Catholic Faith Formation Resources

We see, perceive, interpret, and shape reality through our mind. Our brains process an immense amount of sensory information every second. Yet, our perception isn’t a mere reflection of objective reality. It’s a filtered, subjective interpretation. Our beliefs, emotions, and past experiences color our perception, creating a unique lens through which we view the world. "How we see is what we see." For example, when you look at a glass filled halfway with water do you perceive the glass as "half-empty" or "half-filled"? When you experience something, does your mind perceive the negatives of a situation or do you look for what is positive about what is occurring; or at least the potential for change? Do you seek to live a life filled with gratitude, or one filled with regret? Can you see that the glass is actually "wholely-filled" with water and air? Do you recognize that we all have positive and negative traits? Do you only see what you pe...

We invite you to review the PRRI report " Religious Change in America, " discussing the results of a survey conducted in 2023 of 5,600 adults throughout the United States about their experiences with religion. Follows are some of the findings presented in this report: * About 67% of the adults surveyed identify as Christian, with less than 5% of the adults identifying as members of a non-Christian tradition such as Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindus, and Universalists. About 26% of the adults idenfified themselves as "religiously unaffilated," up from 21% in 2013, of which 17% of these adults describe themselves as "nothing in particular," 4% as atheists, and 5% as agnostics. Four in ten of those who are religiously unaffiliated identify themselves as "spiritual." Only 9% of the religiously unaffiliated agreed with the statement “I am looking for a religion that would be right for me.” Approximately 18% of the adults surveyed left their rel...

[Jesus says], "But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” — Mark 7:20-23 "Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." — Philipians 4:8 "Our Life is shaped by our mind. We become what we think." — The Dhammapada Our thoughts matter. Many unintended and unrelated thoughts routinely enter our mind throughout the day. Many of these thoughts simply pass through our minds like clouds passing by unnoticed in the sky. Yet, those thoughts that we cling to or attach our mind to can shape who we become. For example, reflect on ...