Over the past few weeks, I’ve been discussing different documents providing information and inspiration for Catholics. But what if you aren’t much of a reader or you want to be but struggle to find the time? Online and electronic resources can be the answer. Here, I’ll list a few of my “go-to” places for making it easier or more user-friendly when studying the faith or seeking meaningful content. For each item I list, I have also included some of my “tricks of the trade” for saving time and finding more comprehensive opportunities for their use.
- The first and best source for everything “bible” is the U.S. bishop’s website. If you go to bible.usccb.org, you’ll find the entire New American Bible – Revised Edition, including the introduction to each book, footnotes, and more. I know many Catholics who lament the fact that they don’t understand the bible, yet they haven’t ever read any of the explanatory features in the text. This Lent, I challenge you to read at least the introduction to the book of Mark. Why Mark? Mark is an excellent place to start because this year’s gospel readings will be taken predominantly from his gospel. Here is something else to consider: This online source of the text can be easily copied and pasted into any of your documents. Why waste time? If I want to include scripture in a card or letter, I copy and paste it. It means that the result is far more likely to be accurate, and it only took me seconds to include it.
- I know this isn’t news, but the next place a reluctant or busy reader can go to to make bible study easier is Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year”. Fr. Mike reads the bible to you and provides explanation and prayer. Whether you go to YouTube or download the app on your phone, it is a great way to learn more about the bible and make it meaningful for your life. Pick a device and search. One thing you might not know, however, is that if you visit the Ascension Press website to find the audio recordings ((media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/), you will find that all of the previous and future days are available to listen to. That way, you can listen at your own pace, never waiting for a new download!
- Finally, if you seek Catholic videos, your first stop is accessing them via Formed.org. St. Therese Parish pays for a membership to this treasure trove of resources. If you find that you are looking for more, however, take a look at those from Bishop Barron. Keying in “Bishop Barron on… (then whatever Catholic/Christian topic you are looking for)” usually provides a good result. I also like “Breaking in the Habit” with Fr. Casey Cole and his fellow Franciscans. Check out their website with links to their videos, a newsletter, a blog, and more. Fr. Casey explains things in an approachable way. Some of the best videos I’ve shown in adult formation have come from him.
These are just a few of the places that I visit online. Gone are the days when we didn’t have access to videos or other forms of engaging media. It is a good time to be a Catholic!