Online Resources to Strengthen Your Faith

With the current restrictions gradually being put in place, we have compiled the resources below, that we hope, will help you with your journey of faith during this difficult time.

We invite you to gather as a family to pray with this short reflection video for the coming Sunday if you are unable to join us for weekend mass.

Lockdown Light—week one
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian living
Quality podcasts navigating marriage and family life
Parenting as a team
This podcast from the Messy Family Project gives some great practical advice on how couples can be truly in sync with one another and parent together with unity, respect and God’s grace. Listen at www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving1
 
Getting to know your Bible
Resources to help you explore the Bible 
How to read the Bible
Getting started: In this short video, Fr Mike Schmitz shares several reasons we should pick up our Bible again, see it with fresh eyes and allow it to transform our lives. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted1
Going deeper: In this video, Bishop Robert Barron looks at different approaches to understanding Scripture and how we can use them to hear God speaking to us today. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper1
Lockdown Light—week two
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian livingUnity in marriage (part 1) 
In this podcast, Catholic counsellors, Dr Bob Schuchts and Jake Khym discuss how marriage is a union of two broken people, and yet when the love of God is invited in, unity is made possible. Listen at www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving2
 

Getting to know your BibleExploring the Gospels
As Christians, we have four accounts of the life of Jesus, called Gospels. How should we read them? 
Getting started: This video by a Franciscan priest looks at how it’s possible to understand different Gospel accounts and stories about Jesus. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted2 
Going deeper: This year, we are reading Mark’s Gospel at Mass. This video provides an introduction into the crafting and structure of the Gospel and the portrait of Jesus presented. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper2

Lockdown Light—week three
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Resources for Christian livingMaking the most of lockdown
In this blog post, local Melbourne mum of six, Kate Moriarty, shares some fun and creative ideas to help families make the most of their time together in lockdown. Find out more at www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving3

Getting to know your BibleOpening up the Old Testament
Getting Started: This video by Bible Snap brings you the Old Testament in 8 minutes, with a comprehensive overview of where the books and people fit in the timeline of history. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted3
Going Deeper: Exodus is one of the key books of the Old Testament. Hear about the pivotal events in Exodus from a range of other Christian Biblical scholars and theological experts in this 10-minute video. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper3

Lockdown Light—week four
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian livingParents of the Saints–How Did They Do It?
In this podcast, Jason Evert speaks with Patrick O’Hearn about his new book ‘Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favourite Saints’, offering key insights into the families of popular saints. Listen at www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving4

Getting to know your BiblePraying with Scripture
Getting Started: In this short video, Fr James Martin SJ introduces us Lectio Divina–a way of praying with the Bible that helps us listen to God. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted4
Going Deeper: Pray as You Go is an online prayer tool that provides a guided contemplation of each day’s Gospel passage. Set aside 10-15 minutes, find a comfy space and visit www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper4

 

Lockdown Light—week five
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian livingHow to keep our kids Catholic
In this episode of The Word on Fire show, Bishop Robert Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss what helps children retain their faith into young adulthood. Listen at www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving5

Getting to know your BibleScience and the Bible: Are they opposed?
Getting Started: In this video, Bishop Robert Barron firmly debunks the common claim that science and religion are diametrically opposed. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted5a and visit www.reasonfaithscience.com for further resources.
Going Deeper: This video skilfully explores a Catholic understanding of the Book of Genesis’ account of creation through a tapestry of voices. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper5

Lockdown Light—week six
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian livingThe irreplaceable role of parents
The role of parents cannot be underestimated. And while parents have a natural role—to protect and provide­—we can sometimes forget the irreplaceable role parents have in the spiritual and emotional lives of their children. Find out more here www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving6a

 

Getting to know your BibleUnderstanding Mary in the Bible
Getting Started: Why do Catholics call Mary their mother? Isn’t that taking away some of the respect due to Jesus and giving it to Mary? On the contrary, in this video, Fr Mike Schmitz discusses how a relationship with Mary can strengthen our faith life. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted6
Going Deeper: How are Mary and the Ark of the Covenant from Exodus connected? What relevance does that have today? In this video, Dr Brant Pitre explores Mary’s role as the new Ark of the Covenant—the dwelling place of the Lord on earth. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper6

 

Lockdown Light—week seven
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
Well and truly done with sourdough starters? Not interested in another DIY project? To help fill the void during lockdown, each week we’ll suggest some inspiring content to bring ‘light’ to this difficult time. Pop on the kettle and check out the recommendations below.
 
Podcasts for Christian livingTheology of the Body and Healing
In this podcast, Catholic therapists, Dr Bob Schuchts & Jake Khym discuss how we can glorify God in and through our bodies. Using St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, they look at ways we can receive healing and peace. Listen here www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving7

Getting to know your BibleHow do Scripture and Tradition work together?
Getting Started: Why do we believe in things like the Trinity, purgatory or even what books make up the Bible? They all form part of Sacred Tradition. In this 3-minute video, hear how Scripture and Tradition work together in the life of the Church. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted7
Going Deeper: Written for Catholic teachers, this short article ‘Catholic Teaching on Sacred Scripture’ explains the role and importance of both Sacred Scripture and Tradition in our understanding of the revelation of God. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper7

Lockdown Light—week eight
A weekly series bringing ‘light’ to this time of lockdown …
As we slowly emerge out of lockdown, aware of that many aspects of life—including our parishes are only able to open up gradually, here’s one last edition of Lockdown Light for your coming week.

Podcasts for Christian livingParenting teens
In this podcast, well known Catholic speaker Jason Evert discusses how to keep an open and ongoing dialogue with your children around topics related to love, dating and other serious issues as well as tips for internet and phone safety. Listen here www.bit.ly/ChristianLiving8

Getting to know your BibleThe Acts of the Apostles—The Church begins
Getting Started: In this interesting video introduction to the Book of Acts, The Bible Project provides an overview of Pentecost and the beginning of the early Church. Watch at www.bit.ly/BibleGettingStarted8
Going Deeper: In this video, Bishop Barron speaks about the spread of the Gospel during the early Church, challenging us to share in the same work as St Paul and the early Apostles in proclaiming the message of Jesus to the world. View here www.bit.ly/BibleGoingDeeper8

Masses:

 
  • Prayer Service at Home
  • Prayer for God’s Mercy: COVID-19
  • Covid-19: A Prayer of Solidarity
  • Divine Mercy Chaplet
  • Novena To Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
  • Perpetual adoration from St Benedict’s
  • St Benedict’s Praise and Worship Evening
  • Ascension Press Faith related videos, articles & podcasts
  • Word on Fire by Bishop Barron
 

News and Articles

  • Pope addresses what to do since many can’t get to Confession
  • News from the Vatican
 
 

Other Resources:

  • Catholic Journey Radio by Catholic Diocese of Wollongong
 
  • Spiritual Resources for you and your family