• DigiVatLib (Digital Vatican Library): Provides free access to the Vatican Library’s digitized collections: manuscripts, incunabula, archival materials and inventories as well as graphic materials, coins and medals, printed materials (special projects).
• "Abuse of Minors. The Church's Response" - Vatican Resources on pertinent documents of Church's response to sexual abuse crisis.
• Adoremus: Church Documents relevant to the liturgy
• Aquinas 101: Free online video lessons allowing anyone to study one of the greatest minds in the Church. Receive by email two lessons each week, walking you through the basics of Aquinas' masterwork, the Summa Theologiae. For those who want to go deeper in any given week, each lesson with also provide further reading, including the complete text of the Summa, and an "Ask the Friar" feature for those who have specific questions they need help with.
• Codex Sinaiticus - Oldest New Testament Bible. Online high resolution images of the Gospel of Mark, and notes on the work.
• Christian Classics Ethereal Library
• Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Major documents of the CDF available in eight languages…
• The Internet Classics Archive: Bringing the wisdom of the classics to the Internet since 1994.
• The Committee on Doctrine (USCCB): established in conformity with the Holy See to address doctrinal matters. Scroll down for publications.
• Duke Divinity School Library: Internet Resources
• The Church Fathers: Apostolic Fathers, ante-Nicene Church Fathers, and post-Nicene Church Fathers. Click on Topics in left column.
  • Church Fathers: "Our goal was to offer a one-stop shop for people wondering what the earliest Christians believed…the bare quotes themselves, along with citations of where they came from, so that the Fathers could speak for themselves." Click on Read Topics for a drop down list.
  • Chronological List of Early Christian Writings (Paulist Press): Includes online texts for writings of the New Testament, Apocrypha…
  • Early Church Fathers
  • Early Church Fathers: The Ante-Nicene Fathers | Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series 1 | Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series 2.
  • Fathers of the Church: New Advent
  • Fathers of the Church (CatholicCulture): A complete set of documents from the Fathers of the Church: saintly writers of the early centuries whom the Church recognizes as her special witnesses of the faith.
• Germain Grisez — "The Way of the Lord Jesus": This website facilitates printing out the units into which the three volumes of "The Way of the Lord Jesus" are divided: Volume 1: Christian Moral Principles, Volume 2: Living a Christian Life, Volume 3: Difficult Moral Questions, Volume Four: Clerical and Consecrated Life and Service.
• Guide to Early Church Documents
• The Father William Most Collection: an internationally-acclaimed theologian and Scripture scholar. Browse the complete works. View the complete list of titles of more than 230 theological works and select any work for reading or download.
• "Sensus Fidei in the Life of the Church" by International Theological Commission: Explores the relationship between the sense of the faithful and the guidance of the teaching Magisterium.…"is a vital resource for the new evangelization."
• The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas. Second and Revised Edition, 1920. NewAdvent.org
• International Theological Commission: Includes Published Documents and Pontifical Speeches.
  • Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria (International Theological Commission): Chapter 1: Listening to the Word of God; Chapter 2: Abiding in the Communion of the Church; Chapter 3: Giving an Account of the Truth of God.
• Theology Library (Spring Hill College): Sections include: Church, Revelation, Liturgy, Peace & Justice, Theology, Morality, Spirituality, Evangelization.
• Vatican II Council Documents: Vatican Archives
  • Documents of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican Archive): translated into multiple languages.
  • Vatican II Council – The 16 Documents in English and Latin (EWTN Library).
  • "Summary & Guide to Documents of Second Vatican Council" by Jeffrey A. Mirus, Ph.D. written between February & October 2010.
  • Vatican II – Summary and Reflection of Vatican II Documents by Michelle Willis © 2008 Ocean East Publishing.
• Vatican Resource Archive: includes The NAB, Catechism & Compendium, Codes of Canon Law, II Vatican Council Documents.
• Vatican - CDF Guidelines on Sexual Abuse Allegations. Procedures of the CDF on sexual abuse allegations towards minors.
• Yale University Libraries: Free Web Resources on Religion. Helpful collection of online resources relating to religious studies that are available for free.

• Internet Medieval Sourcebook: Church Councils, Church Fathers, Medieval Thought, Medieval Spiritual Thought
• Franciscan Archive: resources on St. Francis & Franciscanism
  • Historical Documents of the Franciscan Orders: These include any document regarding any of the Orders founded by St. Francis and any person’s or affairs related. These are provided both for the purposes of historical studies into the life of St. Francis and the Friars Minor as well as the utility of Franciscans and Poor Clares the world over.
• Online Library for Medieval Studies: Sources of Primary Documents on the Internet
  • Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies Encyclopedia: A Topical Index
  • Online Textbooks - Full-Length Texts for Classroom Use: online texts that have been written by experienced medievalists
• Medieval Institute Library: Hesburgh Libraries (University of Notre Dame)
• Orthodox Monasteries & Monasticism
• Church History Study Helps: designed for ministerial theology students but also an invaluable resource for the lay person.

Papal Issues:               Index

• List of Popes - Catholic Encyclopedia
• Papal Encyclicals: and other official documents of the Catholic Church

• Jubilee Year of Mercy – Merciful like the Father: Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. Pope Francis proclaimed, "This Holy Year of Mercy will commence on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2015, and will conclude on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and living face of the Father's mercy." Check out this official web site for news, information, calendar of events and prayers.
  • Vatican Radio The Jubilee Year of Mercy resources: Features section on The Jubilee in the Vatican, The World, Papal The Doors of Mercy, Papal Gestures of Mercy, The Works of Mercy, Justice and Mercy, Mercy and Lent.
• Jubilee Year of Mercy resources (USCCB): Explore the different ways that you can live out that mercy every day!
• The Year of Mercy blog - Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Featuring articles, homilies, messages and pastoral resources for celebrating the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
• Year of Mercy Resources – The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions: Includes Introduction to Year of Mercy, Holy Door, Liturgy Preparation Aid for the Seasons of Advent and Christmas, Official Rites for the Opening of the Holy Door and the Closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Advent/Christmas Prep Aid.
• 56 Ways to Be Merciful During the Jubilee Year of Mercy (ALETEIA): Practicing mercy in our lives actually does take practice. "Try randomly selecting one each week and putting it into practice. (We gave you two extra; mix them up!)"
• "Living the Year of Mercy" by Emily Stimpson, OSV Newsweekly, 12/2/2015. Nine practical suggestions to help you walk more virtuously through the jubilee year.
• Year of Mercy Calendar: Encounter and Extend Mercy during the Year of Jubilee. Live the Year of Mercy day by day with the Year of Mercy Calendar. Each day of the week provides helpful suggestions to live a more merciful life. The Year of Mercy Calendar is a collaborative effort of the Diocese of Steubenville and the Diocese of Syracuse.
• "Whether mercy can be attributed to God?", St. Thomas Aquinas, (Summa Theologica, First Part, Question 21, Article 3): I answer that, Mercy is especially to be attributed to God, as seen in its effect, but not as an affection of passion. In proof of which it must be considered that a person is said to be merciful [misericors], as being, so to speak, sorrowful at heart [miserum cor]; being affected with sorrow at the misery of another as though it were his own.

• Calendar of Papal Liturgical Celebrations — 2013 to Present Day
• Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis To Cuba, the United States of America and Visit to the United Nations on the occasion of his participation at the Eighth World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia (19-28 September 2015).
  • Pope Francis’ 2015 Visit to the USA website (USCCB): Pope Francis made his intention to travel to the United States for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.
    • USA Papal Visit 2015 – Schedule of Events
    • USA Papal Visit 2015 – Live Coverage: The USCCB will provide live streaming coverage of all events of the Holy Father's visit.
    • USA Papal Visit 2015 – Video On Demand: The USCCB will post video on demand soon after each event has closed.
• Pope Francis’ Daily Mass Homilies - News.va: (L'Osservatore Romano and Vatican Radio)
  • Pope Francis Homilies Archive
• Francis Everyday: selected quotes of Pope Francis offered daily for prayer and reflection…
• Pope Francis: Selected Quotes by Subject (USCCB). Compilation of quotes & excerpts from speeches, messages, homilies, & audiences.
• "A Big Heart Open to God: The exclusive interview with Pope Francis" by Antonio Spadaro, S.J. – La Civiltà Cattolica – September 30, 2013.
• Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio): An in-depth analysis written originally for "L´espresso" no. 49, November 28 - December 5, 2002, before the previous conclave.
• "What I would have said at the Consistory": An interview with Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 30 Days, Issue no. 11 - 2007.

• Links to Angelus/Regina Coeli messages, Apostolic Exhortations, Apostolic Letters, Encyclicals, Homilies, speeches, Motu Proprio
• Encyclicals of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: Deus caritas est (December 25, 2005) | Spe salvi (November 30, 2007) | Caritas in veritate (June 29, 2009)
• Fifteen Baptismal Homilies by Pope Benedict XVI: delivered by Pope Benedict XVI at the Easter Vigil and on the first Sunday after Epiphany, when he baptized adults and children.
• Benedict XVI Everyday Archives: Selected quotes of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI arranged with theme index.
• EWTN: His Life-His Words: Election of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Journey to the United States of America (April 15-21, 2008) – The Vatican
  • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Journey to the United States of America (April 15-21, 2008) – EWTN
  • Apostolic Visit of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to the United States - April 15–20, 2008 (USCCB)
  • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s Prayer at Ground Zero, New York - Sunday, 20 April 2008
• Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 47th World Communications Day Message (Sunday, 12 May 2013): "Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelization."

• St. John Paul II: Life & Legacy. Feast Day - October 22. Resources for writings, documents, quotations, biography, key dates of Pope Saint John Paul II.
• St. John Paul II sings the "Ave Maria" - recorded prior to be elected Pope, circa 1979.
  • Saint John Paul II Memorial (USCCB): Optional Memorial on October 22.
• The John Paul II Foundation: collection & preservation of documents& propagation of the teachings of St. John Paul II.
• Saint John Paul II: Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Exhortations, Apostolic Letters, Audiences, Encyclicals, Homilies, Motu Proprio, Letters, Messages, Prayers and Speeches.
• St. John Paul II Forum for the Church in the Modern World: promotes a deeper understanding of the thought of St. John Paul II
• "Theology of the Body" - St. John Paul II: on-line resource
• Pontificate of St. John Paul II: His life, his writings
• CNS Special: St. John Paul II
• USCCB: The Life and Ministry of St. John Paul II.

• College of Cardinals: pictures & bios
• The Hierarchy of the Catholic Church: Current and historical information about its bishops and dioceses (not officially approved).
• St. Peter's  - 360 Virtual tour: stunning, floor-to-ceiling detail. A joint project of Villanova University & the Vatican.
  • St. John Lateran, Roma - 360 Virtual Tour: select image, hold down left mouse button; slowly move cursor , zoom in/out.
  • St. Paul's Outside the Walls - 360 Virtual Tour: stunning, floor-to-ceiling detail. A joint project of Villanova University & the Vatican.

Papal Interregnum Resources:

• The Anscombe Bioethics Centre: a Roman Catholic academic institute that engages with the moral questions arising in clinical practice and biomedical research.
• Respect Life Month – October 6, 2019 (USCCB): Each October the Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month; the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. A number of resources, homily helps, announcements, and more are provided to help you get started.
  • Respect Life (USCCB): Building a culture that cherishes and protects every human life. Includes Action Guides, Articles, and Prayers for Life.
• Cardinal Dolan's Respect Life Month Statement: "Moved by Mercy" (en español)
• Respect Life: Leaders' Toolkit
• 2016 Brochures: Respect Life Program
• Images & Social Media Toolkit: 2016 Respect Life Program

• Catholic Church’s Position on Stem Cell Research (USCCB): Church Documents and Teachings, Facts Sheets, Articles & Publications.
  • Dignitas Personae: Instruction from Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on ethical issues arising from biomedical research.
• "Being Human in an Age of Unbelief" by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. (CatholicCulture.org).
• Bioethics News (LifeNews.com). Get the latest news in bioethics from LifeNews.
• The Bioethics Research Library - Georgetown University: ethical issues related to biotechnology, biomedical research
& healthcare
• Bioethics Syllabus Exchange Database - Bioethics Research Library. A clearinghouse for syllabi to promote the study of bioethics
• NOVA - Life's Greatest Miracle: Tracks the human development from embryo to newborn.
• "Bioethics Q-and-A: End of Life Decision Making – What Should Catholics Do?" by E. Christian Brugger. Some might find it difficult or even repugnant to initiate a forthright conversation with a loved one about treatment plans at the end of life. I urge you to overcome this resistance.
  • The Art of Dying Well – Catholic Church in England and Wales: offers a helping hand to those grappling with issues surrounding death and dying. Based in the Catholic tradition but open to all, it features real-life stories about the highs and lows of dealing with the final journey.
• Jewish, Christian, Muslim Leaders Sign Declaration Against Euthanasia (Pontifical Academy for Life). The declaration, titled, "Position paper of the Abrahamic monotheistic religions on matters concerning the end of life," was prepared by the Pontifical Academy for Life and released Oct. 28, 2019.
• Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology - USCCB 2009 Fall Assembly
• The Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty (USCCB
  • Capital Punishment - Death Penalty (CatholicCulture): Catechism of the Catholic Church and "culture of life."
  • Catechism #2267: On the Death Penalty
  • The Legitimacy of Capital Punishment by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
• Catholic Church Teaching on Animal Experimentation: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2417 – 2418. 2417… "Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives."
  • Arnewood School's Religious Studies Online: The traditional Christian views on the status of animals is that humans are 'made in God's image', very different from other animals. We're special, and we have been given 'dominion' over nature.…However, many Christians disagree.…
  • Cruelty Towards Animals (CatholicCulture).
• Coronavirus COVID-19 Information and Resources
• Culture of Life Foundation: to deepen public understanding of bioethics, marriage and family, human dignity and human solidarity.
  • Stem Cells For Dummies (Culture of Life Foundation): E. Christian Brugger, Ph.D., Senior Fellow in Ethics.
• Fogarty International Center: Bioethics Resources for Teachers and Students. Resources designed for teachers of bioethics can be useful to educators of both high school and college students.
• Human Embryology and Church Teachings (CatholicCulture.org): Dianne N. Irving, M.A., Ph.D.
• Human Life International: to promote & defend the sanctity of life according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
• John Paul II Medical Research Institute (JP2MRI): focuses on the most ethical and cost-effective way of conducting medical research to help develop therapies and cures for a variety of diseases.
• May Researchers Use "Biological Material" Unjustly Obtained? Considerations of "Grave Reasons" and Exceptions by William E. May
• The National Catholic Bioethics Center: Conducts research, consultation, publishing and education to promote human dignity in health care and the life sciences, and derives its message directly from the teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • NCBC Resources on COVID-19: Articles and essays on points to consider, such as, "Moral Choices When Not All Can Be Saved."
  • COVID-19 FAQ – The National Catholic Bioethics Center.
  • COVID Vaccines and Fetal Tissues: the Moral Calculus (CatholicCulture): Phil Lawler, Dec 04, 2020. Should Catholics accept a vaccine that has been developed using fetal tissue from abortions? Since Catholic moralists have expressed contradictory answers to this question, let me try to offer a bit of clarity.
  • Ethics of Stem Cell Research: Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., National Catholic Bioethics Center
  • Moral & Ethical Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines
• Nuffield Council on Bioethics: examines ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine.
• "On Basic Care for Patients in the ‘Vegetative’ State" Cardinal Justin Rigali (CatholicCulture)
• Pontifical Academy for Life: defense and promotion of the value of human life and the dignity of the person.
• Pontifical Academy of Science: Comprises six major areas: Fundamental science; Science and technology of global problems; Science for the problems of the developing world; Scientific policy; Bioethics; Epistemology.
• Pro-Life Activities Resource Page: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Q/A on Stem Cell Research: Statement by the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
• The Quandary of Catholic Pharmacists: Is It Moral to Sell Contraceptives? by William E. May, Senior Fellow at Culture of Life.
• Research Institute for the Humanities: Christian resources for research and study
• The Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics: "dedicated to interdisciplinary research and education in biomedical ethics…"
• Stem Cell Research: Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics
• Stem Cell Research (Learn.Genetics): An introduction to stem cells, the building blocks of the body. Issues in stem cell research?
• The Susan B. Anthony List: dedicated to advancing, mobilizing, and representing women in the political process.
• The Stem for Life Foundation (SFLF): A non-partisan, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization devoted to raising public awareness of adult stem cell therapies and supporting adult stem cell research, development, and storage.
• Types of Stem Cells (International Society for Stem Cell Research): Adult Stem Cells or Tissue-specific Stem Cells | Fetal Stem Cells | Cord Blood Stem Cells | Embryonic Stem Cells | Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)
• On Vaccines Made From Cells of Aborted Fetuses: "It is a Grave Responsibility to Use Alternative Vaccines". (7/26/2005)
   
• USCCB: “End of Life” resources and articles.
• 5th Edition of Ethical and Religious Directives: USCCB 2009 Fall Assembly
• “Living or Not Living? That Is the Question” by E. Christian Brugger, April 7, 2022 | National Catholic Register. COMMENTARY: The debate over brain death has no easy answer but requires astute attentiveness to science, Church teaching and the sanctity of human life.
• A Brief Ethical Primer on Medical Decisions Regarding Life-Sustaining Treatments in the Catholic Tradition - Diocese of St. Cloud
• Catholics and "Do-Not-Resuscitate" (DNR) Orders: The Moral Principles Behind Its Ethical Use. William May - Culture of Life Foundation.
• Directives for Catholics Concerning Artificially Administered Nutrition and Hydration (CatholicCulture) Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted.
  • Ethical Principles on Caring for Those in a Vegetative State (ZENIT): Are Food and Water Extraordinary Measures?
  • Nutrition and Hydration: Moral Considerations. A Statement of The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania (Revised 1999)
  • "Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life" by Fr. Jose I. Lavastida (CatholicCulture).
• Economic Considerations in the Removal of Life Support: "Is it ever legitimate to remove or withhold life-sustaining procedures from a patient in order to save excessive expenses to persons other than that patient (e.g., the patient's family, the community)?" Bioethics question answered by Christian Brugger, fellow of the Culture of Life Foundation.
• EWTN: End-of-Life Decisions
• Samaritanus bonus – "On the Care of Persons in the Critical and Terminal Phases of Life" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith): An integral approach to the human person, to suffering and illness, to caring for those in critical and terminal illnesses.
• Catholic Church’s Teaching on Suicide and Helpful Resources for coping with the anguish over a loved one's sorrowful decision.
  • To Live Each Day with Dignity (USCCB): A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide. Full statement, including resources list.
• "Vital Organ Transplantation – Not Truly Dead" on brain death and organ donations by Paul Byrne, MD & Fr. Damien Fehlner
• Catholic Living Will: Should a Catholic have a "Living Will"? by Fr. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. (CNA).
  • Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney: Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
  • Catholic Living Will: Google search links
  • Patients Rights Council: Information on Advance Directives, Living Wills, Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, and Protective Medical Decisions Document (PMDD).
• Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry: Practical and spiritual support for Catholics who have lost a child to miscarriage.
  • What the Catholic Church Has to Say Regarding Miscarriage, the Unbaptized, and Salvation (Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry)
  • Funerals or Burials to Honor a Child Lost to a Miscarriage (Catholic Miscarriage Support Ministry).

• USCCB Position on Health Care Reform: "truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity."
  • USCCB - "Setting the Record Straight": Bishops' Position on Health Care Reform (May 21, 2010).
• Catholic Medical Association – Open Letter to Catholic Organizations on Health Care Reform.
• Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB): a faith-based leader in global healthcare.
• "Principles of Catholic Social Teaching and Health Care Reform": Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann & Bishop Robert W. Finn

• General Directory For Catechesis - August 11, 1997 (Vatican - Congregation for the Clergy)
• The Baltimore Catechism (Revised Edition 1941)
• Vatican Resource Archive: includes The NAB, Catechism & Compendium, Codes of Canon Law, II Vatican Council Documents.
• United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCB) flipbook.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church (CatholicCulture.org): drill down into various sections
• Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd Ed. English Tran.), 1997
  • Index Analyticus – Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997 English Tran.)
• Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican): includes 589 questions and answers on the Catholic faith.
• U.S. Catholic Catechism For Adults – online version (Catecismo Católico de los Estados Unidos para los Adultos): Following the outline of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the USCCA walks the reader through the Creed, the sacraments, moral life in Christ and the prayers of the Church. Each chapter contains a story about a saint, blessed, or holy man or woman, a brief overview of the topic, reflection questions and a prayer. Also, included in the appendices are a glossary of Catholic terms and traditional Catholic prayers.
• The Catholic Encyclopedia (1908 edition)
• Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church - Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (full text)
  • Catholic Social Teaching (Caritas Internationalis): the great wealth of Church teaching on how to live out our faith in the world. Formed by the wisdom of Church leaders and shaped by the daily experience of Catholics everywhere, it gives us a moral compass to find our way. At Caritas our mission is based on core principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Here are nine principles, illustrated by some of the Church’s most resonant texts and stories from our work.
• Code of Canon Law (1983)
  • CanonLaw.info: Created by Dr. Edward Peters, an American lay canon lawyer, as a resource center on Catholic Canon Law.
  • Canon Law Made Easy: Articles on Church Law for normal people.
• Modern Catholic Dictionary: Fr. John Hardon’s modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure.
• Latin-English Dictionary & Grammar Aid: University of Notre Dame
• Latin links: resources for learning Latin
• Jewish Encyclopedia: complete 12-volume (1905 edition)

• "Seven Principles of the Spiritual Life" by Fr. Thomas Bolin, O.S.B
• Catholic Spiritual Direction: The spiritual direction process & expectations. Finding, selecting, & initiating spiritual direction.
  • Catholic Spiritual Direction Blog & Recent Articles
  • How Can I Increase The Strength Of My Will To Resist Temptation? by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
• Spiritual Direction: Questions and Answers (PDF)
• The Difference Between Counseling and Spiritual Direction by Allison Ricciardi.
  • Spiritual Direction 101: Spiritual Direction vs. Counseling by Teresa Blythe
  • Counseling vs. Spiritual Direction by Rebecca Fuller (Seattle Christian Counseling)
  • Spiritual Direction Guide: The John Paul II Center for Lifelong Faith and Ministry Formation, Archdiocese of Milwaukee
  • What Are the Key Characteristics of Good Spiritual Direction? by Father John Bartunek, LC, Catholic Spiritual Direction
  • Preparing for Spiritual Direction by Father John Bartunek, LC, Catholic Spiritual Direction
• Mercy and Sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Ed. (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000), 452–458). Includes The Definition of Sin, Different Kinds of Sins, Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin, Proliferation of Sin.
• The Spiritual Life – a Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology [Download PDF - click on circle with 3 dots on left side of screen] by Adolphe Tanquerey, 1854-1932
  • Love and Sacrifice in the Christian Life: §. 328–334 (PDF)
  • Duty of Tending to Perfection: §. 352–366 (PDF)
  • The Necessity of Self-Knowledge & A Method for the Examination of Conscience: §. 448–470 (PDF)
  • Virtues Allied to Fortitude: §. 1082–1094 (PDF)
• “Wrestling With God”: Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI (July 29, 2007).“‘I wrestle with God.’ Among other things, it suggests that the struggles in later life can be very different than what we struggle with earlier on.…” We “spend the last half of our lives struggling with anger and forgiveness — and that anger is often, however unconsciously, focused on God. In the end, our real struggle is with God.”
   
• Acedia - Baylor University: The Christian Reflection Project. "At its core, acedia is aversion to our relationship to God because of the transforming demands of his love." The study guides and lesson plans integrate Bible study, prayer, and worship to explore the vice of acedia and its remedies in the Christian tradition. The guides may be downloaded and reproduced for personal or group use. Acedia: Study Guides and Lesson Plans
  • "Resistance to the Demands of Love," by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung
  • "What is Acedia" – Notes on Acedia. Includes references for the Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church and St. Thomas Aquinas.
  • Pornography and Acedia: A Spiritual Analysis of and Remedy for Lust of the Eyes by Reinhard Hütter, April 2012, FIRST THINGS.
  • Acedia (Sloth) by St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, II, II, 35
  • "The Spirit of Acedia" from the Institutes of John Cassian.
     
• Discerning God's Will, Hearing God's Voice Within?
  • The First Rule of Discernment is to recognize and obey what the Lord tells us to do through the Church.
  • The Second Rule of Discernment is that every gift we have is to be used for God's glory.
  • The Third Rule of Discernment is prayer
  • "Nine Secrets to Discovering Your Call" Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR
  • Discernment by Peter Kreeft
  • Discernment: Recognising God’s Voice by Brian Incigneri
  • An Approach to Good Choices - Ignatian Spirituality. The Ignatian approach to good choices emphasizes freedom. Making a free decision means that we set aside our own preferences and preconceptions and strive to be free of social pressures and psychological strains. We carefully examine our motives and desires. This isn't easy. Much of the prayer and reflection in Ignatian decision making has to do with achieving the detachment necessary to choose freely.
  • "An Ignatian Framework for Making a Decision" by Jim Manney. 11 Steps for Making a Decision Following the Ignatian Method.
  • "How Ignatian Spirituality Gives Us a Way to Discern God’s Will" by David L. Fleming, SJ, from What Is Ignatian Spirituality?.
  • "The Devil Comes Cloaked as an Angel of Light" by William A. Barry, SJ, from An Ignatian Spirituality Reader.
  • "The Trap That Satan Sets Us When We Are Trying to Find God’s Will": Nicholas Senz | Sep 18, 2019 | Aleteia. "St. Francis de Sales has some strikingly simple advice: Be what we are…and do the best we can to honor Him."
  • "Discernment in a Nutshell" by Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ, from Making Choices in Christ.
  • Four Steps to Hearing Your Call by Sr. Anita Louise Lowe, O.S.B.
  • Praying to Hear God by Fr. Moe Larochelle
  • Seven Keys To Hearing God's Voice by Craig von Buseck
  • How Can I Know If I Am Hearing God, Hearing Satan, or Hearing My Own Thoughts?
  • Is God REALLY Speaking to You? 4 Questions to Help You Discern His Voice by Brian Moll
  • 13 Effective Tips to Help You Stop Cursing: Whether we intend for it to happen at the time or not, some of us use those rude four-letter words a little too often. Soon, it becomes a habit. (I would add, prayerfully read James 3:1-12).
  • "Formation of Novices and Seminarians: Nine Signs of Steady Growth" - Fr. Basil Cole, O.P. (CatholicCulture.com)
  • "Perfectionism Doesn’t Look Like We Think it Does": Most of us associate perfectionism with achievement, but they are not the same. Aleteia | Calah Alexander | Jul 20, 2017.
  • Prayer and Discernment Resources (USCCB). Featuring "What is Prayer?" and "The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina."
  • The Present Moment: a Christian Approach to Mindfulness by Dr. Gregory Bottaro.
  • The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media: "Social networks do best when they tap into one of the seven deadly sins. Facebook is ego. Zynga is sloth. LinkedIn is greed." ~ Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn (2011).
• Pope Francis: On Prayer — Distractions, Time of Barrenness, Sloth. Catechesis on prayer: 34. Distractions, time of barrenness, sloth.
  • Facing Difficulties & Temptations in Prayer: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Ed. (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000), 654–655.
     
• Scrupulosity: The Occupational Hazard of the Catholic Moral Life. Scrupulosity is a corruption of freedom. The scrupulous person is anxious that he has committed a sin when in fact he has not or is convinced that his venial sins are mortal when they are not.
  • OCD Scrupulosity: Spiritual Direction Through the Stages of Recovery
  • The Perpetual Penitent: Identifying and Healing from Scrupulosity
  • Healing the Scrupulous Mind (Catholic Strength)
  • Scrupulous Anonymous (Liguori Publications): Ministering to those afflicted with scrupulosity – a religious form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Scrupulous Anonymous Cover Articles archive
  • A Spiritual Path - Scrupulous Anonymous: The words spirituality and religious are often used casually with little thought about what they mean.
  • Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous (Revised): Rev. Thomas M. Santa, C.SS.R.
  • Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous, Ver. 2
  • Managing Scrupulosity – An Introduction — a pastoral service from Liguori Publications (A Roman Catholic Media Company)
  • Managing Scrupulosity – What is Scrupulosity
  • Managing Scrupulosity – For the Priest / Confessor
  • Managing Scrupulosity – FAQ’s
  • “Spiritual Direction & Scrupulosity” by Fr. Thomas M. Santa, CssR, Scrupulous Anonymous, 02/01/2021
  • Managing Scrupulosity: Father Thomas M. Santa, C.Ss.R., "The management of scrupulosity is a life-long commitment to healing and integration. Unfortunately, there are no short cuts. There is no such thing as "one size fits all." That is the bad news, the difficult truth. The good news, the hopeful truth is that all is not lost. There is a path that can be navigated that will bring some relief and provide some sense of progress."
  • Scrupulosity: The Ultimate Guide. Jaimie Eckert, "Scrupulosity is not a lack of faith, it's a mental health hijacking of your relationship with God." Includes: Blasphemous Thoughts: The Ultimate Guide, Scrupulosity Articles, Scrupulosity Videos.
  • Unveiling Scrupulosity
  • Understanding and Conquering Scrupulosity - Caritual Direco

Ministry Resources:                    Index

• January 22 Day Of Prayer For The Legal Protection Of Unborn Children: USCCB Prayer and Worship resources.
  • 9 Days For Life Novena – 2016 (USCCB): Daily Reflections January 16–24, 2016.
  • Resources for Observing the 43rd Anniversary of Roe V. Wade - January 22 (USCCB).
• Birthright International: helping women with pregnancy dilemmas (1-800-550-4900).
• Athletics & Sports - Ethics and Virtue: collection of resources for coaches, athletes, and team chaplains.
  • Life Athletes: athletes committed to living lives of virtue, abstinence, & respect for life.
  • St. John Paul II Speaks to Athletes: Homilies, Messages and Speeches on Sport
  • "Sporting Activity in the Thought of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI" by Bishop Josef Clemens
  • Church and Sport - Pontifical Council for the Laity
  • Sport: School of Virtue - A Field of Christian Mission
  • Center for Christian Ethics - Sports Library (Baylor University)
• Busted Halo: For spiritual seekers in their 20s & 30s trying to find deeper meaning in their lives.
• Cardinal Newman Society: dedicated to renewal of Catholic identity at Catholic colleges & universities in USA.
• The Catholic Association (TCA): a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena.
• Catholic Charities USA: provides vital social services to people in need.
• Catholics Come Home: a welcoming ministry for anyone who has left the Catholic Church, for whatever reasons.
  • Answering Your Questions
• Catholic Link: multimedia resources useful for ministry & evangelization, proclaim the gospel with "creativity & ingenuity."
• Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB): a faith-based leader in global healthcare.
• Catholic Network of Volunteer Service (CNVS): organization of 200 domestic & international volunteer & lay mission programs.
• Catholic News Agency - Resources: Topics cover include Abortion - Bible - Catechism - Church Fathers - Life & Family - Virtue...
• Catholic Rural Life (CRL): Since 1923, we have been applying the teachings of Jesus Christ for the social, economic, and spiritual development of rural America, strengthening and sustaining the Church in the countryside by educating and inspiring leaders and advocating on their behalf.
  • The Rural Life Celebration Handbook
• Catholic Therapists: Professionals who integrate the truths of the faith in the therapeutic process.
• Center for Christian Ethics – Baylor University: Helping to think with a Christian mind about the ethical issues in our society.
  • Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics. Quarterly published by The Center of Christian Ethics.
• A Church in Dialogue – Catholics and Muslims in Canada: Believers and Citizens in Society. Canada's bishops pamphlet on Catholic-Muslim relationship considers history and main teachings of Islam, state of interreligious dialog, and suggestions for the faithful.
  • Answering Islam: A Christian-Muslim Dialog and Apologetic
• Church Health Reader: innovative resources on health, wellness and healing for lay leaders and clergy.
• Creighton University Campus Ministry
  • Creighton University Online Ministries: Daily Reflections, Online Retreat, Stations of the Cross
• Faith and Reason (Franciscan University of Steubenville): Deepening your knowledge of the Catholic faith and your understanding of the world in which we live.
• "Healing a Broken World" – Jesuits Special Report on Ecology. "…to create a new world based on a just relationship with creation."
• Human Life International: to promote & defend the sanctity of life according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
• Hymnary: an online hymn and worship music database for worship leaders, hymnologists, and amateur hymn lovers alike. Search or browse hymns by title, tune, meter, key, scripture reference, and more.…the most complete database of North American hymnody on the planet.
• Catholic hymn: lyrics to many of the most popular Catholic hymns.
• In Character - A Journal of Everyday Virtues  (John Templeton Foundation)
• Interfaith Calendar: Primary sacred times for world religions.
• The Liturgy Archive: An attempt to gather into one place various liturgies, prayers, sermons, and anything else that a Christian may find useful for prayer, contemplation and edification.
• Military Ordinariate (Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA): provides Catholic pastoral & spiritual services for military personnel.
  • "Armed With The Faith: A Catholic Handbook for Military Personnel" (Knights of Columbus)
  • Mission Capaodanno - Catholics in the Military
  • Prayers for those who serve in the Military (USCCB). Prayers to bless the members of the armed forces.
• Mission to Seafarers - Prayers and Worship Resources
  • Blessing of the Fleet
• National Silent No More Awareness Campaign: to make the public aware of the devastation abortion.
• Online Sympathy & Condolence Resources: Examples to help you write your condolences in cards or letters of sympathy.
  • ObituariesHelp.org: Resources for obituaries, words of condolences sympathy, planning funeral, eulogy samples and genealogy search.
• OSV Talks: Our Sunday Visitor presents a series of topics from prominent Catholic leaders to spark discussion, explore new, or re-explore old approaches, and inspire creative thinking, all from the heart of the church.
  • “The Subtle Deterioration of True Professionalism” by Jason Deuterman. “Ministry does demand professionalism in both approach and exercise. What does this mean? This talk invites the viewer to assess their own ministry behavior and re-examine the high standards set by the history of professional ministry throughout time.”
• Pontifical Council for the Laity (Vatican): contribution the lay faithful make to the life and mission of the Church.
• Prayers to Overcome Addiction
• "Prayer for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly" - Vatican July 25, 2021
• Rachel's Vineyard: renew, rebuild & redeem hearts broken by abortion.
• Renewal Ministries: Catholic Renewal & Evangelization
• Resource Publications, Inc.: Resources for Ministry, Worship & Education
• Social Media Guidelines: (USCCB). Use of social media to encourage respect, dialogue, and honest relationships…
• U.S. Catholic Mission Association
• The Vocation of the Business Leader – A Reflection (Vatican - Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development): A 32-page vademecum addressed to entrepreneurs, in their daily commitment to integrating faith and work, and to professors in their formative moments in schools and universities. English - 5th Edition.
• VIRTUS® Online - The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc.
• Year of St. Paul: June 2008 – June 2009 in celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the apostle’s birth.
  • Bishop Michael Saltarelli of Wilmington: Pastoral Letter Celebrating the Year of Saint Paul
  • Life of St. Paul (New Advent): Apostle to the Gentiles
  • Papal Basilica - Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls
  • Year of St. Paul: Liturgy Office of England and Wales
• Year of Faith: Oct. 11, 2012 - Nov. 24, 2013 (Vatican): 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
  • Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei "For the Indiction of the Year of Faith"
  • Note with pastoral recommendations for the Year of Faith: Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).
  • Year of Faith: 2012 - 2013 (USCCB). "An opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him." Right column includes Resources for all Catholics, Dioceses & Parishes | Year of Faith Prayers | Important Documents
  • "10 Ways Catholics Can Live The Year Of Faith" Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, WI, Chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis (USCCB).
  • Year of Faith - Questions and Answers (USCCB)
• Year of Faith Programs (Diocese of Harrisburg, PA). Includes Parish Goals and Resources, Liturgy, Music and Prayer Resources, and Faith Topics.
• Year of Faith (Archdiocese of Milwaukee): This sacred time will provide Catholics locally and throughout the world a precious opportunity to celebrate, deepen and share the spiritual richness of their Catholic faith.