Prayer for CatechistsLord of faithfulness and hope, strengthen us, your servants, in our dedication to ministry. Grant that we always strive to share with others the light that we ourselves have derived from keeping your Word in our hearts. Let us gladly join each other and those in our care to bring your light to the world. You have created us in love; make us enlightened witnesses to the Gospel. You have redeemed us in mercy; give us grace that our actions and our words shine with compassion. You have sustained us in hope; strengthen us to endure in all times and circumstances. Bless us all as we live out our calling. Amen. Catechist Commissioning Service from USCCBEnglish
Spanish
"Using Technology for Biblical Storytelling" -- good ideas from Building Faith to get kids personally involved in scripture in a safe digital meeting space.
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A Video for ParentsMany parishes are asking parents to take responsibility for much of their children’s faith formation at home in lieu of in-person sessions at the parish. Joe Paprocki, from Loyola Press, has put together this 12-minute video to assist parents with doing faith formation at home. The goal of this video is to simplify things and not overwhelm parents with “another lesson” they have to teach to their children, but rather, to encourage them and help them to make way to have some special family time with our Lord. For Catechists Teaching Remotely If you’re new to this concept of facilitating remote lessons, Joe Paprocki offers this free video with you. It offers some excellent tips to get you started proclaiming the Good News of Jesus in the digital world. Be sure to check with your parish about maintaining child safety in a remote session. | ||||
Start your Faith Formation Year Here!
Are you a New Catechist?
Get a good start here! CLICK HERE for the lots of background and ideas on the "New Catechists" page here on Catechist Cafe. CLICK HERE for a link to the Loyola Press "Becoming a Catechist" page. 
Remember what it's all about! CLICK HERE for an article by Joe Paprocki on practical tips for keeping the focus where it belongs. 
Getting off to a good start
CLICK HERE for excellent tips from RCL for preparing ourselves, our rooms, and our lessons before our learners arrive. How to set up a Prayer Table |
Decorate your Room
Here's an article on decorating regular school classrooms, that is valuable to read if you have your own learning space and control over what goes on the walls:
"Dos and Don'ts of Classroom Decorations" From Catechist Journey: "Using Visuals to Evangelize in the Classroom" "Four Ideas for Setting Up the Classroom Environment as Sacred Space" "Classroom Prayer Corner" |
Back to School Blessings & Prayers CLICK HERE for 6 great tips for a Blessing of Backpacks . CLICK HERE for opening day reflection starters reminding children of their encounters with God over the summer. CLICK HERE for Back to School activities for Grades 1-8 from Loyola Press. CLICK HERE for a Prayer for New School Year from Sadlier. CLICK HERE for the Catholic Households Blessing and Prayers Prayer for Students at the USCCB website. CLICK HERE for a prayer service to begin a new catechetical year from Catechist Magazine. CLICK HERE for a prayer seeking Mary's intercession on a September 11 day of remembrance. 
Start off right!
CLICK HERE for a wonderful article from Catechist's Journey on building a firm foundation in your catechetical setting by learning about names. |
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"First Day" activity for primary grades "It's All About Me Tee" Poster. Create your template and then run it through a photocopier on large size paper. Have children draw and color their info, share their creations with the group, and then hang around the room. You can even customize with a section on "Favorite Saints," "Favorite Things God Created," "Favorite Bible Quote." |
"Getting to know you" activities for all ages! Find them here: https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/beginning-of-year.html |
FREE ways to take your programs ONLINE!
EmodoCLICK HERE to explore
SchoologyCLICK HERE to explore
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Google ClassroomCLICK HERE to explore
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