Among the Wonderful:
Video Archive

In case you missed one of the videos we have featured on our homepage or would like to see one again, here they are in category order. 

Among the Wonderful refers to the Decree on the Media of Social Communications of the Second Vatican Council, Inter Mirifica.  Although it predates the Internet, the document encourages the use of technology for "entertainment and instruction as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of God" (2).
 

• Consider downloading the Gregorian Institute at Benedictine College poll of What is your favorite “Proudly Catholic” Movie?

 

• Consider showing video clips that are pertinent to the catechetical topic rather than showing an entire movie.

 

Seasonal	Church
Morality	Mary/Saints
Scripture	Sacraments/Liturgy
Prayer/Reflection	Theology

Seasonally Themed

Advent

• Advent In Two Minutes: a refresher course on Advent from Busted Halo.
• Las Posadas: (in Spanish only) reflects on the significance of celebrating Las Posadas in the United States and reminds us of our responsibility to welcome the world’s most vulnerable.
• Luchando Cantando: Advent Hope for Trying Times -   four songs for each week of Advent as a gift of comfort, challenge, and hope from the Hispanic Theology and Ministry Program of Catholic Theological Union.
• Making Advent a More Holy Season: tips for entering into the spirit of Advent.
• The Spirituality of Advent: Father Robert Barron discusses some Advent themes.
• What is Advent?  It's about waiting, not being bored!
• What is Advent?  a historical overview (Includes the Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches)
• What is Advent? a contemporary look at the meaning of Advent.
• You Don't Know Jack about Advent: Father Jack from BustedHalo is on the case to understand Advent.

Christmas

• A Social Network Christmas: how the story of the nativity might have read had a social network existed at the time of Jesus' birth.
• Arts and Faith: meditating on the Christmas mystery using a nativity scene.
• Christmas in a Nutshell: the best gift of Christmas that keeps on giving.
• He Came: a Christmas reflection.
• He Came Down: a Christmas reflection with children with disabilities.
• InstaChristmas: the Christmas story from an Instagram perspective.
• Of the Father's Love Begotten: an ancient Christmas song.
• One Solitary Life: a meditation on the original by Dr. James Allan Francis.
• Santa vs. Jesus: is their a difference?  Yes, Virginia!
• Shadow Drama: telling the Nativity story.
• Silent Monks: "singing" the Hallelujah Chorus
• Leading Others to Epiphany: Epiphany contains many messages and images relevant to catechists. 

Lent
 

• Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes: from Busted Halo.
• Lent in Three Minutes: from Busted Halo.
• Ash Wednesday and Lent in 60 seconds - with LEGO!
• Be Kind: James Martin, S.J., describes three simple ways you can be kinder to others this Lent.
• Get Back on Track this Lent: Pope Francis encourages us during Lent.
• Go into the Desert for Lent: how Lent is like what Jesus did by going into the desert.
• I am SO Hungry: reflections on abstinence during Lent.
• Lent FAQ's: simple answers to frequently asked questions about Lent by Joe Paprocki.
• Lenten Reflection: Father James Martin, SJ, reflects on almsgiving and joy.
• Prayer and Lent: they go together.  A pep talk from Fr. Pontifex.
• Season of Lent: a video meditation on fasting and feasting during Lent.
• So What's the Story with Lent? explains what Lent is really about.
• Stations of the Cross: a puppet version of the Stations of the Cross created by Jesuit Brother Edward Sheehy, edited and produced by Yvonne Balcer and filmed at St. Peter's Church, Jersey City, NJ.
• Stations of the Cross: take a walk with Jesus in these Busted Halo prayer videos.
• This Time Of Forty Days by Nick Alexander, a Catholic artist.
• What is Lent?: Cardinal Dolan reflects on the meaning of Lent.
• You Don't Know Jack about Lent: Fr. Jack takes a look at Lent with his on the street commentary.
• What is Lent all about? What does Baptism have to do with the season of Lent? a project of St. Augustine and Ascension youth ministry, Baltimore, MD.
• Why Do Catholics Give Up Meat During Lent? Sister B answers this baffling question.

Holy Week/Easter/Pentecost

• Arts and Faith: Easter: a look at Easter through the lens of great art.
• Arts and Faith: Palm Sunday: a look at Palm Sunday through the lens of great art.
• Christ is Risen: a look at Christ's passion and resurrection using social media and scripture.
• Easter Reflection: a reflection from Fr. Tom Rosica, CSB, on Easter.
• Egg: An Easter Meditation -- a poetic reflection on what the egg teaches us about the Resurrection of Christ.
• Holy Week in Two Minutes: fast-paced look at the liturgies of Holy Week.
• It's Pentecost: what the feast of Pentecost can mean in our lives.
• Holy Week Reflection: a reflection from Fr. Tom Rosica, CSB, on Holy Week.
• Pentecost in Two Minutes: this video explains what behind the feast of Pentecost.
• The Appearance of Christ on the Road to Emmaus: tells a version of the gospel with real actors.
• The Story of Pentecost: an engaging retelling of Pentecost using lots of creativity.
   

Other Feasts/Seasons

• Christ the King: images to inspire and to help you pray.
• Halloween and the Saints: Fr. James Martin describes the connections between the Saints and All Saints Day, including canonization process, patron saints, and highlights of various individual saints.
• New Year Prayer: a video prayer meditation exploring what to ask God for in the New Year.
• Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: from Catholic Online.
• St. Valentine: about this misunderstood martyr.
• What's a Mother's Love All About: a reflection that, no matter where a mother is from, or her circumstances, all mother's want the same things for their children.
• Liturgical Calendar: everything you need to know about the Church year.

Church
 

• Who is Pope Francis? a slideshow video biography of Pope Francis.
• The eight most powerful moments of Pope Francis' visit to the United States
• What is a Synod? explains the meaning and workings of a synod of bishops.
• The Marks of the Church: what does one, holy, catholic and apostolic mean?
• Pope Francis: learn more about Pope Francis, in cartoon format.
• Sisters of Charity Rebuilding Lives with Love: the bicentennial of the Sister of Charity of New York.

Morality

• A Crime Against Humanity: a video on human trafficking by Catholic Relief Services.
• Catholic Teaching on Welcoming Refugees: Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Peter Turkson and Archbishop José Gomez, reflect on Church teaching related to welcoming refugees.
• Dos and Don'ts of the Corporal Works of Mercy: tips on how NOT to be merciful.
• You Don't Know Jack!...about Sin: a discussion starter about sin.
• Care for God's Creation: the Christian call to care for the earth.
• Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, and Keep Your Day Job.
• 10 Things You Might Not Know about Catholics: a good discussion starter.
• Seven Corporal Works of Mercy: video slideshow.
• Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy: all the corporal/spiritual works of mercy in the life of a teen.
• The Power of Your Purchase: behind the things we buy is the story of a human person; from CRS.

Mary and the Saints

• 10 Things about Saints You May Not Know: ten unusual stories about saints are shown in this short video.
• All Saints Day: musical presentation of the saints.
• All Souls Day: a video on the practice of praying for the dead on All Souls Day.
• How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints?: a look at the process from Busted Halo.
• Live Like the Saints: a music video inspiring us to live like saints.
• Mary in Two Minutes: why is Mary important to Catholics?
• St John Bosco: a look at John Bosco's life and ministry of service to youth.
• St. Christina the Astonishing: the story of a "spooky saint," but the patron of the mentally ill.
• Sts. Cyril and Methodius: the story of their life and relationship.
• St. Junipero Serra: the life and story of an American Franciscan saint.
• The Saint Song: an amusing song that names quite a number of our saints.
• The Secret of St. Francis: a meditation on the charism of Francis of Assisi.
• Who Cares about the Saints? Fr. James Martin introduces his favorite saints.  From Loyola Productions.
• The Rosary in Two Minutes: a quick overview of this traditional Catholic prayer.
• The Saint Song: A short song naming over a hundred saints, sung to the tune of a popular Gilbert and Sullivan song (also known as 'The Element Song by Tom Lehrer).
• Who Cares about the Saints? Mother Teresa with Fr. Jim Martin

Scripture Related

• The Beatitudes: explore the Beatitudes depicted in Matthew's Gospel.
• Bible in a minute?: you decide.
• Cast your Nets: a reflection on how God is asking you to deepen your ministry.
• Come Home: a contemporary re-telling of the parable of the Prodigal Son.
• Google is for web search: Jesus is the search for more.
• God's Story: cartoons retelling of Biblical stories.
• Jesus in the Desert: a cartoon video of what it might have been like for Jesus in the desert for 40 days.
• The Good Samaritan: the story of the Good Samaritan told in rap.
• Kid's Bible Stories: the parable of the unmerciful servant as told by kids and acted by adults.
• The Parable of the Talents: a retelling of the parable of Jesus found in Matthew 25:14-30.
• Prodigal Son: a short film about the prodigal son performed by children.
• Psalm 23: a reading of Psalm 23.
• The Acts of the Apostles in Three Minutes: an engaging outline of the book of Acts.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls Online: an introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their availability on the web.
• When God's Love Takes Over: a reflection on the parable of the prodigal son.
• Why Does Jesus Ask Peter 3 Times, "Do You Love Me?": find out the reason behind Jesus' "Do you love me?" triple-questioning as well as an overview of biblical numbers.
• Zombies vs. Jesus: zombies as a metaphor for sin.

Sacraments/Liturgy

 

• Confession: Matt Weber describes his feelings about going to Confession.
• Sacraments and Sacramentals: insight into what sacramentality means in the Catholic Church.
• The Seven Sacraments:  a brief overview of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church and the purpose each serves.
• Reflections on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: impact of the document that shaped our liturgy.
• This Sacred Council: looks at the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, promulgated on December 4, 1963, was the first document of the Second Vatican Council.

 

• Sacraments 101: Baptism -- what is baptism about?  why infant baptism?

• Why is Confirmation Important?: looks at the why we are confirmed, its importance and how it helps the Christian.

• Sacraments 201: Eucharist -- what we believe.
• Origins of the Mass: an artsy presentation.
• Eucharist -- God's Way of Embracing Us: Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI speaks of God's Eucharistic embrace.
• The Eucharist: explains the connection between Original Sin, Christ’s death and Resurrection, and the Mass.
• The Altar Server: confessions of an altar server, a reflection on what it means to assist at Mass as an altar server.

• As the Family Goes: a reconciliation video looking at the consequences of sin and the hope of breaking free.
• Why do we have to Confess our Sins to a Priest? Answers the age-old question.

• Consider a Catholic Vocation: Single, married, religious life and priesthood.
• What Happens at a Catholic Wedding: a Catholic wedding is more than romance and legality.
• Made for Life: A Catechetical and Educational Aid on the Gift of Children and the Indispensable Place of Fathers and Mothers in Marriage and Society.
• Made for Each Other: explains how sexual difference is essential to marriage.

Prayer/Reflection
 

• A Word with Weber: Appreciation -- some inspiration to appreciate those around us.
• Appeal to Jesus: a meditation/prayer inspired by James Alberione.
• A Prayer for Rest: a prayer for rest, perfect for any of us who need to pause in a hectic season.
• Beginning of Holiness: a reflection in the words of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
• Being Human: what would you do if you lost your job?
• Call to Prayer: The U.S. Catholic Bishops have called for a nationwide effort to advance a movement for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty through prayer, penance, and sacrifice.
• Christ Has No Online Presence But Yours: a prayer/reflection on the prayer by Meredith Gould.
• Come to the Water: a reflection.
• Conversación: A young man meets Jesus and confronts him with questions about the harsh injustice of illness, loneliness and helplessness in the face of pain.  In Spanish with subtitles.
• Disturb Us, O Lord: a contemporary take on the prayer by Sir Francis Drake.
• God Whispers: Where are we looking for God?
• Forgiveness: a story about forgiveness and a musical reflection.
• Get Service: what would happen if we could see others more as God sees them.
• He will Raise You Up: a reflection using music from this popular liturgical song.
• Holy Mystery: a song of reflection by Monica Brown.
• How am I Supposed to Pray?  Suggestions to help you pray.
• How to Create a Prayer Space for the Catechetical Classroom: prayer spaces are important.  Here's how.
• Making the right choices, an Ignatian guide: Ignatian discernment explained.
• Meet Mary: about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
• The Pope Video: Pope's monthly prayer intentions from the Apostleship of Prayer.
• Prayer of St. Francis: a meditation on the peace prayer of St. Francis.
• Praying with Children: Episode 1 of 6 which speaks about praying spontaneously with children from the Apostleship of Prayer.
• Prayer of Thomas Merton: a reading of one of Thomas Merton's best-known prayers with pictures from Merton's life.
• Prayer Shaming: students from East Catholic High School in Connecticut reflect on prayer in the public space.
• Psalms and other scripture: read meditatively with images.
• Taken for Granted: what would it look like if everything you took for granted suddenly disappeared?
• Thankful: a reflection on gratitude especially when we lose perspective.
• The Power of Words: don't underestimate what words can express.
• TED Talk: Pope Francis speaks about why the only future worth building includes everyone.
• The Time You Have (In JellyBeans): a meditation on what you do with your time.
• What is Gratitude?: a reflection on gratitude.
• When Coffee is Like Mud: a reflection on how God uses the physical world to connect with us (sacramentality), especially in the Eucharist.
• Why Do You Love Him? Some children challenge us with their answers.

Theology

• Can a Kid be a missionary?: what the Missionary Childhood Association is all about (formerly the Holy Childhood Association).
• Do's and Don'ts of Evangelization: examples of how to successfully evangelize or how to be a total evangelization failure.
• Explaining the Holy Trinity: an analogy, based on writing a novel, for understanding the Trinity.
• How Do They Choose the Pope?: a look at how the pope is elected.
• How Does God Reveal Himself? Catechism in three minutes.
• Natural Family Planning Explained: a Goodness Reigns video submission on NFP.
• Seven Great Qualities of a New Evangelist: Fr. Robert Barron explains the qualities needed for being a good evangelist.
• The Cross and Resurrection: Fr. Robert Barron speaks about the importance of the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
• The Trinity Explained in Under 3 Minutes: just like it says -- from Redeemed Online.
• The Trinity: explained by Rev. Robert Barron
• What is Faith?: some reflections on what faith is all about.
• What is Heaven?: teaches the Christian belief in heaven.
• What is the Holy Trinity?: a video that reflects on the meaning of the Trinity.
• What is the New Evangelization?: You will know and remember from this four-minute video.
• Why do we believe in God?:  Father Robert Barron discusses this basic question.
• Why I am a Catholic: a personal reflection of 200 words or less.
• Why I love Jesus and Religion: a counterpoint to the viral video, Why I Love Jesus and Hate Religion.