As the pandemic continues and with fall right around the corner, parishes are making decisions about how to re-start religious education programs safely and wisely. Among the options being considered are:
- in-person sessions
- catechists teaching remote lessons
- parents teaching lessons at home
- a hybrid or combination of some of each of the above.
The bottom line is parishes are looking for versatility and flexibility when it comes to using quality, approved catechetical resources with families during these uncertain times. With that in mind, I thought it would be helpful to provide a list of Loyola Press resources that offer the kind of versatility and flexibility parishes and parents are looking for to fit any and all format options.
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- Finding God 2021
- print or digital textbooks
- interactive multimedia; QR codes in the student book invite children to view videos, listen to audio, and enjoy engaging activities related specifically to each lesson.
- online At-Home Guide for parents
- online Interactive Session Reviews; results can be e-mailed to the parish catechetical leader.
- online review games: Fishers of Faith
- online single-page study guides
- online Activity Finder
- family catechesis adult component (can be led remotely)
- parent quick guide for families with children in multiple grades
- Christ Our Life
- print or digital textbooks
- online Home Learning Guide for parents
- online Interactive Chapter Reviews; results can be e-mailed to the parish catechetical leader.
- online review games: Stump the Shepherd, Jesus’ Jigsaw, and Seek the Word
- online single-page study guides
- online Activity Finder
- family catechesis adult component (can be led remotely)
- parent quick guide for families with children in multiple grades
- God’s Gift First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
- print or digital textbooks
- online streaming of program video series
- Confirmed in the Spirit Confirmation
- print or digital textbooks
- online streaming of program video series
- Sunday Connection—background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings
- 3-Minute Retreats—short reflections on Scripture readings
- Pop-Up Catechesis—my two-minute videos on various topics related to our Catholic faith
- Saints Stories for All Ages—overview of the saint whose feast we are celebrating each day
- Wanderlight: A Pilgrim’s Adventure—an immersive digital game to learn and deepen the practice of our Catholic faith
- Finding God 2021
It’s important to know that almost every resource mentioned above was available digitally before the pandemic was even on anyone’s radar! Using some or all of the above well-thought-out resources, your parish can build a flexible religious education program no matter what format you choose to implement this fall. For more information about any of the above resources, contact your Loyola Press Educational Consultant.
Thank you Joe.
We also use the books for the RCIA, Bridges to Faith and Called to be Catholic, any online resources for these two?
Blessings.
Thanks, Angela. Here is a link to online resources for Called to be Catholic: https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/religion-readiness/called-to-be-catholic/catechists-and-teachers/ and for Bridges to Faith: https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/religion-readiness/bridges-to-faith/director-resources/
I’ve already gotten my new Catechist’s Guide for Finding God 2021, and it’s wonderful! The QR codes are going to make it so fun for the kids to interact with, and the parent & interactive resources will relieve some of the pressure of remote teaching. Thanks for the great work!
That’s awesome, Kathleen! Be sure to update us on how you are using it and the creative approaches you are bringing to it!