GETTING STARTED AS A CATECHIST – from the Archdiocese of Chicago
An Ecclesial Approach to Catechetical Methodology
Catechist Websites for Class Activities & Formation:
SUNDAY CONNECTION – Good Gospel activities for various ages
Look to Him & Be Radiant – Teaching Tools & activities by age
The Religion Teacher – Activities, Lesson Plans, & Teaching Strategies
The Catechist's Journey – Activities and Lesson ideas
Catholic Icing – crafts & activities
Praying with Kids – Hallow blog
Inspiring Videos by a “peer” – Kid Catholic/Kinetic Catholic
Liturgical Calendar & Sunday Lectionary
FORMED Liturgical Calendar – Find content for feast days and seasons
Seasonal Faith Activities for Families and Children in class & at home
Bible Resources:
Good Bible Translations are the Douay-Rheims or the RSV. The NAB is the translation used for the lectionary (the readings we hear at Mass).
Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible – engaging for kids and excellent to play excerpts of the bible for them to listen to as it comes alive
Animated Bible Series – episodes to watch in class (preview before showing to ensure appropriateness and usefulness)
USCCB.org – The Daily Readings and The Books of the Bible
Biblegateway.com – multiple translations of the bible, can look at Greek/Hebrew words
Biblehub.com – good for finding cross references to other related chapters/verses; type in a specific verse for additional insights
Haydock Commentary – Catholic Commentary on the bible to aid depth of understanding
John Hardon’s Modern Catholic Dictionary – Definitions of terms for all things Catholic (click on the letter your term begins with and then open the dropdown search bar to find it)
What is the Lectionary?
The lectionary is the book that provides the readings from the bible that are proclaimed at Mass. The entire bible is not included in the lectionary; only portions or sections of the bible are read at Mass.
The Sunday Lectionary is divided into a cycle of three years: A, B, and C. Year A features the Gospel of Matthew, Year B features the Gospel of Mark along with John Chapter 6, and Year C features the Gospel of Luke. Each year the Gospel of John is read during the Easter and Lenten Seasons. The Weekday Lectionary is divided into a cycle of two years: Year 1 (odd numbered years) and Year 2 (even numbered years).
Catechism:
YOUCAT — Online reference book on the catholic faith, youth catechism
–USCCB Catholic Social Teaching
–Vatican.va – Read official Church documents including Encyclicals, Audiences, & Apostolic Letters
Daily Gospel Reflection:
Seasons & Feast Days:
EWTN - list and resources of important feasts and seasons
FORMED Liturgical Calendar - resources for saint days and seasons
Saint of the Day:
Faith Apps:
iBreviary – pray the liturgy of the hours, follow along with Mass, and view the complete text for the Celebration of Sacraments
Holy Habits – a Catholic habit tracking app to help you grow in sanctity
Discerning Hearts – podcasts and prayers on Catholic spirituality and teaching
Ascension – read along with Fr. Mike the Bible & the Catechism, daily reflections
Hallow – prayers, meditations, and how to pray
Formed – watch Formed content on the go
Amen – Free Catholic prayer app from the Augustine Institute
The Contemplative Rosary
EWTN – kids shows, daily mass, shows and movies
Relevant Radio – Catholicism 101 & The Saints Podcast
Shining Light Dolls Saint of the Day
MyCatholicLife – daily reflections and other resources
Classroom Management:
Reflective Music for Meditation and Music for Individual/Group Work:
Catholic Chants TV (Gregorian Chant)
St. Hildegard Von Bingen
Personal Development as a Disciple
Revive Parishes – particularly Discipleship with Julianne Stanz and Everyday Apostles with Ryan O’Hara – Personal formation and development to better share the Gospel with others