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Sharing the Good News
This activity helps students prepare to share the Good News of Jesus with different individuals or groups, and then act out how they would do so, given the individual's or group's particular needs and characteristics.
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Your Relationship with Jesus
This worksheet leads students to reflect on one of three Gospel passages in which Jesus interacts with the people around him and how he shows them compassion and mercy. Students will also reflect on their own relationship with Jesus and …
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Script for a Special Passover Meal with Jesus
The script for the skit in which children reenact the Last Supper, acting as Jesus, the Apostles, and narrators.
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A Special Passover Meal with Jesus
The instructions for the skit in which children reenact the Last Supper, acting as Jesus, the Apostles, and narrators.
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A Modern Parable of the Prodigal Son
This skit presents the Parable of the Prodigal Son in four scenes, with parts for the Father, Younger son, Narrator, and Chorus.
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Joy and Hope for the Modern World
This handout provides questions for students to reflect on and answer as they read quotations from this Constitution.
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On Your Marks
This worksheet guides group members to work together as they identify the importance of the church being “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic”.
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God Loves a Cheerful Giver
This worksheet guides students to read and answer questions about a specific Hebrew festival from the book of Leviticus.
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Reflections on Poverty in America
This handout provides a series of Scripture passages and real-life accounts to help students reflect on poverty in America.
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Be Careful What You Ask For
This is a list of Scripture passages to be acted out from 1 Samuel
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Biblical Heroes
This handout assigns groups to read Scripture passages to learn about a specific biblical hero.
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The Stations of the Cross
Students read a Scripture passage for an assigned station before creating an enactment and discussing questions.
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Praying the Liturgy of the Hours: A Reflection
A reflection to be completed after praying the Liturgy of the Hours.
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Exploring the Lectionary
In this activity, partners read the readings for a specific feast day and identify key symbols, similarities, and differences that help make Mass more meaningful.
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Non-Pauline Letters and Revelation
This small-group activity asks students to read and reflect on a Scripture passage from a Non-Pauline Letter in the New Testament. Students must then answer reflection questions about the passage.
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Paul’s Response to the Early Christian Communities
This small-group activity asks students to read and reflect on a Scripture passage about Paul and the early Christian communities.
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Paul’s Missionary Journeys
This small-group activity asks students to read a Scripture passage about one of Paul’s missionary journeys. Students must then create several blog posts describing the story.
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Mind Mapping: "I Am" Statements from the Gospel of John
This small-group activity asks students to reflect on a specific “I am” statement from the Gospel of John.
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Miracles
This small-group activity asks students to read several versions of a miracle of Jesus. Groups must then answer questions and create a storyboard to accompany the Scripture passage.
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Four Images of Jesus
This small-group activity asks students to read a section of the Gospel and answer questions focused on the image of Jesus.
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Vocabulary for Unit 4
This is a list of the terms and definitions to be used and learned in Unit 4.
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The Prophets
This small-group activity provides questions for students to answer about the different prophetic books of the bible.
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King David
This small-group project asks students to read a section from the bible about King David. Students must then create and act out a television show based on their scripture passage.
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The Book of Exodus
This small-group project asks students to read a section from the Book of Exodus before acting out the passage and responding to discussion questions.
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Jigsaw Activity: Categories of Books in the New Testament
This activity asks small groups to answer questions about a specific section of the New Testament.
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Jigsaw Activity: Categories of Books in the Old Testament
This activity asks small groups to focus on a small portion of the Old Testament as they read and answer questions.
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Literal and Spiritual Senses of Scripture: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37)
This small-group, discussion guide challenges students to read a familiar story using a different lense and perspective.
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Learning about Learning
This is a self-evaluation to help students reflect on their learning during Unit 1.
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Reflection on the Greatest Commandments and the Judgment of the Nations
This handout challenges students to reflect on the application of the greatest commandment in their own lives.
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Vocabulary for Unit 3
This is a list of terms and definitions to be learned and used in Unit 3.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2
This is a list of words and definitions to be learned throughout Unit 2.
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Empathizing (Jainism)
This short handout provides questions, reflections, and suggestions to help students empathize with Jainism.
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Empathizing (Hinduism)
This short handout provides questions, reflections, and suggestions to help students empathize with Hinduism.
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Empathizing (Indigenous Religious Traditions)
This short handout provides questions and reflections to help students empathize with indigenous religions.
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The Fasting Siddhartha
This handout is meant to be used as part of a station activity in which students observe different pieces of artwork from various religions.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 39
A lesson plan for lesson 39 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 38
A lesson plan for lesson 38 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 37
A lesson plan for lesson 37 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 36
A lesson plan for lesson 36 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 35
A lesson plan for lesson 35 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 34
A lesson plan for lesson 34 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 33
A lesson plan for lesson 33 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore God’s call to each of us to pray.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 32
A lesson plan for lesson 32 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore what it means to use virtues and grace to live a moral life.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 31
A lesson plan for lesson 31 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore what it means to respect truth.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 30
A lesson plan for lesson 30 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore what it means to respect material goods.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 29
A lesson plan for lesson 29 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore what it means to respect the sexuality of ourselves and others.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 28
A lesson plan for lesson 28 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore what it means to truly respect life.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 27
A lesson plan for lesson 27 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 26
A lesson plan for lesson 26 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 25
A lesson plan for lesson 25 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 23
A lesson plan for lesson 23 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 22
A lesson plan for lesson 22 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 21
A lesson plan for lesson 21 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore the sacraments of healing.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 20
A lesson plan for lesson 20 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 19
A lesson plan for lesson 19 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 18
A lesson plan for lesson 18 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 17
A lesson plan for lesson 17 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 16
A lesson plan for lesson 16 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore how the Holy Trinity is revealed through liturgy.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 15
A lesson plan for lesson 15 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 14
A lesson plan for lesson 14 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 13
A lesson plan for lesson 13 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 12
A lesson plan for lesson 12 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 11
A lesson plan for lesson 11 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 10
A lesson plan for lesson 10 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 9
A lesson plan for lesson 9 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 8
A lesson plan for lesson 8 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 7
A lesson plan for lesson 7 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 6
A lesson plan for lesson 6 in the Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 5
A lesson plan for lesson 5 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 4
A lesson plan for lesson 4 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 3
A lesson plan for lesson 3 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 2
A lesson plan for lesson 2 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide.
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Lesson Plan for Lesson 1
A lesson plan for lesson 1 in The Catholic faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. This lesson plan challenges students to identify why they are Catholic and the core beliefs, practices, and attitudes of Catholicism
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The Narrow Door: A Guided Meditation
This guided meditation communicates the Gospel message of simple living in a way that engages the imagination and inspires young people to actively simplify their lives. This activity is an excerpt from the book Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry …
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Searching the Scriptures for the World of Jesus
Small-group activity that guides students to discover the culture of Jesus’ world by searching the Gospels
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One Solitary Life
This short reflection calls to mind the profound impact Jesus Christ has had on humanity and the world.
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Reflections on Relating
This poem provides a reflection on the fears and insecurities that we all carry underneath the outward impressions we give off.
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Grace Poems
Questions related to the poems “Renascence” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, and “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth.
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Spirituality Action Plan
It is important for us to take stock of where we are in life and put plans in place to achieve our goals. It is important to do that in our spiritual life as well. We are all spiritual people. …
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Exile and Redemption
Discuss the following questions in your group. Have one person take notes in order to report your responses to the class later.
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"O Lord, You Have Searched Me and Known Me"
Spend a few moments quietly asking God to help you see clearly and honestly into your heart and mind as you begin this examination of conscience. Write your responses to the questions below. No one will collect this handout.
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The Riddler
Working alone or with classmates, identify what is being described in each of the following riddles.
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The Fasting Siddhartha
1. Observe the statue or picture at this station. 2. Notice that it is probably different from almost any other image of the Buddha that you have seen. 3. Look closely and write down what you observe. How does this …
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Right Meditation
1. Here is a Buddha statue or picture. Sit quietly and stare at it. Meditate on it. Let it be a visual focus for your medi- tation. Learn from it. 2. Write any impressions, observations, or questions you have.
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Chapter 44 Summary: Respecting Sexuality
A nice summary of the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, and how God wants us to conduct ourselves in sexual matters.
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Life Issues B Activity: Meeting Jesus: A Guided Meditation
A guided meditation that uses the imagination to spend time with Jesus and understand how he wants us to live.
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Program Scheduling
A guide for how to schedule programs based on the Catholic Connections program.
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Getting Started
This segment will help you to get started with Catholic Connections. First it de- scribes details about the program and section features. Then it describes specific “getting started” tasks and provides a checklist for your planning.
Saint Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)
Saint Joseph Cafasso was born to peasant parents in Castelnuovo d'Asti, which is in the Piedmont region of Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a popular professor of theology at the Institute of Saint Francis. Saint Joseph …
Saint John Nepomucene (1345-1393)
Saint John Nepomucene was a renowned preacher and a member of the 14th-century Bohemian court of King Wenceslaus IV. While at court, Saint John was a peacemaker and solved many arguments and disagreements. He was also the queen's confessor. When …
Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)
Two of the first people Pope John Paul II beatified in the new millennium were Luigi and Maria (Corsini) Beltrame Quattrocchi. They were an Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered …
Blessed Julian of Norwich (c.1342-1420)
Julian of Norwich was an anchoress (from the Greek word for recluse) who lived a life of solitude and contemplation. Julian stepped away from worldly activity to spend her days contemplating God. As part of her daily life, she lived …
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Three Renewal Movements
Work with your group to complete the section of this handout that corresponds to your assigned topic.
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Vocabulary for Unit 8
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 8 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The defined words include Body of Christ, catechists, Catholic Action, collegiality, concordat, exegesis, fascism, Gregorian chant, Marks of the Church, Marxist, new evangelization, pastoral, and …
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School History Scavenger Hunt
Write your name and the names of your group members at the top of this handout. As a group, research the history of our school and complete the following questions. For each answer, note the source of your information. This …
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Vocabulary for Unit 7
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 7 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The defined words include capitalism, communism, deterrence, social doctrine, social encyclical, socialism, and subsidiarity.
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Brochure on Vatican I
Work with your group to create a six-panel (folded) brochure describing the history and work of Vatican Council I.
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The Wonders of God's Creation
For the next twenty-four hours, pay attention to experiences and details of your day. The following list suggests phenomena for you to observe, and you may think of other subjects for observation. Create an observation journal on a separate sheet …
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Vocabulary for Unit 6
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 6 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. Defined words include deism, dogma, empiricism, ex cathedra, fideism, pantheism, rationalism, and Reign of Terror.
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Vocabulary for Unit 5
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 5 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The words that are defined are Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, conquistadors, and enculturation.
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Creating a Promotional Brochure
Your group has been assigned to create a brochure about one of the two major religious orders to emerge during the Catholic Reformation: the Jesuits or the Carmelites. Imagine that you are members of this new religious order during the …
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Web Quest on Renaissance Culture
Write your group member’s names at the top of this handout, and circle the topic assigned to your group. Use the Internet to locate three reliable sources about your group’s assigned topic in Renaissance culture. Use this handout to organize …
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Vocabulary for Unit 4
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 4 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The defined words include Apocrypha, College of Cardinals, deuterocanonical, grace, humanism, justification, merit, predestination, and theocracy.
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Scholastics and Medieval Universities
Complete this handout with your partner as you review article 24, “Scholastics and Medieval Universities,” in the student book.
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Challenges to the Papacy
Complete this handout with your group as you review article 21, “Challenges to the Papacy,” in the student book.
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Vocabulary for Unit 3
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 3 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The words defined are chancel, conciliar movement, Divine Office, friars, Great Western Schism, indulgence, Medieval Inquisition, mendicants, mystic, nave, scholasticism, and Spanish Inquisition.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 2 including abbot, abbess, antipope, Arianism, charism, Christendom, consubstantial, Doctor of the Church, Ecumenical Council, Fathers of the Church, feudalism, filioque, Franks, hermit, hypostatic union, iconoclasm, illuminated manuscript, Logos, papal bull, Papal States, …
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2
The final performance task options for Unit 2 of Church History: Apostolic Times to Today. The options include creating a children’s picture book, or making a PowerPoint presentation for a parish community.
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Vocabulary for Unit 1
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 1 including apologist, Apostle, Apostolic Succession, bishop, charism, Christian, college of bishops, covenant, deacon, Deposit of Faith, Edict of Milan, emperor, Eucharist, Church Fathers, Magisterium, martyrdom, Messiah, New Covenant, persecution, presbyter, priest, providence …
Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)
From the time that she was a young child, Saint Catherine Laboure felt called to religious life. However, after her mother passed away, young Catherine was charged with taking care of the household, while her older sister joined a religious …
Saint Junipero Serra (1713-1784)
Junipero Serra was born in Majorca, Spain, in 1713, and was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1737. He spent most of his priestly life as a missionary in Mexico, Texas, and California. During his ministry Father Serra is believed to …
Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1265-1308)
Blessed John Duns Scotus was part of a well-off family of farmers. He is referred to as "Duns Scotus" to specify where he was born--Scotland. He joined the Friars Minor at Dumfries, and began his studies after novitiate. In those …
Saint Columba (521-597)
Tradition tells us that Saint Columba was born in Donegal, Ireland. After completing his studies, Saint Columba was ordained to the priesthood, and devoted a large portion of his life to preaching throughout Ireland and Scotland. At the age of …
Saint Pothinus (87-177)
Saint Pothinus was the bishop of Lyons, France. When he was at the advanced age of 90 years old, he and his Christian companions were detained by an angry mob and brought to the magistrate for trial based on their …
Saint John of Cassian (360-435)
Saint John of Cassian was a monk and religious writer. He befriended and defended Saint John Chrysostom in Rome. After his defense, Saint John of Cassian was ordained to the priesthood and he established several monasteries in Europe. He is …
Saint Anastasia (d.304)
Saint Anastasia was a Roman of noble lineage. Her father was a pagan, but her mother, a Christian, had Saint Anastasia baptized as a baby and secretly raised in the Christian faith. Saint Anastasia married a man named Publius, who …
Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)
When Saint Gregory VII became pope, the corruption of the clergy had become a serious scandal to the faithful of the Church. Pope Gregory VII saw the need for reform, so he dismissed the members of the clergy who had …
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Handout: Liturgical Year Match
Column 1 lists the holy days of obligation and several other feast days of the Liturgical Year. Column 2 lists the dates on which those feasts are celebrated. The task of each group is to match the holy day or …
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Handout: The Old Testament and the Gospel of Matthew
In each of the Scripture citations below, Jesus or the Gospel writer refers to a Scripture passage from the Old Testament that sheds light on the identity or mission of Jesus. Read the passages assigned to your group, and then …
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Vocabulary for Unit 3
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 3 that defines the terms bishop, Body of Christ, Catholic Church, charism, Communion of Saints, consecrated life, diocese, doctrine, Final Judgment, fruits of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, laity, Marks …
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Learning about Learning
We can come to understand ourselves better by taking the time to review the process of learning the material in a unit.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2
A list of vocabulary words for Unit 2 including Annunciation, Blessed Trinity, church, Creation, creed, disciple, ecumenism, evangelist, faith, Gospel, Incarnation, Kingdom of God, Messiah, ministry, Original Sin, parable, Paschal Mystery, salvation, stewardship, and Theotokos.
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Learning about Learning
We can come to understand ourselves better by taking the time to review the process of learning the material in a unit.
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Vocabulary for Unit 1
A list of vocabulary words for unit one, defines the terms Bible, biblical inspiration, canon, covenant, Deposit of Faith, Divine Revelation, Ecumenical Council, Gospel, inerrancy, Israelites, Law, Magisterium, natural revelation, New Testament, Old Testament, Parousia, reason, Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, …
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"The Fingerprints of God" Reflection Questions
A set of reflection questions on the song, “The Fingerprints of God” by Steven Curtis Chapman.
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Exploring Religious Orders and Congregations
A research assignment worksheet done in pairs to find important information about different religious orders.
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Vocabulary for Unit 7
A vocabulary list for unit 7 defining terms associated with consecrated life.
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The Sacrament of Holy Orders Graphic Organizer
A worksheet completed in groups about the symbolic words and actions that take place during the Rite of Ordination, as well as their meaning and effect.
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Vocabulary for Unit 6
A vocabulary list for unit 6 defining the terms dalmatic, dogmatic theology, Donatist heresy, formation, Holy See, insignia, and seminary.
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The Threefold Ministry of a Bishop
This resource is a group activity worksheet that has students list examples of the Bishop’s roles in the areas of teaching, governing, and sanctifying.
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Vocabulary for Unit 5
A vocabulary list with terms mostly associated with ordained ministry within the Catholic Church.
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Vocabulary for Unit 4
A vocabulary list from unit 4 that defines the words abortion, annulment, chastity, contraception, convalidation, disparity of a cult, dispensation, family of origin, in vitro fertilization, mixed marriage, and natural family planning.
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Vocabulary for Unit 3
A list of vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 3 of 'Vocations: Answering God's Call' from the Living in Christ series.
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Who Is God Calling Me to Become?
A series of questions that help young people reflect on what God is calling them to become.
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Vocations: Answering God’s Call – Vocabulary for Unit 1
A list of vocabulary words used in Unit 1.
Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon (d.1940)
The Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon were seven Roman Catholics who were martyred in the village of Songkhon in northern Thailand. They were executed in December of 1940, in the midst of the Franco-Thai War, after being falsely accused of …
498 Spanish Martyrs (d.1934; d.1936; d.1937)
The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and raged on until 1939. It was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, who opposed the Republicans and their persecution of Catholics. This period of …
Saints of the Cristero War (1926-1929)
The Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, was a rebellion against the anti-Catholic government in Mexico. This oppressive government was set on breaking down the Catholic faith of its people. Catholic institutions were shut down, foreign clergy …
Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek (d.1943)
The Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek are comprised of a group of Roman Catholic nuns from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. These nuns were an important part of the town of Nowogrodek. During the oppressive occupation of Poland …
Saint Theophane Venard (1829-1861)
Saint Theophane Venard was brought up in a devout family. He was ordained to the priesthood and followed God's call to become a missionary to southeast Asia. Saint Theophane spent several months ministering to the faithful in Hong Kong, then …
Saint Pachomius (292-348)
Saint Pachomius joined the army when he was a young man. His unit was stationed in Thebes, Egypt. The Christians at Thebes showed the soldiers such great kindness that Saint Pachomius was inspired to convert to Christianity. After joining the …
Saint Marianne Cope (1838-1918)
Saint Marianne Cope was born in Germany, but emigrated to the United States when she was a young child. Her family settled in Utica, New York. When her father became too ill to work, Saint Marianne went to work in …
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque lost her father at the tender age of eight years old. After his death, she was sent to the Poor Clares School. During this time, Saint Margaret Mary was afflicted with rheumatic fever and became confined …
Venerable Catherine McAuley (1778-1841)
Venerable Catherine McAuley was born to devout Catholic parents in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents lived out their faith by ministering to the needs of the poor. Sadly, Catherine's parents passed away, and she was sent to live with relatives. Catherine's …
Saint John Houghton (1486-1535)
Saint John Houghton graduated from the University of Cambridge with degrees in both civil law and canon law. He served as a parish priest for several years and then felt the call to become a Carthusian monk. Saint John became …
Saint Caesaria the Younger (c.465-c.530)
Saint Caesaria the Younger established a convent in 512, and served as its first abbess. Her convent became very popular, especially with women who had been widowed. Saint Caesaria's house soon expanded to include hundreds of sisters. She and her …
Saint Fulgence of Ruspe (c.465-533)
Saint Fulgence of Ruspe was a high-ranking Roman who was born in North Africa. He felt called to become a monk, even though his widowed mother opposed his decision. Saint Fulgence became abbot of his monastery, but had to flee …
Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c.330-c.395)
Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a member of a very holy family. His grandmother was Saint Macrina the Elder, his parents were Saint Basil and Saint Emmilia, his older brother was Saint Basil the Great, and his sister was Saint …
Saint Clement of Rome (d.101)
Saint Clement of Rome was a convert who was brought into the Christian faith by either Saint Peter or Saint Paul. He was selected to serve as bishop of Rome. Saint Clement penned a letter, known as Clement's First Epistle …
Saint Gianna Molla (1922-1962)
Saint Gianna Molla was born into a very devout family. She became involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and received degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia. Gianna opened a clinic where she specialized in …
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus was a friend of Saint Basil the Great, and accepted his invitation to join him in monastic life at Basil's newly founded desert monastery. Saint Gregory enjoyed a life of prayerful solitude at the monastery, but …
Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792 - 1878)
Blessed Pope Pius IX was born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti. He was an intelligent and reverent young man who was afflicted with epilepsy. Giovanni attended Piarist College in Volterra, Italy, and then continued his studies in Rome. He wished to join …
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Blessed John Henry Newman spent the first half of his life as an Anglican. He was an important member of the Oxford Movement, which highlighted the Church's debt to the early Church Fathers, and opposed the complete subjectivity of the …
Saints Cyril and Methodius (d.869; d.884)
Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers. They were raised in Thessalonica by a well-known Christian family. Because numerous Slavic peoples inhabited Thessalonica, Cyril and Methodius knew the Slavic language. The brothers joined the same monastery, but were summoned to become …
Saint Simeon of Thessalonica (d.1429)
Saint Simeon of Thessalonica is well known for his liturgical writings. His most famous work is "Against All Heresies." This tome is made up of two treatises: one regarding doctrine and another on the liturgy and Sacraments. We celebrate Saint …
Pope Saint John Paul II (1920-2005)
Saint John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland. His mother, father, and older brother passed away before he turned 21. Karol attended Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, but had to abandon his studies when World War II …
Saints Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, Archangels
Angels are God’s messengers. They appear often in the Bible, but only these three are named. Gabriel is the most well-known, as he is the messenger who asks Mary, the young Jewish girl, to bear the Messiah. In the Scriptures …
Saint Benedict the Moor (1524-1589)
Saint Benedict was not a Moor; his name comes from the Italian phrase "il Moro," or "the Black One." He was granted freedom from slavery at the age of 18. Even though he was free, he continued to work for …
Saint Melito of Sardis (d.180)
Saint Melito of Sardis was a second-century exegete and apologist. He acted as bishop of Sardis, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Little is known of Saint Melito's life, but fragments of his ecclesiastical writings remain. …
Saint Clement of Alexandria (150-215)
Saint Clement of Alexandria taught at the famed Catechetical School of Alexandria. One of his students was the famous theologian and teacher, Origen. Saint Clement preached that Christians must live moral lives to attain perfection and, ultimately, God. He also …
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)
Kateri Tekakwitha, born in present-day Auriesville, New York, to a Christian Algonquin mother and a non-Christian Mohawk chief, was the first Native American to be canonized. When she was four, smallpox killed her parents and younger brother and left her …
Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897-1980)
If changing the world seems impossible, get to know Dorothy Day. She was your age about a century ago, but her legacy of compassion lives on today. An earthquake rocked Dorothy’s family in 1906, and they moved to Chicago’s slums. …
Saint Elizabeth (1st century)
Most everything we know about Saint Elizabeth comes from the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. In it, Elizabeth is married to Zechariah, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem. She is also the cousin of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. One …
Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)
He was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Italy. Later he became known as "Good Pope John." During his lifetime, the world experienced two World Wars, the rise of communism, and the Holocaust. In the Church, there was fear of the …
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)
Saint Mother Teresa was a woman of great faith. She was born Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia. At age 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and took the name Teresa in honor of Saint Thérèse of …
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Ignatius of Loyola was the youngest of 11 children of a noble family in Spain. As a young adult, his goal in life was to achieve fame and fortune. At the age of 30, he was seriously injured in a …
Saint Peter Chrysologus (d.450)
Born during the early fifth century, Saint Peter Chrysologus was appointed Bishop of Ravenna, a diocese located in northern Italy. As a young priest, Saint Peter Chrysologus quickly noticed that many of his parishioners unwittingly adhered to remnants of their …
Saint Martha (1st century)
The story of Saint Martha, and her profound friendship with Jesus and trust in his power, is found in the Gospels. Martha is first mentioned as the busy and frustrated hostess of Jesus and his followers. Poor Martha. She was …
Saint Leopold Mandic (1887-1942)
Saint Leopold Mandic, a Capuchin Franciscan, was born in Croatia in 1866. He was a man of unusually small stature, and suffered from numerous disabilities: arthritis, which often made it difficult for him to walk, speech impediments, which inhibited his …
Saint Pantaleon (d.303)
Saint Pantaleon was such a celebrated doctor that the Roman Emperor Galerius appointed him as his personal physician. Pantaleon's excessive involvement in the pagan court influenced him to deny his Christianity. He lived as a pagan for some time before …
Sts. Joachim and Anne (1st century)
According to an ancient Church tradition, Joachim and Anne are the names of Mary’s parents. While we do not know much about them, we do know they raised Mary to practice her faith and to be a strong and courageous …
Saint James (1st century)
Saint James and his brother Saint John the Apostle were two of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. Jesus first encountered James and John while they were fishing with their father. After joining Jesus, James and John were among Jesus' closest disciples. James …
Saint Adele (d.730)
Saint Adele was the daughter of King Dagobert II of Germany. She married and had a son, who would become the father of Saint Gregory of Utrecht. After the passing of her husband, and after she made arrangements to provide …
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