For Catechists and DREs:
- Effective Teaching offers inspiration and catechetical formation. This year, well-known author and catechetical blogger at The Religion Teacher, Jared Dees, is writing our columns this year
- Leading DRE is dedicated to parish-based directors of religious education and faith formation leaders offering advice and resources.
- Advice from Master Catechistsoffers practical and insightful responses to questions you’ve submitted to our Master Catechists. Here is a great opportunity for you and your fellow catechists to organize a discussion group, using these same questions for further discussion based on your own personal learning situations!
- From the Fieldgives you creative ideas that have worked successfully for other catechists just like you. Here is motivation for you to reflect on your own successful classroom experiences and to consider sharing those successes with CATECHIST readers!
- The Domestic Church encourages parents in their role in building a Catholic life at home. You are free to reprint this one-page and distribute to your students to bring home.
- Digital Catechesis– technology and media recommendations by tech-savvy catechetical leaders
- Book and Blogs– recommended reading by the Catechist staff
- Features offer formation and inspiration. Each issue highlights a different focus. This coming year, after our inaugural September issue celebrates our 50th anniversary, CATECHIST will focus on the six tasks of catechesis:
| Sept 2017: | 50th Anniversary of Catechist |
| Oct 2017: | First Task of Catechesis: Promotion of the Faith |
| Nov/Dec 2017: | Second Task: Liturgy and Sacraments |
| Jan 2018: | Third Task: Moral Formation |
| Feb 2018: | Fourth Task: Teaching Prayer |
| Mar 2018: | Fifth Task: Living in Community and the Mission of the Church |
| Apr/May 2018: | Six Task: Missionary Discipleship and Service |
For your students:
- Sunday Throughout the Weekoffers a reflection, discussion ideas, action items, and a prayer on the Gospel reading each Sunday, designed for you to share with your students.
- Crafts for Catechistsis a craft activity geared to sacraments. Step-by-step instructions, photos, and links help you prep and execute each idea.
- Praying with the Popeis a ready-to-use reproducible activity page and prayer that you can share with your students. This series, courtesy of the Apostleship of Prayer, builds awareness that we are part of a global church, as it helps students and catechists pray for the Pope’s intentions. Use it in class or send it home with them to enjoy with their families.
- Catholic IQ is a popular reproducible page of 20 multiple-choice questions about the Catholic faith. Students and families enjoy learning by using this fun format. Additionally, this year we are introducing an easier 10-question kids quiz as well.
- We Gather to Praypresents tips for praying with your students and calling them to personal pray every day. This year’s focus is on prayer and music.
- Celebrate Saintspresents a saint’s short biography from the liturgical calendar. It is written in simple language for younger students to read aloud, discuss, and do a related activity.
- Yes U* Can offers activity-based lesson plans. This year’s focus is teaching the Old Testament. Find discussion-starters and hands-on activities based exploring the
- Youth Ministry Chat provides tips and encouragement for working with teens. Our experts’ suggestions will help you flourish in your mission to youth.
New departments coming in 2018:
- Living the Liturgical Year – short lessons for feast days
- Engage Adults – dedicated to adult faith formation
