We are responsible as trustees and stewards of the gifts of the earth and of our environment. The goods of earth are God’s gifts for all. The way we treat the earth, the environment and creatures reflects respect for the Creator.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit enable virtuous living as Jesus’ disciples: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord [Reverence] (Isaiah 11:2)
Think of someone you admire as a person of integrity and goodness. You may recognise their virtues:
A virtue is a power or habit that enables us to live a good life: a firm disposition to do good. Virtues are strengthened by repeated actions, guided in the light of faith and reason.
Grace (charis) is a term which speaks of our participation in God’s life. It is God’s free gift and favour, helping us to live as the people God has created us to be.
Catholic moral teaching encompasses Jesus’ law of love and a ‘consistent ethic of life.’ Natural Law, confirmed in our own experience, reveals that human life is precious.
The ‘Ten Commandments’ of the Hebrew (Old Testament) Scriptures express many truths of ‘Natural Law’ that may be worked out using reason. (Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:1-21).
Wise people in all traditions recognise truths about what is good, through reflection and reasoning based on human experience and observations of the world.
Every human person is a being of immeasurable dignity because each is created in the image and likeness of God, with a spiritual and immortal soul (or spirit), intelligence and free will.
• Catherine of Siena InstituteClick to visit Choose CSI Library link.
• The Catholic Church in Australia - Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Click to visit
The Creed: Click to visit A series of short videos presented by the Oblate communities and Oblatemedia.
Theological Library, Spring Hill Jesuit College, Texas US: Click to visit Articles on theological topics available online.
Theological Library, College of St Benedict, St John’s University School of Theology, Minnesota US: Click to visit
JOURNALS OF THEOLOGY
Compass Review of Topical Theology Click to visit Articles on many topics are available from this journal published by the Australian Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
Pacifica Click to visit Australian journal of Theology
The Tablet Click to visit Catholic news journal from Britain.
Australian eJournal of Theology Click to visit
THE VATICAN
• Follow links to the Vatican Museum and Archives: Click to visit
• A virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel Click to visit
• Christusrex gives access to Vatican documents on numerous topics. Click to visit
CHURCH HISTORY
• The Australian Catholic University - Centre for Early Christian Studies: Click to visit Select ‘Publications’ to learn more about Church History.
• Yale University: Click to visit Follow the links for Ad Hoc: Resources for Teaching and Research relating to the History of Christianity
• US Catholic: Click to visit Articles on many topics relating to faith and life.
SAINTS FOR 2010
• Mary MacKillop (Canonization October 17 2010): Click to visit A great site to explore the story of Mary MacKillop, under headings ; Beginnings, Growth, Challenges, Influences & Legacy. Includes a Timeline and information relating to pilgrimage and the canonization.
• John Henry Cardinal Newman (Beatification September 19 2010):The National Centre for Newman Studies Click to visit Stories, writings, news and events.
