FULLEST ACCESS: CATHOLICISM
The Catholic Church provides the greatest opportunity,
this side of heaven,
to know and experience God and his power
through Jesus Christ
by the Holy Spirit
A syllabus for a comprehensive overview of the Catholic Faith
drawing from the works of Dr. Peter Kreeft and Fr. John Riccardo
"This is the Catholic faith. It is the 'greatest story ever told' – either the greatest lie or the greatest truth. It is the incredible story of the Creator's marriage proposal of spiritual marriage to the creature. You can accept or reject the proposal. You can believe it or not as you choose. But if you do believe it, you should be prepared; you should know that this is no ordinary thing. You are embarking on life's greatest adventure, and you will never be the same again."
Dr. Peter Kreeft (Conclusion of Catholic Christianity, core text used in this syllabus)
Compiled by Mary Wagner, an Ohio Catholic homeschooling mother, for the purpose of educating and inspiring her teen children (and equally important, herself).
It is her intention that this outline would be shared freely among those who would like a rich overview of the Catholic faith.
This draft was last updated on 4/15/2012. A number of links may no longer be working, but I hope that it is still useful.
Questions, input, and corrections welcome via e-mail.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OBJECTIVES
WHY?
TEACHERS
CORE TEXTS AND SOURCES
ADDITIONAL SOURCES USED IN COURSE
RECOMMENDED KEY SOURCES FOR MORE STUDY
NOTE ON DR. KREEFT'S AUDIO AND WRITING
NOTE ON FR. RICCARDO'S PODCASTS
INTRODUCTION TO STUDY OF CATHOLIC FAITH
GET TO KNOW TEACHERS
PART I: WHAT DO CATHOLICS BELIEVE?
THE CREED (WHAT?) AND CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS (WHY?)
UNIT 1: FAITH AND REASON
1A SACRED SCRIPTURE
UNIT 1 BONUS STUDY: THINKING AS A CHRISTIAN IN POST-CHRISTIAN WORLD
UNIT 2: GOD
2A. Existence of God
2B. Nature of God
UNIT 3: CREATION
UNIT 4: MAN (Nature of Man, Purpose of Life, Happiness, Evil, Suffering)
4A. Man, His Purpose, Happiness
4B. Evil and Suffering
UNIT 5: JESUS
UNIT 6: HOLY SPIRIT
UNIT 7: HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH
7A. The Church
7B. Authority
7C. The Communion of Saints
UNIT 7 BONUS STUDY: CHURCH
UNIT 8: THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
UNIT 9: THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
UNIT 10: LIFE EVERLASTING
PART II: HOW DO CATHOLICS LIVE?
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MORALITY
UNIT 2: THE FIRST THREE COMMANDMENTS
UNIT 3: THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
UNIT 4: THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
UNIT 5: THE SIXTH AND NINTH COMMANDMENTS
UNIT 6: THE SEVENTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS
UNIT 7: THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
MORALITY BONUS UNIT: THE DIGNITY OF LIFE
PART III: HOW DO CATHOLICS WORSHIP?
UNIT 1: THE MASS
UNIT 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRAMENTS
UNIT 3: BAPTISM
UNIT 4: CONFIRMATION
UNIT 5: THE EUCHARIST
UNIT 6: SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
UNIT 7: MATRIMONY
UNIT 8: HOLY ORDERS
UNIT 9: ANOINTING OF THE SICK
UNIT 10. PRAYER OVERVIEW
UNIT 11. PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE
UNIT 12. PRAYING THE LORD'S PRAYER
UNIT 13. PRAYING WITH MARY
BONUS RESOURCES: LIVING IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
CONVERSION STORIES
DIALOGUE WITH PROTESTANTS
SO WHY BE CATHOLIC?
EVANGELIZATION
ADDITIONAL GENERAL RESOURCES FOR PART IV, "WHY BE CATHOLIC"
WHY THIS COURSE?
OBJECTIVES: To achieve an understanding of the following:
· WHAT the Catholic Church teaches
· WHY she teaches it
· WHO it is all about: the recognition of a living God who wants to have an intimate relationship with man through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and who wants to make all the difference in human lives with His consolation, grace, and power.
WHY? The impetuses behind the creation of this syllabus include:
· the recognition that the greatest access to God (the loving care and wisdom of the Father, the saving grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit) is available to those who seek Him in the Catholic Church
· the disappointment that most adult Catholics seem to neither comprehend the significance of the above nor experience the reality of it.
· the discovery that few high school religion curricula adequately explain WHAT the Catholic Church teaches, fewer still begin to answer WHY, and none seem to help students meet Him WHO is the source and purpose of that Faith.
THE "TEACHERS": Dr. Peter Kreeft and Fr. John Riccardo were chosen as primary sources of course material because both of these men grasp the need to teach the what, the why, and the Who of our Faith and have been blessed with the ability to communicate these essentials articulately and persuasively out of their own living relationships with God. Both teachers rely heavily on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture for their work.
Peter Kreeft Ph.D is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and at the King's College in New York City. He is a regular contributor to several Christian publications, is in wide demand as a speaker at conferences, and is the author of more than 60 books on faith and philosophy, with a particular emphasis on the defense of the Christian faith. His web site where audio, writings, and book lists can be found is at PeterKreeft.com.
· Autobiographical essay "Aboard The Ark"
· "Conversation with Peter Kreeft"
· "Seven Reasons To Be Catholic" Audio on YouTube
Fr. John Riccardo has been a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit since 1996. He studied philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and theology at the Gregorian University in Rome, then received a Sacred License in Theology (STL) from The Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. He is now pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel also in Plymouth, MI. Fr. Riccardo's talks are archived at frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com. Homilies, writings, bibliographies, and handouts can be found at Fr. Riccardo's web page at his parish web site.
· Personal testimony can be heard in this parish mission, starting at about 23:09.
· Interview at Anything is Possible with Jack Krasula (Interview on WJR radio) Riccardo.
· "A Voice for the Word" Audio. Video. The Choices We Face TV program (April 2008) Interview of Fr. Riccardo.
TEXTS AND SOURCES
CORE TEXTS AND SOURCES
ADDITIONAL SOURCES USED IN COURSE
RECOMMENDED KEY SOURCES FOR MORE STUDY
COURSE IMPLEMENTATION
There are no lesson plans or schedules for using this syllabus for a high school course. Typically two days are sufficient for covering one chapter in Dr. Kreeft's Catholic Christianity or one of Fr. Riccardo's talks, and papers. It may take approximately two school years to cover all the material listed as the "Basic Course", even without using supplements.
Approach to study:
There is substantial benefit to be gained by simply reading and listening, but far greater rewards in comprehension and recall for those who are willing to go to the trouble of doing more. Below are some possible options for enhancing listening and reading.
Text sources:
· Read actively, highlighting or underlining key text and making notes in margins.
· Make a brief outline.
· Read aloud with teacher, pausing to review and/or discuss key points.
Audio and video sources:
· Take notes, perhaps in outline format.
· Listen with others, pausing to review and/or discuss key points.
· Open the Bible and The Catechism of the Catholic Church (read online) and follow along as speakers refer to them. (Fr. Riccardo uses Ignatius Bible RSV Second Catholic Edition. Read online.)
· Download, print, and follow along with handouts and outlines as provided.
Writing assignments:
A few possible papers are suggested throughout, most notably short essays on critical topics. For example, it is essential for a Christian to be able to articulate why it is reasonable to believe that Jesus is God. These essays need not be lengthy or painstakingly written. A good approach might be to write the traditional five-paragraph essay, with an introduction, three supporting points (or more as needed), and a closing paragraph. The aim is to solidify one's reasoning about important concepts that all Catholics ought to be able to defend.
Supplements:
Several supplemental resources are suggested to flesh out the course, and could be of tremendous value. In addition there are several suggested Bonus Studies which offer a more intensive look at subjects such as the dignity of life, scripture, or thinking as a Christian in a post-Christian world. For example, when studying revelation, one could take a few weeks off from the syllabus and do the T3 Teen Timeline overview of the Bible; when studying the Church, one could take the time to view one of the DVD's from Robert Barron's Catholicism; or when studying morality, one could study The Theology of the Body for Teens. If desired, several weeks could be set aside at a later time so as not to interrupt the sequence of a part of the course. For example a student could complete the study of Part I (Creed) and then come back and do the "Thinking as a Christian in a Post-Christian World" Bonus Study. Another bonus unit on "The Dignity of Life" could be done after completing Part II (Morality).
NOTE ON DR. KREEFT'S AUDIO AND WRITINGS
Most of the works of Peter Kreeft used this syllabus can be found at PeterKreeft.com. Only those works are included that relate to the topics in this syllabus of the study of Christianity and the Catholic faith. Dr. Kreeft, as a philosopher and well-known apologist, offers countless books and other resources that explain the reasonableness of our faith. Note that although Peter Kreeft is a passionate and faithful Catholic, much of what can be found on his web site is addressed to Christians in general.
There are several different areas at PeterKreeft.com from which resources are drawn.
An additional source of Dr. Kreeft's writings is the Catholic Education Resource Center (CERC) an extraordinary compendium of the best and latest articles from outstanding writers and journalists around the world. See CERC's pamphlet. Peter Kreeft, along with Princeton law professor Robert George, who is also featured in this syllabus, are members of the CERC advisory board. A search on the CERC web site for "Kreeft" yields 113 articles.
NOTE ON FR. RICCARDO'S PODCASTS
A secondary purpose for the creation of this syllabus was to compile, in one place, all of Fr. John Riccardo's podcasts and video that could be found on the internet and to organize them topically for easy access. Also included are some talks by other speakers hosted by his parishes. All of Fr. Riccardo's talks are integrated into this syllabus, arranged by topic. A second outline, containing only Fr. Riccardo's talks, without Dr. Kreeft or any of the other writers and speakers is also available.
Finding talks online
Most of the talks can be found at Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts web site at http://frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com/, The syllabus also contains links that should take listeners directly to the talks. To find a talk through the podcast site, go to the "Archives" list on the right side of the page and find the month which is specified parenthesis after the talk name. This is not necessarily the month in which the talk was recorded. A few of the talks are from different podcast websites and are noted as such.
Listening
Some of the earlier talks are in mp3 format and can be heard online without downloading. Most of the talks, however, are in m4a format and need to be downloaded. Many listeners access the talks through the iTunes store instead of through the podcast web site. Further instructions can be found in the "How to Listen" guidelines on Fr. Riccardo's podcast site.
Searching
When a listener is interested in finding a specific talk on a particular topic, he may use the search box at the podcast site, but this search feature is limited, able to only yield a handful of results for each search. The search feature is frequently unsuccessful in finding specific talks, even if the correct words are used. A far more effective way to search the talks is to use iTunes. If one subscribes to Fr. Riccardo's podcasts with iTunes, then the talks can be searched easily there. Another way effective method for locating talks is to do a search for "frjohnriccardo.libsyn.com" and the name of the talk or other desired search terms.
Handouts
Links to handouts for talks have been included throughout the syllabus.
· Handouts for talks, resources, writings, and bibliographies can be found at http://www.olgcparish.net/about/our_clergy/father_john/bibliographies.html
· Additional handouts for talks at http://avemariaradio.net/archive.php,
Homilies
The only talks missing from this syllabus are Fr. Riccardo's homilies. Many of his homilies are available at his podcast site. Clicking the "Homily" link or doing a search for "homily" on this site will only yield a handful of the most recent homilies A more complete way to access all of the homilies on the podcast site is to look at one month at a time. Better still is to do a search using iTunes, after subscribing to Fr. Riccardo's podcasts. In addition, a written version of a large number of homilies is available on Fr. Riccardo's Homilies page on the Our Lady of Good Counsel web site.
Christ is the Answer radio show
Many of Fr. Riccardo's talks have been recorded and produced by Ave Maria Radio for a radio show called Christ is the Answer. Many of the talks listed in this syllabus are also aired on the radio, but there are a few talks, not listed, that can only be heard as Christ is the Answer shows. Local Catholic radio stations may be checked to see if they air Christ is the Answer or if the show can be heard online. A few stations where you can hear the show live online are:
Ave Maria Radio (web streaming) Sunday through Friday, 11:00 a.m.; Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Living Bread Radio (1060 AM, Canton, OH) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. (on the air and streaming) and 10:00 p.m. (streaming only)
St. Gabriel Radio (Columbus, OH) Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon,
KWKY (Iowa) Sunday 7:00 a.m, 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m.
You can also purchase CD's of these talks at places like the Ave Maria Radio store or at the Relevant Redundancy Recordings.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO STUDY OF CATHOLIC FAITH
- Riccardo. "Why Be Catholic?" (RCIA for Catholics, Oct 2007)
- Riccardo. "Introduction" (RCIA, Sept 2006)
GET TO KNOW TEACHERS
- Kreeft. "Hauled Aboard The Ark"
- "Conversation with Peter Kreeft" from Boston College Observer
- Riccardo. "Parish Mission 2010 Sunday" Personal testimony starts at 23:09
- Riccardo. Anything is Possible with Jack Krasula (Interview on WJR radio). (March 2008)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- See Fr. Riccardo's "RCIA Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
- Riccardo. "A Voice for the Word" Audio. Video. The Choices We Face TV program (April 2008) Interview of Fr. Riccardo.
PART I: WHAT DO CATHOLICS BELIEVE?
THEOLOGY
THE CREED (WHAT?) AND CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS (WHY?)
UNIT 1: FAITH AND REASON
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.1: "Faith". (Luke E. Hart, Lesson 1)
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch 1: Why are questions good? Q 1-8
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch 3: Why is faith reasonable?
1A SACRED SCRIPTURE
BASIC COURSE
- Riccardo "The Bible" (Catholicism 101, Sept 2006) "Revelation" handout.
- Kreeft. Because God is Real. Ch V: "Why Believe the Bible?"
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Practical Points on Reading the Bible"
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Canon of Bible" and Study Guide
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Bible Alone" and Study Guide
- Carl Olson. "Are the Gospels Myth?"
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENTS
- Paper: "Is the New Testament a reliable historical record?"
- Paper: "How should it be determined what books should be in the Bible?"
SUPPLEMENTAL (May want to take several weeks or a semester to study on Bible)
- Kreeft "The Word" (More Featured Audio)
- Kreeft "The Bible: Myth or History" (More Featured Writing)
- T3 Teen Timeline (Great American Bible Adventure, Ascension Press)
- The Bible Timeline 20 session study program with DVD
- Quick Journey Through the Bible 8 session study program with DVDs.
- New Testament - Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Notes by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. Perhaps the best Catholic study bible on the market. Study questions available here.
UNIT 1 BONUS STUDY: THINKING AS A CHRISTIAN IN POST-CHRISTIAN WORLD
May be used for a separate pre-college course in late high school on thinking clearly through the inevitable challenges that will be faced in college and beyond.
BASIC COURSE:
- Riccardo. "College Challenges: Faith Under Attack" (OLGC men, May 2009)
o John Paul II. Fides et Ratio
o Flannery O'Connor. Letter to a college student about faith (bottom of page)
- John Zmirak. Disorientation: The 13 "Ism" that Will Send You Into Intellectual "La-La" Land (How to go to College without Losing Your Mind)
- Mary Eberstadt. The Loser Letters (highly recommended by Fr. Riccardo for teens)
- Kreeft "How to Win the Culture War" VIDEO (Franciscan University, Nov. 2011)
SUPPLEMENTAL
Kreeft
- Kreeft. "Voting as a Catholic" (Audio from talk at OLGC) (At Sonitus Sanctus)
- Kreeft."We Are at War" from PeterKreeft.com audio
- Kreeft "How To Win the Culture War" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "A Defense of Culture Wars: A Call for Counterrevolution" (More Writing)
- Kreeft. "The One Thing Needed" (in the Culture War) (More Featured Audio)
- Kreeft. "A Refutation of Moral Relativism" (More Featured Audio) (Text)
- Kreeft. "Divine Truth- The Heart's Deepest Longing" (Featured Audio)
- Kreeft. "Spiritual History 101: How Did We Get to the Edge?" (More Featured Writing)
Riccardo
- Riccardo. "Whatever Happened to Spring?" (Tapping on Theology, Living as A Christian in a Post Christian World, Sept. 2006) (Alternate copy in Nov. 2006)
o See first handout "Living as a Christian" and Bibliography
- Riccardo. "Moral Relativism: The Truth Will Set You Free" (Tapping on Theology, Living as a Christian, Nov 2006)
o See handout "Living as a Christian 2"
- Riccardo. "Freedom" (Tapping on Theology, Living as A Christian, Nov. 2006)
- Riccardo. "Open Q & A" (Tapping on Theology, Jan 2007)
- Riccardo. "It's Both a Privilege and a Challenge to Live as a Catholic in Today's Society" (St. Andrew Church, Feb 2010)
- Riccardo. VIDEO "Finding True Freedom" (The Choices We Face TV show)
- Riccardo. "Urgent Need: Men with the Courage to Let the Light Shine" (POITD 2007 Men's Conference, April 2007)
- Riccardo/Kensington Church. "Da Vinci Code" Video. Audio. Q&A. (June 2006)
Other
- Fr. Paul Scalia. "Natural Law: The Image of God in the Heart of Man" Audio. (ICC)
- Fr. Paul Scalia. "The Errors of Modernism: Pascendi Dominici Gregis" Audio. (ICC)
- Fr. Paul Scalia. "Moral Relativism and the Roots of the Modern Crisis" Audio. (ICC)
- George Weigel. "The Catholic Citizen in America Today" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life series, Dec. 2009)
- Christopher Kaczor. How to Stay Catholic in College
- Ben Stein. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. (Film) (May view on YouTube)
UNIT 2: GOD
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.2: "God". (Luke E. Hart, Lesson 2)
2A. Existence of God
BASIC COURSE:
- Kreeft.Because God is Real.Ch 4: How can you prove that God is real?
- Kreeft.Because God is Real.Ch 1: Why are questions good? Q 9-10
- Kreeft.- Arguments for God's Existence (Featured Writing)
- Can You Prove God Exists?
- Argument from Design
- Argument from First Cause
- Argument from Conscience
- Argument from History
- Argument from Pascal's Wager
- Argument from Desire
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT:
- Essay: "Why is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God?"
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Kreeft "Arguments for God's Existence" (More Featured Audio)
- Kreeft "Desire" (More Featured Audio)
- Kreeft "20 Arguments for God's Existence" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft "12 Ways to Know God" (Featured Writings at PeterKreeft.com)
- Barron. "The Ineffable Mystery of God – That Than Which Nothing Greater Can Be Thought" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 3 (Arguments for God, problem of evil, nature of God, the Trinity)
-
2B. Nature of God
BASIC COURSE:
- Fr. Riccardo "Father or Adversary" (RCIA for Catholics, Oct 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Father or Adversary" (RCIA, Nov 2006)
- Riccard: "Father or Adversary" (POITD 2005 men's conference, April 2008)
- Riccardo. "God's Love" (Life in the Spirit, August 2006)
- Riccardo. "The Prodigal Son and The Father" VIDEO from To See Jesus
UNIT 3: CREATION
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.3: "Creation" (Luke E. Hart Lesson 3)
- Kreeft. Because God is Real."Why is there evil?"
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "The Great Deceiver" (No Greater Love, Dec. 2007)
- Suchi Myjak. Evolution, Creation, and Intelligent Design. (Catholic Heritage Curriculum)
- Cardinal Cristoph Shönborn. "Finding Design in Nature"
UNIT 4: MAN (Nature of Man, Purpose of Life, Happiness, Evil, Suffering)
4A. Man, His Purpose, Happiness
BASIC COURSE:
-Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.4: "Man". (Luke E. Hart Lesson 4)
-Kreeft Because God is Real.CH 2: Why do I Exist?"
-Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch XIV: "Why Aren't We Happy?"
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
-Short Paper: Why Do I Exist?
-Short Paper: What is the Key to Happiness?
SUPPLEMENTAL
-Riccardo. "Created to Know God" (VIDEO) The Choices We Face
- Kreeft "Joy" (Featured Writing)
4B. Evil and Suffering
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Because God is Real. Chapter XV "Why is there evil?"
- Riccardo. "Redemptive Suffering" (No Greater Love, Dec. 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Redemptive Suffering – The Supreme Power of Prayer by Those Who Suffer" (Cardinal Maida Institute, June 2008)
- Kreeft. "The Problem of Evil" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "God's Answer to Suffering" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "The Dark Side" Suffering, Death, and Sin. (More Featured Audio)
- Kreeft. "The Dark Side" transcribed from talk given for Socrates in the City (May 4, 2005) Part 1: Suffering; Part 2: Death and Sin; Part 3: Q&A (Catholic Education Resourece Center)
UNIT 5: JESUS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.5: "Jesus" (Luke E. Hart Lesson )
- Kreeft. Because God is Real. Ch VI: "Why is Jesus Different?"
- Kreeft. Featured Writings "The Divinity of Christ"
- Riccardo. "Jesus, God or a Bad Man?" (RCIA for Catholics, Oct. 2007))
- Riccardo. "We Have Reason to Believe: An Apologetic for the Resurrection" (May 2008)
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENTS
- Paper: "Is it reasonable to believe that Jesus is God?" (May want to include the following: Did He claim to be God? What do we make of His claims? Is it reasonable to believe that He rose from death?)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Who is Jesus?" (from 10/22/06) (RCIA, Nov 2006)
- Kreeft. "Who is Jesus?" (at Catholic Education Resource Center)
- Kreeft. "Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "The Divinity of Christ" (Featured Writing)
- Riccardo. "Knowing Christ Jesus" (Based on Benedict XVI's book Jesus of Nazareth) (Order of Faith Malta Conference, March 2008)
- C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity.
- Barron. "Amazed and Afraid – The Revelation of God Become Man" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 1
UNIT 6: HOLY SPIRIT
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.6: "The Holy Spirit". (Luke E. Hart Lesson 6 )
- Riccardo. "The Holy Spirit" (RCIA for Catholics, Nov 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL:
- Riccardo. "Holy Spirit" (RCIA, Nov 2006)
- Kreeft. "The Dynamite in Prayer" (Featured Writing)
UNIT 7: HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH
7A. The Church
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.7: "The Holy Catholic Church". (Luke E. Hart Lesson 7 )
- Riccardo. "The Church – The Body of Christ is Not an Image" (RCIA, Nov 2006)
- Riccardo. "The Church" (RCIA for Catholics, Dec 2007)
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch VII: "Why Go to Church?"
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENTS
- Paper: "Did Christ found a Church, and if so, where, if anywhere can that Church be found today?"
-
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "The Church" (Catholicism 101, Sept 2006)
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Scandals in the Church" and Study Guide.
- Riccardo. "Abuse Scandal" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, April 2010)
- Riccardo. "Catholicism for Cradle Catholics" The Choices We Face
- Riccardo. "Catholicism 101: Questions and Answers" (general questions about Eucharist, Bible, and Church) (Sept 2006)
- Hardon "Recognizing the True Church" (CERC)
- See Fr. Riccardo's "Church Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
- Barron. "The Indispensible Men – Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 5
- Barron. "A Body Both Suffering and Glorious – The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 6
- Riccardo. "Reflections on the Pilgrimage to Poland" (Jan 2011)
7B. Authority
BASIC COURSE
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics. "Apostolic Authority, Peter, and the Papacy" and Study Guide.
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
- Paper: What or who should be the final authority in matters of faith?
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Steve Ray: "That They All May Be One – Peter: The Rock, the Keys, the Chair" (Riccardo podcasts, Jan 2007)
- Riccardo. "Remembrance of Pope John Paul II" (May 2008)
- Riccardo. "Why Rome is Home for Catholics" (Audio or Video) (Scavi tour, July 2006)
- See Fr. Riccardo's "John Paul II Bibliography", Articles and Bibliographies page
7C. The Communion of Saints
BASIC COURSE
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Prayer to the Saints" and Study Guide.
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Barron. "A Vast Company of Witnesses – The Communion of Saints" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 8
UNIT 7 BONUS STUDY: CHURCH HISTORY (May want to set aside several weeks to study Church History)
- Epic: A Journey Through Church History 20 part DVD series and study materials, from Ascension Press
- Films
- Becket (1964 film about Thomas Becket starring Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole)
- A Man for All Seasons (1966 film about St. Thomas More, 1966 Oscar for best picture)
-
UNIT 8: THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.8: "The Forgiveness of Sins" (Luke E. Hart Lesson 8 )
- Riccardo. "True Forgiveness" (No Greater Love, Dec 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "The Power of Forgiveness" The Choices We Face TV interview. Audio. (April 2008) Video. (March 2008)
- Mary and John Lockwood. "Forgiveness" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life Series, Jan 2010)
- Riccardo. "Sin" VIDEO from To See Jesus
UNIT 9: THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.9: "The Resurrection of the Body" (Luke E. Hart Lesson 9 )
- Riccardo. "Death Has No Victory" VIDEO from The Choices We Face TV show.
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Kreeft. "The Case for Life After Death" (Featured Writing)
- Patricia McDonald: "Life is Christ, Death is Gain: A Journey into the Arms of Christ" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life series, Nov 2008)
- Riccardo and Paddy Lynch. "Grief and Hope – Staying in Touch With Our Beloved"
- Riccardo. "Homily from Memorial Mass for Prenatal and Stillborn Loss" (Homily, Nov 2011)
UNIT 10: LIFE EVERLASTING
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, CH I.10: "Life Everlasting". (Luke E. Hart Lesson 10 )
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch XVI: "Why must we die?"
- Riccardo. "Four Last Things" (RCIA, May 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Kreeft "Heaven." Text (Featured Writing)
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Purgatory" and Study Guide.
- Kreeft. "Hell" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "Heaven's Difference" (Featured Writing)
- Barron. "World Without End – The Four Last Things." Catholicism DVD series, Episode 10
PART II: HOW DO CATHOLICS LIVE?
MORALITY
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MORALITY
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.1 Essence of Catholic morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 21)
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.2 Human Nature as the Basis for Morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 22)
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.3 Some Fundamental Principles of Catholic Morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 23)
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.4 Virtues and Vices (Luke E. Hart Lesson 24)
- Riccardo "Why Be Good? I" (RCIA podcast from 0:00 to 1:12:00) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
- Kreeft. Because God is Real. Ch IX: "Why be moral?"
- Kreeft. Because God is Real. Chapter VIII "Why are there virtues and vices?"
- Riccardo. "Vices vs. Virtues" (Family of Faith, Nov. 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Barron. "Happy Are We- The Teachings of Jesus" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 2
- Fr. Paul Scalia. "Seven Deadly Sins" Audio. (ICC)
UNIT 2: THE FIRST THREE COMMANDMENTS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.5 The First Three Commandments: Duties to God. (Luke E. Hart Lesson 25)
2A. First Commandment
BASIC COURSE
- Riccardo "Why Be Good? I" (RCIA podcast from 1:12:00-end) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
- Riccardo "Why Be Good? II" (RCIA podcast from 0:00-0:3:26) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
2B. Second Commandment
BASIC COURSE
- Riccardo "Why Be Good? II" (RCIA podcast from 3:30-23:30) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
3B. Third Commandment
BASIC COURSE
- Riccardo. "Commandment 3: What Day Is It Anyway?" (Ten Commandments, May 2008)
- Riccardo "Why Be Good? II" (RCIA podcast from 26:44-end) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Taking Back Sundays: Keeping the Lord's Day" (Faith and Family, Nov 2009)
UNIT 3: THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.6 The Fourth Commandment: Family and Social Morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 26)
- Riccardo. "Commandment 4: Whatever Happened to Honor and Respect?" (Ten Commandments, May 2008)
UNIT 4: THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.7 The Fifth Commandment: Moral Issues of Life and Death (Luke E. Hart Lesson 27)
- Riccardo. "5th and 6th Commandments" (0:00-53:44) (RCIA, Feb 2007)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- See "Morality Bonus Unit" below
UNIT 5: THE SIXTH AND NINTH COMMANDMENTS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II. The Sixth and Ninth Commandments: Sexual Morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 28)
- Riccardo. "Commandments 6 & 9 "Cosmo, Maxim, or the Catholic Church?" (Commandments (Older talks), May 2008)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "5th and 6th Commandments" (53:34- end) (RCIA, Feb 2007)
- See "Morality Bonus Unit" below
UNIT 6: THE SEVENTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.9 The Seventh and Tenth Commandments: Social and Economic Morality (Luke E. Hart Lesson 29)
- Riccardo. "Ten Commandments 7 & 10 "Striving for Contentment With What We Have?" (Commandments, May 2008)
-
UNIT 7: THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity II.10 The Eighth Commandment: Truth (Luke E. Hart Lesson 30)
- Riccardo. "Commandment 8 "From The Same Mouth Comes Blessing and Cursing" (Ten Commandments, May 2008)
MORALITY BONUS UNIT: THE DIGNITY OF LIFE
These resources have not yet been arranged into "BASIC COURSE" and "SUPPLEMENTAL", but merely have been loosely grouped into categories. It is well worth spending substantial time on this topic.
INTRODUCTION
- Riccardo. "Dignity of the Human Person" (RCIA, Dec 2006)
- Peter Kreeft "Christian Anthropology vs. the Sexual Revolution" (Catholic Education Resource Center)
- Richard Wetzel, M.D. Sexual Wisdom for Catholic Adolescents. Free online book for older teens. Available in bulk for $2 for parishes, etc.
- Riccardo. "Human Dignity Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
- Riccardo. "Marriage and Sexuality Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
RESPECT FOR LIFE
- Riccardo. "Inviolable Dignity of the Human Person" (RCIA for Catholics, Nov 2007)
- Riccardo. "The Most Urgent Crisis of Our Day" (Dignity of Life Series, Sept 2008)
- Riccardo. Peter Singer and the Culture of Death (Scholarly paper)
- Robert George: "Conscience, Justice, and Human Life" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life Series, Oct 2009)
- Kreeft. "Human Personhood Begins at Conception" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "The Apple Argument Against Abortion" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "Pro-Life Philosophy and Pro-Life Logic" (audio) "Pro-Life Philosophy" (transcription)
- Kreeft. "Are You Pro-Life or Pro-Happy Talk?"
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
- Riccardo. "Theology of the Body" (an 11 part series) (Session 1 notes; session not recorded) See handouts in "Handouts" on "Fr. Riccardo's Articles and Bibliographies" page at OLGC web site
- Riccardo. "Theology of the Body" (a four part series from 2004 & 2005) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (February 2008)
- Riccardo. "Retreat Teachings on the Theology of the Body" (Cardinal Maida Institute Retreat, June 2008)
- Riccardo. "A Priest's Perspective on Couples Responses to the Theology of the Body" (Clergy address, June 2008)
- Riccado. Art: The Theology of the Body (paper)
- Theology of the Body for Teens study programs
- Theology of the Body adult and young adult study programs
WOMEN
- Riccardo and Teresa Tomeo. "Authentic Catholic Feminity" (Women's Evening of Reflection, Nov 2009)
- Riccardo "Prophetic Vocations of Women: The Urgent Need for Authentic Feminism" (RCIA for Catholics, May 2008)
- Riccardo. "ENDOW Facilitator Training" (Oct 2006)
o ENDOW Catholic study programs for women, teens, and middle school girls. Aims to educate women toward a deeper, more profound understanding of their God-given dignity and vocation as women.
MEN
- Riccardo. Meeting Him for the First Time and All Over Again (POITD 2003 Men's Conference, Mar. 2008)
- Riccardo. Running the Race With Persistence (POITD 2004 men's conference, April 2008)
- Riccard: "Father or Adversary" (POITD 2005 men's conference, April 2008)
- Riccardo. What Will I Hear on that Day (POITD 2006 men's conference, April 2008)
- Riccardo. Urgent Need: Men with the Courage to Let the Light Shine (POITD 2007 Men's Conference, April 2007)
- Riccardo. Gripping the Plow with Both Hands (POITD 2008 Men's Conference, May 2008, doesn't always show in search)
- Riccardo. "Sacrament of the Eucharist" (POITD 2009 men's conference, Feb 2009)
- Riccardo. "The Cure for Salvation Disfunction" (MI Catholic Men's Conference, Sept 2010)
- Riccardo. The Man God Uses (From a men's leadership conference, at CatholicMenToday.org)
- Riccardo. Male Friendship (May 2007)
- Riccardo. What Makes Slaves from Kings – Courage (Braveheart Men, Feb 2010)
- Riccardo. Fatherhood (men's gathering, July 2006)
- Riccardo. Confession: A Fireside Chat with the Lord VIDEO AUDIO (Worchester Men's Conference, May 2008)
- Riccardo. "Prayer: Quality Time with Your Father" (Bravehearts men, Feb 2008)
- St. Crispin Day Speech from Henry V with Kenneth Branagh. (One of Fr. Riccardo's favorite movie scenes, noted in men's talks)
- Saving Private Ryan Beginning, especially 2:15-3:17; End of war scenes, especially 6:50-7:25; Closing (One of Fr. Riccardo's favorite movies; these scenes mentioned in several talks)
FAMILY
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch XI: "Why do we have families?"
- Riccardo. "Spiritual Life of a Family" (Heart to Heart Women, Feb 2007)
- Riccardo. "Fatherhood" (men's gathering, July 2006)
- Riccardo. "Family Retreat Day" (St. John's Retreat Center, June 2008)
- Riccardo. "Catholic Schools" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Feb 2010)
- Riccardo. "Mary, Monica, and My Mother" (Detroit Central Catholic Mother's Club, May 2010)
MARRIAGE
- Riccardo. "Theology of the Body – Premarriage Talk" (Oct 2006)
- Riccardo. "Spirituality of Marriage I" (Dec. 2006)
- Riccardo. "Marriage: God's Love Made Visible" (Jan 2007)
- Riccardo. "Spirituality of Marriage II" (Jan 2007)
- Riccardo. The Mutual Subordination of Husband and Wife (Lengthy scholarly work)
- Riccardo. "The Four Goods of Marriage: Do You Know What You Have Gotten Into?" (Family of Faith, May 2008)
- Riccardo. "What Some Wives Want Their Husbands to Know" (June 2008)
- Riccardo. "Overview and Genesis 1" (Bible Study for Couples, June 2008, doesn't show up on searches)
- Riccardo. "Genesis 2" (Bible Study for Couples, June 2008, doesn't show up on searches)
- Riccardo. "Discipleship of Marriage" (Bible Study for Couples, June 2008)
- Riccardo. "Sacramentality of Marriage" (Bible Study for Couples, June 2008)
SEXUALITY
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch X: "Why is sex so confusing?"
- Kreeft. "Christian Anthropology vs. The Sexual Revolution" (at Catholic Education Resource Center)
- Miriam Grossman. "You're Teaching My Child What?" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life series, Sept. 2010)
- Riccardo. "OLGC School – Human Sexuality Presentation" (April 2010)
- Kreeft. "Moral Theology and Homosexuality" (More Featured Talks)
- Janet Smith: "Homosexuality: Why Not?" (Riccardo podcasts, Dignity of Life series, May 2009)
RELATIONSHIPS
- Riccardo. "Relationships – Chastity" (Theology on Tap, Feb 2007)
- Riccardo. "Relationships – Forgiveness" (Theology on Tap, March 2007)
- Riccardo. "Relationships – Friendship" (Theology on Tap, March 2007)
- Riccardo. Male Friendship (May 2007)
-
RELATED WEBSITES:
- Theology of the Body Institute
- Couple to Couple League Natural family planning.
- One More Soul "Fostering God's plan for love, chastity, marriage, and children"
- Dads.org
- Sexual Common Sense with Dr. Janet Smith
- Catholic pornography help and other resources for men desiring to maintain purity
- Courage Apostolate for those with same-sex attractions
- Catholic Education Resource Center Select relevant categories
PART III: HOW DO CATHOLICS WORSHIP?
MASS, SACRAMENTS, AND PRAYER
THE MASS
UNIT 1: THE MASS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.1 Introduction to the Catholic Liturgy (Luke E. Hart Lesson 11)
- Riccardo. "The Mass Explained" (10/15/06) (RCIA, Nov. 2006)
- Riccardo "What Happens at Mass" (RCIA for Catholics, May 2008)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- See Fr. Riccardo's "Mass Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
- Riccardo The Mass "Do This in Remembrance of Me" (Parish Mission, March 2011)
o Matt Maher "Alive Again" Story behind song (song used on Sunday evening)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
- Riccardo "Spirit of the Liturgy 1-4" (July 2008) See handouts.
- Riccardo True Magnificence of the Mass (ONLINE VIDEO at OLGC web site)
- Riccardo. "Sunday Mass...Wake Up!" (May 2008)
- Riccardo. "This is the New and Everlasting Convenant" (No Greater Love, Dec 2007)
- Barron. "Word Made Flesh, True Bread of Heaven – The Mystery of the Church's Sacrament and Worship" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 7
- Dr. Edward Sri. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (book and DVD study program)
- Jeremy Driscoll – What Happens at Mass (book) (Fr. Riccardo highly recommends)
- Jeremy Driscoll "New Liturgy" fascinating series on the new translation by one of the translators (online audio) Link for Part 2, talk 1 doesn't work. Listen here: http://fellowshipretreat.org/audio/2011l/1_New%20Liturgy%20Part%202_CW_Nov2011.mp3
- Peter Kreeft – Jesus Shock (book)
SACRAMENTS
UNIT 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRAMENTS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.2 Introduction to Sacraments (Luke E. Hart Lesson 12)
- Riccardo "Sacraments: What Difference Do They Really Make?" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Jan. 2009)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Overview of Lent & Introduction to the Sacraments" (start around 50 min) (RCIA, Feb 2007)
UNIT 3: BAPTISM
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.3 Baptism and Confirmation (Luke E. Hart Lesson 13)
- Riccardo. "Sacraments: Baptism" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Jan. 2009)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Baptism" (RCIA, Feb 2007)
- Riccardo. "Easter Vigil Reflection" (RCIA, April 2007)
UNIT 4: CONFIRMATION
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.3 Baptism and Confirmation (Luke E. Hart Lesson 13)
- Riccardo. "Sacraments: Confirmation" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Mar. 2009)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
UNIT 5: THE EUCHARIST
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.4 The Eucharist (Luke E. Hart Lesson 14)
- Riccardo "Sacraments: The Eucharist" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Oct 2009)
- Chacon, Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Eucharist", including Appendix 1, "The Early Church Father's View of the Eucharist" and study guide.
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
- Paper: Is the Eucharist truly or only symbolically the Body of Christ?
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Steve Ray: "Defending the Eucharist" (Fr. Riccardo's podcasts, June 2008)
- Riccardo Homily 7/31/11 Miracle of the Eucharist (Homilies, Aug 2011)
- Riccardo. "The Eucharist" (Catholicism 101, Sept 2006) See "Eucharist" handout.
- Riccardo. "Adoremus: Come Let Us Adore Him" (Dec 2006)
- Riccardo. "Sacrament of the Eucharist" (POITD 2009 men's conference, Feb 2009)
- Thomas Aquinas prayers: Adoro Te Devote (audio/video), Pange Lingua Gloriosi (audio/video)
- See this syllabus Part III, Unit 1, The Mass
UNIT 6: SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.5 The Sacrament of Penance (Luke E. Hart Lesson 15)
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Confession" and Study Guide.
- Riccardo. "Confession" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Feb. 2009)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
- Paper: Why do Catholics go to Confession?
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo. "Confession" (No Greater Love, Dec 2007)
- Riccardo. "Reconciliation" (RCIA, March 2007)
- Riccardo. "I Will Arise and Go to My Father: Confession" (July 2006)
- Riccardo. "Confession: A Fireside Chat with the Lord" VIDEO AUDIO (Worchester Men's Conference, May 2008)
- Riccardo. "Meeting Him for the First Time and All Over Again" (POITD 2003 Men's Conference, Mar. 2008)
UNIT 7: MATRIMONY
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.6 Matrimony (Luke E. Hart Lesson 16)
- Riccardo. "Marriage and the Four Goods of Marriage" (RCIA, May 2007) (Abbreviated version at Feb 2008)
- Riccardo. "Sacraments: Marriage" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Oct 2009)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- See this syllabus, Part II, Morality Bonus Unit
UNIT 8: HOLY ORDERS
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.7 Holy Orders (Luke E. Hart Lesson 17)
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Kreeft. "Women and the Priesthood" (More Featured Audio)
- Riccardo. "On Reserving the Ministerial Priesthood to Men Alone" (Lengthy heavily-footnoted scholarly work)
UNIT 9: ANOINTING OF THE SICK
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.8 Anointing of the Sick (Luke E. Hart Lesson 17)
- Riccardo. "Anointing of the Sick" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Feb 2009)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
PRAYER
UNIT 10. PRAYER OVERVIEW
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.9 Prayer (Luke E. Hart Lesson 18)
- Riccardo. "I Thirst." (Prayer series, July 2006)
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch XIII: "Why pray?"
- Riccardo "Why Does God Say 'No'" (Prayer Series, July 2006)
- Kreeft "Lesson One in Prayer" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft "Prayer for Beginners" (Featured Audio)
SUPPLEMENTAL
About Prayer:
- Riccardo. "Prayer, the One Thing Necessary" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Oct 2008)
- See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
- Riccardo. "Prayer: Quality Time with Your Father" (Bravehearts men, Feb 2008)
- Kreeft. "Discernment" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft "Jesus Prayer" (More Featured Writing)
- Kreeft "Time" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "How the Sea Can Help You Pray" (More Featured Writing)
- Barron. "The Fire of His Love – Prayer and the Life of the Spirit" Catholicism DVD series, Episode 9
- Thomas Dubay. Prayer Primer: Igniting the Fire Within.
- Ralph Martin. The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints.
- Kreeft. Prayer: The Great Conversation
- Kreeft. Prayer for Beginners.
- Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction Web site on Catholic spirituality.
- See Fr. Riccardo's "Prayer Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
Resources to use in Prayer:
- Subscription to Magnificat magazine (daily readings and much more to pray with)
- Frank Sheed, To Know Christ Jesus (Highly recommended by Fr. Riccardo)
- DivineOffice.org Complete daily Liturgy of the Hours in both written and audio.
UNIT 11. PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE
BASIC COURSE
- Riccardo "Lectio Divina" (Prayer series, July 2006)
o See Handout 1 and 2 "Prayer"
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Riccardo "Praying with Scripture" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Oct 2008)
o See "Handouts" at Fr. Riccardo bibliography page.
- See Fr. Riccardo's "How to Read the Bible as a Catholic Bibliography" in his Articles and Bibliographies page
UNIT 12. PRAYING THE LORD'S PRAYER
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.10 The Lord's Prayer (Luke E. Hart Lesson 19)
- Riccardo "The Lord's Prayer" (Prayer Series, July 2006 )
UNIT 13. PRAYING WITH MARY
BASIC COURSE
- Kreeft. Catholic Christianity, III.11 "Mary" (Luke E. Hart Lesson 20)
- Riccardo "Praying with Our Lady" (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Oct 2008)
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Marian Doctrines", "Appendix 2: The Protestant Reformers View of Mary", and Study Guide
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Questions Asked About Mary" and Study Guide.
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
- Paper: Why do Catholics see Mary as so important? Do Catholics worship Mary?
SUPPLEMENTAL
- Barron. Catholicism. "Our Tainted Nature's Solitary Boast – Mary, the Mother of God" (#4 in DVD series)
- Riccardo. "Mary the Mother of God" (not Fr. Riccardo) (RCIA, Jan 2007)
- Riccardo. "Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Loyola, Santiago de Compostela, and Fatima" (video) (Catholicism for Cradle Catholics, Nov 2008)
BONUS RESOURCES: LIVING IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
(not organized for course)
- Riccardo. . Knowing God, not Just Knowing About Him (Kensington Church, 5/28/11) Audio, Full ScreenVideo
- Riccardo. "Hope" (RCIA for Catholics, Dec 2007)
- Riccardo. "Trusting the Lord" (No Greater Love, Dec 2007)
- Riccardo. "What Is God's Will For My Life?" (May 2008)
- Riccardo. "Created to Know God" VIDEO from The Choices We Face TV show.
- Riccardo. "Finding True Freedom" VIDEO from The Choices We Face TV show.
- Riccardo. "All That I Have is Yours" Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. (Parish Mission, March 2007)
- Riccardo. "What Makes Slaves from Kings – Courage" (Braveheart Men, Feb 2010)
- Riccardo. "The Cure for Salvation Disfunction" (MI Catholic Men's Conference, Sept 2010)
- Riccardo. Sense and Sensibility. (May 2008, hard to find in search) Beauty and art.
- Riccardo. "What Does It Mean to be a Christian? Making the Most Out of Lent" (RCIA for Catholics, Feb 2008)
- Kreeft. "Perfect Fear Casts Out all 'Luv'" (Featured Writing)
- Kreeft. "The 12 Most Profound Ideas I Have Ever Had" (More Featured Writing)
PART IV: WHY BE CATHOLIC?
(This part is not fully developed, but all related Riccardo and Kreeft resources from their web sites are here.)
CONVERSION STORIES
- "Scott Hahn Conversion Story", "Scott Hahn's Journey to Catholicism" at or Download at CatholiCity or transcript or video The Journey Home EWTN TV show
- Steve Ray conversion story: You Tube video or audio on You Tube
DIALOGUE WITH PROTESTANTS
Aim to establish balance among 1) the ability to defend Catholic faith with clear arguments through apologetics; 2) achieve respectful, yet uncompromising, dialogue about agreements and disagreements; 3) recognize that, in spite of differences, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we should love and treasure each other
- Chacon. Beginners Guide to Apologetics "Introduction" and "A Beginners Guide to Apologetics"
- Riccardo (and Andrews). Common Ground: What Protestants and Catholics can Learn From One Another. (DVD) View to see how respectful dialogue works. Audio (June 2006 podcast) Video clip.
- Kreeft. "Ecumenism Without Compromise" (audio and transcript)
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics I. "Miscellaneous Questions" and Study Guide.
- Riccardo. "That All May Be One - Q& A" (Reformation Conference, Feb 2007)
SO WHY BE CATHOLIC?
- Peter Kreeft. "Seven Reasons to be Catholic" Audio on YouTube or Download on Spiritus Sanctus
- Riccardo. "Why Be Catholic?" (Family of Faith Meeting, May 2007) Handout.
- Riccardo. "Why Be Catholic?" (RCIA for Catholics, Oct 2007)
- Riccardo. "What it Means to be Catholic" (Homily, July 15, 2007)
- Dwight Longenecker. "How do We Know It's the True Church?"
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Chapter VIII "Why go to Church?"
- Kreeft. Because God is Real.Ch VII: "Why be a Catholic?"
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
Paper: "Why is it reasonable to be Catholic?" (May integrate key points of earlier papers on God, scripture, Jesus, Jesus founding a Church, etc. Assume your audience is not even certain of the existence of God.)
EVANGELIZATION
- Riccardo. "Parish Mission 2010: Turning Up the Flame" (Evangelization) Sunday. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. (Parish Mission, March 2010)
- Riccardo. "Orthodox is Not Enough" On Catholic Answers Live.
- Riccardo. "A Proposal for Our Lady of Good Counsel" Being a prophet, evangelization. (Jan 2010)
- Fr. Paul Scalia. "The Church Militant or the Church Belligerent" Catholic Answers.
- Juan Manuel Mora. "Nine Keys for Communicating the Faith" L'Osservatore Romano (Jan. 13, 2102)
ADDITIONAL GENERAL RESOURCES FOR PART IV, "WHY BE CATHOLIC"
Become familiar with good sources for answers to questions about differences between Catholics and Protestants:
- Catholicism of the Catholic Church
- Chacon and Burnham. Beginning Apologetics: How to Explain and Defend the Catholic Faith (details) and Study Guide
- Catholic Answers web site.
- Catholic Education Resource Center. Compendium of the best and latest articles from outstanding writers and journalists around the world.
- Catholic Answers, The Essential Catholic Survival Guide (book)
- Kreeft and Tacelli, Handbook of Catholic Apologetics: Reasoned Answers to Questions of Faith.(book) Fully developed arguments.
- Fr. Robert Barron. Word on Fire. See WOF TV, WOF Radio, and Written Word.
SUGGESTED ASSIGNMENT
Think of a question a Protestant might ask and look it up in these sources, then write a respectful well-reasoned response
MISC
"Fr. Riccardo's List of 100+ Books to Read"