INSIDE: Learn the Catholic Faith for the busy mama: tips, tricks, resources. You know I like to sneak some self education into my busy days as a homeschooling mother of four. It keeps me growing and better able to educate my own children.
In the Busy Mama’s Guide to Self Education series, I’m working through my favorite learning resources for different interest areas. I’ll be sharing lots of tips and tricks for growth and learning along the way!
READ: For tips and tricks for fitting your learning in, check out Busy Mama’s Guide to Self Education
On the docket today is one of my favorite subjects to learn – the Catholic faith
Learn the Catholic Faith
I like to say I read my way into the Catholic faith, although, there were lots of tears and prayers along the way too.
My desire to learn about God’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church has only intensified since being confirmed 5 years ago.
I hope you too can see the beauty of our faith and find something new in this post to learn from or implement in your home so you can dig deeper into the beauty that is Catholicism.
Resources for Learning the Catholic Faith
Best Books on Catholicism
So, I know it seems like we busy mothers may not have time to pick up a book and do some reading, but books are truly one of the best ways to learn.
There is something completely different about a slow, thoughtful reading of a book that Youtube (and yes, even blogs!) can’t replicate.
The ideas are nourished, meditated upon, and integrated more deeply.
Like I said, I read myself into the Catholic church (of course, there was a little just a bit of grace involved too!), so I have a naturally deep love of books as a learning source.
I challenge you to find a few minutes everyday to pick up a book. A few stolen moments every day helps us tackle those books that glare at us from our shelves! Here a little, there a little should be the busy mama’s mantra.
Another great way both Husband and I have been able to sneak extra reading in is by making it part of our time together (Perfect Catholic Date Night In).
The Bible
Of course, no book list is complete without the Bible. My favorite translation is the RSV.
I particularly love to use the Ignatius New Testament Study Bible as an aid to my Bible study, because a non-scholar like myself needs a wee bit of help sometimes.
We converts (myself included), can find the Bible a bit of an intimidating proposition after our conversion. Realizing we need to read scripture in light of Church Authority and how to do that can be daunting.
I assure you scripture is for everyone, even (and especially Catholics). It’s our book, let’s own it!
READ: I’m Catholic…now how do I read the Bible.)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (or CCC)
This one very closely follows the Bible. It is such a handy reference when you have a question about the faith. Some families even read a paragraph or two daily for reflection.
Early Church Fathers
Learning more about the history and teachings of the early church helped lead me home. Turns out, the Catholic Church didn’t corrupt Christ’s and the early church’s teachings.
While these texts may be a little dry to read straight through, if you are wondering about a particular church teaching, the topical index and subsequent readings are a great place to start.
Our family also owns the Faith of the Early Fathers Series. We often read selections about infant baptism to our in-home baptism class attendees.
They are a little more of an investment up front, but this thrifty Catholic is so glad we made the purchase. (Think Christmas and Father’s Day gift!)
If you want something more condensed, Jimmy Akin’s book The Father’s Know Best would be a great addition to your library.
If you are coming from a Protestant background, Rome Sweet Home is invaluable. It has spurred on many, many conversions!
Books on Catholic Spirituality
We have such a treasure trove as Catholics in the wisdom of the saints. We will never be able to read it all!
Some saints are easier to read than others. Personal favorites include St. Francis de Sales, St. Therese, St. Theresa of Avila, and St. Catherine of Sienna.
Introduction to the Devout Life (St. Francis de Sales)
This is a book I have read and reread several times. It contains so many nuggets of wisdom and inspiration that it makes a great devotional and aid for reflection.
I tend to read a chapter at a time and move on only when I think I’m ready. I almost always pick it up when I have a nursing baby. The chapters are generally short and perfect for a 15 minute nursing session.
St. Francis de Sales was one of the first people who wrote about what holy living looks like for the laity. Prepare to be challenged in your daily living!
The Imitation of Christ (Thomas a Kempis)
Another great classic meditation book. Read a chapter a day. You will never regret the space you reserve on your bookshelf for this book! You will reread it many, many times!
This book combines wisdom from some of the Doctors of the Church and walks you through the stages of the spiritual life.
Like, St. Francis de Sales, this book is meant to show how we are ALL called (and equipped and capable!) to a life that leads to sainthood.
It is a great place to start if you are wanting to learn more about what the saints taught about spirituality and are intimidated by reading their original writings.
Thy Will be Done (letters written by St. Francis de Sales)
A common theme runs through these letters written by St. Francis de Sales. You will be encouraged to work along with God’s Grace and then abandon yourself into the loving hands of our Father God.
Consoling the Heart of Jesus (Gaitley)
This book challenges us to abandon ourselves to God’s mercy, even at those times when we feel unworthy of God’s love.
It is an extremely easy read as Fr. Gaitley tends to write in a very conversational tone. Fr. Gaitley takes the wisdom of St. Faustina, Pope St. JPII, and Ignatius and wraps it all into a great big ball of beautiful.
Holiness for Housewives (Van Zeller)
Take heart! Even busy housewives can grow in holiness and this book will encourage you on that path.
This is a book I like to pick up when I feel a little overwhelmed with all my duties! (I’m not the only one who has those days, right?)
Anything by Jacques Philippe
Jacques Philippe is a relatively new “friend” in our household, but he has quickly become a fast friend indeed.
He writes in a simple yet profound way. You will be flooded with peace and love of God! My two favorites are: Searching for and Maintaining Peace as well as In the School of the Holy Spirit.
Audio resources to Learn Catholic Faith
Truth and Life Audio Bible
This is a well done (not cheesy!) audio New Testament that our whole family enjoys. We have listened to it while playing, relaxing, long car rides, and commute.
Sometimes I just turn it on in the background and every time I come through the living room I am lifted by little whispers of scripture I hear.
UPDATE: Truth & Life Audio Bible is now available as an app!
Catholic Answers
Listening to this program will teach you so much about Catholicism and debunk all your (or others) misconceptions.
I occasionally listened in as I was in the process of joining the Church and get frustrated enough to shut it off! These people had such good reasoning for believing in the validity of the Catholic Church!
It is hard for me to catch the program as it falls during dinner time, but I never regret tuning in. Sometimes my husband and I will listen to a program of interest (via the archives) when the kids go to sleep.
We also enjoy their blog. It has such wonderfully written articles about common problems. You’ll also find a Catholic stance on up-to-date issues.
It’s very obvious why I included them as a great resource in my post about reading the scripture in light of Church teachings.
EWTN-Catholic Radio
Besides Catholic Answers, there is a host of quality programming on the radio. Parenting, prayers, news, ANYTHING!
Pints with Aquinas
Matt Fradd is a treasure! While he is best known for his info on Catholic chastity, the Pints of Aquinas podcast (episodes can also be watched on Youtube) covers Church teaching, theology, faith practice, and the Catholic view of current events.
- You may also enjoy Cameron Fradd’s podcast Among the Lilies (wife of Matt)
Divine Intimacy Radio
This program is unlike any other I’ve listened to. Dan and Stephanie Burke are a husband/wife duo who team up to share deep truths and wisdom from the saints on the spiritual life.
Video to Learn Catholic Faith
Steubenville Youtube Channel
Can’t get to a Catholic conference? No problem.
The Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Catholic Conferences are brought right to your living room thanks to their Youtube Channel. Watch the top Catholic speakers of our time!
These talks are often a part of our date night!
EWTN
I don’t think this resource needs expounding upon. Holy TV!
The Chosen
Besides the Passion of the Christ, I have never seen anyone portray Jesus well on film. That is until the release of The Chosen.
This TV series is BEAUTIFUL!!! And I can’t say enough good things about it. You will be moved to tears and strengthened in your faith.
Ascension Presents
This Youtube channel is ahhmazing. It features the fabulous, hilarious, and informative Fr. Mike Schmitz (among many others!).
You’ll find lots of fresh content and quick and concise answers to all your Catholic questions and conundrums from what and why the Church teaches to how to practice the faith in your daily life.
- Fr. Mike’s chats are also available in podcast form here.
- Abiding Together podcast (also from Ascension Presents)
Websites to Learn Catholic Faith
Catholic.com
This is the awesome website of Catholic Answers. If you have a question about the Catholic faith, check out their forums! There are also blog posts highlighting the Catholic view on current events.
The Vatican
This is the official site of the Vatican. Here you will find encyclicals, exhortations, news, letters, and more.
I’d LOVE to know your favorite ways to learn the Catholic faith. Leave a comment below!
You may like:
What are the Ember Days (with printable)
Living the Year of Mercy in {and out} of the Catholic home
The Rosary in a Month Challenge (with printable)
Now I’m Catholic….Now How do I read the Bible?
I loved this post. Great resources.
Thanks! I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Found you via Pinterest and loved this post! I’ll be adding some of your book recommendations to my list.
I hope you enjoy them! I so enjoy reading and learning about my faith!
Thank you so much for this great article! So many wonderful resources! As a convert and a homeschooling Momma, I can’t learn enough about the faith for myself and my little ones 🙂
Thanks so much, Lauren! I think we converts have a special hunger for deeply understanding the fullness of our faith.
Thank you for this post found you on Pintrest. I knew of most of these but some,we’re new.
Thanks, Jeanette! There are so many tried and true books that you will see pop up on lists, but I’m glad you found a few new ones to investigate. Happy learning!