It’s OK to Put Down the Phone — honoring silence
Breaking the Addiction to Technology Within Catechesis
MICHAEL ST. PIERRE
I can still remember the Confirmation class I taught years ago. There I was, with 15...
Leading DRE: 3 Summer-Break Planning Strategies
Before you Pause, Look Back and Look Forward
DEANNA BARTALINI
The catechetical year is winding down. You’ve made it through whirlwind months of working on...
Two by Two
How to Pair Students Effectively in Religious Education
JARED DEES
“Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two …” (Mark 6:7)
“The Lord...
Notes to a Newbie Catechist
On Surviving — and Thriving — in Catechetical Ministry
JOY DAVIS
You’ve been asked to volunteer as a catechist. Maybe someone tapped you on the shoulder...
Teacher: “I don’t think I’m reaching some of the students.”
Whatever grade you teach, you may have a student that you feel you never quite reach. You notice the child's constant distracted look or...
Encouraging Young People to Discern God’s Call
Get ready for National Vocation Awareness Week
LISANNE V. JENSEN
As National Vocation Awareness Week approaches, how can catechists, educators, youth ministers, and faith formation coordinators...
Create a Portable Prayer Corner
I first taught religion on Saturday mornings at St. Lucy's, a mission church. My "classroom" was the kitchen. The room was equipped with folding...
Help Your Students Listen
CONNIE CLARK
The buzz was getting louder. I was showing a video clip in a parish hall full of middle schoolers, and as I searched...
10 Ideas for Getting Started
G. JOHNSON
I’ve been a catechist for 11 years. I remember how each first session used to bring me a lot of anxiety because I...
More Than Math!
How Catechists Teach Differently Than Any Other Kind of Teacher
Jared Dees
When I first started out as a religious educator, I used to be envious...