Catechetical Resources

The following list of resources represent a selection which your parish may find helpful! Please send further recommendations. This list will be further developed.

VIDEO SERIES

• Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist on Formed.org  Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the "source and summit" of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation. Also available in Spanish

• Presencia: El Misterio de la Eucaristía on Formed.org: ¿Por qué es tan especial la Eucaristía para los católicos? Aun cuando a simple vista solo parece ser pan y vino, es en realidad la "fuente y cumbre" de la vida cristiana. Presencia: El Misterio de la Eucaristía explora la verdad y la belleza de la presencia real de Cristo en la Eucaristía, desde sus orígenes en la Sagrada Escritura, hasta su profundo rol en la vida de la Iglesia y sus miembros. Es el crescendo de la Historia de Salvación.

• The Elements of the Catholic Mass (study) from The Liturgical Institute  Elements of the Catholic Mass is designed to help the faithful better appreciate the beauty of the Mass. Featuring Fr. Douglas Martis, former director of the Liturgical Institute, the program consists of thirty-one beautifully produced short videos. Because each episode comes with a discussion guide with references, Elements of the Catholic Mass is ideal for personal faith formation or group discuss.

• A Biblical Walk through the Mass (Bible Study from Ascension Press) The words, the gestures, and the rituals of the Mass are rich in meaning. Everything we say and do in the Liturgy is steeped in biblical language. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass explores the extraordinary biblical roots of the Liturgy and reveals what it all means and why it all matters. This fascinating tour of the Mass will renew your faith and deepen your love for and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

• Un Paseo Bíblico a través de la Misa (Estudio Bíblico de Ascension Press) Este programa de cinco partes, lleva a los participantes por un recorrido emocionante a través de la Liturgia. Explora las raices bíblicas de las palabras y los gestos que usamos en la Misa y explica su profundo significado. Entienda, tal vez por primera vez, porque decimos lo que decimos y hacemos lo que hacemos cada semana en la Misa. Las palabras y los gestos serán vistos en una nueva luz, que dará vida nueva a su experiencia litúrgica.

• Lectio: Eucharist: Discovering the Mass in the Bible (Video Study with accompanying books from Formed.org) Acclaimed author and teacher Dr. Brant Pitre digs down to the biblical roots of the Eucharist, through its foreshadowing in the miraculous events of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Apostolic teaching. "The Lamb of God," "The Bread of Life," "The Body and the Blood of Christ"... these are phrases we know from the Mass. But do we understand what they mean in the greater and deeper context of Scripture and Church teaching? We'll discover firsthand how Christ's Body and Blood are an integral and wondrous part of God's plan for our salvation.

• SYMBOLON, Part 2. Episode 2, The Eucharist Source and Summit of the Christian Life. Available in FORMED. Available also in spanish*

• La Misa Explicada. Video series by Fr. Ernesto Maria Caro. Available in FORMED.

BOOKS

• Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre

• Jesús y las raíces judías de la Eucaristía por Brant Pitre

• The Fourth Cup by Dr. Scott Hahn

• The Lamb’s Supper by Dr. Scott Hahn

• La cena del Cordero: La Misa, el cielo en la tierra  por Dr. Scott Hahn

• Eucharist by Bishop Robert Barron (book) In this engaging theological treatise, Bishop Robert Barron offers a reintroduction to the ancient meaning and power of the Eucharist. Through a threefold analysis of the Eucharist as sacred meal, sacrifice, and Real Presence—distinct but tightly interwoven motifs grounded in Scripture—Bishop Barron draws readers into the profound truth flowing out of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “Take, eat; this is my body. . . . Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant.” We are not merely invited to remember Jesus or imitate his moral example; we are invited to the grace of communion—and ultimately, to the realm of God—by eating and drinking the very self that he offers in sacrifice.

• The 7 Secrets of the Eucharist (book by Vinny Flynn) Deeply based on the Scriptures, the writings of the Saints, and the teachings of our two most recent Popes, this profound and remarkably readable book will introduce you to some of the "hidden" truths of the Eucharist — truths that have always been embraced by theologians, saints, and mystics, but have rarely been passed on to the average person in a meaningful way. In 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, these truths are finally made accessible to all, as author Vinny Flynn shows how each reception of Holy Communion can be a life-changing experience.

• 7 Secretos de la Eucaristia (libro por Vinny Flynn) El Papa Juan Pablo II se refería a la Sagrada Eucaristía como 'el tesoro más grande de la Iglesia,' aún así muchos Católicos devotos tienen una comprensión limitada de este sacramento tan poderoso. ¡Este libro lo cambiará todo! Usted saldrá con una conciencia completamente nueva de que la Eucaristía no es sólo recibir la Comunión; se trata de transformar su vida diaria. Basada profundamente en las Sagradas Escrituras, los escritos de los santos, y las enseñanzas de nuestros dos papas más recientes, este libro tan extraordinario y profundo lo introducirá a algunas de las verdades ocultas de la Eucaristía verdades que han sido acogidas por teólogos, santos y místicos, pero que raramente han sido transmitidas de una manera significativa a la persona común.

• A Prayer Book for Eucharistic Adoration (prayer book by William Storey)

• The Divine Encounter: Meeting Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration (reflection book by Mark Hart)

AUDIO PRESENTATIONS

• The Lamb’s Supper (audio presentation) on Formed.org Based on his bestselling book, Dr. Scott Hahn reveals the early Christians' key to understanding the Mass:the Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, mystic visions of Heaven, and end-times prophecies, it mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Holy Eucharist. See the Mass with new eyes, pray the Liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully and enthusiastically! (Also available in hardcover book)

• Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre (audio presentation) on Formed.org     (Also available in hardcover book)    

• Jesús y las raíces judías de la Eucaristía por Brant Pitre (en audio) on Formed. (también disponible en tapa dura)

• True Worship by Fr. Mike Schmitz (audio presentation) on Formed.org Father Michael Schmitz, the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, inspires and educates in this Lighthouse Talk about the highest form of worship—the Mass. His Newman Center focuses on being fed through the Sacraments as well as study and knowledge of the Church and has thrived under his humble and Spirit-filled guidance. Through this vibrant presentation, Fr. Mike makes sure that you will have a deeper and more profound experience of the Mass.

• The Fourth Cup by Dr. Scott Hahn (audio presentation) on Formed.org  Well-known Catholic theologian Dr. Scott Hahn explains Christ's Paschal Sacrifice on the cross as the fulfillment of the traditional fourth cup used in the celebration of the Jewish Passover meal. He draws a symbolic parallel to the Last Supper and Christ's death on Calvary. Through his scholarly insights and important biblical connections, Mass will come alive for you as never before! (also available in hardcover book)

CHILDREN & YOUTH

• Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (Teen study series by Ascension Press) Altaration addresses head-on one of the biggest problems we all face: how do we get Catholic teens to appreciate the awesome beauty and mystery of the Mass…and to actually look forward to attending and participating? This five session series uses videos and a workbook to help teens see the Mass in a new way. The goal of Altaration is not to fill teens’ heads with information but to pierce their hearts with transformation.

• SIGNS OF GRACE: YOU ARE LOVED.  On Formed.org/Also available in Spanish. Videos part of the Signs of Grace series first communion prep. These You Are Loved videos are just a small portion of the curriculum created by the trusted theologians and award-winning film studio at the Augustine Institute. Signs of Grace is the only comprehensive sacramental preparation program for children that includes a thorough family faith formation component.

• Magnifikid (monthly subscription) These wonderful little weekly magazines guide children through all the prayers of Sunday Mass and include fun features like a comic about a lovable monk, crafts, daily prayers, and activities for families. It’s a great tool to use at home, too!

• Eucharistic Adoration for Little Ones (children’s book by Kimberly Fries)