Catechesis HELP please!

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Hello. My wife is very concerned with the state of faith formation in our parish. Are there any sound catechetical resources you could recommend? The books she was given by the parish haven’t been the greatest.
Another example is a Lenten retreat we had today for our parish youth of various ages. She said the kids ended up doing mainly crafts instead of learning things of substance.

She’s on parish council and teaches faith formation, but feels overwhelmed because she doesn’t have the theological knowledge and training. Could anyone please recommend some good faith formation resources and retreat ideas? She was hoping not to have to reinvent the wheel so to speak, but that seems to be the direction she is heading (ie, putting her own programs together). Thanks.
 
The kind of things that happen in psrishes. There are many people who come up to serve. They need not be necessarily the experts or very knowledgeable in the subject. But they should be commended that they are available.

In the situation, a simple option is to work in group. Many heads are always better than one. Plan a program instead of haphazardly. In that way they can cover a formation topic thoroughly. Depending on their targeted group, which are children I believe, they can seek materials on them. We did formation for adults but we also have children ministry.

What I’m trying to say, try to have a program for a specific period. That way, they would be more focused. Change to a next program after finishing with the first.

God bless.
 
Your diocese should have a list of the catechetical resources approved by the bishop. That would be the place to start. They may also have training-type resources available that would help the parish.
 
The first step is to speak to the Faith Formation office at your Diocese. They have a list of approved textbooks.

The great thing about the Church, we are not individual parishes just DIYing it. We are part of a Diocese and the “home office” has many untapped resources!
 
TheLittleLady said:
The first step is to speak to the Faith Formation office at your Diocese. They have a list of approved textbooks.

The great thing about the Church, we are not individual parishes just DIYing it. We are part of a Diocese and the “home office” has many untapped resources!
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In addition to what TheLittleLady said, the USCCB has a some very helpful information.
 
My mom was a catechism teacher and would go over saints books with class. They took great interest in that, especially learning about purgatory and apparitions.

You could read together as a class, highlighting parts to go over and discuss those parts together. Some good books would include Purgatory explained by the lives and legends of the saints by Father schouppe, The Imitation of Christ, the diary of St. Gamma Galgani, The Seven Deadly Sins: A Thomistic Guide by Kevin Vost, Introduction to the Devout Life, Story of a Soul by St Therese, etc.

I do think, however, there should be a solid book to go by as well. Other posters gave great suggestions. But going over some of these other more spiritual books could help them get more interested.
 
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I use the free materials from Sophia Institute for Teachers, such as their Joy of the Gospel activities, as a supplement to my parish’s curriculum. Lots of good stuff here. Also, for a small fee, you can purchase their videos (also available on Youtube) and assignments on the sacraments. I think they have videos for 5 out of 7 sacraments right now. She might want to watch some of their free webinars too.

They also have textbooks, so maybe she can forward the link to your pastor?
 
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