Reference Tools
Choose a topic below to be taken to a list of internet resources.
General Resources
- The Holy See
The official site of the Vatican includes links to recent magisterial statements and celebrations.
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Episcopal statements and publications, daily scriptures, movie reviews and the full text of the Catechism.
- Academic Info: Christian Studies
An excellent web page offering links to gnosticism, biblical studies, orthodox studies and a reference desk.
- Bibliographies for Theology
A selective and annotated bibliography compiled by Fr. William Harmless, S.J.
- Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate
CARA conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church in order to increase the Church's self understanding, serve the applied research needs of Church decision-makers, and advance scholarly research on religion.
- Irish Theological Association
A web site sponsored by the Irish Theological Association to help support people in Ireland and around the world as they learn and do theology; includes numerous links.
- Mary Page
This is an excellent source for all topics concerning Mary. Access papal encyclicals addressing Mary, history of Marian feasts, prayers, meditations and information on several Marian apparitions.
- Religion-online.org
Any topic you can think of is probably listed at this web site. Some of the topics that are listed: theology, theologians, social issues and culture.
- Theology Library
If you need resources for Church history this is the web site to visit. There is an extensive list of sources categorized by time period and geographic location.
- Wabash Center
This is an excellent link offering online internet guides, Vatican Council II documents, Catechism of the Catholic Church, texts by Dorothy Day and much more.
- Yale Divinity Library
The Yale Divinity Library offers bibliographies in several areas, and you can access research tools for biblical studies, ethics, history and art.
- Woodstock Theological Center
An independent nonprofit institute at Georgetown University that engages in theological and ethical reflection on topics of social, economic, business, scientific, cultural, religious and political importance.
Church History
Documents and Sources
Dominicana
Liturgical Theology
Moral Theology
- The Busy Christian's Guide to Catholic Social Teaching
Overview of papal encyclicals from Rerum Novarum to Centesimus annus.
- Center of Concern
The COC has a wonderful site with information on Catholic Social Teaching, racism and human rights. It also offers reflections based on Sunday readings and resources that can be used by an individual or an entire parish.
- Department of Social Development and World Peace
The national public policy agency of the U.S. Catholic Bishops charged with sharing and applying the principles of Catholic social justice teachings.
- Documents on Medical Ethics
Two basic essays on medical ethics plus a searchable list of 87 brief essays on various medical ethics questions from a Catholic perspective. Assembled by medical ethics professor Kevin O'Rourke, O.P.
- Priests for Life
Assisting the clergy and laity across the country to live and proclaim the Gospel of Life.
Multicultural Resources
- Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States
An association of scholars dedicated to promoting research and critical theological reflection within the context of U.S. Hispanic Experience. Publishers of the Journal of Hispanic/Latino Theology.
- National Black Catholic Congress
Committed to evangelizing African Americans and improving the spiritual, mental, and physical conditions of African Americans in the United States.
- Secretariat for African American Catholics
Sponsored by the USCCB to articulate the needs and aspirations of African American Catholics in regard to issues of ministry, evangelization, social justice, worship and other areas of concern.
- Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs
Sponsored by the USCCB to assist, coordinate, and integrate Hispanic ministries in the United States. In English and Spanish.
Pastoral Ministry & Theology
- The Center for Media Literacy
Dedicated to a new vision of literacy for the 21st century: the ability to communicate competently in all media forms, print and electronic, as well as to access, understand, analyze and evaluate the powerful images, words and sounds that make up our contemporary mass media culture.
- Center for Ministry Development
An independent, non-profit organization whose core purpose is to bring the Good News in new ways to the people of God. Their mission is to empower faith communities and their leaders for effective ministry with adolescents, young adults and families through ministry education for leaders, ministry development training and resources, programs and publications.
- The Hunger Site
By a simple click of the mouse you can donate free food and others services to those in need.
- Lay Ministry Subcommittee
Sponsored by the USCCB.
- Life Teen
A Catholic youth ministry program for high school age youth.
- Project Rachel
Post-abortion healing ministry.
- Renew International
Small faith sharing groups.
- Supportive Care of the Dying
A coalition of Catholic health care providers and service organizations dedicated to promoting cultural change that embraces supportive care, compassionate relief of suffering and pain, and symptom management for people living with life-threatening illness.
Prayer
- Creighton University Online Retreat
A 34 week self-guided retreat offered by the Collaborative Ministry Office of Creighton University.
- Daily E-pistle
To subscribe to a listserv that provides a daily email covering the lectionary readings, saint of the day, significant events in history, quote of the day, and prayer intention, check out the Daily E-pistle.
- Lives of the Saints
This site has a wonderful database on the saints, including cross-referenced links and a helpful search engine.
- On-Screen Meditations at Your Own Pace
Bookmark this site -- you'll want to make this a daily habit.
- Catholic Online
This site includes a list of prayers, Litany of the Saints, introduction to praying the Rosary and meditations on the Mysteries, list of popes, and the Ecumenical Councils and their chief documents.
- The Stations of the Cross
A historical and theological overview of devotions to the Passion of Christ.
- Taize
Read the latest news from the community in France and the most recent letters from Brother Roger. You can also access audio files, daily meditations and daily and weekly Bible readings.
- Saying the Jesus Prayer
This web site offers the explanation and history of the Orthodox prayer simply known as the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It also provides an introduction to centering prayer and contemplation.
Preaching and Homiletics
- New American Bible and Catholic Lectionary
This United States Catholic Conference web page includes the complete text of the New American Bible, as well as complete texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary readings for each day of the current month.
- Homilies of John Paul II
The pope's homilies are posted at the Vatican web site.
- Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics
This site has a page of links to preaching resources.
- Living Pulpit
This online quarterly journal focuses on important issues in preaching thematically. Some of the special topics listed on main page are: Hope, Faith, Love, Evil, Justice, Prayer, Anger, Jesus, Forgiving, Conflict, Community, Grace, Suffering, Life, Christmas, and Holy Spirit.
- National Institute for the Word of God
The National Institute for the Word of God, founded by Eastern Province Dominican John Burke, O.P., conducts programs in preaching, liturgy, catechetics, Bible sharing, lector training, parish renewal, and research.
- Preacher's Exchange
Jude Siciliano, O.P., the Promoter of Preaching for the Southern Dominican Province and an itinerant preacher of great depth and experience, offers this weekly commentary on the Sunday readings of the Catholic lectionary. Preachers Exchange is available in English and Spanish and can be accessed by web page or by weekly listserv subscription.
- Preaching the Just Word
Preaching the Just Word is a national program sponsored by the Woodstock Theological Center to assist priests and other ministers of the gospel to be more effective in preaching social justice. Conceived by Walter J. Burghardt, S.J., the project is coordinated by both Father Burghardt and Fr. Raymond B. Kemp.
- Sermon Writer: Sermon Resources for Lectionary Preaching
This site gives exegesis, sermons, true stories, thought provokers, and hymns. This is a subscription site which may be explored by guests.
Professional Organizations
- Association for Lifelong Adult Ministry
Organization dedicated to serving those who work with, or seek to work with adults in the second half of life (beginning at age 45). Offers courses, certification, resources and newsletter.
- Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics
As an educational and religious society, CATH serves as a resource and forum for mutual sharing of scholarship and support to underscore the significance of Catholic preaching as a means of proclaiming the Good News.
- Catholic Biblical Association of America
"The purpose of the Catholic Biblical Association is to promote, within a context of faith, scholarly study in Scripture and related fields by meetings of the association, publications, and support to those engaged in such studies."
- Catholic Campus Ministry Association
CCMA serves its members through professional and spiritual development and advocacy with the Catholic Church and higher education.
- Catholic Health Association of the United States and Canada
CHA represents the combined strength of its members, more than 2,000 Catholic health care sponsors, systems, facilities and related organizations. It strengthens the Church's healing ministry in the United States by advocating for a just health care system, convening leaders to share ideas and foster collaboration and uniting the ministry voice on critical issues.
- Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada
Helpful links to Diocesan newspapers, national Catholic newspapers and magazines, Catholic publishers, and resources for Catholic journalists and advertisers.
- Canon Law Society of America
A professional association whose members are dedicated to the promotion, study and application of canon law in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions represents Roman Catholic Diocesan Offices of Worship and Liturgical Commissions throughout the United States.
- National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
A growing association of professional ministers within the Catholic Church who work with, for and beside families. Annual conference, resources to purchase, links.
- National Association of Catholic Chaplains
A professional association for certified chaplains and CPE supervisors who participate in the healing mission of Jesus Christ, providing standards, certification, education, advocacy and professional development for members.
- National Association of Church Personnel Administrators
A membership organization dedicated to the development and promotion of just personnel practices rooted in gospel values.
- National Association of Lay Ministry
Professional organization that supports, educates and advocates for lay ministers and promotes the development of lay ministry in the Catholic Church. Membership is open to any self-defined lay minister. Annual conference, biannual newsletter, other resources.
- National Association of Pastoral Musicians
Resources and membership for musicians and clergy.
- National Catholic Education Association
An organization whose mission is to advance the educational and catechetical mission of the Church and provide leadership and service to its members in preschools, elementary and secondary schools, parish catechetical/religious education programs, diocesan offices, colleges, universities and seminaries.
- National Center for Pastoral Leadership
An independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth and quality of leadership in the Catholic Church.
- National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
A Catholic association dedicated to advancing the Church's teaching mission in the United States, especially by promoting excellence in catechetical leaders.
- National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
Organization which serves adult diocesan leaders who foster ministry to, with, by and for youth within their dioceses.
- North American Association of Christians in Social Work
A national organization supporting the integration of Christian faith and professional social work practice.
- Society of Biblical Literature
Publishers of the Journal of Biblical Literature and the largest biblical scholarship society in the world.
- Spiritual Directors International
Throughout human history, individuals have been called to accompany others seeking the Mystery we name God. In this time, Spiritual Directors International responds to this call by tending the holy around the world and across traditions. Journal, newsletter, events and resources.
Publications
- America
Jesuit weekly with news, opinion, book reviews and articles.
- Catholic Digest
"Fresh, insightful, humorous play on inspirational issues for people of all faiths."
- Commonweal
Covering politics, religion and culture.
- First Things
Monthly journal advocating a religiously informed public philosophy for the ordering of society.
- Homiletic and Pastoral Review
This online version of the Jesuit periodical offers many online articles going back to 1996 and is a resource for liberation, feminist, narrative, or social scientific hermeneutics.
- Lectionary Homiletics
This is the homepage of Lectionary Homiletics magazine.
- The Living Pulpit
This online quarterly journal focuses thematically on issues in preaching. Past topics have included Hope, Faith, Love, Evil, Justice, Prayer, Anger, Jesus, Forgiving, Conflict, Community, Grace, Suffering, Life, Christmas, and Holy Spirit.
- National Catholic Reporter
Independent newsweekly reporting on the Church and society.
- St. Anthony Messenger
Franciscan magazine offering inspirational and educational Roman Catholic spirituality resources.
- St. Louis Review
Weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
- Spirituality Today
Archive of this quarterly journal, published from 1949 - 1992 by the Dominican province of St. Albert the Great.
- The Tablet
British newspaper covering the international Church.
- U.S. Catholic
Monthly magazine covering issues for "everyday" Catholics.
Scripture
- Bible Atlas
Maps depicting lands from both the Old and New Testaments.
- Bible Gateway
You can cross-reference multiple Bible translations at one time. This site offers several different languages, and passage and word search engines.
- Bible Study Tools
Crosswalk.com offers a selection of Bible translations, concordances, dictionaries and commentaries for your next exegesis.
- New American Bible
The New American translation of the Bible on the Web.
