Catechist Resources: Printables That Make Class Easier

The most useful catechist resources are the ones that save you prep time and keep kids engaged: a clear lesson structure, a few reliable printables for core topics (the Mass, the sacraments, prayer, the saints), and seasonal activities that follow the Church year. Your parish textbook is the backbone. Good printables fill the gaps, give hands-on practice, and send something home to parents. Here’s how to build a catechist toolkit that makes every class easier.

Start with your parish program

Before you add anything, know what you’re working with. Most parish religious education programs use a diocesan-approved textbook series with a teacher’s guide. Your DRE or coordinator will tell you what’s expected each week, what sacramental prep happens in your grade, and which diocesan requirements apply to you, such as safe environment training or catechist formation. These vary by diocese.

Printables should support that curriculum, not replace it. Use them to review, reinforce, and give kids who learn by doing something to hold.

A simple lesson structure that works

Many catechists find a predictable rhythm helps kids settle in and keeps class on track, especially in a short weekly session.

Part of class	Time (60-minute class)	What happens
Welcome and prayer	5 to 10 minutes	Greet each child, open with a short prayer
Review	5 minutes	Quick questions on last week’s topic
Lesson	15 to 20 minutes	Teach from the textbook, tell a story, read Scripture
Activity	15 to 20 minutes	Hands-on printable, game, craft or discussion
Wrap-up	5 minutes	One takeaway, a take-home page, closing prayer

Shorter classes can drop the review or shorten the activity. The opening and closing prayer are worth protecting.

Catechist resources worth having on hand

These topics come up every year, in nearly every grade. Having a ready printable for each saves scrambling.

The Mass. Kids sit through Mass weekly without knowing its shape. A one-page guide to the four parts of the Mass, or a stand, sit and kneel chart, works as a lesson, a pew page and a take-home for parents. Our Parts of the Mass Children’s Edition and What to Do at Mass printables are built for this.

The sacraments. A reference sheet that groups the seven sacraments the way the Church does (initiation, healing, and service of communion) helps kids see the big picture. Our Seven Sacraments page is a one-page reference in color and ink-friendly versions, in US Letter and A4. Our seven sacraments for kids post has teaching ideas to go with it.

Prayer. A one-page Rosary guide with the order of prayers and all four sets of mysteries is handy for October and May, the months traditionally dedicated to the Rosary and to Mary.

The liturgical year. A chart of the liturgical colors and seasons helps kids connect what they see at church to what they’re learning. Point to the color the priest wore last Sunday.

The saints. Saint stories are an easy way to teach virtue. Our Meet the Saints Activity Kit has 30 saint profiles written for children, cut-out saint cards, a matching activity, a “Who Am I?” game, saints bingo and an All Saints party pack, for about ages 5 to 12. Its license covers one classroom or catechism group.

Plan around the Church year

Tying lessons to the season makes the faith feel alive. A few anchors:

• September and October: Start with prayer basics; October is the month of the Rosary.
• November: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Teach the communion of saints and pray for the dead.
• Advent: A classroom Jesse Tree works well, one ornament per class or several at once if you meet weekly. Our Jesse Tree Advent Kit includes a full-page poster with numbered hanging spots.
• Lent: Stations of the Cross, a class almsgiving project, and preparation for Reconciliation.
• Easter season: Keep celebrating through Pentecost. Teach about the Holy Spirit.
• May: A May crowning or a little classroom shrine to Mary.

Classroom tips that make every week easier

• Learn names fast. Use name tents the first few weeks.
• Copy ahead. Print the month’s pages at once so class prep is just gathering.
• Use cardstock for anything kids handle a lot, like game cards and saint cards. Laminate pages you reuse.
• Have a fast-finisher folder with coloring pages, word searches or saint cards.
• Send something home. A take-home page tells parents what you covered and invites conversation.
• Start and end with prayer, every time. Even when class runs late.

For youth ministry and older classes, opening games help everyone relax. Our youth group icebreakers post has ideas that work.

Printing for a class

• Check the license. Our printables cover personal and family use, or one classroom or parish group. If several catechists want to use a printable, each class should have its own copy.
• Print at 100% or “actual size” so cut lines and cards line up.
• Ink-friendly versions save on parish copier costs.
• Keep a master copy in a sheet protector in your binder.
• Re-download any time from your library card, including free updated versions. Everything lives in the Printables Library.

Gifts for First Communion and Confirmation classes

Many catechists like to give students a small keepsake at the end of sacramental preparation. Our Saint Amelia’s Gift Boutique offers hand-painted resin crosses with quantity pricing (mix designs and they all count) and a hand-crocheted Ave Maria keepsake. Our post on bulk religious gifts for parishes and schools has more ideas for classes.

FAQ

What resources do catechists need?

Your parish textbook and teacher’s guide, plus a few reliable printables for core topics like the Mass, the sacraments, prayer and the saints, and seasonal activities for Advent and Lent.

How do you make a CCD class fun?

Keep a predictable structure, add one hands-on activity each week, use games like saints bingo for review, and tie lessons to the season and upcoming feast days.

Can I use printables in my parish religious education class?

Yes, as long as the license covers it. Our printables cover one classroom or parish group. Check with your DRE about any program guidelines.

How long should a catechism lesson be?

Many parish classes run 60 to 90 minutes. Teach the main lesson in 15 to 20 minutes and use the rest for prayer, review and an activity.