Intro Truths
Scripture Saints
Culture Worship

Catholic Reformation—Study Aids

Saints and Heroes #8
Catholic Reformation
shows how the Church tried to reform itself in the century following Luther's revolt. Subjects include the Council of Trent, new and reformed religious orders, Religious Wars, and important characters of the Reformation era.
[1520 to 1650 A.D.]

Information Pages

These pages summarize much of the material needed to study for the Catholic Reformation review questions. Most are derived from Leading Events in Church History, saint dictionaries, and other public domain sources.

Read OnlinePrintable
Overview — Catholic Reform Before Luther
PDF
Council of Trent
PDF
New and Reformed Religious Orders
PDF
Saints and Heroes of the Reformation
PDF
Catholic Martyrs and Uprisings
PDF
Reformation Era 'Wars of Religion'
PDF

Printable Homework Questions

Worksheet
Recommended Reading

The following histories from Seton and Tan Books are popular with Catholic students but other Church histories cover most essentials topics. In addition to history references it is helpful if students have access to saint dictionaries or biographies.

Reading assignments from Seton and Tan that correspond to Catholic Reformation are given below.

CLICK ON COVER IMAGE or TITLE to purchase.

> Witness to the Faith by Seton Press
This introductory church history is written at an eighth grade level so it is accessible and covers most of the main topics of Christian history. Chapters relating to the Catholic Reformation Period (1500-1650) A.D., include the Council of Trent, the Jesuits and other New Religious Orders, Saints and Catholic Heroes of the Reformation, and Wars of Religion.

Reading Assignment:     Chapters 19-21 pp 277-315
(19) England Lost to theFaith, (20) The catholic Reformation, (21) Great Saints of the Reformation.

Church History by Fr. John Laux (TAN books)
This church history is written for a college prep high school audience and assumes a basic knowledge of European history. Starting at the dawn of the Roman Empire and proceeding in to the 20th century, Fr. Laux presents the story of the Church is a masterful and readable manner appealing to older students as well as adults. The period of interest for the Catholic Reformation unit, covers 1500-1650 A.D., and corresponds to 'Section III, Period One.

Reading Assignment:     Section III, First Period, chapters 3, 4, 5, pp 446-500
(3) Disruption of the Church in England, pp 450-458, (4) Catholic Reaction and Revivial, pp 458-480, (5) Leaders of the Catholic Reformation, pp 480-500.


The saint biographies and Catholic histories listed below are in the public domain.

CLICK ON COVER IMAGE to download an EPUB to your tablet or smart phone.
CLICK ON TITLE to read online (internet required).

Church History—Vol IV : Early Modern Times  by Sisters of Notre Dame
Fourth of a five volume history of the Church, this book covers the causes of the Religious Revolt in Germany, Switzerland, and England, the Religious Wars in the Netherlands and France, the Ottoman attacks on Christendom, and the work of true reformers within the Church to restore Europe to the true faith.


Online Videos of Interest

There are many online videos dealing with Calvin, Luther, and the Early Reformers. The following are relatively short and simplistic, vidoes on topics related to the Renaissance and early reformation era. Many are cartoon based rather than lecture based, appropriate for younger students and entertaining for older students: