Here is a resource that you’ll find very helpful: it is a correlation of catechetical video resources for grades 1-8. While it is specifically correlated for the Finding God program, I have no doubt that the resource list will prove handy for folks using any curriculum. The list provides publisher and ISBN information to assist you in tracking down resources through your diocesan media center or directly from publishers.
Books
Finding God in the City of Angels!
Once again, the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress was an unbelievable experience! I can’t thank the staff of the Office for Religious Education in LA for having me as a speaker…what a privilege! I also enjoyed sitting in on some of the presenters…so inspiring, as was the amazing closing liturgy! Here are some pics: Introducing the new bi-lingual Finding God! With future TV star and LP colleague, […]
Intermediate Grades
Religious Education Family Mass
Yesterday, St. Cajetan’s hosted a Religious Education Family Mass to celebrate what God is doing in the lives of those involved in the RE program. All of the catechists were asked to make displays and we set them up in the back of the church. Before and after Mass, many people browsed the displays and had a chance to meet and talk to the catechists and enjoy refreshments (after Mass!) I had a chance to […]
Catechists in Action
Catechists in Action – Len Astrowski Shares His Planning Techniques
In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Len Astrowski shares some details about how he prepares for his lessons. Watch for the following: Len explains that he has all of his lessons on computer and makes adjustments each year as needed Len shows the outline that he develops for class each week and emphasizes that it is not “cast in stone.” Len shows how he follows the 4 steps of the catechetical process […]
Awesome video list! I’m thinking of using Finding God next year and this is yet another reason!
One thing I have noticed is that there aren’t any new Catholic videos or DVDs coming out lately… it seems that most companies are putting their videos on DVD, but not coming out with new material.
For example, Grandma’s Bread is a good video, but it’s dated. What is going on with no new Catholic media coming out? Any ideas?
I’m sure it’s not a big money maker, but religious education isn’t a big money maker.
It’s hard using old videos with kids because technology is such a big thing these days. I had a kid comment when I showed this Easter story video that had old animation in it. I know there has to be more to our faith than just technology, but let’s be honest technology is huge today!
I’m frustrated I can’t find new resources. Any suggestions?
I’m sort of embarrassed to use old videos!
Jenn, I’m glad you’re finding the video list to be a helpful resource. You are on target about the lack of new Catholic videos. I would suggest you contact your diocesan media center (or, if your diocese does not have one, contact one from a diocese that does, such as Chicago’s Jegen Center – http://www.jegen.org) and ask them about the most current videos available. Be sure to also look into Sr. Rose Pacatte’s Web site in which she talks about how to use contemporary media (mainly movies) for catechesis: http://sisterrose.wordpress.com.
Hi I’m Bobby I have been assisting my grandson’s catechism teacher’s for the last 3 years, I am 54 years old and was surprised by some of the questions the children would come up with. So as my CFF coordinator told me that we might lose 3 teachers this year and how she was praying for replacements I considered it and with help I hope to become more involved. I feel like an infant coming closer to God and my faith I feel a need and like there is someone pushing me this way or calling me. I attended Catholic school for 7 years but I’m learning more now and have a need to go forward with these thoughts and prayers. I have other grandchildren coming into CFF so I’ll be in this position for quite a while and need to learn how to talk to them in a way that they will understand and retain what we pass on to them.