In anticipation of the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, share this biography worksheet about his life and ministry.
You can also download and print the biography and reflection questions below.
The Life of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
(1896–1979)
Fulton J. Sheen was born in Illinois in 1895. After becoming high school valedictorian, he enrolled in St. Viator College and then studied in the seminary to be ordained a priest in 1919. He continued his education as a priest earning two doctoral degrees in Europe during the 1920s. In the early days of his priesthood, he balanced life as a professor and pastor of local parishes. He was also a prolific writer of 73 books and became a renowned theologian. During the 1930s he began recording a weekly radio show called The Catholic Hour, which grew to reach an audience of more than four million listeners. In 1951 he was appointed as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York then became the Bishop of Rochester in 1966. Shortly after becoming a bishop, he began a television show called Life Is Worth Living, which reached 30 million people each week during the 1950s. He continued serving as a bishop until retiring in 1969, but he was given the honorary role of archbishop of a titular seat afterwards. His health began to deteriorate in 1977 and he died in 1979 while praying in his private chapel before the Blessed Sacrament.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen Reflection Questions
1. Why was Archbishop Fulton Sheen so well known in the United States?
2. What would you talk about if you had a weekly show about the Catholic Church?
3. Instead of radio or television, what forms of media do you think Fulton Sheen would use today to reach people and teach about the Catholic faith?
Download the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Biography Worksheet
Download the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Biography Worksheet, which includes three questions to help your students reflect on their lives in connection to his life.
Download the Fulton Sheen Worksheet:
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