Beyond the Blue

Josh Garrels
This song speaks of the hope in God that allows a person to let go of all that keeps him from the glory of the Christian life and its ultimate end "beyond the blue."
Doctrine: Hope, Eternal life

In Flander's Fields

By John McCrae
This poem was written John McCrae, a doctor who served in World War I, in honor of those friends he saw die in battle.
Just War Theory, Veteran's Day, Memorial Day

I Will Wait

Mumford and Sons
This song has a positive message of waiting for another person: using head and heart and needing at times to tame flesh and eyes. Though it can be difficult, the message remains that waiting for another person is worth it.
Doctrine: Chastity, Sacrament of Matrimony, Sixth Commandment

The Journey

By Peter Kreeft

This book presents the basic philosophical approaches to life in the form of an allegory. As the main character journeys out of the Cave, into the light, and, eventually, up the mountain, he is confronted by various philosophers who attempt to deter him. At every turning point, he must choose whom he would follow.

Doctrine: Human person, proofs for the existence of God, faith and reason, natural law

Audience: upper high school and above

Use: This short book could begin a course on morality, including discussions of different philosophies and their potential fallacies. If there is not sufficient time to discuss the whole book, an outline based on the book could accompany a shorter lesson on philosophical background.

View Outline

Guildford Pentecost

Iain McKillop

This painting represents the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. It shows the great and pervasive power of the Holy Spirit, as the colors surrounding the Spirit emanate and overtake the entire space.

Doctrine: Pentecost

Audience: High school

Use: After presenting a lesson on Pentecost, ask students to choose one of the Apostles and discover where his missionary efforts led him. How did the Feast of Pentecost enable him to fulfill the Lord’s command to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).

Butterfly Circus

Written by Joshua and Rebekah Weigel; directed by Joshua Weigel

Find out more

This short independent film tells the tale of a travelling circus that brings hope to the destitute during the Great Depression. One day, a man without limbs joins their troupe and must discover who he is by accepting himself. He learns that the other performers have experienced great suffering, which has enabled them to transform passions once used for evil into beautiful gifts they share with others.

Doctrine: Morality of the Passions, Dignity of the Human Person

Audience: high school

Use: Show clip to students in explanation on how the passions can be transformed into virtue or vice.

Dear Lady of Fatima

This song honors Our Lady of Fatima, whose feast day is May 13. It is a good way to begin the rosary! The the month of October is dedicated to the rosary.
Doctrine: Rosary, Blessed Virgin Mary, Liturgical Year

Wondrous Love

"What Wondrous Love" is a beautiful hymn about God's love for each soul and our response to that love: "and through eternity I'll sing on." Here is a different version of the song. This particular video is a September 11th tribute, which reminds us to trust in God's plan and love.
Doctrine: Passion, God's love, eternal life
This song can be good for Holy Week.

A Little Princess

This scene from the movie's end begins with Sara's father commenting, "It's a strange feeling having your heart remember something your mind cannot." She recognizes her father, but he still cannot remember her. After a moment of "divine intervention," he discovers who he is through his relationship with her.
Doctrine: Revelation, Identity
Show clip to illustrate how knowledge of self comes through relationship with others and allowing God to reveal this knowledge.

Hugo

Screenplay by John Logan, based on the book by Brian Selznick; directed by Martin Scorsese

In this clip, Hugo compares the world to a machine, which comes with the perfect amount of parts. If there are no extra parts, then each person must have a specific purpose for being placed in the world.

Doctrine: God’s plan, Argument for God’s existence by design

Audience: Junior high

Use: In explanation of how God creates all men with a specific plan in mind, show clip to students and discuss its relevance. At the same time, being part of God's plan doesn't make Him a "divine clockmaker" who removes Himself from our lives once He sets us into existence. Rather, the metaphor suggests, like Blessed John Henry Newman, that "I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons."

Canon

Trace Bundy (Pachelbel)
This is a unique version of a song typically associated with weddings. While a string quartet would provide a more liturgically apropos rendition for the sacrament itself, this version could be good to use with students at the end of a lesson on the Sacrament of Matrimony
Doctrine: Matrimony
To focus more on the sacrament, use the music in a video with images and texts drawn from the rite.

May Crowning

Catholic Liturgical Library

This resource provides a format for a May Crowning to take place within the context of the liturgy.

Doctrine: Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

Audience: elementary school and above

Use: During the month of May, use the rite at a school liturgy. Before the liturgy, present a lesson on Mary’s role as Queen and the history of this tradition. If necessary, teach the students the songs that will be used at the Crowning.

Cupid and Psyche

Apuleius, retold by Thomas Bulfinch

May be accessed at D.L. Ashliman’s folktexts

This story recounts the tale of the Psyche, the beautiful youngest daughter who must be sacrificed to Venus to save her people from the goddess’ wrath. Venus’ son, enamored of Psyche, takes her to an invisible palace where he only comes to her at night. When her sisters’ jealousy prompts her to look upon his face, Psyche “falls in love with Love himself.” Alas, her disobedience means separation from her beloved until she can complete the arduous tasks Venus places upon her. Unable to succeed without Cupid’s help, he finally brings him to herself and offers her immortality.

Doctrine: Human Person—soul, unity of body and soul. “Psyche” means “soul,” but as a human, she must exist in her body, suffering and laboring on earth while she desires union with her Beloved in heaven.

Audience: high school

Use: Tell the story to students to introduce lesson on man as a psychosomatic unity. Have a discussion about the similarities and differences of this tale to the Christian life.

Gabriel's Oboe

Composed by Ennio Morricone

This song is from the movie The Mission.

Doctrine: Annunciation

Audience:: Junior high

Use: Incorporate song into a lectio divina on the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). After hearing Scripture, listening to the song, and composing their own reflections, share artwork and short movie clips that depict the event, contrasting how images of the archangel and the experience of the Blessed Mother are depicted.

Gandalf vs. the Balrog

from Lord of the Rings
Even wicked creatures flee from the evil Balrog. Gandalf faces it and fights with all the power he possess. He is willing to give his life if it means that his companions might press on. When he has given all the strength he possesses in battle, his life is restored, and he returns to his companions "at the turn of the tide."
Doctrine: St. Athanasius, Arainism: It seemed as though the entire world was converting to Arianism at the time of St. Athanasius. Rather than submit to those who denied Christ's divinity, Athanasius took up the fight against Arius and the many others who supported his theology.
Use this clip to demonstrate the power against which Athanasius thought, as well as the certainty of defeat that many in the Church at that time must have felt.

St. Joseph, the Carpenter

Georges de la Tour

This picture shows St. Joseph hard at work as a carpenter. Jesus, the Light of the World, hold a candle, the sole source of light in the scene. The image depicts the intimacy of the father and son. While St. Joseph stands above his foster son, suggesting authority and ability with the tools of his trade, Jesus’ face is radiant with light, suggesting that He too has wisdom to impart.

Doctrine: St. Joseph the Worker; Dignity of Work

Audience: Junior high

Use: Show students this and other images of St. Joseph on his feastday, May 1^st. Include a discussion of the dignity of work and the history of the feast.  Ask students to write a thank you letter to their father or another adult in their life who provides for them.