Links

Third Orders are lay religious orders comprised of men and women who participate in the good works and objectives of the Religious Order. Third Orders are divided into Third Order Regulars (those who live in community and take vows) and Third Order Seculars. Seculars are different from Regulars in that they make a solemn promise (not a vow) and live in the world (i.e., they can be married, have families, work regular full time jobs, etc.) Below are some links to various Secular Third Orders.

Third Order of St. Benedict

Third Order Seculars of St. Dominic

Franciscan Friars Third Order Seculars

Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites

Trinitarian Secular Third Order

Catholic Media Resources

EWTN

New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia

New American Bible

Readings & Psalms for the Month

Catholic Digest

Catholic World News

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Code of Canon Law

American Catholic

Prayer & Spirituality

Divine Mercy

How to Pray the Rosary

Marriage Encounter

Liturgy of the Hours ( Divine Office )

Traditional Catholic Prayers & Devotions

Catholic Publishers

Liturgy Training Publications

Pauline Books & Media

Paulist Press

St. Anthony Messenger

Saint Mary's Press

Local Retreat Centers

Cranaleith Spiritual Center
A ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, located in the Somerton section of Philadelphia

Sisters of St. Joseph Spirituality Center
A ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia

Malvern Retreat House
Operated by the Laymen’s Retreat League, located in Malvern, PA

St. Raphaela Center
A ministry of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located in Haverford, PA

Looking to Volunteer?

St. Francis Inn
St. Francis Inn is located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and is operated by the Franciscan community. The community is composed of religious and lay people called to live and minister among the poor and homeless. They serve the poor and homeless through the operation of a daily soup kitchen, a thrift shop and a women's day center. St. Franics Inn is always looking for individuals and groups to volunteer their time and talent to assist with their mission of ministering to the poor and homeless.

Little Heartstrings
Little Heartstrings is an organization of volunteers that knit, sow, and crochet blankets, booties, hats, burial clothing and other useful items for babies in the NICU of local area hospitals. If you can crochet, knit or sew please consider joining their group.

Elizabeth Ministry International An organization of woman to woman mentoring for the joys, challenges and sorrows of the childbearing years founded by Capuchin Father, Rev. Kurt Gessner.

Catholic Organizations

American Catholic Historical Society
The American Catholic Historical Society (ACHS) was founded for the purpose of collecting and preserving materials relating to American history and the contributions of Catholics to the building of our great nation, as well as the Catholic Church in the United States. Founded in 1884, it is the oldest historical organization of its kind in the United States.

Ancient Order of Hibernians
The AOH is an Irish Catholic Frateranl Organization for men and women, dedicated to the principles of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Meetings are held monthly and membership is limited to practicing Roman Catholics of Irish descent.

The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, USA
The Blue Army is a world wide organization dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima that promotes Eucharistic prayer and the Rosary, as well as penance, especially the generous acceptance of the duties of our state in life. If offers a wide variety of spiritual programs.

Catholic Charities
Founded in 1910, Catholic Charities USA is one of one of the nation's largest social service networks. Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. Catholic Charities USA supports and enhances the work of its membership by providing networking opportunities, national advocacy and media efforts, program development, training and technical assistance, and financial support.

Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States. Its mission is to assist the poor and disadvantaged, leveraging the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to alleviate human suffering, promote development of all people, and to foster charity and justice throughout the world.

Central Association of the Miraculous Medal
The mission of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM) is to render honor to Mary Immaculate through the promotion of her Miraculous Medal. In Mary's Name the Association also supports the education of future Vincentian priests and brothers, its aged and infirm religious members, and its apostolic works on behalf of the poor.

Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

MOM - Heart of the Home Ministry
MOM - Heart of the Home Ministry is a movement for spiritual renewal in the Roman Catholic Church. It is dedicated to Mary, Our Mother. Through days of renewal and other spiritual opportunities, this movement rejuvenates, elevates, and empowers motherhood. Designed for, by, and about mothers, it builds community through newsletters and various projects.

Catholic Links

Index

Church Authority