Start-of-the-Year Parent Gathering—Free PowerPoint Presentation

start-of-the-year parent gathering

As you plan for the new catechetical year, schedule a start-of-the-year parent gathering. This is a great opportunity to meet parents and encourage them in their role as their children’s first catechist.

To help you, I’m offering a free PowerPoint presentation, complete with suggested script, for hosting a parent gathering. The message it conveys is that faith formation isn’t just another activity; it’s a way of life. Support the domestic church with this encouraging presentation designed for use in any parish. It reminds parents to keep Sundays holy, celebrate the sacraments, engage in their children’s learning, practice works of mercy, listen, and nurture their own faith.

This year brings another opportunity for adults and children to grow closer to God. Start the journey by welcoming parents in a positive way. Just add coffee, treats, and comfortable seating, and you’re ready to go!

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

6 Comments on Start-of-the-Year Parent Gathering—Free PowerPoint Presentation

  1. Hi Joe, I am a marriage mentor in my parish whose job it is to prepare couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony. I think I have many opportunities to catechize the couples on the meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony and also prayer. I liked your Jesus Moments as a way for couples and families to share Jesus’ presence in their lives. Thank you. I personally love the Examen as a way to keep myself aware of Jesus every day.

  2. We are just about to start our first CLC Christian Life Community at our Church Sept. 1st. This group is a
    continuation of the old Sodality of our Lady, years ago. We are really looking forward to this group and way
    of Ignatian lifestyle. Prayers are requested for the success of this group of English and Spanish speaking persons.

  3. I have to say that I love all that you share with fellow catechists. However I have a problem I have tried to download the Start -of the year Parent GATHERING BUT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL I ALSO TRIED TO ADD MY NAME AND EMAIL AND LEFT THE WEBSITE INFORMATION EMPTY SINCE I DON’T HAVE ONE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*