Council of Catholic Men Catechism and Bible Study 2025 December 17

In today’s Council of Catholic Men, we opened in prayer and entered a rich study of Scripture and tradition. We read and reflected on Saint Paul’s Epistle to Titus, exploring the qualities of bishops and priests, the call to sound doctrine, and practical guidance for every state of life—from older men and women to young people and servants—culminating in the charge to avoid heresy after charitable admonition. We then read the brief yet tender Epistle to Philemon, highlighting Christian reconciliation in the story of Onesimus, and began Hebrews, chapters 1–2, contemplating Christ’s divinity, his superiority to the angels, and the saving purpose of his Passion shared in our humanity.Our catechesis drew from St. Peter Canisius’s Small Catechism on the duties of Christian justice: turning from sin and doing good, the nature of mortal and venial sin, the capital vices with their opposing virtues, sins against the Holy Spirit, works of mercy, and the cardinal and theological virtues. We closed with a reading from St. Alphonsus Liguori on the martyrdom of St. Lucy—her steadfast virginity, charity to the poor, miraculous protection, and courageous witness—before concluding in prayer. May these readings strengthen us in sound doctrine, virtuous living, and firm hope in Christ.