This timely document was written to lay out the theological nature of sexuality and the educational rights and responsibilities for the young concerning sex and sexuality. The book also includes the Charter of the Rights of the Family issued by the Holy See in 1983. The document is divided into the following sections: Introduction I. Some Fundamental Principles II. Responsibility in Putting …

This book brings together the writings of the popes on sacred music.  Many of these documents are almost totally unknown, some are found only in Latin, and a great number are inaccessible to the average musician.  They form a vast panorama of legislative thought.  Fragmentary references are found in the writings of such early popes as St. Damascus (375-384), St Celestine …

This document addresses the following: Meaning and Value of Old Age Older Person in the Bible Older People's Problems are the Problems of Us All The Church and Older People Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of Older People

This instruction covers the following: Liturgical formation of Clerics and Faithful Vernacular translation of liturgical texts The Rite of the Mass Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals Divine Office Proper Construction of Churches and Altars

This document discusses the final article of the baptismal Creed dealing with "life everlasting."

Pope John Paul II This broad-ranging document on the family is a guide for families and those who minister to them. It includes sections on the importance of the family, dangers faced by families, educational rights and responsibilities, pastoral care, morality and theology.

Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of His Holiness Pope John Paul II Reconciliation and Penance in the Mission of the Church Today "To speak of reconciliation and penance is for the men and women of our time an invitation to rediscover, translated into their own way of speaking, the very words with which our savior and teacher Jesus Christ began his preaching: 'Repent, and believe in the …

This document from Vatican II describes the duties and responsibilities of the laity in their mission within the Church. Sections Include: Introduction I: The Vocation Of The Laity To The Apostolate II: Objectives III: The Various Fields Of The Apostolate IV: The Various Forms Of The Apostolate V: External Relationships VI: Formation For The Apostolate Exhortation Footnotes

Pope John Paul II This letter contains the Pope's thoughts on the Rosary as well as his historic proclamation of the new Mysteries of Light which were added to the Rosary following the promulgation of this document. Topics include: The popes and the Rosary Reasons to pray the Rosary The theology of the Rosary How to pray the Rosary

Salvifici Doloris On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering Apostolic Letter of John Paul II

In 1997, eight different Vatican Congregations co-authored this document concerning problems with the bluring of the distinction between the lay faithful and the ordained priesthood, primarily in liturgical matters. Among other things addressed were the use of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, the preaching of homilies and the proper minister for the sacraments. The document is divided …

In his second encyclical letter, Pope Benedict XVI shows us that although modern man has tried to place his hopes in science or politics, our real and only hope is in God, whose kingdom is present wherever he is loved and wherever his love reaches us. Through our prayers and sufferings, the pope says, Christians can learn to become hope-filled people.

The Pontifical Council for the Family This document is the result of an extensive study of the now-common practice of "de facto" unions that have been taking the place of marriage for a large number of people. The document contains sections on the effects of de facto unions on the family and society, the difference between marriage and de facto unions and how Christians should respond to …

This is the Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII on Freemasonry, April 20, 1884. It discusses the beliefs of Freemasons and how they affect the Church.

(en Espanol) Pope Benedict teaches that the Eucharist finds its source within the wellspring of love that is the Trinity, the love that is so abundantly expressed in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and in the new life of the Holy Spirit that flows into the hearts of those who participate in his sacrifice and receive him in Communion. The Holy Father also shows how the Eucharist is the …

In 1998 Pope John Paul II issued the following document which added penalties to the codes of canon law of both Eastern and Western churches concerning dissent from Catholic doctrine. The document also contains the profession of faith and oath of fidelity that all who hold a position in the Church based on Canon 833 n. 5-8 are supposed to take. The document is divided into the following …

This brief document from Vatican II addresses several issues concerning the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches including preservation of the Eastern traditions, relations with Orthodox churches and the celebration of sacraments in the Easter Rites. The document is divided into the following sections: Preamble The Individual Churches or Rites Preservation of the Spiritual Heritages of the Eastern …

This document from Vatican II explains the nature of the Church and Its members. Sections include: Introduction Chapter I: The Mystery of the Church Chapter II: On the People of God Chapter III: On the Hierarchical Structure of the Church and in Particular on the Episcopate Chapter IV: The Laity Chapter V: The Universal Call to Holiness in the Church Chapter VI: Religious Chapter VII: The …

Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship Following the letter of Pope John Paul II, Dominicae Cenae , on the Eucharist this document was issued to summarize and correct certain abuses in the liturgy. Some issues addressed include using unworthy vessels for the Body and Blood, using unapproved Eucharistic prayers, permitting the tabernacle to be on an altar and the proper use …

This letter contains the following: "Seventy is the sum of our years..." A complex century toward a future of hope The autumn of life The elderly in Sacred Scripture Guardians of shared memory "Honor your father and mother" "You show me the path of life...In your presence there is fullness of life An encouragement to live life to the full