Resources

Justice for Immigrants (JFI) has developed a series of resources highlighting his commentary on this issue, including a discussion guide for use with immigration-focused and parish teams.

Amoris Laetitia is the result of Pope Francis' prayerful reflection on the discussions and outcomes of two synods of bishops held in Rome: an Extraordinary Synod in 2014, and an Ordinary Synod in 2015, both on the topic of marriage and the family. The exhortation is meant to share with the Church the Holy Father's teaching and encouragement regarding pastoral ministry to families, and what marriages and families are called to at this time in history

A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

From the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Available for purchase from the USCCB.

Benedict XVI's first encyclical derived from St. John Paul II's writings. This document puts "love" in a Christian context, examining eros, agape, and philia, and relates them to the love Christ has for the Church. Suggested for all young people, but especially engaged and married couples.

Pope Francis's first apostolic exhortation. Francis inspires the "New Evangelization" generation with this document by asking the Church to "go out" in "missionary joy." This is a must-read.

The Heart of the Revival email newsletter helps you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. It’s the simplest way to stay connected to what the National Eucharistic Revival is all about.

Plan Pastoral para el Ministerio con Jóvenes Adultos

The Vatican's website and downloadable leaflet for the Year of the Family. Ideal to be shared with parishes and households.

On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') is the new appeal from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet" for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility.

A joint report authored by the Center for the Study of Christianity, the National Association of Evangelicals, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Migration and Refugee Services, and World Relief, issued 2025.

Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry builds on the fine tradition begun by the 1976 document, A Vision of Youth Ministry. To respond to the new challenges and opportunities of our day the Catholic bishops of the United States offer this document as a blueprint for the continued development of effective ministry with young and older adolescents.

The Spanish translation of "Renewing the Vision"

In 1996, on the eve of the third millennium, the bishops of the United States promulgated "Sons and Daughters of the Light," a document on pastoral ministry to young adults. Young adults, who range from 18-39 years of age, make up a large part of the Church and have the potential to contribute greatly toward the Christian mission. Noting that outreach to young adults has been largely neglected in the past, and that young adults provide a valuable and unique perspective to and for ministry that must be seriously considered, the U.S. bishops aimed to create a strategic plan to integrate young adults into the life of the Church in America, by taking into careful consideration the various stages of life and circumstances in which young adults find themselves.

Christus Vivit - Pope Francis shares his insights on the accompaniment, engagement, and vocational mission of youth and young adults* in Christus Vivit, his 2019 post-synodal apostolic exhortation written “to young people and to the entire people of God.”

U.S. Catechism of the Catholic Church for Adults, Chapter 17

Read the 2021 USCCB document on the Eucharist, the doctrinal source text for the Eucharistic Revival, “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.”

The Vatican's website outlining the twelve ways the church can grow to walk with families over the Year of the Family. A great resource for ministry leaders and parishes.

The Vatican's website for the X World Meeting of Families, to be held in Rome in June of 2022. The website will have substantial updates over the next year until the event itself, so check back often!

The USCCB's website for the X World Meeting of Families in June of 2022. The website is expected to undergo substantial updates over the next year until the event, so check back often!

The USCCB's main website on the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family.

The USCCB's website for the Year of St. Joseph.

The Vatican's website including the Angelus text of when Pope Francis announced the Year of the Family.

The Vatican's website for the Year of the Family. It will be regularly updated over the course of 2021 and 2022, so be sure to check back often!

Tips on how to develop discussions on white privilege, on how to interrupt racial dominance, and develop strategies for liberation and change.

The USCCB's website on difficulties in marriage with support and resources suitable for individuals, couples and ministry leaders.

The USCCB's website on Domestic Violence Awareness, with support and resources suitable for individuals, households, and ministry leaders.

A framework for understanding and guiding the Church's efforts in its work with migrant populations. This framework relies on four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote, and to integrate.

A new pastoral care program we plan to bring to the diocese as a part of the Year of the Family. Find support and resources for caregivers on their website, suitable for individuals, households, ministry leaders and parishes.

In Firsthand: Homeless – The Migrant Experience, WTTW explores the complicated migrant experience through the eyes of five individuals who reveal why they left their home countries, their perilous journeys across continents, and the political forces that have shaped their new lives in Chicago as they search for housing, jobs, and education. Includes a discussion guide.

In Firsthand: Homeless – The Migrant Experience, WTTW explores the complicated migrant experience through the eyes of five individuals who reveal why they left their home countries, their perilous journeys across continents, and the political forces that have shaped their new lives in Chicago as they search for housing, jobs, and education. Discussion guide is available to download.

A primer of four lessons on the historical, political, economic and social conditions surrounding immigration; the ways in which the Church has engaged in efforts for immigration reform; and the key features that Catholic leaders believe should be a part of immigration reform.

This resource is a guide to using a Boston College, School of Theology and Ministry Online: Encore presentation as a conversation starter with members of a faith community. Each part of the presentation may be used separately, in combinations with each other, or in a sequence over a period of time.

Download Know Your Rights cards, flyers and other informative materials.

This resource provides an overview of parole, including the various categorical and group-based parole programs; highlights key policy changes affecting parolees; and examines the expanded use of expedited removal. The resource is designed to help advocates navigate these developments and effectively advise and represent their clients, including noncitizens in removal proceedings or in DHS detention.

Print free Know Your Rights “red cards” in 39 different languages.

A reading selection from "Here and Now" by Henri Nouwen, Crossroad, 1994, pp. 109-110 that is included in a Prayer Service for a Compassionate Heart by the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

This brief liturgy can be used is a variety of settings. It may be duplicated for free distribution.

Curated prayers and intentions for parish use compiled by the Office of Immigrant Affairs and Immigration Education, Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois.