In these situations, the family can discover, together with the Christian Community, new approaches, new ways of acting, a different way of understanding and identifying with others…
Amoris Laetitia 47
At the heart of the Catholic faith is the family and The Center for Catholic Education and Formation is committed to helping Catholic parents and caregivers share their faith and the love of Jesus with their children. The wisdom of the Church has always been that the “Domestic Church” (that is, your home) is the front line of growing Christian disciples.
Below, you’ll find resources for use with children, teens, and whole families that you can access digitally or virtually.
Resources
For Parents
- Videos
- Guides for above videos:
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
- Joe Paprocki offers 10 Tips for Teaching Religion Lessons to Your Children at Home on the Catechist’s Journey webpage.
- Faith Catholic has prepared “Homeschooling 101 for the Non-Homeschooling Parent.”
For Children
- “Blessed” series of cartoon videos to help children get to know Jesus, from Dynamic Catholic
- Loyola Press’ Catholic Kids section includes prayers and crafts for kids
- My Catholic Kids has made their children’s video library and ultimate Catholic activities freely accessible
- Tiny Saints is offering free activities and printables for use with young families.
- CatholicIcing provides Catholic crafts for kids all year long, and has a robust offering of resources, remote learning tools, etc.
For Teens
- Loyola Press’ Catholic Teens page includes resources on Catholic teachings, making moral choices, religious art, sacraments, scripture, and social justice.
- McGrath Institute has developed a Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts toolkit, using the lives of the saints for a guided reflection and activity.
- Teaching The Saints is a monthly workbook from the McGrath Institute that highlights the unique ways God calls Catholic youth to use their gifts to serve the Church and world.
For Families
- Praying at Home With Your Children is a simple, easy to use packet developed by Sarah Christopher, a catechist and Catholic school teacher in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
- Celebrating Mass at Home is a one page guide to help you attend Mass virtually during these days of social distancing.
- 52 Sundays, a resource to sanctify your Sundays as a family, is now accessible via weekly emails or digital download
- The Catholic Apostolate Center’s Marriage and Family Resource hub includes podcasts, blogs, and webinars in the spirit of Amoris Laetitia.
- RCL Benziger has a page full of free downloadable activities, prayers and resources perfect for the Catholic home.
- Loyola Press’ Praying as a Family collection includes prayers for families to use.
- Check out Busted Halo for videos, blogs, and other resources which can help you grow in faith as a family.
Questions? Contact:
Kelly Henderschedt
Archdiocesan Director of Faith Formation and Parish Life
Kelly.Henderschedt@aohct.org