Note: This page contains affiliate links for which Catholic Newbie gratefully earns a commission to support this blog if you purchase items by clicking through. Thank you!
Books:
Check out My Favorite Catholic Books on Pinterest.
Basics:
The New American Bible – This is the Catholic accepted Bible, which contains some additional books that are not included in the St. James version. This is the one you need to follow along with all things Catholic.
Catechism of the Catholic Church – This is the official book from the Catholic Church which explains their beliefs. A must-have for every soon-to-be Catholic and those going through RCIA.
Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly – This book was a huge turning point for me. It helped me make Catholicism relevant to me today. Wonderful book!
The Catholicism Answer Book: The 300 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Kenneth Brighenti Ph.D. Rev. – This answers any question you could ever think of about why Catholicism does what it does. It helped me understand all the details, traditions, ceremonies, etc. Note: I checked this one out for free as an ebook from our local library.
YouCat – A version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for youth written in an easy-to-understand question and answer format.
The Bible:
New Testament Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma
Hands down, one of the best books I’ve ever read that explains Catholicism’s interpretation of the Bible.
Read my Review of New Testament Basics for Catholics
Bible Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma
Gives a wonderful, very basic overview of the story of the Bible and salvation history; includes fun drawings to help you visualize the covenants and key events.
Catholic Teaching:
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre
Understanding how the Eucharist, the REAL body and blood Christ under the form of bread and wine, is foreshadowed in the Old Testament and knowledge of ancient Judaism. Excellent book!
7 Secrets of Confession by Vinny Flynn
7 Secrets of the Eucharist by Vinny Flynn
Mary:
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre
An excellent look at how the Old Testament and knowledge of ancient Judaism helps us understand the role of Mary in the Church.
True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Monfort
For those who want to complete the classic Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary.
Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom by Marge Fenelon
A practical look at how to live Mary’s virtues in your daily life.
Prayer:
The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours by Daria Sockey
A simple book that’s a quick read that will get you started praying the AWESOME Liturgy of the Hours in no time, so you can “sanctify the hours of your day” and join in the universal liturgy of the Church.
Saints:
Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux
A wonderful autobiography of a saint who refers to herself as “the little flower,” one of the least among God’s kingdom. I highly recommend reading it!’
Embracing Edith Stein: Wisdom for Women by Anne Costa
The Four Teresas by Gina Loehr
Rule of St. Benedict – Written as a rule for monasteries, it today is a wonderful guide to joyful and purposeful living through moderation.
The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila
Misc Books:
The Intellectual Life by A.G. Sertillanges (a 1920s French monk)
A gem of a book for those interested in a life of learning and study about Catholicism and theology. Offers practical advice for how to arrange your life, remember as much as possible, write and more.
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird
A great resource on how to accomplish Christian contemplation/meditation and the benefits. Wonderful read, very thought-provoking.
Slaying the Debt Dragon by Cheri Lowe
Faith-based financial strategies for getting out of debt from one of my favorite bloggers
Walking With Purpose: Seven Priorities that Make Life Work by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Great read for Catholic moms, free at DynamicCatholic.com
Apps:
Laudate – I love this app and use it to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. It also has prayers, the readings of the day along with the Saint of the Day, the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church and the ENTIRE Bible! Oh, and it’s free!
Universalis – Wonderful app to help you quickly and easily pray the Liturgy of the Hours. No confused flipping through a complicated book!
MassTimes.org – Both an app and a website that helps you locate mass times at churches when traveling
Misc:
From Bishop Robert Barron, this is an excellent website with free videos and articles, as well as a monthly paid subscription (which I subscribe to), offering you access to all of his films and studies, including “Catholicism” and “Pivotal Players,” as well as courses, videos and more.
Sign up for this enewsletter and participate with thousands praying the same novenas at the same time. This is a wonderful idea that I have really enjoyed.
Read the Catechism in a Year – This is also an email newsletter that daily emails you a portion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to read so you’ll have read the entire thing in one year. Great idea!!
Magnifikid! – A monthly guide to the Mass for kids.
Catholicity.com – Free talks from prominent Catholics like Scott Hahn, Father Larry Richards and more, as well as downloads of the Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet and free pamphlets.
Best Lent Ever from Dynamic Catholic (daily inspirational emails and videos during Lent)
Pius Media – A clever service similar to Netflix that allows you to rent/borrow Catholic movies. Great idea!
