Catholic Essentials

Teaching Resources

Trusted resources for evangelization, catechesis and formation.

For catechesis

  • ChurchFathers.orgOnline

    The strongest resource for the catechesis phase. Short, organized quotations from the earliest Christians on Baptism, Mary, the Eucharist, the papacy, Tradition and more, sorted by topic so you can show exactly what the students of the apostles believed.

  • The Faith of the Early Fathers (3 volumes)W. A. Jurgens

    The standard sourcebook of the Church Fathers' own words, with a doctrinal index that points you to the passages behind each teaching of the Church.

  • Catechism of the Catholic ChurchPromulgated by St. John Paul II

    The authoritative summary of Catholic teaching and the reference point for every lesson.

Scripture

  • NRSV Bible, Catholic EditionNew Revised Standard Version

    A complete, readable Catholic translation for teachers and older students to read the actual text, not summaries.

  • A Catholic children's BibleA full translation, not a story summary

    For younger students: a Catholic children's translation of the actual text, so they read Scripture itself rather than a retelling.

For spiritual formation

  • Introduction to the Devout LifeSt. Francis de Sales

    A gentle, practical guide to holiness in everyday life, written for people living in the world.

  • Story of a SoulSt. Thérèse of Lisieux

    The little way: trust and holiness built through small acts of love.

  • The Ways of Mental PrayerDom Vitalis Lehodey

    A clear, step-by-step classic on mental prayer, from its first stages to contemplation.

  • The Three Ways of the Spiritual LifeFr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

    A short map of the soul's journey through the purgative, illuminative and unitive ways.

  • The Great Means of Salvation and of PerfectionSt. Alphonsus Liguori

    St. Alphonsus on prayer as the great means by which every grace is obtained.

  • Conversation with ChristPeter Thomas Rohrbach

    An accessible introduction to mental prayer in the method of St. Teresa of Ávila.

  • Consoling Thoughts on Trials of an Interior LifeSt. Francis de Sales

    Encouragement for dryness, desolation and discouragement, for when the feelings are not there.