Theresa Civantos Barber

Berwyn, Chicago

Assistant Editor at Aleteia

Writer, wife, mom. Catholic homeschooler. Constantly covered in children.

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Articles

The simple morning routine that transformed our chaotic summer days

6 days ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

When the school year ends and the lazy days of summer stretch ahead, it's easy to let go of any semblance of structure. But I've found that my kids do best with some meaningful intellectual work early in the day. It seems to calm them and prevent the dreaded “I’m bored!” complaints.
Pope’s powerful challenge to married couples

6 days ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

We live in a world of widespread brokenness — broken hearts, broken homes, broken families — in direct contrast to Christ's deep desire that his followers "be one."Pope Leo XIV encouraged all of us to embrace unity in a divided world with his homily on June 1 for the Jubilee of Families. He urged all Christians to live with an integrity and love that makes our unity something to “proclaim to the world.” His message was clear: Keep fighting for unity, even when it's hard.
Open-and-go lesson plan for St. Joan of Arc

1 week ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

Ready to teach children about the brave teenage peasant girl who heard heavenly voices and saved France? Here's a ready-to-use lesson about this remarkable saint who trusted God's call, led armies, and changed history before her 20th birthday!1Share the story of St. Joan of ArcStart by reading her story, featured in Princesses of Heaven, Stories of the Saints, and many others. St. Joan is a very popular saint, so if you have a saint treasury, she’s probably in it. Don’t have her story handy?
St. Paul VI, courageous defender of human life

1 week ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

Often, a person’s path to sainthood reveals the heart of their mission on earth. For St. Paul VI, canonized in 2018, a remarkable coincidence reveals something profound about his mission as pope. The miracles that paved the way to his beatification and canonization both regarded the healing of unborn children. This seems like more than a coincidence for a pope who defended the dignity of human life in countless ways, famously in his encyclical Humanae Vitae.
One-of-a-kind Catholic healing center is changing lives in Texas town

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

If you or a loved one has struggled with an addiction, you are not alone. Some 48.5 million Americans battled a substance use disorder in the past year — nearly 17% of adults. Many Catholics seeking recovery from addiction would appreciate a way to integrate their faith with their healing journey. It turns out that a new healing center might be just what they are looking for.
Take this video tour of childhood neighborhood of Robert Prevost

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

Want to learn more about the early life of Pope Leo XIV? You’re in luck, thanks to a new short video from Spirit Juice Studios. You’re probably familiar with fan-favorite Spirit Juice, the Emmy Award-winning creative production firm specializing in the transformative power of visual media merged with the ever ancient, ever new beauty of Catholicism. But you might now know that they’re based on the South Side of Chicago, now best known as the hometown of Pope Leo XIV.
Catholic fitness app brings revolution in exercise world

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

Exercise transforms more than just your body — it renews your mind and strengthens your spirit. Now, one groundbreaking Catholic company unites this powerful connection in a way that's changing lives across the globe. Chase Crouse, Co-Founder and Fitness Director of Hypuro Fit, has created the world's first Catholic fitness and nutrition coaching program built on Pope St. John Paul II's theology of self-gift. “We aren't your normal fitness company,” Crouse said.
How St. Rita teaches us to hope

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

Four notable saints have the rather unusual reputation of championing “impossible causes.” Among them is St. Rita of Cascia, whose feast day we celebrate on May 22. She teaches us to hope — a virtue our world so desperately needs, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope. As a child, young Rita longed to enter religious life. But for decades of her life, that dream seemed totally impossible.
New program a help for men who feel isolated in their faith

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization with a 143-year legacy of service and charity, is experiencing a spiritual renewal driven by its younger members. The new Cor initiative — Latin for “heart” — brings deeper spiritual formation and authentic brotherhood to an already beloved institution for Catholic men. Cor, a flexible framework of prayer, formation, and fraternity, is designed to help Catholic men focus on Jesus by building Christ-centered brotherhood.
‘Young Adult Playbook’ looks at work, romance, free time

2 weeks ago | aleteia.org | Theresa Civantos Barber

In a world where young adults face unprecedented pressures and distractions, a new book offers timely wisdom for navigating the journey to adulthood with purpose and joy. The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters, co-written by professors Anna Moreland of Villanova University (Pope Leo XIV's alma mater!) and Thomas Smith of the Catholic University of America, provides much-needed guidance. It’s a great gift for any high school or college student, especially as graduation season is upon us.