Beyond the Pew is an online resource and community for parents that want to give their kids a love for Jesus while growing in the faith themselves. We weren’t meant to do this crazy job on our own; God meant for us to be in community and rely on each other! We hope you find the tools and resources you need here to grow deeper in faith and love of Jesus, and to cultivate that same love of Christ in your kids. Sainthood starts at home, so lets make some saints!

Faith is the most important gift we can give our children. This October, we invite families to join in an experience of faith and prayer where we’ll enter into the “School of Mary”—the Rosary—and learn from her who Jesus is and who we are. Through videos, artwork, eBooks, personal testimonies, and more, FamilyRosary.org will highlight the importance of family Rosary prayer and help your family to enter more deeply into this journey of faith.

In a world gripped by uncertainty, we need beauty, truth, and goodness more than ever! Access the online retreats that empowered thousands across the world to reclaim hope amidst crisis and cultivate the art of being human. What began as a 3-night mission during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus is now a retreat series you can access anytime — by yourself or with family and friends!

This question is one of the hardest to answer, especially when our kids ask. How can God–who we teach them to love and who loves them beyond measure–allow bad things to happen? Fr. Mike Schmitz offers three quick reflections that can help you answer these questions for your kids. Being able to offer them an answer is especially important on days like today, when we remember the tragedy of September 11.

As an adult, sometimes the obvious has to ker-plunk me on the head, and when it does, it tends to leave a lump. In a good way. That happened recently when I came across this podcast episode from Edward Sri. Click to listen. It's worth it!

Ave Maria Press has new a Catholic podcast. AVE EXPLORES helps you see how your faith impacts your daily life with guests like Jeannie Gaffigan and Fr. Mike Schmitz. Click to check it out.

In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. It is a source of comfort and light. (Pope Benedict XVI) Consider spending a few minutes with Jesus during our Adoration times at St. Anthony. A little while in silence and prayer can turn around a crummy day, it can bring calm when you are anxious, and it can open your heart wider to receive God's love. Thursdays 6pm-7pm // Fridays 9am-10am // Saturdays 9am-10am. Click for links and resources.

This world of ours can leave us feeling mighty anxious, especially right now in the middle of a pandemic when nothing seems sure and plans for work, school, worship, and everyday living are swirling instead of settled. If anxiety is an unwelcome guest in your life, try breathing deeply through this beautiful, calming prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Sunday, July 19 6:30pm – Register (free!) to join our internationally celebrated presenters livestreamed from Christ the King Chapel at Franciscan University. Let us come together as Church, to be encouraged, and to pray with one voice to Christ to heal our world. Allow the Holy Spirit to breathe fresh confidence in your faith in Jesus our Redeemer, who is with us through this moment all the way into eternity.

Request a prayer, ask a question, join the movement: The Face of Prayer® exists for those in need of prayer, healing, and answers. We believe prayer is important because prayer is powerful and can transform everything. God always hears our prayers and wants to pour His blessings upon each one of us. Click to learn more.

Holly Ordway recommends 5 reads on WordOnFire.org, where she writes: The imagination, as much as the body and the mind, also needs refreshment and wholesome leisure, the opportunity to relax and play in healthy and life-giving ways. We need to spend time regularly in wholesome literary environments, where we can be refreshed and invigorated. Click to continue.

Through an interactive questionnaire, young people name the qualities that they identify with, then learn more about twelve saints who embodied these qualities. The resource also provides directions for a keychain activity where young people can create a tangible reminder of the insights gained through participating in this activity. From the McGrath Institute.

Whatever your family situation, there is an opportunity to find grace in the midst of this crisis. Families can use this time as an invitation to focus on our relationships and on building strong family bonds. From foryourmarriage.org, a ministry of the USCCB.  

A video from Fr. Mike Schmitz & Ascension Presents.

Things you and your family might do to participate in Mass from home prayerfully and well so that it doesn't feel like going through the motions in front of a screen. From Carolyn Pirtle, McGrath Institute for Church Life.

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. - St. Teresa of Avila. Click for ways to pray in Spiritual Communion if you can't make it to Mass and for prayers to help the world get through this stressful time.

In the Lenten season, Christian communities often take up practices of prayer that form us in love of God and neighbor. Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours is one way to praise God with your family, community, or as an individual before bedtime. This free guide includes prayers and links to video tutorials and music. Click to download yours.

Elizabeth Clarke asks: “What are you giving up for Lent?” In my youth, this question was fraught with the anxiety of choosing which I would rather give up for forty days: ice cream or chocolate. More recently though, I have tried to embrace the ascetic element of this liturgical season as an opportunity to examine how God is inviting me to let go and who God is inviting me to become. Click to read more.

Have a happy (and peaceful) Valentine's Day (and everyday) with this new app! Developed by two ND grads, the Hallow App helps you pray in peace with the Lord in as much time as you have during your busy day: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 30 minutes...customize it as needed. Show yourself some love this Valentine's Day and download the app. Take a minute (or 5) to give the Lord thanks for the loves in your life and open your heart to receive the infinite love he has for you!

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and it's coming up soon! For most people, Lent is the time when they give something up (maybe something to do with a dropped NY resolution). Or maybe they resolve to add one thing. The truth is, Lent isn't about resolutions at all. It's a journey. And it's one that you take alone (at times), with your family (all the time), and with the parish community (at really important times). Click above for more!