The new Directory for Catechesis identifies three areas of family catechesis: “in the family,” “with the family,” and “of the family” (227–231). These areas recognize that all members of the family are on a journey of faith and that “in and among families, the gospel message should always resound.”
The Pflaum Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation Program flows from Jesus’ teachings in the Sunday Gospels. Children learn their faith—including what we believe as Catholics, the liturgy and sacraments, morality, and prayer—within the rhythms and seasons of the Liturgical Year. This approach supports and encourages Mass attendance and participation.
STUDENT LESSONS
Each Pflaum Gospel Weeklies lesson presents the Sunday Gospel using appropriate activities and stories. Every week, children proclaim the Gospel, and through prayer, song, and activities, learn the related Church teaching and doctrine. Bilingual lessons are available for all levels.
PARENT TEACHING PAGES
Parent Teaching Pages are easy-to-use guides that walk parents through teaching each lesson with step-by-step instructions, background information, and discussion starters for use with one child or with children of various ages. They are available in both English and Spanish. These, along with additional family resources, are available on our website (English, Spanish).
CATECHISM HANDBOOK: What the Church Believes and Teaches or Mi fe católica
The Catechism handbooks—one for each level of the program—contain all the most important Church teachings to reinforce, review, and summarize the lessons. The handbook, in English or Bilingual, is included with each set of student lessons.
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Are the parent teaching pages for home schooling? or at-home follow up/supplement to in-person class with catechist?
Julie, the Parent Teaching Pages are designed to assist parents who are teaching their child at home using the Gospel Weeklies. They could be used in a homeschooling situation or within a family faith formation program. Parent Teaching Pages are easy-to-use guides that walk parents through teaching each lesson with step-by-step instructions, background information, and discussion starters. They are a simplified version of what appears in the Teaching Guides for catechists and teachers. You may wish to send home the Parent Teaching Page when a child has been absent from class. Note that the Teaching Guides that catechists and teachers use are more comprehensive, so parents who are homeschooling their children in all subjects may prefer to use the Teaching Guides. I encourage you to take a look at the Parent Teachings Pages from the 2020-21 program year to see how they may be best used in your faith formation setting.