Sacraments
Explore guides and prayer for Confession, Adoration, Mass and more.
Confession
10 Days to a Better Confession
God created every one of us to be saints in our walk toward eternity. However, like the saints who have preceded us in our journey to heaven, we have all sinned time and time again. But like the saints before us, we know that God wants us to restore our relationship with him on earth and remain with him forever in heaven. God’s love draws us to the sacrament of Reconciliation. St. Teresa of Avila struggled with vanity about her appearance, St. John XXIII struggled with infidelity to prayer, St. Mark Ji Tianxiang struggled with drug abuse, and St. Philip Neri struggled to be kind to the people he lived with. Despite their struggles with vice and virtue, all are canonized saints who never doubted God’s restorative mercy and unconditional love in the sacrament of Reconciliation. God created every one of us to be saints, so we should never let our past failures or our present struggles prevent us from being with Him in the kingdom of heaven! Join Fr. Josh Johnson and Fr. Mike Schmitz as they offer a 10 day guide to help you experience the mercy and unconditional love of Christ in the sacrament of Reconciliation.
How to Go to Confession (COMPLETE Step-by-Step Catholic Guide)
Do This One Thing Before Every Confession
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Overcoming Obstacles and Temptations
Parabellum is a Latin word that means, "Prepare for War." When we are faced with the challenges and obstacles of following Christ, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But we do not have to solve all of the potential issues. We are simply called to face this problem and take the next step. Observe. Orient. Decide. Act. This four-step decision making model was developed by and used for the U.S. Military. It was designed to help soldiers react to unexpected events on the battlefield, or during the course of a mission. In terms of the spiritual life, we know that the devil constantly throws obstacles and temptations in the way of us growing a personal relationship with Jesus. The O.O.D.A. model can be adapted to our approach to the spiritual life to help us observe when we are being attacked spiritually, orient ourselves toward the good, and then decide to choose Jesus and act in accord with his will for our lives. In each day of this study plan, Fr. Mike will share a different aspect of how we can "prepare for war" against the devil, relying on God's strength at every turn so we can be assured of victory! The reflection questions at the bottom of the page each day will help you grow in your ability to identify temptation and surrender your heart to Jesus, the only one who can defend you.
Confession is a Place of Victory
by Fr. Josh Johnson
Get More Out of Mass
See allA Biblical Walk Through The Mass
The Mass is nothing short of amazing. Through it, we encounter God in the most intimate way possible as we hear him speak to us in the Liturgy of the Word and as we receive him Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. The words, the gestures, and the rituals of the Mass are rich in meaning. Everything we say and do in the Liturgy is steeped in biblical language. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass explores the extraordinary biblical roots of the Liturgy and reveals what it all means and why it all matters. This fascinating tour of the Mass will renew your faith and deepen your love for and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: "Made for Worship"
Human beings are made for worship. We are designed and created to give our attention, our hearts, and our lives to whatever we perceive as the highest good. As Catholics, we know that the Highest Good is God. And we are made to worship Him...but do we know how?
6 Mass Tips from Fr. Mark-Mary Ames
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.
The Mass Explained: I Confess
When we publicly acknowledge our sins in front of God and others at Mass, we are reminded that our personal sin affects the body of Christ. Today, Dr. Sri breaks down the purpose and meaning behind the Confiteor prayer we recite during the penitential act of the Mass.
The Mass Explained: God Speaks His Word
God speaks to each one of us directly at every Mass, but most of us miss it. Today, Dr. Sri reminds us of the power of God’s Word spoken to us in the Liturgy of the Word and shows us how to receive God’s Word into our hearts in a personal and transformative way.
Sacramental Education / Prep
Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Jesus gave us the Catechism to be a guiding force in our lives, but it can be daunting to dive in alone. In Foundations of Faith, Ascension has pulled together some of the most renowned Catholic educators of our time, including Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Jeff Cavins, and Fr. Mike Schmitz (along with many more) to help you discover the beauty of our faith and how it applies to every aspect of your life!
What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith
What is the Catholic Church all about? What does it mean to be Catholic? What do Catholics actually believe? The Catholic Church is extraordinary. Founded by Christ himself, the Catholic Church is where we encounter God in his Word, his sacraments, and his saints. The Church faithfully proclaims the fullness of faith, leaving no truth out. It proclaims the fullness of life, leaving no person out. It calls all to repent and to believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the source of all life and salvation. Maybe you’ve been Catholic your entire life. Maybe you’re just beginning to explore the Catholic Faith. Wherever you may be in your journey, you will be profoundly moved by the beauty and the richness of the Catholic Church.
Pillar II: Sacraments
Open Up the Treasures of the Catechism! In Pillar II: Sacraments, Sean Innerst opens up the treasures of the Catechism’s teaching on the sacraments. Not only will you learn about the power and purpose of the sacraments, but you’ll also discover how these fonts of inexhaustible grace can transform your life, providing strength, healing, and hope. Learn about the sacraments’ biblical origins and see how they mystically transport you into the actual events of Christ’s ministry.
Living Faith
Living Faith is designed for young adults who want to go deeper in knowing, loving and serving God. This plan will help those who want to move from the crowds to truly being a disciple of Jesus by focusing on the Interior Life, Mass & Confession, Ongoing Formation, Catholic Community, and Personal Apostolate. Presented by Fr. Columba Jordan, a native of Co Kildare and a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, currently serving in St Patrick’s Friary, Limerick. This series was produced by Called to More. Learn more about them by tapping below: