Faith Formation Playlist
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Journey with UsRead • Watch • Listen • Participate • Pray & Reflect
The St. Bartholomew Faith Formation Program is pleased to present a collection
of resources in a Faith Formation Playlist for exploring your faith.How would you like to deepen your FAITH and become CLOSER TO GOD?
Choose the resources from the Playlist Menu that fit your interest and schedule.
Participate independently or engage with your parish community.
Questions? Contact Jessica Garcia at (562) 438-3826, Ext. 251 or [email protected].
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Read
This section includes a collection of resources to study or read.
Books for: Adult | Children | Teens
Archived Resources► For Adults
The Gospel According to Matthew, Part Two (Little Rock Scripture Study)
Beginning with the Transfiguration of Jesus in chapter 17:1, the Gospel of Matthew continues to reveal through Jesus’ teachings what it means to be a disciple. This second part of the study of Matthew reveals a growing tension as Jesus ministers around Jerusalem, is arrested, crucified and rises to new life.
Revealed as Emmanuel (God with us) at the start of the Gospel, Jesus will promise his continuing presence as the disciples are commissioned at the close of the Gospel. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 lessons.
Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
Life Lessons from Matthew: The Carpenter King
Matthew accepted Christ's invitation to follow him and never turned back. He spent the rest of his life convincing folks that this carpenter was the King. Jesus gave the call and never took it back. The relationship Jesus had with Matthew can serve to convince us that if Jesus had a place for Matthew, a tax collector, he just might have a place for us, too.
Join beloved author Max Lucado as he enters Matthew's Gospel to find out what it looks like to be chosen by the Carpenter King—and what it looks like to accept his invitation.
As you read, study, journal, and discuss the book of Matthew, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book:God kept his promise of a deliverer for his people.
God's ideas about his kingdom are often different from his people's ideas of the same kingdom.
Jesus lived fully as a human and as God.
Jesus' ministry and sacrifice changed the world forever.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes:
An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying.
Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting.
An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV).
Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes.
Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection.
The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
They Saw Through God's Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints
How do you see the people and the world around you? Have you wondered how God views us, others, and creation? When we look at things through God's eyes, everything changes.
Suddenly, for those we love, we experience greater compassion. For those we find difficult, we suddenly see them as the ones Jesus loves and died for.
The saints offer great insight to this transformative spiritual practice. Follow in the footsteps of twelve remarkable saints and learn about how God transformed their view of the people and the world around them. Through their examples, receive a fresh new vision for the world and the people around you. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
Padre Pio: The True Story, Revised and Updated Third Edition
Before his death in 1968, Padre Pio was known throughout the world as a very holy man - many even called him a living saint. This humble Italian priest who bore the wounds of Christ received thousands of letters and visitors each year, seeking his spiritual counsel, healing, and prayer. Padre Pio's intense spirituality and holiness remain legendary and life-changing.
This is the comprehensive life story of the priest who became world famous for his stigmata, miracles, and supernatural insights. Read in detail about the many miracles of Padre Pio, and discover how knowing this powerful saint can change your life, too. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
Trusting God in the Present
Life is always full of new and unexpected challenges, but each challenge is also an opportunity to draw closer to God.
Fr. Jacques Philippe, a beloved author and renowned spiritual director, will show you how to maintain peace of heart through turbulent times and discern the choices that will be helpful for you and others.
Written in a simple and inviting style, Trusting God in the Present is your spiritual direction manual to trusting God in the midst of difficult times. You’ll find that God is, indeed, with you, and he is inviting you to a new perspective, renewed hope, and a more abundant life. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
► For Children
The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones
In The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones, Meyer takes each of the 28 chapters of Matthew and in rhyme form, summarizes the main messages of each. The text in itself could be a great study aid for organization and keeping ideas easy to follow. The illustrations are simple, yet inviting, to all ages.
Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
Matthew the Apostle: Banker and God's Storyteller (Saints and Me!)
Matthew was a tax collector. In Jesus’ day, Jewish tax collectors worked for the Romans and were often disliked for being unfair. Then one day, Jesus asked him to follow his way.
Matthew invited Jesus into his home and became an apostle. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Matthew spread the Good News and wrote one of the gospels. He is the patron (September 21) of tax collectors, bankers, and accountants. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids (Catholic Stories for Kids)
Recipient of the Seal of Approval by Catholic Writer's Guild! This best-selling treasury of stories for children is now into its second edition. Two new stories include the children of Fatima and St. Germaine Cousin.
Readers will be enlightened by a gallery of photos showing actual sites of these documented miracles. Delightful pen and ink illustrations complement the text. Here is the perfect First Communion gift sure to inspire young and old alike. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
► For Teens
Carlo Acutis, The First Millennial Saint
Carlo Acutis, born May 3, 1991, fully embraced the gift of life. Known as a computer whiz, he also liked to play soccer, video games, and the saxophone. He enjoyed watching his favorite police dramas and making short films with his star cast of cats and dogs. He had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Yet Carlo was a little “different” at school, in the pizzerias, and on the soccer field. What set Carlo apart was his constant pursuit of holiness.
In addition to his fun hobbies, he spent time teaching catechism classes and serving in soup kitchens. Carlo loved to attend daily Mass and frequent Eucharistic adoration. The Word of God and the Eucharist were the center of his life. Carlo’s unwavering devotion to the Eucharist inspired him to tell the story of Eucharistic miracles through a website he created just for fun. He wanted to deepen his own knowledge of these phenomena, to strengthen his devotion to Jesus, and to invite others to grow in love for the Eucharist. The website subsequently caught the attention of people across the globe, introducing countless people to Eucharistic miracles.
Carlo died from a sudden and violent illness in 2006 at the age of fifteen. In less than a decade, his story spread across Italy and around the world. After Pope Francis declared him venerable in 2018, his beatification was celebrated in Assisi on October 10, 2020. The next step will be canonization, making him the first millennial saint. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
The Adventure: Living Out Your Relationship with God (Catholic Edition)
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! You'll face risky ventures, thrilling rescues, and cunning enemies, but you'll have powerful partners to help you triumph over it all. It sounds like an action movie, but it's better than that. It's what your life can be like when you get to know God, who chose you for a life of adventure with him. The Adventure: Living Out Your Relationship with God (Catholic Edition) is your one-of-a-kind guide to the adventure God is calling you to live.
It includes getting to know God, why having a relationship with him matters, and how to become friends with him (yes, it's possible). You'll learn how he talks to you, how you can talk to him, how you can do things with him, and how we connect with him and one another through the sacraments and the Church.
If you already know God, this book can help you know him even better. If you're not sure about God or the Catholic Church, this book will bust the myth that it's all about rules and help you to see that it's all about a relationship. Available on Amazon and where other books are sold.
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Watch
Find videos and movie recommendations each month for exploring your faith.
For Adults | For Children | For Teens | Archived Resources
► For Adults
On a Wing and a Prayer
After a small-town pilot mysteriously dies during flight, passenger Doug White is forced to land the plane to safety and save his entire family on board. Available April 7 on Prime Video.
Content Available on Formed.org
Available on Formed.org. (*How to Access)
I Believe with God All Things are Possible
9-year-old Brian (Rowan Smyth) has a supernatural encounter with God, an experience that sends him on an adventurous quest to find out more about what Christians believe. He faces heavy opposition from the world around him, especially from his own father Simon (Matt Lindquist), an atheist tv newscaster. Brian finds allies in the pastor of a local church (Wilford Brimley) and a wounded U.S. Marine (Jeremy London).
Brian's pure and innocent faith brings about manifestations of God s extraordinary power that quickly become breaking news. Don't miss out on this miracle-packed adventure! WONDERFUL! INSPIRING!! The Dove Foundation (5 Doves-Faith Friendly/All Ages)
Lion of Judah (DVD)
A heart-warming account of the Easter story as seen through the eyes of lovable stable animals. Follow the adventures of a bold lamb and his friends as they try to avoid the sacrificial alter the week preceding the crucifixion of Christ.
The journey weaves seamlessly through biblical accounts of Palm Sunday, Jesus turning the tables in the temple, Peter's denial and with a tense, heart-wrenching climax, depicts the crucifixion and resurrection with gentleness and breathtaking beauty.
God with Us
This powerful documentary will encourage and inspire viewers to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ by telling the story of His life through the eyes of Apostle John.
Videos of Interest:
The Greatest Miracle
The Greatest Miracle is an inspiring story which illustrates hope and faith. A story of the unseen sense of going and participating in church. It focuses on three characters and their guardians.
From confession, to each part of mass such as communion, the offerings and our prayers for those who have gone to heaven or purgatory. Thus having hope and faith will help the stories advance through the explanation of mass.
Maria Goretti
The story of Saint Maria Goretti is retold in this beautifully made new film from Italy. It tells of the plight of the poor laborers of the time, struggling to survive in a swampy area with rampant malaria and extreme poverty. Luigi and Assunta Goretti keep their faith despite the hardship and instill in their children a deep love for God.
Their daughter Maria especially is devout. But tragedy strikes more than once: sickness and death affects the Goretti family, and then their young neighbor Alessandro does the unthinkable…
This film, made on location and filled with authentic detail, stars Martina Pinto as Maria, Flavio Insinna (Saint John Bosco) as the brave local Passionist priest, Luisa Ranieri and Massimo Bonetti as her parents, and Claudia Koll as the Countes Mazzoleni.
Saint Barbara: Convert and Martyr of the Early Church
In 303 A.D., Barbara is the beautiful, twenty-yearold daughter of Dioscoro, the Roman governor during a time of fierce Christian persecution. Barbara is a pagan, but when Giuliana, a slave raised alongside her almost like a sister, is condemned to death for her Christian faith, Barbara rebels.
She valiantly attempts to save Giuliana, as well as other Christians being persecuted, boldly protesting to her father and other government leaders. When that fails, Barbara makes a daring plan for the successful escape from prison of her Christian friends.
Saint Barbara is also the story of her profound love for Claudio, the noble Roman soldier whose life she saves, as well as her deep compassion for all afflicted humanity. The courageous and holy witness of her Christian friends inspires her to convert to their religion, a decision which will eventually cost Barbara her life. Before her death, Barbara discovers she has journeyed down the same path as her mother, who was taken from her as a child for having made the same choice, to become a Christian, which had never been told to Barbara as she was growing up.
Barbara is the victim of many acts of cruelty in the last period of her life. The serenity with which she overcomes such barbarity can only be attributed to her new faith in Christ, which gives her the strength necessary to face the most difficult trials and to forgive her persecutors.
*How to Access: Formed.org is an online Catholic media platform that you can receive (for free!) through St. Bartholomew’s parish subscription. Sign up at formed.org/signup. Select our parish by finding the name, city, and/or zip code. Register with your name and email address and start to explore videos, feature films, podcasts etc.
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Listen
Podcasts (Adults | Teens | Children | Archived Resources)
Choose from a selection of faith-based resources in audio format.
Download/listen on your preferred listening platform.
► For AdultsThe Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz (Click to Listen)
- Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
- Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
- See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
- Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
- Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
- Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.
Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler
Jennifer Fulwiler told herself she was happy. Why wouldn't she be? She made good money as a programmer at a hot tech start-up, had just married a guy with a stack of Ivy League degrees, and lived in a twenty-first-floor condo where she could sip sauvignon blanc while watching the sun set behind the hills of Austin.
Raised in a happy, atheist home, Jennifer had the freedom to think for herself and play by her own rules. Yet a creeping darkness followed her all of her life. Finally, one winter night, it drove her to the edge of her balcony, making her ask once and for all why anything mattered. At that moment everything she knew and believed was shattered.
Asking the unflinching questions about life and death, good and evil, led Jennifer to Christianity, the religion she had reviled since she was an awkward, skeptical child growing up in the Bible Belt. Mortified by this turn of events, she hid her quest from everyone except her husband, concealing religious books in opaque bags as if they were porn and locking herself in public bathroom stalls to read the Bible.
Just when Jennifer had a profound epiphany that gave her the courage to convert, she was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition-and the only treatment was directly at odds with the doctrines of her new-found faith. Something other than God is a poignant, profound and often funny tale of one woman who set out to find the meaning of life and discovered that true happiness sometimes requires losing it all.
Available on Formed.org. (*How to Access)
Content Available on Formed.org (*How to Access)
Podcast | Audio - Collection of Audio Podcasts.
History | Audio - Collection of historical and educational audio content.
Mental Health | Audio - Collection of audio content centered on mental health.
Ongoing
Catholic Daily Reflections
The God Minute
The God Minute: The God Minute is a short, daily Christian prayer that includes peaceful music, scripture and a reflection to bless your day with the Lord. It's only 10 minutes. Take a few God Minutes each morning and see how your day rises in abundance. A Catholic devotional by the Congregation of the Mission - the Vincentians. Find wherever you listen to your podcasts.
The Liturgy Guys is an initiative of the Liturgical Institute at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Il. Christopher Carstens and Dr. Denis McNamara, faculty members at the Liturgical Institute, sit down with host Jesse Weiler every week to talk about Catholic Liturgy. At the end of each episode our Liturgy experts will take time to answer listener submitted questions. The goal of this podcast is to share the treasures of Liturgy with English speaking Catholics all over the world.
Reflection 350: Beauty in Adoration
The Liturgy Guys is an initiative of the Liturgical Institute, Adoremus Bulletin, and Benedictine College. Christopher Carstens and Dr. Denis McNamara sit down with host Jesse Weiler every week to talk about Catholic Liturgy. At the end of each episode our Liturgy experts take time to answer listener submitted questions.
The goal of this podcast is to share the treasures of Liturgy with English speaking Catholics all over the world.
The Mass Explained: The Lord Be With You
Do you have a hard time entering into the Mass? It’s easy to just go through the motions during the introductory rites of the Mass when we don’t understand their meaning. In this three part series of the Mass Explained, Dr. Sri breaks down the biblical significance of the opening prayers of the Mass so we can prepare ourselves to fully encounter Christ.
► For Teens
The Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz- Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
- Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
- See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
- Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
- Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
- Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.
Catholic Teen
Welcome to a podcast all about what it is like to be a Catholic, and the experiences of a Catholic Teen! Find wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday Podcast with Mark Hart by Life Teen
Find wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Youth DIVE Catholic Podcast
This podcast is all about simplifying the teachings of the Catholic Church so that they're practical and applicable by young Catholics who are seeking holiness and truth. "Practical Catholicism Made Simple." Brought to you by Youth DIVE, with Chinemerem Andrew Iheanacho as your host. Find wherever you listen to your podcasts.
5-Time Major League All-Star on Winning the Game for Christ by Mike Sweeney
All-star Mike Sweeney speaks to 5,000 young adults about his own experience of living his Catholic Faith from when he was a high school jock to his time in Major League baseball. With humor and humility, he shares the circumstances that led him to center his life completely on God, and how the Lord wants to personally be involved in your life, too. Mike relates how pivotal choices led to his amazing ride with Christ. Available on Formed.org. (*How to Access)
Catholic Answers: Live radio talks with Q&A on a range of Catholic apologetics topics – a variety of guests and presenters.
The Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcast: Fr. Mike works as a university chaplain in the USA and his podcasts are targeted primarily at the university students and current faith topics related to them.
The Ultimate List of Catholic Podcasts - by NICK LONGO
► For Children
Truth to Inspire Series (Click)
The Truth to Inspire Series offers captivating audio dramatizations for children of the lives of saints and well-known Marian apparitions in order to teach them more about the Catholic Faith. Available on Formed.org. (*How to Access)
The Catholic Sprouts Podcast has one goal: to plant one little seed of faith each and every day. The daily five-minute episodes are perfect for young listeners. Each episode discusses an important aspect of our Catholic Faith in a way that appeals directly to children and ends with a daily challenge to help them apply what they learned.
Saint Stories for Kids
A weekly podcast of stories for kids about Catholic Saints, from the creator of Shining Light Dolls, Chantal Baros. Join us each week for a new short story about the lives of the Saints!
The Truth to Inspire Series
The Truth to Inspire Series offers captivating audio dramatizations for children of the lives of saints and well-known Marian apparitions in order to teach them more about the Catholic Faith. Available on formed.org. (*How to Access)
Kids | Audio - Audio collection for kids. Available on formed.org. (*How to Access)
*How to Access: Formed.org is an online Catholic media platform that you can receive (for free!) through St. Bartholomew’s parish subscription. Sign up at formed.org/signup. Select our parish by finding the name, city, and/or zip code. Register with your name and email address and start to explore videos, feature films, podcasts etc.)
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Participate
Join us throughout the year for Bible studies, discussions on our faith, and other events.
50+ Scripture Study
The 50+ Scripture Study meets every other Wednesday at 8:30 am in the Seton Room. New members are welcome! For more information or to join the group, contact Ted Flood at (562) 706-6048. Click here for the schedule and information on what the group is currently studying.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
The Wednesday Night Bible Study meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month 6:30-8:00 pm in the Parish Hall. All parishioners are welcome to attend. For more details, contact Robert Cordova at (562) 438-3826. Click here for the schedule and information on what the group is currently studying.
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Pray & Reflect
► For Adults
AdoreCast – 24/7 Live Eucharistic Adoration: https://youtu.be/ERgZBLqEyYE
Rosary Prayers | 20 Decade Rosary | All Mysteries: https://youtu.be/XCcM5M1lUlk
The Following are Available on formed.org: (*How to Access)
Wisdom of the Saints Rosary: Glorious Mysteries
Wisdom of the Saints Rosary: Joyful Mysteries
Wisdom of the Saints Rosary: Luminous Mysteries
Wisdom of the Saints Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries
Ways to Start the Day with JesusThe saints often started their day with prayer, glorifying Jesus before the day began. Matt Fradd suggests we imitate that behavior and start the day on the right foot by practicing three steps mentioned in this video. Saying the “Glory to Jesus” prayer, the Angelus, and a few Scripture verses that correlate to the tasks in your morning routine, could have a surprisingly positive impact on your life. https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/ways-to-start-the-day-with-jesus/
► For ChildrenCatholic Prayers For Children: The Our Father (with audio)
Let's Pray Together! 3 Minutes of Guided Prayer
The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Available on Formed.org. (*How to Access)
► Ongoing
30 Minute Eucharistic Adoration
for Prayer Meditation, Reflection and Hymns
FORMED Now! How to Pray
On Formed. (*How to Access)
*How to Access: Formed.org is an online Catholic media platform that you can receive (for free!) through St. Bartholomew’s parish subscription. Sign up at formed.org/signup. Select our parish by finding the name, city, and/or zip code. Register with your name and email address and start to explore videos, feature films, podcasts etc.
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