Resources

for Laity, Clergy, & Curious Parties

The Alcuin Institute is pleased to host a variety of cultural and liturgical events around Eastern Oklahoma for the faithful. As wonderful as it is to gather in these sorts of occasional settings, we recognize that culture finds roots principally in the rhythms of daily life—those found in intentional families, friendships, and parish life.

Consequently, we have taken it upon ourselves to provide our priests, leaders, and lay faithful with these resources. We hope they will equip and inspire you to help us promote a stronger culture, starting with our households, parishes, and broader Catholic communities!

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Sacraments: Encounters with Christ

Catechetical Materials

What is Baptism?
Why do we need Baptism?
What is a Godparent?
How do I be a good Godparent?
How do I make a Good Confession?
What is the Anointing of the Sick?

Primary Sources

On the Mysteries—St. Ambrose
Catechetical Lectures—St. Cyril of Jerusalem

The Baptism of Christ—St. Gregory of Nyssa
On the Priesthood—St. John Chrysostom
The Orthodox Faith, Bk. 4—St. John of Damascus

The Liturgical Year

St. John’s Day

St. John’s Day (Dec. 27th) is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beloved disciple of Jesus. Traditionally, Catholics would have their wine blessed on this day for the new year, remembering the early church legend which said St. John was miraculously preserved from a poisoned chalice by blessing it before he drank it.

Alcuin St. John Blessing (EN/ES)
New Advent—The Acts of John in Rome
Aleteia.org—The Feast of St. John
CatholicCulture.org—St. John's (Mulled) Wine Recipe

Epiphany

Epiphany is a celebration of the Light of Christ—particularly as expressed in the story of the Visitation of the Magi (in the Western Church) and the Baptism of the Lord (in Eastern traditions). Why not take some inspiration from this historic feast?

Alcuin Epiphany Chalk Home Blessing
(Short) Alcuin Epiphany Chalk Home Blessing
(Breve) El Tiza de la Epifanía
CatholicCulture.org—Epiphany Home Blessings
Aleteia.org—How to Bless your Home for Epiphany
OnePeterFive.com—The Chalking of Doors: An Epiphany Tradition Explained

Candlemas

Candlemas celebrates the Presentation of Christ at the Temple, and has traditionally marked the end of the Christmas season. Since this feast was also historically a feast of purification, be sure to get your candles blessed for the upcoming year!

Alcuin Blessing of Candles
Catholic Answers—The Tradition of Candlemas
Aleteia—What to Do with Blessed Candles
CatholicCulture.org—Candlemas: Feast of Light