Advice on catechizing my little brother

[SaintBenedict]

As a result of the pandemic my little brother who is 6 will not be able to go to catechism class so I have to catechize him. He has never gone before and would be starting this year. I have never taught before so I would like to hear some advice on how to catechize a child from those who have done it. I also should note that he has some trouble with staying focused. I plan on using a traditional Catechism meant for kids and the Catechism of the Council of Trent to expand on certain things. Thank you and God bless.

 

[ThomasMT]

I’m guessing that you are familiar with the St.Joseph Baltemore series. It’s a bit of a revision of the original Baltimore 1 & 2, but the illustrations are unparalleled.

 

[1ke]

so I have to catechize him.

Um. That is your parent’s job.

I have never taught before so I would like to hear some advice on how to catechize a child from those who have done it.

Where are your parents?

I plan on using a traditional Catechism meant for kids and the Catechism of the Council of Trent to expand on certain things.

He’s six. That isn’t a good plan for that age.

First, your parish should have the resources they use and should provide it to your parents for home teaching. For example Image of God from Ignatius Press for grade K or 1.

 

[SaintBenedict]

My father is not Christian and he works during the day and my mother has to sleep during the day because she works during the night. Also, these are the only resources I currently have to use to teach him the Catholic faith, but my parish is going to give out a book but I need other resources too to teach him propery. Thank you.

 

[ThomasMT]

Your little brother is lucky to have you!

 

[Annie]

Teaching him from the first (number 0) St Joseph’s catechism is a good idea, and using the Catechism of Trent yourself so that you end up knowing enough more than he does to answer questions he may come up with is good, but do let him ask you questions rather than trying to give him explanations that are over his head.

Also, teach him other things, not just the catechism. Teach about the saints–children’s stories on his level. You can read to him these stories, children that age usually like that and it is good for them. (AND bible stories)

Also teach him prayers, the two of you pray them together.

Remind him of little things throughout the day. If something good happens, remind him to say thank you to God or to his guardian angel.

Remind him that God made things, like if you see a sunset, say "What a beautiful sunset God made for us!

If something bad happens, teach him to offer it up. I always use “All for Thee, dear Jesus, who has suffered so much for me.”

Most of all, teach him that God loves us and that Catholicism is not about following rules, but that there are rules to help us.

The most important thing to teach him is to be close to God, to Jesus, and to the communion of saints, in a friendly way.

 

[ruizmorelos]

All advice here is good. Teaching the catholic doctrine is sooooo necesary. Nevertheless, I thing in this age, is not enough. Even him being six, you need to talk a bit about general principles, such as “truth exist”, “the good exist” (they’re not just opinions) etc. So he can build a well suported mental structure where he can put all the faith knowledge.
Ohhh, and also, help him LIVE THE FAIT: take him to mass, pray with him, find someone or some charity to help.
God bless!