of Christology – The Decisiveness of the Resurrection (November 5, 2008)
Eschatology – The Expectation of the Parusia (November 12, 2008)
The Doctrine of Justification – From Works to Faith (November 19, 2008)
The Doctrine of Justification – From Faith to Works (November 26, 2008)
The Apostle’s teaching on the relation between Adam and Christ (December 3, 2008)
Theology of the Sacraments (December 10, 2008)
Spiritual Worship (January 7, 2009)
Letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (January 14, 2009)
The Pastoral Epistles: Letters to Timothy and Titus (January 28, 2009)
St. Paul's Martyrdom and Spiritual Heritage (February 4, 2009)

Back to The Catechesis of the Popes.

The Catechesis of the Popes

2008-12-03T14:00:00.019-05:00

As I've noted in previous posts, the Pope's Wednesday General Audiences consist of thematic, systematic catechesis on particular topics of his choosing. The most famous of these is John Paul II's "Theology of the Body".

I wanted to create a place to easily access the Pope's General Audiences by topic. Below are some links to posts on the different topics that have been covered by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Each link below, in turn, will link to all the audiences on that particular topic.

(*note: I now have up all of the main themes of catecheses for John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Keep watching this site as I have plans to add an "Other" section to chronicle all the general audiences that address special feasts, apostolic journeys, and other special events)

UPDATE: I have taken all of the blog posts on the Catechesis of the Popes and created a website specifically for this purpose: http://catechesisofthepopes.wikispaces.com/. Feel free to bookmark whichever site is easier to use!

St. Paul - Benedict XVI
The Early Church Fathers - Benedict XVI
The Apostles and the First Christians - Benedict XVI
The Liturgy of the Hours: The Psalms and Canticles of Vespers (Evening Prayer) - Benedict XVI & John Paul II
The Liturgy of the Hours: The Psalms and Canticles of Lauds (Morning Prayer) - John Paul II
Salvation History - John Paul II
Mary, Mother of God - John Paul II
The Church: Mystery, Sacrament, Community - John Paul II
The Spirit: Giver of Life and Love - John Paul II
Jesus: Son and Savior - John Paul II
God: Father and Creator - John Paul II
The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan - John Paul II

Always be prepared! (For Sunday Mass, that is!)

2008-08-18T14:25:00.002-04:00

Are lackluster homilies getting you down? Do you wish your pastor had a book on homily helps? Does keeping your kids well-behaved cause you to miss the proclamation of Scripture during the Liturgy of the Word?

Well, have no fear! There are many resources out there for you so that you can be prepared for Mass on Sunday. Even if your priest may not be the most eloquent orator on the Scripture, being well-prepared can make a great difference in getting the most out of Mass.

By way of example, I will take you through the readings for this Sunday, August 24, 2008, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A).

#1: The first, and most important, step is to read the Scripture readings ahead of time (asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind as you read). For that, the USCCB is a handy place to find all the Sunday Mass readings (and daily Mass readings as well!): Readings for August 24, 2008

#2: Next, Scott Hahn's St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology provides excellent homily helps on the Sunday Mass readings. They are clear, concise, yet deep, and they beautifully tie the readings together in the way they were meant to be read: "Oh the Depths" - on the readings for August 24, 2008

#3: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Picayune, MS, (home of the excellent, user-friendly, online version of the second edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church) also has a wonderful archive of studies of all the readings from the Lectionary for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year. The studies are all in .pdf format and requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader to open: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

#4: Next, you may choose to listen to audio files of an excellent homilist. Fr. Bob Barron from the Archdiocese of Chicago, through his apostolate Word on Fire, offers an astonishing archive of all his homilies for the last 8 years (and counting!). He always has available the homily for the upcoming Sunday. Here is his homily for this Sunday: Sermon #398 - Ekklesia

*note: For Fr. Barron's homilies on the same readings, you can also backtrack to 2005 (Sermon #241 - Tu es Petrus) and 2002 (Sermon #86 - Thou Art Peter).

*note #2: Catholics United for the Faith also has an archive of homilies on their website in print form, although they have discontinued it at the present time. They have about two and a half years worth of Sunday homilies, but they do not have one for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time for year A.

#5: Be sure to check out what the early Church Fathers were saying on the Gospels as well by consulting St. Thomas Aquinas' invaluable compilation, the Catena Aurea (the "Golden Chain"). Aquinas went through the Gospels verse by verse to compile what the early Church Fathers had to say about them. It is truly remarkable. Look at what the early Church Fathers say about this Sunday's Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

#6: A good Bible Commentary is also quite helpful. Online, there is the old Haydock Bible Commentary available free of charge. All you have to do is look up the passages from the Sunday Readings:

*note: Of course, there are other great Bible Commentaries in print form, such as the Ignatius Catholic Bible Study and the Navarre Bible Commentary.

If you follow these steps in a spirit of prayer, you should be well-prepared to celebrate the great mysteries of our faith when you go to Mass on Sunday. Not to mention the fact that your biblical prowess will greatly improve!

Catholics Come Home!

2008-06-18T11:27:00.002-04:00

Catholics Come Home is a great resource for reaching out to those Catholics who have stopped practicing their faith, or those non-Catholics who may be interested in the Catholic Church.

One of their primary purposes is to organize media campaigns via television that encourage people to come to (or come back to) the Catholic Church.

These short "commercials" for the Church are available on their website, and are very well done:

To accompany the videos, they have Fact Sheets that provide documentation and scriptural support for every statement made in each video:

They also link to a great number of written resources on their website. Although many of their links point to other sites, they have organized those links in an extremely helpful way, and all the sources that I have seen are reliable places to go for answers on the Catholic faith.

In addition, any non-practicing Catholic (or non-Catholic) can get a FREE copy of Matthew Kelly's great book Rediscovering Catholicism, just by asking!

And, Catholic Culture gives this apostolate a great review.

So, all in all, this is a great Catholic organization that is at the forefront of the New Evangelization. It deserves our support and our prayers.

Catholic Apologist's Bookshelf!

2008-02-13T15:22:00.002-05:00

Here's an annotated bibliography of some of the best general Catholic apologetics books out there. It is far from a complete list, but enough for a fledgling apologist to get grounded! Of course, there are many other great apologetics books that address particular topics, but I have tried to stick with those of a more general nature.

I have also included a bibliography of Catholic conversion stories. Many of these come from some of the premier Catholic Apologists. They all serve as great apologetics tools. The authors necessarily respond to many of the common objections against the Catholic Church as they describe what led them to recognize the Catholic Church as the one true Church established by Jesus Christ!

Apologetics Bibliography

Armstrong, Dave. A Biblical Defense of Catholicism. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2003. A comprehensive look at the biblical support of Catholic teaching.
Chacon, Frank, and Jim Burnham. Beginning Apologetics Series. Farmington, NM: San Juan Catholic Seminars, 1993-2005. A great set of booklets that systematically lays out how to defend Catholic teaching amongst a variety of specific groups.
Drummey, James J. Catholic Replies. Norwood, MA: C.R. Publications, 1995. 800 Questions and answers on some of the most pressing questions Catholics face.
Drummey, James J. Catholic Replies 2. Norwood, MA: C.R. Publications, 1998. 800 more questions on a wide variety of important Catholic topics.
Hahn, Scott. Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith. New York: Doubleday, 2007. Comprehensive overview of how to explain the Catholic faith to others.
Keating, Karl. Catholicism and Fundamentalism. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1988. A more in depth look of the differences between Catholics and Fundamentalist Christians, as well as an analysis of the roots of many of the common misconceptions Fundamentalists have regarding Catholic teaching.
Keating, Karl. What Catholics Really Believe: 52 Answers to Common Misconceptions About the Catholic Faith. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1995. Written for beginners.
Kreeft, Peter and Ronald K. Tacelli. Handbook of Christian Apologetics. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994. This book is not specifically Catholic (Kreeft is Catholic but Tacelli is not) but it is a great resource for general Christian apologetics, such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, etc.
Madrid, Patrick. Pope Fiction: Answers to 30 Myths & Misconceptions about the Papacy. San Diego, CA: Basilica Press, 1999. As the title suggests, this book addresses the most common misconceptions people have regarding the Pope. I include this, even though it addresses one particular topic, because it is they key difference between the Catholic Church and every other form of Christianity. Many of the chapters also address other topics (such as Galileo and the Inquisition) from the perspective of the papacy.
Madrid, Patrick. Search and Rescue: How to Bring Your Family and Friends Into — Or Back Into —the Catholic Church. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2001. This book takes a pastoral approach in giving advice to the reader on how to approach the topic of Catholicism with family and friends. Not an apologetics book per se, but very helpful in applying the information learned from other apologetics books.
Madrid, Patrick. Where is That in the Bible?. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2001. This book identifies and explains the scriptural roots of those doctrines unique to Catholicism.
Madrid, Patrick. Why is That in Tradition?. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2002. Similar to Where is That in the Bible?, this book uses the writings of the Early Church Fathers to illustrate that the earliest Christians were Catholic in their beliefs and practices.
Salza, John. The Biblical Basis for the Catholic Faith. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2005. Similar to Armstrong’s book, but briefer.
Schreck, Alan. Catholic and Christian: An Explanation of Commonly Misunderstood Catholic Beliefs. Revised ed. Cincinnati, OH: Servant Publications, 2004. A good overview of Catholic teaching from an apologetics standpoint.
Suprenant, Leon J., Jr., and Philip C.L. Gray. Faith Facts: Answers to Catholic Questions. Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Road Publishing, 1999. A compilation of many of Catholics United for the Faith's most popular Faith Facts tracts.
Suprenant, Leon J., Jr., and Philip C.L. Gray. Faith Facts II: Answers to Catholic Questions. Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Road Publishing, 2004. The sequel with even more answers to many important questions on the Catholic faith.

Apologetics Conversion Stories

Currie, David. Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1996.
Hahn, Scott, and Kimberly Hahn. Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1993.
Howard, Thomas. Evangelical Is Not Enough: Worship of God in Liturgy and Sacrament. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1988.
Howard, Thomas. Lead, Kindly Light: My Journey to Rome. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 2004.
Madrid, Patrick, Ed. Surprised by Truth: 11 Converts Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic. San Diego, CA: Basilica Press, 1994.
Madrid, Patrick, Ed. Surprised by Truth 2: 15 Men and Women Give the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2000.
Madrid, Patrick, Ed. Surprised by Truth 3: 10 More Converts Explain the Biblical and Historical Reasons for Becoming Catholic. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2002.
Ray, Steve. Crossing the Tiber: Evangelical Protestants Discover the Historic Church. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1997.
Schoeman, Roy, Ed. Honey From the Rock: Sixteen Jews Find the Sweetness of Christ. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 2007.
Shea, Mark. By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1996

Biblia Clerus: Reading the Word of God With the Church

2007-12-12T14:06:00.000-05:00

This is the best new website I've seen come along in a while!

http://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerus/index_eng.html

Recently launched by the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, it puts the Scriptures at your fingertips alongside those writings of the Early Church Fathers, the Doctors of the Church, and the magisterial documents that cite a particular passage of Scripture.

You can look up any passage in Scripture in either the NAB or RSV translation for us English speakers (if you read Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, these translations are here, too, along with French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish). Simply find the passage you are looking for, click the "comment" button, and up pops links to a wide variety of Church documents that cite that particular passage.

This is a dream come true for those interested in connecting the Scriptures with the early Church Fathers. It also makes a great homily help for priests, and an excellent research tool for students.

In addition to all this, you are also free to download the entire contents of the website so that you can access it at any time without an internet connection!

All in all, it seems to be an invaluable tool for Catholics as they approach the Scriptures in order to truly read the Bible from the heart of the Church (to borrow the slogan from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology).

Spe Salvi!

2007-11-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today Pope Benedict XVI released his second encyclical Spe Salvi (On Christian Hope). Let's see, his first encyclical was on love and now his second one is on hope. I wonder what his third one might be about....

I haven't read it yet, but I will try to share some thoughts once I have the chance to do so.

The Scandal of Scandal

2007-11-26T13:24:00.000-05:00

Picture in your mind a man sitting down in front of a beautiful mahogany grand piano on the stage of an immense concert hall packed with people. The stage lights glisten off of its shiny surface. The man pulls out an ornately decorated copy of Mozart's Piano Concertos and places it reverently upon the music stand. He opens up the book to a suitable place and stretches his fingers as he readies them for the task at hand. A bead of sweat trickles down his forehead and he wipes it on his sleeve.

Then he begins.

And the sounds that reverberate from the piano are sounds to which no person ought to be subjected. The pianist, if he can be called that, does not know how to read music and has never played before in his life.

The people in the audience begin to murmur and most begin to leave. In the lobby area, some people begin to remark about the performance:

"I had heard good things about that Mozart guy, but evidently he is very overrated. He couldn't compose his way out of a paper bag!"

"So true. I don't think I'll be listening to anything else by Mozart anytime soon!"

Do you think it a bit strange that one poor "musician" would actually change the way people think about Mozart? Does it seem unrealistic that people would react in such a way?

It does seem silly to think that reasonable people would respond negatively towards the composer over one bad musician. Yet, in regards to God and the Church, such responses are common place.

How many people think poorly of the Church or Her practice of a celibate clergy in light of the sex abuse scandal? A lot.

But we don't judge the Sacrament of Marriage on those who are unfaithful to their marriage vows. Neither should we judge the priesthood based on those who have been unfaithful to their vows.

The familiar statistic is that half of all marriages end in divorce. Many of these are the result of marital infidelity. Would allowing married people the freedom to commit adultery help decrease divorce and improve the institution of marriage? Then why do we think that allowing priests to marry will somehow solve the sex abuse scandal?

It is more reasonable to judge something based on those who can do it well rather than on those who cannot. We should judge the brilliance of Mozart on those who can faithfully play his music as it was written. We should not judge the merits of Mozart's music on those who have no musical skill whatsoever.

In the same way, we ought to judge the teachings of the Church on those who live those teachings faithfully (i.e. the saints). We should not judge the Church based on those who fail to live up to Her own teachings.

Catholic Educator's Resource Center

2007-10-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

I recently came across an excellent online source of articles on all things Catholic: www.catholiceducation.org.

This is an excellent starting point for information. I was looking for information on the Inquisition, as I know there are many popular misconceptions about it. So I enter "Inquisition" into the search engine and up comes 12 related articles giving me exactly the info I was looking for.

They pull their articles from other reliable sources (such as Lay Witness magzine, Crisis magazine, EWTN, and more) and receive permission to post the articles on their website.

I think that I will certainly be going here much more in the future. It's everything a Catholic educator could hope for in one place!

Jesus of Nazareth

2007-09-18T23:22:00.000-04:00

In the Spring of this year, Pope Benedict XVI's long-awaited book Jesus of Nazareth was finally released. I am in the middle of reading it and all I have to say is "Wow!" This book is a masterpiece from one of the greatest theologians of our time.

It paints such a vivid picture of Our Lord that is truly a culmination of Benedict's 80 years of study and prayer. He masterfully draws out inferences from the Gospels that seem so obvious once you hear them, but I know I never would have thought of on my own.

Unfortunately, most of the buzz that I saw at the time of publication focused on two sentences from the Foreword of the book (pages xxiii-xxiv):

"It goes without saying that this book is in no way an exercise of the magisterium, but is solely an expression of my personal search 'for the face of the Lord' (cf. Ps 27:8). Everyone is free, then, to contradict me."

That this seemed to be the focus of many commentator's analysis suggests how far into the book they actually read. Unfortunately, I did not see anyone include the next line in the book as part of their commentary:

"I would only ask my readers for that initial goodwill without which there can be no understanding."

I would be hard-pressed to think of someone that has the theological chops of Pope Benedict XVI. So, while this book is not an official pronouncement of the Church, I still wouldn't expect to find anything disagreeable from a man with his background (who also just so happens to be presently entrusted with the "keys to the Kingdom").

I greatly look forward to Part II!

The last Catholic CDRom you'll ever need...

2007-09-12T14:15:00.000-04:00

With over 1 billion Catholics in the world, it is no suprise to find an abundance of Catholic resources. Just keeping up with the writings of the Pope can seem like a full-time job. Sifting through all the books and websites to find what you are looking for can be cumbersome as well.

But no more!

Harmony Media has an excellent CDRom entitled Welcome to the Catholic Church 4.0 (WCC).

WCC has loads of the primary resources Catholics need to be well-formed and educated in the faith. In one convenient place, you get both the NAB and RSV translations of the Bible, the Catechism of the catholic Church, the documents of Vatican II, all the most important documents from the popes of the 20th century aqnd much, much more (for a complete list of everything available on WCC 4.0, click here).

Plus, it is fully searchable! Some highfalutin Catholic uses the term "prevenient grace" and you have no idea what they're talking about? Search for it on WCC and find out where it appears in the official documents of the Church! (Then you'll see that it appears in the Catechism # 2670, and it was used by Pope Innocent X in his condemnation of the Jansenists in 1658, among other references).

This is really a great one-stop Catholic resource. Plus, with version 4.0, you can even download updates from their website to add the most recent papal writings to your storehouse of Catholic doctrine!

Honestly, I don't work for Harmony Media. I just love their product!

Pope's General Audiences, Part II

2007-09-10T15:38:00.002-04:00

In my last post, I began to discuss the thematic catechesis present in the Pope's Wednesday audiences. Here I would like to continue that discussion.

All of John Paul II's General audiences are available on the Vatican website. Unfortunately, they are not all available in English. On the regular page for his General Audiences, they are only available in English beginning with his catechesis on December 18, 1996. Before this date, they are only available in Italian and Spanish (and sometimes Portuguese). Fortunately, there are a few "back door" places on the website to find some of the earlier audiences.

Pope John Paul II delivered his series of catechesis on the Original Unity of Man and Woman (AKA the Theology of the Body) from 1979-1984. The first part of this catechesis is available on the Vatican website.

Following the "Theology of the Body," John Paul II began a lengthy Catechesis on the Creed. I stumbled upon a link to these audiences in English. (Sidenote: I don't know if it's just my web browser or the website itself, but all my em dashes on this portion of the website appear as â€”). These are also available in book form from Pauline Books and Media, however they have been discontinued and are getting harder to find. Here is a snapshot of those audiences:

I haven't been able to find the titles on Jesus and the Church anywhere for under $100 each, which is unfortunate. Fortunately though, all those audiences are on the web.

Following the Catechesis on the Creed, Pope John Paul II began a catechesis on Mary from September 6, 1995, through November 12, 1997. The first half of this catechesis is not available in English on the web so far as I have found, but the book is still in print and is definitely worth the price.

Next, John Paul II delivered a series of Catechesis on Salvation History, which is also still available, but only in limited quantities as it too has been discontinued. Fortunately, these audiences, which range from November 19, 1997, through March 14, 2001, are all available in English on the Vatican website.

The last series of Catechesis Pope John Paul II began was a commentary on all of the Psalms and Canticles in both Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer (Vespers) from the Liturgy of the Hours. The Catechesis on Morning Prayer began on March 28, 2001, and finished on October 1, 2003 with a reflection on the Benedictus (the Canticle of Zechariah [Luke 1:68-79]). This portion of the Catechesis is available in book form in addition to being on the web.

The Catechesis on Evening Prayer picked up on October 8, 2003, but alas, John Paul the Great passed on before completing it. Pope Benedict XVI wasted no time in picking up where he left off and, using the late pope's notes, completed the catechesis on February 15, 2006, with the reflection on the great Marian prayer, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). If you want this series of catechesis in book form, you'll have to order it from overseas with CTS Publications (they also have available the catechesis on Morning Prayer).

And of course, this brings us to where we were with the last post and Pope Benedict XVI's catechesis on the Apostles.

Pope's General Audiences

2007-09-10T13:12:00.001-04:00

If you're like me, you may have had a passing knowledge that the Pope has weekly "Wednesday Audiences" where he talks to pilgrims and blesses their rosaries, medals, and other religious goods. I had never really thought about it, but I figures that the Pope just spoke about whatever he felt like talking about that day. Sort of like a homily: maybe it would tie into the readings of the day or the particular feast day; maybe to some current global happening of significance. Sure, I had heard of the "Theology of the Body," but I imagined that to be a one time thing. I never envisioned that the Pope actually delivers a systematic catechesis through his Wednesday audiences.

But he does!

Recently, Pope Benedict XVI completed a catechesis on the Apostles and the early Christians of the New Testament era. It has recently been released in book form by both Ignatius Press and Our Sunday Visitor (OSV even has a study guide to go along with it). Of course, you can also find the audiences individually on the Vatican website beginning on March 15, 2006, and going through February 14, 2007. As soon as this set was finished, he continued with the natural progression to a series of catechesis on the early Church Fathers, beginning on March 7, 2007. This catechetical series is still underway.

This catechesis makes an excellent companion to his recent book, Jesus of Nazareth. Who better to learn from on these central Church figures than from the Successor to Peter himself? This catechesis is a storehouse of information on these great men and women of the faith.

The Eucharist is really Jesus!

2007-09-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

I came across some good insights on the Eucharist in the San Juan Catholic Seminar's booklet Beginning Apologetics 3: How to explain and defend the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This booklet is just one in an excellent series of Apologetics materials. Each booklet breaks things down into easy-to-understand pieces, and this one is no exception.

One observation that is made on page 23 of the booklet seems so obvious once you think about it, but I had never thought about it in quite that way. in the section of "Evidence from History", they pose the simple question that, if Jesus was speaking only symbolically at the Last Supper and the Apostles understood him to be speaking as such, "How then can we explain the development of the doctrine of the Real Presence?"

This incredible teaching that Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist would surely have seemed incredibly preposterous and heretical if it had not been a teaching from the very beginning. Whenever someone came along and taught something about Jesus that had not been taught before, Saints and Bishops cried out in defense of the true faith. One would expect the same response to the Doctrine of the Real Presence if it were a novel doctrine.

But that is not the case.

Instead, you have no record of anyone denying the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist for the first 1500 years of the Church (except for Berengarius in the eleventh century who later retracted his disbelief). Rather you only find the Church Fathers unanimously teaching the Real Presence.

So, if someone asks you why you believe in the Real Presence, simply ask, "If it has not been a teaching from the very beginning, when did it start and where is your evidence?"

The Adventure Continues...

2007-09-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

I have started adding more links to the page. There are lots of good resources out there, so it will be a slow process. For those who may stumble onto this page: Welcome! I hope that the links provided can be of some assistance.

Average Joe Catholic makes debut in Blogosphere

2007-09-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

I'm just an average Joe who is Catholic. This is my blog. It is my hope to provide links, resources, and personal commentary that are authentically Catholic and faithful to the Magisterium. (Although I may also provide a "Watch List" of books/websites that are not faithful to the Catholic Church). Enjoy!