Understanding The Lord of the Rings as a Catholic Book

Joseph Pearce, a prolific writer best known for his outstanding literary biographies, reveals in detail how J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous work, The Lord of the Rings, is at its core a Catholic work. Through linguistic clues and analysis of its characters, he explains the spiritual and theological depth of this masterpiece of English literature. With humor and clarity, Joseph shows the brilliance of Tolkien and offers all Christians a topic with which to engage others in conversation about our great Faith.

Forgiven - Parish Edition 6-DVD Set

Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession provides the Church’s teaching about the sacrament of Confession, including a practical “walk through” of what happens in the confessional and how every moment connects to Scripture, Catholic Tradition, and God’s passionate desire to be with you.

The 6-disc Parish Edition DVD Set includes helpful catechetical methods, strategies to promote Confession, and how to answer common questions.

6-disc Parish Edition session listing:

• Session 1: Where Are You? (31 minutes)*
• Session 2: An Encounter with Mercy (26 minutes)*
• Session 3: The Rite Explained (33 minutes)*
• For Children: How to Make a Good Confession (14 minutes)*†
• Session 4: Biblical Foundations: Sin, Mercy, and the Sacrament of Confession (65 minutes)
• Session 5: Answering Common Questions about Confession (38 minutes)
• For Parents: Preparing Your Child for First Confession (44 minutes)†
• For Catechists: Revealing Mercy in a Merciless World (48 minutes)†
• For Parish Staff: Strategies on How to Promote Confession (37 minutes)†

   *language: English or Spanish
   †session is not included in the Forgiven study guides

Presence - Participant Guide

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This Participant Guide for Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist is the key for helping participants apply what they learn about their faith to their daily lives.

About Presence

Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the “source and summit” of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and its members.

It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation. Click here to watch the trailer and learn more.

“We live in an age that does not orient the heart toward mystery. As a consequence, too many Catholics approach the Holy Eucharist with—let's be honest—indifference. The Augustine Institute has provided a much-needed tonic. Presence is a perfect blend of storytelling to fire the imagination, personal testimony to stir the soul, and theological instruction to inform the intellect. This lively and compelling series on the central reality of the Catholic religion is ideal for catechists, teachers, parents of children preparing for First Communion, and anyone who finds himself longing to love Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament more but not knowing where to begin.”

Presence (Home Edition) - DVD Set

Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the “source and summit” of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and its members.

It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation. Click here to watch the trailer and learn more.

About the Home Edition

Disc 1
Episode 1: God Is with Us (35 minutes)
Episode 2: The Story of the Eucharist (40 minutes)

Disc 2
Episode 3: Bread for the Journey (34 minutes)
Bonus Track: For Children: The Miracle at Every Mass (11 minutes)

“We live in an age that does not orient the heart toward mystery. As a consequence, too many Catholics approach the Holy Eucharist with—let's be honest—indifference. The Augustine Institute has provided a much-needed tonic. Presence is a perfect blend of storytelling to fire the imagination, personal testimony to stir the soul, and theological instruction to inform the intellect. This lively and compelling series on the central reality of the Catholic religion is ideal for catechists, teachers, parents of children preparing for First Communion, and anyone who finds himself longing to love Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament more but not knowing where to begin.”

Religionless Spirituality: Why We Need the Church

Renowned Scripture scholar and author, Dr. Tim Gray, provides a fascinating explanation of the importance of the visible Church and the centrality of God on Earth. He offers incredible insights that make clear the role of the Church as an essential part of God’s plan for salvation, which are sure to help those who have left her, or who mistakenly claim to be “spiritual, but not religious.”

This talk is also available in Spanish.

Preparing for Your Child's Baptism - Booklet

Baptism is a gift for you, your child and for the whole family. This booklet explains what the sacrament is all about and what it means for you and your child. There are also practical suggestions and activities for you to follow during the time of preparation and on the day of the Sacrament itself to support your child in prayer together with all the family. Make your child's baptism a time to enrich and renew the faith of everyone involved.

Ode to Saint Cecilia 4 CD Audio Drama & Discussion Guide

What is it about a modest young woman from second century Rome that transcends the centuries to move the hearts of the greatest artists to create in her name? Find the answer in Ode to Saint Cecilia, the dramatic story of a holy muse willing to follow the path of beauty and truth—no matter the cost. Her passionate love and inspiring story come to life in six powerful audio episodes with over 40 actors.

This 4-CD set includes a discussion guide that will help you discuss major concepts and themes from this unforgettable audio drama. Perfect for in the car, at home, and on the go, this audio drama makes the drive to school, practice, the store, vacation, or anywhere an entertaining time of family faith-building.

Click here to watch the trailer!

Episode Listing

1. Out of Time (20 minutes)
2. The Chord is Struck (22 minutes)
3. Tragically Poetic (22 minutes)
4. A Great Mystery (19 minutes)
5. Arise (22 minutes)
6. Untune the Sky (20 minutes)

About Augustine Institute Radio Theatre

Bold and inspiring, AIR Theatre takes storytelling to a whole new level. Dozens of accomplished, award-winning actors bring characters to life, and cinematic sound and music will quicken the imagination. Stay tuned for more exciting releases in the future!

Brother Francis 5-CD Audio Drama & Discussion Guide

Winner of the 2018 Audie® Award: Best Audio Drama

If you think you know Francis of Assisi, you’re in for a surprise. Discover the astonishing life of Brother Francis, the fun-loving son of wealth and privilege who gave up everything for the sake of Christ. As a young soldier, he encountered suffering. As a victim of war, he began a search for inner meaning that would redirect his life. As a holy beggar, he embraced lepers, shook hands with the Pope, debated a Sultan, and touched the lives of millions.

Now the power and passion of one of the world’s most popular saints is captured in this exciting 10-part audio drama from Augustine Institute Radio Theatre. Bold and inspiring, AIR Theatre takes storytelling to a whole new level. Dozens of accomplished, award-winning actors bring characters to life, and cinematic sound and music will quicken the imagination.

Click here to watch the trailer now!

Brother Francis: The Barefoot Saint of Assisi is an unforgettable experience that will inspire your heart and stir your soul.

Episode Listing

1. The Troubadour (22 minutes)
2. A Fool in Chains (26 minutes)
3. The Road Back (23 minutes)
4. Unclean (25 minutes)
5. Unshackled (19 minutes)
6. A Beggar Son (30 minutes)
7. The Rule (25 minutes)
8. Clare (22 minutes)
9. The Sultan (27 minutes)
10. The Little Poor Man (34 minutes)

This 5-CD set includes a 24-page discussion guide that will help you discuss major concepts and themes from this unforgettable audio drama