Saint Jerome (c.345-420)

Saint Jerome, a Scripture scholar, translated most of the Old Testament from Hebrew. He also wrote commentaries on the Bible that are still used today. In order to do this work, he took his studies seriously. Jerome also had little …

Saint Wenceslaus (c.907-929)

Saint Wenceslaus was born in 907 near Prague. His holy grandmother raised him and wanted to put him on the throne to replace his mother, an anti-Christian. Wenceslaus eventually took over the throne. During his reign, Saint Wenceslaus focused on …

Saint Vincent de Paul (1580-1660)

Vincent de Paul made a decision to serve the poor that changed his life and changed the world. He was born in France in 1581 into a peasant family. He progressed rapidly in school, and was ordained a priest at …

Sts. Cosmos and Damian (d.303)

Cosmos and Damian were killed for their Christian faith. Other than the fact that they were martyrs, we know little about them. Legend says that they were twins who were skilled doctors in Arabia. They are venerated in that part …

Saint Sergius of Radonezh (1314-1392)

Saint Sergius was born to a noble family in Russia. His baptismal name was Bartholomew. Sergius's family was impoverished when they had to flee to Rostov, near Moscow. After the death of his parents, Sergius became a hermit, along with …

Saint Pacifico of San Severino (1653-1721)

Saint Pacifico was born into a well-off family in San Severino, Italy. He was ordained, taught philosophy, and became an accomplished preacher. Pacifico was a severe man. He fasted at all times, wore a penitential shirt made of iron, and …

Saint Padre Pio da Pietrelcina (1887-1968)

Saint Padre Pio da Pietrelcina was born on May 25, 1887. It was affirmed by his mother that he was able to see and converse with Jesus, the Virgin Mary and his guardian angel as a child. When he became …

Saint Maurice (d.287)

Saint Maurice was a soldier. He was an officer of the Theban Legion of Emperor Maximian's army. Emperor Maximian's army was made up of Christians from Upper Egypt. When he and his fellow soldiers were ordered to sacrifice to gods …

Saint Matthew (1st century)

Matthew was a Jew who collected taxes for the Romans, who occupied Israel during the life of Jesus. The tax collectors were usually hated by their fellow Jews. Some strict Jews like the Pharisees considered tax collectors to be sinners …

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846)

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is among the 103 Korean martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Christians in Korea were persecuted. Openly practicing the faith meant risking death. At the age of …

Saint Januarius (d.304)

Saint Januarius was born in Italy. He was the bishop of Benevento during Emperor Diocletion's persecution of Christians. One day, Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen who were imprisoned. During his visit, he was also incarcerated. …

Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)

Saint Joseph of Cupertino showed a love of prayer from a young age. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1628. Joseph is most well-known for his gift of levitating during prayer. Saint Joseph's gift of levitation led him to …

Saint Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)

Saint Robert Bellarmine was a theologian and Scripture scholar. He was a Jesuit priest who was made a cardinal because the pope said, “He had not his equal for learning.” In spite of his brilliance and honors, Robert ate only …

Saint Cyprian (d.258)

Saint Cyprian was born in Tunisia around the year 200. He was a lawyer and professor of public speaking for most of his life, but at age 46 he became convinced that Christ told no lies, and joined the Christians. …

Saint Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510)

Saint Catherine of Genoa was beautiful, intelligent, and pious. She felt called to religious life, and attempted to enter a convent when she was 13. However, she was turned away because of her youth, and instead entered into an arranged …

Saint Notburga (1265-1313)

Saint Notburga was a servant in the kitchen of Count Henry Rattenberg in Austria. At the end of each day, Notburga took the leftovers from the day's meals into town and gave them away to the poor and starving. The …

Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)

Saint John Chrysostom was a bishop who was unpopular with the rich and powerful people of his time. He lived simply, and he preached dramatically and concretely that the rich should share with the poor and that husbands should be …

Saint Guy of Anderlecht (950-1012)

Saint Guy of Anderlecht was born into a poor family in Belgium. Even though the family had little material wealth, they had great spiritual wealth. Guy's parents were very pious, and taught him their faith. Saint Guy believed that God's …

Saint Theodora of Alexandria (d.491)

Saint Theodora was from Alexandria, Egypt, and found herself in a life of sin. However, upon realizing her sinful ways, she repented. After her atonement, she spent the rest of her life as a hermit in southern Egypt, disguised as …

Saint Peter Martinez (d.1000)

Saint Peter Martinez was born in Galicia, Spain. He began his religious life as a Benedictine monk at the Monastery of Saint Mary of Monzonzo in around 950. In 986, he was appointed the archbishop of Saint Martin of Antealares …

Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654)

Peter Claver was born in Spain and went to Colombia in South America as a missionary to serve the African slaves who had been taken there to be sold in the New World. For years he would meet the ships …

Saint Adrian (d.306)

Tradition tells us that Saint Adrian was a pagan officer at the court of Nicomedia. While at court, Adrian saw a number of Christians tortured for their faith. Captivated by their extreme courage, he converted and declared himself a Christian. …

Saint Cloud (522-560)

Saint Cloud was born into French royalty, his father the king of the Franks. When the king was killed in battle, his kingdom was divided up among his four young sons. Once one of Cloud's brothers was killed in battle, …

Saint Cagnoald (d.635)

Saint Cagnoald began religious life after meeting Saint Columban. The religious path that he chose to take was the life of a monk. Cagnoald's love and devotion to Jesus were shared by many members of his family as well, including …

Saint Bertin (d.709)

Saint Bertin was born in France in the beginning of the seventh century. He began his religious life at the Abbey of Luxeuil, and then joined the bishop of Therouanne, who was sharing the message of Christ with the pagans. …

Saint Rosalia (c.1130-c.1160)

Saint Rosalia had a famous lineage, she was a descendant of Charlemagne. She was born in Sicily, and turned away from earthly pleasures to God when she was a young girl. Rosalia left the comforts of her home to reside …

Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604)

When he was in his 30s, Gregory sold the many properties he owned, established seven monasteries in Italy, and distributed much of his considerable wealth to the poor. The next year he became a monk, and devoted himself to an …

Saint Ingrid of Sweden (d.1282)

Saint Ingrid was born in Sweden in the 13th century. She lived under the spiritual guidance of a Dominican priest, and became the first Dominican nun in Sweden. Ingrid established a Dominican cloister in Sweden, called Saint Martin's. When she …

Saint Giles (650-710)

Saint Giles was born in France during the seventh century. While in France, he built a monastery that became a popular halfway destination for pilgrims traveling from Spain to the Holy Land. Giles also became well known in England, where …

Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (d.651)

Saint Aidan was born in Ireland. It is said that he may have been a student of Saint Senan before dedicating himself to monastic life. At the request of the king of Northumbria, Aidan became the bishop of Lindisfarne. He …

Saint Jeanne Jugan (1792-1879)

Saint Jeanne Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was born in France in 1792. She and two other companions formed a Catholic community of prayer, dedicated to teaching the catechism and assisting the poor. Jeanne then set …

Saint John the Baptist (d.30)

Saint John the Baptist was a selflessly giving religious reformer. He is quoted in Matthew 3:11 as saying, "I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am …

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Saint Augustine of Hippo is one of the most significant figures in the history of Western Christianity. The influence of his many books, sermons, and letters can be found on virtually every Christian doctrine, particularly the theology of Original Sin. …

Saint Monica (332-387)

Monica was the mother of Augustine of Hippo, a difficult young man who became a great theologian and bishop. He did everything he could to avoid God, but Monica never stopped praying for him. She once declared, “Nothing is far …

Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars (1843-1897)

Saint Teresa was born in Catalonia, Spain. She faced many hardships in her youth, finally becoming a teacher at Lerida. Teresa yearned to begin religious life, but was not accepted into the convent that she wished to enter. After she …

Saint Louis of France (1214-1270)

Saint Louis, a king of France, was born in 1214. He lost his father at a young age, and was moved to a love of holy things by his mother. He married a virtuous women, and became king two years …

Saint Bartholomew (1st century)

Saint Bartholomew is listed in the Bible as one of the Twelve Apostles. Not much is known about this saint. Some scholars believe him to be the Nathanael who is mentioned in the Gospel of John. The Apostles were tirelessly …

Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Saint Rose was born in Lima, Peru, on April 20, 1586. She was given the name Isabel, but nicknamed Rose because of her great beauty. However, Rose did not want people to admire her beauty, because it might lead to …

Saint Antoninus (d.186)

Saint Antonius held a very gruesome profession; he was a Roman public executioner. He was involved in the trial proceedings of Saint Eusebius. During the proceedings, Antonius received a vision, and converted to Christianity. Because he proclaimed himself a Christian, …

Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

Saint Pius X is one of the 20th century's greatest popes. He had grown up in a poor family, and he was often embarrassed by the showiness and excess of the papal court. He often saw this insistence on grandeur …

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was called at the age of 20 to leave his family and join the Monastery of Citeaux. He was soon joined in his new monastic lifestyle by numerous family members and friends. Bernard was fervent and …

Saint John Eudes (1601-1680)

Saint John Eudes was born in France in 1602. He felt called to religious life, and was ordained a priest at the age of 24. When plagues struck France in 1627 and in 1631, John ministered to those afflicted. He …

Saint Helen (d.330)

Saint Helen was the mother of the first Christian emperor, Constantine. She married the Roman general Constantius Chlorus. In 292 he divorced her to marry the emperor's stepdaughter. Helen's ex-husband and eventually her son each became emperor. Her son, Constantine, …

Saint Joan of the Cross (1666-1736)

Saint Joan was born in 1666 in France. Her parents owned a small business, which she took over upon their deaths. In her business dealings, Joan was notorious for her greed and heartlessness to beggars and the poor. However, Joan's …

Saint Stephen of Hungary (975-1038)

Saint Stephen of Hungary was baptized at a young age. His father was the chief of the Magyars, and Stephen succeeded his father as chieftain. Stephen married the daughter of Duke Henry II, and dedicated much of his time to …

Saint Tarsicius (3rd or 4th century)

Saint Tarsicius was either a layman or a deacon who lived sometime in the third or fourth century. He was attacked by a pagan gang while he was on his way to deliver the Eucharist to a bedridden Christian friend. …

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941)

Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894 with the name Raimund Kolbe. He attended a Franciscan seminary as a teen, where he took the name Maximilian. Despite having tuberculosis, he was ordained a Franciscan priest and earned two doctoral …

Saint Hippolytus (170-235)

Saint Hippolytus was a presbyter in Rome. He had a strong passion for discipline and was a very important theologian and a productive religious writer. He maintained that the pope should come down harder on heretics and stop listening so …

Saint Hilaria (d.304)

Saint Hilaria and her daughter, Saint Afra, hid their bishop from harm during the Diocletian persecutions. In turn, their bishop converted them. Saint Afra was martyred because she refused to sacrifice to pagan gods. After her daughter was martyred, Hilaria …

Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253)

Saint Clare of Assisi was of noble birth, but when she was 18 she was so moved by the Lenten sermons of Saint Francis of Assisi that she renounced all her possessions to become a nun. Her family and friends …

Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)

Saint Lawrence was a deacon martyred at Rome around the year 250. One tradition tells us that, during a time of persecution, Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence give up the Church's treasures to the emperor: Lawrence replied that he would …

Saint Edith Stein (1891-1942)

Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland). As a teenager she turned away from Judaism and professed atheism. Years later, after becoming a noted philosopher, Stein was drawn to Catholic thought. Her reading …

Saint Dominic (1170-1221)

Saint Dominic de Guzman was a Spanish theologian and the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers. At the age of 14 he went to the university to study theology and philosophy, and was ordained a priest as a young …

Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)

Saint Cajetan began his adult life by first becoming a lawyer and then turning to the priesthood. He was ordained at 36, and at the age of 42 established a hospital in Venice, Italy, for those suffering from incurable ailments. …

Saint Hormisdas (d.523)

Saint Hormisdas was born in Frosinone, Italy, in 450. He was married before he was ordained, and had a son, Silverius, who followed in his father's footsteps and also became a pope. Hormisdas became a deacon during a time of …

Saint Addai (2nd century)

Legend has it that Saint Addai was ordered by Saint Thomas to go to the court of King Abgar the Black. Tradition tells us that Abgar, the king of Edessa, was stricken with an incurable sickness. Hearing of Jesus' power …

Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)

Saint John Vianney was born near Lyons, France, in 1786. He worked as a shepherd boy on his father's farm, and only attended the village school briefly when he was nine. When he entered the seminary to study for the …

Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)

Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born in La Mure d'Isere, France. Peter joined the seminary at Grenoble, and was ordained a priest in 1834. At first, Peter's father opposed his choice to pursue religious life, which made the decision difficult …

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (283-371)

Saint Eusebius was born on the island of Sardinia, Italy. After his father was martyred, he moved to Rome, where he eventually became a bishop. He stood up for the Church during one of its most difficult periods. This hard …

Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

Saint Alphonsus Liguori was the forefather of the Redemptorists and a bishop. He was born into a noble family in Naples, Italy. He was educated at the University of Naples, where he earned a doctorate in law by the age …

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Modern-Day Martyrs: Redemptive Love in Action

An activity where students will learn about the lives of several modern-day martyrs, draw connections between the lives of these people and the life and death of Jesus, and explore what the witness of martyrs, from the time of Jesus …

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Aquinas' Five Proofs for the Existence of God

A listing of Saint Thomas Aquinas’ five proofs for the existence of God.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7 of “The New Testament: The Good News of Jesus Christ”

Several final performance task options for Unit 7 of “The New Testament: The Good News of Jesus Christ.”

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Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Letters

An article on the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline letters.

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Peter and Paul Venn Diagram

A Venn Diagram on Peter and Paul.

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Mary, Queen of Peace

A list of several questions regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary that can be used as writing or reflection prompts.

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The Conversion of Saint Augustine

A reading on the Conversion of Saint Augustine, with excerpts from “Confessions and Enchiridion.”

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Student - Is This a Calling? Teresa of Avila

An excerpt on calling and vocation, written by Saint Teresa of Avila.

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9/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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8/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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7/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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6/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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5/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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4/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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3/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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2/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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1/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II

A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.

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Saint Francis De Sales

A short video about Saint Francis De Sales, including an excerpt from his writing.

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A Day in the Life of Saint Francis

An artistic, humorous, and educational account of the teachings of Saint Francis.

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Did You Know? Fatima (Feast Day: May 13)

A clip summarizing the events surrounding Our Lady of Fatima.

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Did You Know? Joan of Arc (Feast Day: May 30)

A clip summarizing the life of Saint Joan of Arc.

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Did You Know? Saint Bernadette (Feast Day: April 16)

A clip summarizing the life of Saint Bernadette.

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Life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

A short documentary telling the story of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

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Who was Saint Thomas Aquinas?

A short video outlining Saint Thomas Aquinas' life and impact.

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Mysteries of the Church: CANONIZATION

A documentary providing a definition of Sainthood, descriptions of the lives of a number of Saints, miracles performed by the Saints, and the comprehensive process whereby an individual is declared a Saint by the Catholic Church.

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Mysteries of the Church: MARTYRS

A discussion of martyrdom and examples of Christian martyrs.

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Mysteries of the Church: The Early Evangelists

A documentary discussing the early church, its members, and the means by which it expanded. Note: Viewing begins at 1:10.

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Mysteries of the Church: Patron Saints

A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the signifiance and origins of Patron Saints.

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The History of Saint Patrick - a Short Story

A short, creative video explaining the life of Saint Patrick and the development of Saint Patrick's day.

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A Short Introduction to the Carmelites - A Catholic Religious Order

A video providing pictures and quotations that explain the essence of the Carmelite vocation.

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Prayer of Saint Francis by Sarah MacLachlan

Singer Sarah MacLachlan sings the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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EWTn Live - Therese - the Movie - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. with Leonardo Defilippis - 12-08-10

EWTN hosts an actor, producer, and director for the film about Therese of Lisieux. They discuss the film and Therese's life and virtue.

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EWTN Live-Saint Francis de Sales-Fr Mitch Pacwa, SJ with Fr Thomas Dailey, OSFS-04-06-2011

A long discussion between experts that details Saint Francis De Sales' life, writings, and the cultural milieu in which he lived.

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Saint Paul of Tarsus

A look at the life and ministry of Saint Paul.

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Saint Clare of Assisi

A video chronicling the life of Saint Clare of Assisi.

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Saint John Baptist de La Salle

A short video about the life of Saint John Baptist de la Salle.

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Saint Thomas Aquinas

Short clip with reflection derived from the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

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Paul's Journeys - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explores Paul's three missionary journeys, including pictures, maps, and scripture verses that tell the story.

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Paul, the Missionary Adventurer: The Comic Book Version

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a project idea for students to create a comic book/graphic novel about Paul's adventures in the Acts of the Apostles.

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Modern Day Martyrs

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces a project idea for students learning about modern-day martyrs for their faith and religious convictions.

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Using Primary Sources

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using primary source texts in the classroom.

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Mary Our Mother - PowerPoint

<p>This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces and familiarizes students with Mary, the Mother of God and Our Mother through images, scripture and reflection questions.</p>

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The Apostles - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Using scripture and images, it explores who the Apostles were and what characteristics made them special.

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Peter and Paul

This link to the Web site for the PBS series Peter and Paul is the starting point for a Webquest exploration.

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Portfolio Instruction

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers instruction to students who must put together a portfolio of their readings, writings and assignments from lessons on Jesus and Christology.

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Mary of Nazareth

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction and overview of Mary through scripture and tradition, including Marian liturgical feasts and theological teachings and doctrines.

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Check Your Understanding

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a review of several important terms and asks students to define, associate, and put the term into the context of Salvation History.

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Is This a Calling - Saint Teresa of Avila

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a excerpt from the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila about the discernment of her vocation to the religious life.

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The Format of the Pauline Letters

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the format of Paul's letters in the New Testament.

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The Prophetic Checklist

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn key characteristics of the prophets of the Old Testament and look up Biblical citations to correspond.

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Preparation Worksheet for Prophet Research Assignment

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use these questions prepare for and consider several facets of a prophet that they plan to research mor extensively.

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The Role of a Judge in Ancient Israel

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn more about important judges from the Old Testament.

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Leadership Statements

This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes several statesments about leadership in the Bible, including who's called, what skills are necessary, and what it takes to be a good leader.

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What Kind of Leader Is Moses?

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to look up verses and make assessments about Moses' leadership in the Old Testament.

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The Litany of Loreto

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. The Litany of Loreto, which is a devotional prayer through the intercession of Mary.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 4

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects that communicate key ideas about Jesus' disciples, and apostles, especially his Mother, Mary.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 3

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects that communicate key ideas about the person of Jesus Christ, especially his human and divine nature, and the context in …

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The Saints and Mary

Student handout: Activity for chapter 21, answer questions

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Short History of Paul

Paul was a diaspora Jew, meaning he was a Jew that lived outside of Palestine. Paul was born in Tarsus--which is modern day Turkey--at the beginning of the Christian era. Tarsus was a large and prosperous city of the Roman …

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A Pauline Prayer Service

Leader. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. With these words Saint Paul greeted the believers of his time, reminding them of the great gift they had been given in Jesus Christ. Almost two thousand …

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Lasallian Meditation on Saint Paul

June 30: Saint Paul 140.1 First Point The most admirable trait in Saint Paul is his all-embracing and ardent zeal, which he first showed by defending the faith of Moses, in which he had been very well instructed.1 Because he …

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Paul's Conversion

Background for the Teacher This session focuses our attention on Paul's conversion experience. Using a hard-boiled egg and a raw egg as focusing symbols, the young people reflect on the meaning of conversion. Then two or three of the participants …

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Paul: A Unique Person

Background for the Teacher Saint Paul has fascinated Christians throughout history. The combination of his Jewish upbringing, his exposure to Greek culture, his fiery personality, and his openness to God's grace uniquely prepared him to spread the Gospel. This session …

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Saint Paul: Interview and Worksheet

Interview with Paul This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy. Worksheet about Paul On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An …

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Paul: Legacy of Love

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Paul preached that the central message of Jesus Christ was love. Without love, no amount of faith or religious piety has any meaning. Paul …

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Paul: The Journey to Rome

If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31) In Paul's last trip to Jerusalem to say farewell before leaving to preach in Spain, he was arrested by the Romans. As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right …

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Paul: Missionary

[Paul] had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) Known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul was a leader in taking the Gospel message beyond Israel. With his trusted companions--Barnabas, John Mark, …

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Paul: Theologian

They were attempting to kill [Paul]. When the believers learned of it . . . they sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts of the Apostles 9:29–30) After his conversion, Paul began to preach, but when it became too dangerous, he …

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Paul: A Profound Conversion

[Saul] heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts of the Apostles 9:4) It was on his way to Damascus that Paul was struck down by God and blinded. A brilliant light from heaven …

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Paul: Persecutor of Christians

Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women . . . To prison. (Acts of the Apostles 8:3) Convinced that following the teachings of Jesus was wrong, Paul pursued the early Christians …

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Paul: Religious Zeal

I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:14) A tent maker by trade, Paul's Jewish name was Saul. But because Paul …

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Paul's Missionary Journeys

Preparation Gather the following items: pens or pencils copies of The Catholic Youth Bible® or another Bible, one for each participant maps of Paul's journeys (See maps 7 and 8 from the Study Aids section in the back of The …

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Our Lady of Guadalupe: Icon of Justice

"Commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity"; these are elements of what is commonly understood as social justice. In the Church today we have numerous "icons" we can look to in order to guide us in …

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The Feast of Saint Cecilia

The Feast of Saint Cecilia "All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods,with animals, and with valuable gifts." (Ezra 1:6) Very little is known of Saint Cecilia. It is thought that she was martyred for her …

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Assumption of Mary - Mary as a Disciple

  Begin an exploration of Mary as the first disciple by explaining the word disciple, which means "follower, or one who believes in the teachings of a leader."   Invite the students to examine the ways that Mary was a …

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Praying with John Baptist de la Salle

In reaction to Martin Luther's emphasis on personal reading of the Bible, the Council of Trent discouraged laypeople from meditating on the word of God. Catholics were told to listen to the preaching of their priests, who would explain the …

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February 14: Valentine Puzzles

Preparation. Purchase or make a poster board heart, about 6 inches wide, for every four or five young people. Write on each heart a different scriptural verse that pertains to love. Include the citation. Here are some possible citations: Deut. …

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February 14: Saint Valentine's Day

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) We celebrate loving and being loved on this special day. Of course most of us find it easier to love someone who loves us first, and that's what this verse …

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Advent: Saint Joseph and Jesus

This can be easily adapted to a video call.  1. Gather the group in a circle for a moment of silence. Light the candle and read these passages about Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew (1:18-21 and 2:13-15). Ask the …

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Month of the Rosary: Our Lady of Perpetual Help

One of the most enduring Marian images is that of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This familiar painting appears to be a single frame taken from a larger action. The image has the child Jesus in the arms of Mary; …

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December 12: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8–9) In December 1531 Mary appeared to …

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December 6: Feast of Saint Nicholas

December 6: SAINT NICHOLAS (FOURTH CENTURY) How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation. (Isaiah 52:7) Not much is known about Saint Nicholas except that he was …

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The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher

THE TWELVE VIRTUES OF A GOOD TEACHER In 1706, John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, listed twelve virtues of a good teacher in his Conduct of the Christian Schools. In 1785, Brother Agathon, the fifth superior general …

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All Saints' Day: Unmasking Saints

Unmasking Saints: A Learning Activity for All Saints' Day OVERVIEW This creative activity helps young adolescents learn a little about their Catholic heritage by exploring the life and work of their patron saint or a favorite saint. Group Size: This …

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Prayer Service in Memory of Pope Saint John Paul II

Preparation For this prayer service you will need four candles, a presider, and two readers. The Summons to Prayer Presider: At the seventeenth World Youth Day, Pope John Paul II said to the young people: "When the light fades or …

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Mass to Commemorate and Celebrate the Life of Pope Saint John Paul II

In light of the Pope's passing, this Mass script offers an order of service with prayers, music suggestions, intercessions, and other materials that will make planning a meaningful celebration as simple as possible when time is limited. This Mass can …

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Biography of Pope Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II was born Karol Josef Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wah) on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice (Vah-do-vee-juh), Poland, a small city just outside Krakow. He was the third and youngest child of Karol Wojtyla Sr., a lieutenant in Poland's army, …

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Back to School: Saintly Guest Speaker

Saintly Guest Speaker? This activity is designed to have your students move around a little, look at the lives of a few saints, assess where they are in their spiritual lives, and help you assess how they are feeling about …

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Sub Tuum Praesidium: The Most Ancient Marian Prayer

The oldest known prayer to Mary is the Sub Tuum Praesidium. It was discovered in Egypt on a fragment of papyrus. It is believed the prayer dates back to mid-late 200's A.D. The prayer follows: We fly to your patronage, …

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Month of the Rosary: Queen of the Rosary Prayer Service

Leader +In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All Amen Opening Song Leader Join us, Queen of the Rosary, as we offer praise to our Father All Join us, Queen of the …

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Month of the Rosary: Scriptural Rosary

With the monumental addition of the Luminous Mysteries, there are now twenty mysteries in the Rosary. For the month of October - the month of the Rosary-- one can now take one day with each mystery. While the following format …

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The Scandal of Love: The Unstoppable Passion of God

Saint Peter Chrysologus (406-450) was a man of passion. Often times, we look back at the saints and strip them of their power. They can become still pictures, of sorts. These pictures reveal beauty, yet they remain static. Such mental …

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You Were Called

The shadows are falling, and they are lush. The curtains are closing, the audiences hush. Your life's dawning was so long ago. All experiences mesh with vast undertow. You were called, but the voice was faint. No one called you …

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The Saint Patrick You Never Knew

He didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland and he may never have plucked a shamrock to teach the mystery of the Trinity. Yet Saint Patrick well deserves to be honored by the people of Ireland and by downtrodden and …

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Five prayers Catholics can take to heart

The issue of prayer is not prayer; the issue of prayer is God. One cannot pray unless he has faith in his own ability to accost the infinite, merciful, eternal God. --Jewish Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man's Quest for God …

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Meeting the Rhinoceros

Thomas Merton makes a valuable role model for the spiritual journey of the adolescent rhinoceros. At times even the most optimistic teacher may despair of the possibility of ever communicating meaningfully with adolescents. The significant number of developmental tasks facing …

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Thomas Merton: Something of a Rebel

One of the world’s leading Merton experts takes another look at the monk who changed the course of American spirituality from his monastery cell. ON A RECENT VISIT to a secondhand bookstore in a Midwestern city, I found an exceptionally …

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Saint Jerome: The Perils of a Bible Translator

“WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?” This is the question that people who teach biblical studies hear more than any other. A bewildering abundance of alternatives is available to those who want to begin reading the Bible. This …

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August 15: Assumption of Mary - Mary, the First Disciple

Considering how important Mary is in Christian history, the New Testament says little about her. What it does say, though, speaks volumes. SHE MAY BE THE MOST FAMOUS WOMAN who ever lived, and yet there is surprisingly little in the …

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Litany for the Ordinary

Mary, queen of the ordinary-- queen of spinning wheel and loom who wove from ordinary stuff the flawless fabric of God's humanness; queen whose pregnancy put Joseph's other plans aside and sent his saw singing into cradlewood; queen of water …

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Glorious Nature

Theme: Francis proclaimed, "We are sister and brother to animals and plants, water and soil, earth and sky." Just as we meet the dancer in her dance, the painter in his art, and the poet in her finely crafted words, so …

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August 15: Assumption of Mary - Mary Poem

No milk-faced maiden in a soft robe for a desert god, No You needed someone more Your size who cared about Your chosen ones as much as You who constantly insisted that You listen to their cries And, once the …

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