Additional Resources

The list of additional resources listed in Appendix C of our book Thinking About Catholicism is maintained and updated here. May these resources help you on your own journey exploration as you walk with Christ.

These resources are listed in the following sections:

Web | Other Links | Podcasts | Books | Doctors

Web

Coming Home Network

Search for the “Coming Home Network” to find hundreds of people’s stories of realizing Catholic beauty, truth, and goodness. Their webpage is found at https://chnetwork.org/, and their YouTube channel name is EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), and a more specific channel called "The Coming Home Network International". EWTN provides much more information than just conversion stories, but if you search YouTube for “Coming Home Network Atheist” or “Coming Home Network Baptist,” or any number of backgrounds, you’ll hear people who often held similar concerns about entering the Catholic Church as you may. Some struggled with individual points of Catholic teaching, and some with a lack of support from family and friends, to the point of apparent family division. Many are former pastors from other Christian traditions who faced losing their job if they explored Catholicism. In fact, the Coming Home Network was established to provide a support system for converting clergy, as the founder, Marcus Grodi, had been a Protestant pastor before coming home to the Catholic Church. Read about him on their webpage in the “About” section.

Catholic.com

The home of Catholic Answers Live is at catholic.com. Here you’ll find many articles addressing commonly asked questions about the Catholic faith, and you can listen to podcasts.

Many of the hosts are converts to Catholicism who also saw the beauty, truth, and goodness Catholicism holds. They host live radio call-in shows and aren’t afraid to take on direct challenges. Most calls come from those seeking clarification of truth, or who are experiencing a personal struggle.

The show is successful because listeners hear their own life stories and challenges from others with similar experiences. The hosts are knowledgeable and empathetic.

Bible

Nothing replaces the feel and experience of holding a physical Bible. You can even stick Post-It notes and such on your favorite pages. But it’s not a barrier if that’s not an option for you. The Bible can be read for free online at biblegateway.com. We also recommend a guided reading of the Bible. The most popular podcast for this comes from ascensionpress.com and is called Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. In fact, this podcast ran as the number one podcast across all categories for a considerable time when it was first launched in 2023. It had the largest exclusive listener audience in podcast history in the US and ranked #1 in the Christianity category in forty-seven countries globally, according to Ascension Press. As of this writing, it has over one billion downloads.

Many non-Catholics also enjoyed this show. You can listen to the recordings at your own pace, and you don’t need to wait until January 1 to start. And don’t feel that you’re falling behind if you can’t keep up.

The draw to this presentation of the Bible is its inclusion of the full canon, covering the entire Bible in easily absorbed daily segments, and, of course, the wonderful, hopeful, and inspiring opening of the Word by Fr. Schmitz at the end of each day’s reading. Fr. Mike is also popular on YouTube for his Sunday homilies and other helpful content, which he presents in a relatable way with charm and wit.

If you feel inclined to simply start reading the Bible on your own, the best recommendation is to start in the New Testament with the Gospel according to Matthew and to continue from there.

A note about the Bible (including the online version mentioned): Make sure the version (or translation) is a Catholic one, such as the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE). It will have the full canon.

Of course, another direct way to encounter the Bible is to attend Mass. Over a three-year cycle, almost the entire Bible will be read at every Catholic church in the world, along with a homily on it from the priest or deacon.

Catechism

The catechism is available in online bookstores and perhaps at your local Catholic bookstore. It’s also available for free on the internet. It can be consulted like a dictionary to find specific, topical information, but if you’re exploring the Catholic faith, it’s useful to read it from the beginning, as it builds concepts as it goes. It steps through the entirety of the creeds and the Lord’s Prayer and relates them to our lives today. It can be found on the Vatican’s webpage at https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc/index.htm, but a more user-friendly version is on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops webpage at https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church.

Similar to Bible in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz also hosts a Catechism in a Year podcast through Ascension Press, available on the same site mentioned above.

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Podcasts

Considering Catholicism
A podcast aimed at people exploring the Catholic faith, often addressing common questions and misconceptions. It presents teachings clearly and respectfully for seekers and converts. Well suited for Protestants or spiritual seekers discerning the Church.

Bible in a Year (with Jeff Cavins & Fr. Mike Schmitz)
The most successful religious podcast of all time, and often #1 in all podcast categories on Apple Podcasts. Over one billion downloads. This podcast walks listeners through the entire Bible using a structured reading plan and daily reflections. It connects the big story of salvation history in a clear, accessible way. Ideal for anyone who wants a guided, manageable way to read Scripture consistently. Listeners can proceed at their own pace and can begin any day of the year.

Stand, Kneel, Now What?
A podcast designed especially for people exploring Catholicism from other Christian traditions. It breaks down what happens at Mass and why Catholics do what they do. Perfect for Protestants or seekers who want practical explanations in a welcoming tone.

Crash Course Catholicism
Hosted by Dr. Caitlin West, this podcast offers short, accessible lessons on core Catholic teachings and Scripture in easy-to-digest episodes. Each show explains Church doctrine, biblical foundations, and practical faith questions in a friendly way. It’s perfect for newcomers or anyone who wants a clear, structured introduction to Catholic beliefs.

The Catholic Talk Show
A lively, conversational podcast hosted by priests who tackle theology, Church history, saints, and current issues. It blends solid teaching with humor and accessibility. Great for listeners who enjoy learning in an engaging, relaxed format.

Abiding Together
A women-focussed podcast focused on prayer, Scripture, and authentic Catholic living. It explores spiritual growth, relationships, and healing with warmth and vulnerability. Especially helpful for women seeking deeper intimacy with Christ in everyday life.

The SEEK Podcast (Unwritten Podcast)
Designed especially for young adults and college-age listeners, it addresses faith, identity, relationships, and discipleship. It features testimonies and practical encouragement for living boldly as a Christian. Ideal for those navigating early adulthood with faith questions.

Lizzie’s Answers
Hosted by a young adult Catholic convert who reflects on faith, philosophy, culture, and personal growth. Thoughtful and honest, often addressing questions young adults wrestle with. Especially helpful for those discerning Catholicism from a non-Catholic or secular background.

The Catholic Gentleman
Focused on helping men grow in virtue, leadership, and spiritual strength. It combines practical advice with encouragement toward holiness in everyday life. Well suited for men seeking to live their faith more intentionally.

The Jeff Cavins Show
Focused on Scripture, discipleship, and practical Christian living. Jeff Cavins draws from his experience as a teacher and convert to guide listeners in applying faith to daily life. Helpful for those who want biblical depth with practical direction.

Poco a Poco Podcast
Hosted by Franciscan friars, this podcast encourages steady, practical spiritual growth “little by little.” It blends theology, personal stories, and simple advice for growing in holiness. Great for listeners who want grounded, realistic guidance in their prayer life.

Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
A daily journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church with explanation and application. It helps listeners understand what Catholics believe and why. Perfect for those seeking clarity on doctrine or preparing for OCIA.

The Word on Fire Show
Produced by Bishop Robert Barron’s ministry, this podcast engages faith and culture thoughtfully. It explores theology, philosophy, literature, and current issues through a Catholic lens. Best for listeners who enjoy intellectual engagement and cultural analysis.

Pints With Aquinas
A lively, conversational show that explores theology, philosophy, and practical faith questions, often through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas. It welcomes skeptics and believers alike into deep but approachable discussion. Good for curious minds who enjoy thoughtful dialogue with a touch of humor.

Ave Explorers
A seasonal podcast series that focuses on specific themes in Catholic life, often featuring guest contributors. It aims to help listeners explore different aspects of faith in an approachable way. Suitable for those who like structured, topic-based learning.

Catholic Stuff You Should Know
Hosted by priests, this podcast combines humor and solid theology to explain Catholic teachings and practices. It breaks down complex ideas in an engaging, relatable way. Great for listeners who appreciate both learning and lighthearted conversation.

Sarah Christmyer
A Catholic author and Scripture teacher known for helping people understand the Bible within the Church’s tradition. Her work emphasizes salvation history and practical application. Especially beneficial for those who want to grow in biblical literacy from a Catholic perspective.

Counsel of Trent
Hosted by Catholic apologist Trent Horn, this podcast addresses objections to Catholic teaching and engages contemporary debates. It provides clear reasoning and charitable responses to challenging questions. Ideal for those who want intellectual defense of the faith.

AfterMass
AfterMass is a thoughtful and encouraging podcast hosted by Ana Munley, focused on helping Catholics live their faith beyond Sunday Mass. With a warm and relatable tone, Ana reflects on Scripture, Church teaching, and everyday challenges, inviting listeners into deeper conversion and intentional discipleship. It’s especially well suited for Catholics who feel ready to move from simply attending Mass to actively growing in their relationship with Christ.

Sips With Sera
Hosted by Sera Chatfield, this podcast feels like a thoughtful conversation about faith, Scripture, and everyday life. Sera blends personal reflection with Catholic teaching in a way that feels warm and relatable. It’s especially welcoming for listeners who enjoy gentle encouragement and practical insight for living their faith daily.

The Cordial Catholic
Hosted by Daniel DiSalvo and friends, The Cordial Catholic focuses on conversion stories and exploring Catholicism from the perspective of people who came into the Church from other backgrounds. The tone is inviting, honest, and encouraging, helping listeners see the beauty of the faith through real-life journeys. It’s a great fit for seekers, converts, and anyone curious about how others found their way to Catholic belief.

Dr. Taylor Marshall Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Taylor Marshall, this podcast offers deep dives into Catholic theology, history, philosophy, and culture. Dr. Marshall brings a traditional Catholic perspective and engaging commentary on a wide array of topics facing the Church and society. It’s especially appealing to listeners who enjoy thoughtful analysis and want to deepen their understanding of the faith.

The Road to Emmaus
Hosted by Scott Hahn (often with co-hosts like Mike Aquilina and others), The Road to Emmaus explores Scripture and Catholic tradition together, helping listeners see how the story of salvation unfolds from Genesis to the Gospels. The podcast offers clear explanations and spiritual reflection that help Scripture come alive. It’s especially helpful for those wanting to grow in biblical understanding within a Catholic context.

Ask Fr. Josh
Hosted by Father Josh Johnson, this Q&A podcast addresses real questions about Catholic belief and practice — big and small. Fr. Josh offers clear, pastoral responses with a friendly, approachable tone. It’s perfect for anyone seeking honest answers about the faith, especially those new to Catholicism or still discerning.

Catholic Feedback Podcast
Hosted by Tyler and Blaise (and sometimes others), Catholic Feedback provides commentary on Catholic teaching, contemporary culture, and practical spirituality. The conversation is engaging, thoughtful, and often lighthearted while still rooted in solid theology. This podcast works well for listeners who want worldly issues discussed through a Catholic lens with depth and clarity.

Journey to Holiness With Amanda
Amanda Azeredo, a Canadian convert who shares her personal faith journey and reflections on growing closer to Christ, through testimony, prayer insights, and discussions about daily discipleship.

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Books

The Catholic Way, Cardinal Donald Wuerl
For adults seeking a clear, pastoral explanation of Catholic doctrine and practice.

Rome Sweet Home, Scott & Kimberly Hahn
For Protestants exploring Catholicism, or those curious about con-version stories.

Why We’re Catholic, Trent Horn
For beginners (or Catholics who want to firm up their faith) looking for clear, concise answers to common questions about Catholic belief.

Crossing the Tiber, Steve Ray
For Evangelicals exploring Catholicism; focuses on baptism, Eucharist, and authority.

Rediscover Catholicism, Matthew Kelly
For lapsed Catholics or seekers curious about living Catholicism in modern life.

Reasons to Believe, Scott Hahn
Corrects misunderstandings and offers thoughtful, straightforward responses to common objections about the Catholic faith.

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
Christians from other traditions or skeptics interested in the rational case for faith (not Catholic-specific but compatible).

The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, Scott Hahn
Anyone wanting to understand the biblical foundation of the Mass.

Catholic Christianity, Peter Kreeft
Inquirers and adult learners wanting a readable summary of the Catechism.

Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales
Any believer seeking practical advice for living a holy life in everyday situations.

The Case for Jesus, Dr. Brant Pitre
Skeptics and believers interested in historical evidence for Jesus’s divinity and the Gospels.

The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton
Readers who enjoy thoughtful, literary reflections on Christ and human history.

Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Those drawn to personal spirituality, humility, and trust in God.

The Fulfillment of All Desire, Ralph Martin
Anyone desiring a roadmap to deeper prayer and union with God, drawing on the saints.

Surprised by Truth, Patrick Madrid
Seekers interested in diverse, real-life conversion testimonies.

Evangelical Is Not Enough, Thomas Howard
Protestants considering Catholicism, and those curious about liturgy and sacramentality.

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas à Kempis
For those wishing to learn about facing our personal sin and liberation from worldly inclinations.

The Faith of Our Fathers, James Cardinal Gibbons
For Protestants who struggle with Catholic beliefs.

True Devotion to Mary & The Secret of the Rosary, St. Louis de Montfort
Two different books to better understand devotion to Mary.

The Early Church Was a Catholic Church, Joe Heshmeyer
Catholic witness of the Fathers in Christianity’s first two centuries.

Roses Among Thorns, St. Francis de Sales
Simple advice for renewing your spiritual journey. Very applicable for those busy with regular family life.

The Eucharist, Lawrence Feingold
A deeply grounded understanding of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist, drawing on Scripture, the Church Fathers, scholastic theology, and Church teaching. It invites both scholars and committed laypeople to appreciate more fully the mystery of Christ’s presence, sacrifice, and communion in the Mass.

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Doctors

The Church has Doctors? What is a Doctor of the Church? This is a special title given to certain saints who have shown extraordinary wisdom and holiness in teaching the faith.

The fullness of the Christian faith is simple enough for a child to understand, and simultaneously sophisticated enough to keep a theologian challenged an academic lifetime. We each find our own place of holiness somewhere in between, and the Doctors of the Church help us understand our place. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin docere, which means “to teach.” These saints are called Doctors because their writings, sermons, and lives help the whole Church understand God’s truth more deeply.

Doctors of the Church remind us that faith includes discovering the wisdom of God in every age. Their teachings help us to understand Scripture, to pray better, and to live closer to Christ.

There are thirty-seven recognized Doctors throughout the two thousand years of Catholic history, and they’re all worth exploring. Here’s a starter list of six notable Doctors and selected works for beginners. These Doctors’ writings (some mentioned in the Books section above) are all in the public domain and can be found online, and print versions can be purchased from bookstores.

1. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897). also referred to as "The Little Flower". Her writing is short, simple, and heart-centered. Her Story of a Soul is deeply uplifting and relatable. She teaches the “Little Way” of trusting God with childlike confidence.

2. St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622). His writing is gentle, practical, and encouraging. He speaks to everyday people, not just scholars. His advice is still surprisingly useful in a modern world. Recommended reading: Introduction to the Devout Life, which offers practical guidance for spiritual growth.

3. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582). Doctor of Prayer. Once prayer feels more natural, her writings open the door to deeper friendship with God. She writes with humor and humanity. Recommended reading: The Way of Perfection.

4. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430). His works are profound but can be challenging. The Confessions is a spiritual classic, raw and honest, describing his journey from sin to conversion.

5. St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380). Mentioned at the end of Chapter two, along with her quote, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Her letters and The Dialogue are bold, passionate, and deeply inspiring. She shows how love for God compels action in the world.

6. St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274). For those seeking greater intellectual theology, his Summa Theologica is vast and comprehensive. Catena Aurea is an excellent commentary on the four Gospels and draws from many early Church Fathers.

Note
There are countless sources of good information about Catholicism and the Church available everywhere. These lists aren't exhaustive and many more resources can be found on your favorite platform.

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