Some of the courses available...
There is a large and ever growing number of excellent internet-streamed and DVD recorded courses available that fall into one or more of the following broad categories:
Introduction/overview of the faith (eg. Catholicism, Chosen (for young teens), The Creed, Catholicism the Pivotal Players)
Sacraments/Christian Life (eg. Eucharist, The Mass, 'Altaration' (for teens), Seven Deadly Sins/Lively Virtues, Conversion, Untold Blessing, An introduction to the Theology of the Body, The Theology of the Body for Teens)
Scripture/Salvation History/Understanding the Bible (eg. The Bible-in-a-Year Podcast, Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible, The Bible Timeline - The Story of Salvation, Genesis to Jesus, Encounter (for young teens), Priest Prophet King, David the King, Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism)
Mariology (eg. Queen of Heaven - Mary's Battle for Souls, The Bible and the Virgin Mary)
Faith and Reason/Science and the Existence of God/Apologetics/Answering Atheism (eg. The Mystery of God, The Reason Series (for young adults), Catholicism the New Evangelization, Fulfilled, From Nothing to Cosmos, Cosmic Origins, Science God and Creation)
Where to find these courses
These courses, listed in parenthesis above, are available from one of the following websites:
Which course should I start with?
You might like to start with an overview of the Catholic faith such as Bishop Barron's excellent and enjoyable 10-part 'Catholicism' series.
Or you could start with an overview of Biblical salvation history from Jeff Cavins' 8-part 'Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible' or Scott Hahn and Matthew Leonard's 12-part 'Genesis to Jesus'. You might then perhaps consider Bishop Barron's 6-part 'Priest Prophet King' from which you might like to explore the Sacraments and Christian life with his 6-part 'The Mass' and 7-part 'Seven Deadly Sins/Lively Virtues' and then Christopher West's 8-part 'An introduction to the Theology of the Body' and then perhaps explore Mary's role in our redemption with the 8-part 'Queen of Heaven: Mary's Battle for Souls' or the 12-part 'The Bible and the Virgin Mary'.
Or you might start with the existence of God and Bishop Barron's 6-part series 'The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He matters' or his series on the 'The Creed' and follow this with Fr Robert Spitzer's 1-part 'Science, God and Creation' or his more intellectually challenging 4-part 'From Nothing to Cosmos' and then continue through the other courses listed in the categories above.
For young people of Confirmation age you might consider starting with the 24-part 'Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith' and follow this with the 8-part 'Encounter: Experiencing God in the Everyday' and then the 4-part 'Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed'. Then the 8-part 'Theology of the Body for Teens' and for older teenagers and young adults Fr Robert Spitzer's 5-part 'Reason Series' (or 'Science, God and Creation') which is about the existence of God, or his 'Credible Catholic' course on science, reason and faith.
All of these courses and more are available from the websites listed above.
Here is a very brief description of some of them...
'Catholicism' is a 10 part (11 session) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron intended for "RCIA, adult lay formation, training adult catechists, Diaconate and other ministerial training, mature high school or college/university course-work". It is probably the best course to start off with - it is intelligent, deep and broad yet easy to follow. It is a beautiful presentation of the Catholic Faith and a very enjoyable experience. We recommend starting with this series, perhaps running it September to Christmas or January to Easter (11 sessions) but it is appropriate to start this course at any time. This series is part of the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'The Creed' is a DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron in which he goes through the Nicene Creed word by word explaining and commenting on its meaning. It is part of the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'The Bible-in-a-Year Podcast' is a 365-part (365 x 25 minutes approx) internet audio podcast from Fr Mike Schmitz and Ascension Press and is for general audiences of teenager to adult. In it Fr Mike Schmitz reads every word of the Catholic Bible (all 73 book) from Genesis to Revelation in 365 episodes using the 'Great Adventure Catholic Bible' (also from Ascension Press) which contains the Revised Standard Version (Second Catholic Edition) translation. He includes a commentary in each episode. This podcast is highly recommended, can be listened to on a smart phone and is suitable for individual study. It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible' is an 8-part (8 x 30 minutes) DVD course from Jeff Cavins and Ascension Press for general audiences of teenage to adult ages. A follow-on course to this is the longer more detailed 24 session 'The Bible Timeline - The Story of Salvation' also by Jeff Cavins. As an optional extra you could purchase the 'Great Adventure Catholic Bible' also from Ascension Press which complements this course.
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'Genesis to Jesus' is a 12-part (12 x 30 mins) DVD course from Matthew Leonard and Dr Scott Hahn for general audiences that consists of; "Lesson 1: Reading Scripture with the Church. Lesson 2: The Old & the New. Lesson 3: Covenant with Creation. Lesson 4: Fall from Grace. Lesson 5: A New Beginning. Lesson 6: Our Father in Faith. Lesson 7: From Egypt to Sinai. Lesson 8: Wandering in the Wilderness. Lesson 9: Rise of the Covenant Kingdom. Lesson 10: Features of the Kingdom. Lesson 11: New Moses, New Covenant. Lesson 12: The Kingdom Transformed". It is available from St Paul Center (linked above).
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'Priest, Prophet, King' is a 6-part (6x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults. "In 'Priest, Prophet, King' you'll discover Jesus as the Anointed One [Messiah] - the ultimate Priest, Prophet and King foreshadowed throughout the Hebrew Scriptures". It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'Eucharist' is a 3-part (3x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults. It is highly recommended. Perhaps run this course during the Easter season when the weekday Gospel readings are from John 6 or in the run up to Corpus Christi or perhaps between weeks 17 and 21 in Ordinary Time Year B when the Sunday Gospel readings are from John 6. It could also be run over a few days or a weekend as a short summer school course. The content can also be found in Episode 7 of Fr. Barron's 'Catholicism' series above. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'The Mass' is a 6-part (6x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'Seven Deadly Sins - Seven Lively Virtues' is a 7-part (7x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults. It is especially appropriate for Lent but can be presented at other times. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'Conversion: Following the Call of Christ' is a 6-part (6x 20mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults in which he presents 6 biblical stories of true conversion. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'Untold Blessings: Three Paths to Holiness' is a 6-part (6x 20mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults in which he paints a beautiful and mysterious image of what it takes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'An Introduction to the Theology of the Body' is a 8-part (8x 30mins) DVD course on Pope Saint John Paul II's Theology of the Body that is suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults.
"Based on Pope Saint John Paul II’s revolutionary teaching and presented by world-renowned speaker and author Christopher West, An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life, is a comprehensive system designed to lay a firm foundation for those who desire to incorporate the Theology of the Body into their daily lives. This eight-part, four-hour study is designed to give you a solid understanding of God’s plan for humanity - a plan stamped right into our bodies. Most people have heard the “whats” of Catholic teaching, but very few have ever heard the “whys.” With profound insight, Christopher West demonstrates that the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage “makes sense”, and, in fact, is the “logic” of Christianity, because it corresponds perfectly with the deepest stirrings and desires of the human heart. This study is for everyone searching for their ultimate purpose in life."
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'Queen of Heaven: Mary's Battle for Souls' is an 8-part (8x 90mins) DVD or internet-streamed course for general audiences from many Catholic contributors. Hosted by acclaimed Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis and filmed in many locations with contributions from a long list of well known Catholic theologians, academics, apologists and clergy 'Queen of Heaven - Mary's Battle for Souls' explains the role of Mary in God's plan, from before the beginning of time till today. It is available from Tan Books (linked above).
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'The Bible and the Virgin Mary' is a 12-part (12x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course for general audiences from Matthew Leonard and Dr Scott Hahn. "Exactly who is the Blessed Virgin Mary? Can you explain her role in God’s plan for the world? Do you fully understand the vital role she plays in your life? While Catholics know Mary is important, many never fully grasp how essential she really is. Now they can. The Bible and the Virgin Mary unveils the mystery of Our Lady that is woven into the fabric of Sacred Scripture. Join author, speaker, and St. Paul Center Vice President & Executive Producer Matthew Leonard in this beautiful, awe-inspiring series in which the Mary of doctrine and devotion comes alive in a powerful, new way. All in all, you will experience Mary as you’ve never experienced her before!" The Bible and the Virgin Mary is part of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology’s dynamic Journey Through Scripture Bible study series. It is based upon Dr. Scott Hahn’s bestselling book, Hail, Holy Queen.
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'The Mystery of God: Who God Is and Why He Matters' is a 6-part (6x 20mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for a wide range of age groups from young adults to mature adults in which he "reaches into our rich intellectual tradition to teach us how to respond [to the New Atheism]". It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'Science, God and Creation' is a 1-part (120 mins) DVD presentation from Fr Robert Spitzer SJ PhD for adult ages which was "filmed by the Magis Center before a live audience at San Antonio de Padua parish in Anaheim Hills, California. Nearly 2 hours long, it is quite a testament to Fr. Spitzer’s brilliance". In it "he shows strong evidence from a variety of sources for the existence of God and how this evidence relates to Jesus Christ." It is available from the Magis Center (linked above).
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'From Nothing to Cosmos: God and Science' is a 4-part (4x 64mins) DVD presentation from Fr Robert Spitzer SJ PhD and the Magis Center for Reason and faith, intended for general audiences from teenager/young adult to adult ages.
In a very accessible way for these general audiences, Fr Robert Spitzer presents the latest evidence (from peer reviewed science journals) that strongly indicates a creation event (and thus a creator) and he addresses the various alternative hypotheses such as multi-verses and 'bouncing' universes etc. The series is based on Fr Robert Spitzer's award-winning book 'New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy', 2010, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 USA, ISBN 978-0-8028-6383-6. It is available from the Magis Center (linked above).
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'Cosmic Origins: the Scientific Evidence for Creation' is a 1-part (49mins) DVD presentation from Fr Robert Spitzer SJ PhD and the Magis Center for Reason and faith, intended for general audiences from teenager/young adult to adult ages.
In this DVD Fr Spitzer addresses the question "has science really disproven the existence of God? In clear easy-to-understand terms it explains what we know about the beginning and nature of the universe, as well as why this evidence points to the existence of God. It is available from the Magis Center (linked above).
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'Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith' is a 24-part (25x 15-20mins) DVD course from Ascension Press (presented by Chris Stefanick) especially for teenagers and young adults. 'Chosen' is available in two formats; this Teen Faith Formation edition ('Chosen - This is Your Catholic Faith', above) and a Confirmation edition ('Chosen - Your Journey towards Confirmation'). Both use the same 24 lessons and only differ in how Confirmation preparation is emphasized and highlighted in the Confirmation edition. It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'Encounter: Experiencing God in the Everyday' is an 8-part (8x 30mins) DVD course from Ascension Press especially for young teenagers (11-13 years). "In this DVD series Mark Hart provides a compelling overview and explanation of the entire biblical story. Each 30-minute video is designed to accompany the lessons in the Encounter Student Workbook and Leader’s Guide." It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed' is a 5-part (4x 20mins and 1x 60 mins) DVD course from Ascension Press presented by Mark Hart especially for teenagers and young adults that presents the Mass "as Teens Have Never Seen it Before: 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? Through a unique learning experience, including powerful cinematography and workbook resources, teens will come to see the Mass and the priesthood in a dramatically new way. Altaration is designed to stir thought, create conversation, dispel myths, and inspire young souls to a deep and lasting love for the Mass. The goal of Altaration is not to fill teens’ heads with information but to pierce their hearts with transformation. After experiencing the “why” behind the “what” of the Mass, Catholic teens will… enter prepared, participate with sincerity,and exit with purpose! Launch Teens into a Lifelong Love for the Mass. Featuring some of the very best Catholic speakers, stunning cinematography, and dynamic and engaging workbook materials, Altaration meets teens where they are and speaks to their hearts and minds in a language they can understand. Not only will they be taken on a comprehensive and surprising walk through the richness of the Mass, they will also be invited into the throne room … and into the very heart of God." It features Mark Hart, Jackie Francois Angel, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Chris Stefanick and Fr. Josh Johnson. It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'The Theology of the Body for Teens' is an 8-part (8x 30mins) DVD course from Ascension Press for teenagers and young adults presented by Brian Butler, Jason Evert, and Colin & Aimee MacIver. "The Theology of the Body for Teens Middle School program is divided into 8 unique segments that reflect the pedagogical approach of John Paul II’s revolutionary teaching. The program gives sixth through eighth graders [ages 11 to 13 years] the answers to their tough questions concerning their bodies, their sexuality, and their future. The program has been designed specifically as a catechetical program to fit perfectly into Catholic schools, youth ministry, CCD, and home schooling settings. Theology of the Body for Teens Middle School Edition has been granted the Imprimatur". It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'The Reason Series: What Science says about God' is a 5-part (5x 40mins) DVD presentation from Fr Robert Spitzer SJ PhD and the Magis Center for Reason and Faith, intended for teenager and young adult ages upwards. Based on his award-winning book 'New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy', The Reason series follows college freshman Joe as he learns to defend his faith from his atheistic roommate, Tyler, with the help of physics and philosophy grad students Dan and Alana. It is available from the Magis Center (linked above).
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'Fulfilled: Uncovering the Biblical Foundations of Catholicism' is a 14-session (Part 1 is 7x 30mins and Part 2 is 7x 30mins) DVD course from Ascension Press general audiences. It is "an apologetic approach to sharing the Catholic Faith using the Old Testament Tabernacle as a blueprint for God’s plan. While it is designed as a faith-sharing Scripture study, you will also gain an understanding of some of the most questioned Catholic teachings. Fulfilled will reignite your love of Scripture and help you share and defend the Catholic Faith with the Word of God.
Part One focuses on the elements found in the outer sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the liturgical calendar, the priesthood, purgatory, baptism, and more. Part Two focuses on the elements found in the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and how they connect to the Magisterium, the Eucharist, incense, Mary, and more." It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'Catholicism: The New Evangelization' is a 6-part (6x 90mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron suitable for anyone of adult or young adult age interested in evangelization. In particular it would suit seminarians and groups such as Youth 2000, the Legion of Mary etc. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'David the King' is a 6-part (6x 30mins) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron on King David which is suitable for general audiences. It is available from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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'The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation' is a 24-part (24x 60mins) DVD course from Jeff Cavins/Sarah Christmyer/Tim Gray and Ascension Press, presented by Jeff Cavins for general audiences, teenage to adult ages. It provides comprehensive teaching and commentary on the Bible (the shorter less detailed 8 session 'Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible' by Jeff Cavins may be used as a forerunner to this course). The 'Great Adventure Catholic Bible' (also from Ascension) complements this course. It is available from Ascension Press (linked above).
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'Catholicism: The Pivotal Players' is a multi-volume, multi-part (approx 60mins each part) DVD or internet-streamed course from Bishop Robert E. Barron on many of the great saints and 'pivotal players' of the Catholic Church.
For example, in volume 1, "you'll discover the places where St. Thomas Aquinas lived, learned, and wrote. Visit the countryside where St. Francis gathered a group of friars and revived the Church. See the places where St. Catherine of Siena ministered and prayed. Trek through England to where Blessed John Henry Newman and G.K. Chesterton left their mark and sparked an English Catholic revival. And through unprecedented HD footage, marvel at the extraordinary art of Michelangelo, from his David statue in Florence, to the Pietà at St. Peter's, to the Sistine Chapel."... and there are many more volumes from the Word on Fire Collection (linked above).
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