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.  

Decorate your Room

From Pinterest: 
"Best Decorating the Sunday School Room" ideas!

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"

How to set up
​a Prayer Table 

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. 

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. 

We're here to help parents!

CLICK HERE for "Starting the Catechetical Year: Ways to Meet and Greet Parents," from Loyola Press. 

CLICK HERE for "Family Prayer for the Start of a New Year," with a printable PDF to give to families from Loyola Press.

CLICK HERE for "Prayer: Helping Children and Families to Pray, " from Sadlier.  

"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