Catechesis & Programming

In this renewed awareness of her vocation, the Church is also re-envisioning catechesis as one of her works in a missionary going forth. This means being willing to seek of the glimmers of truth that are already present in various human activities, trusting that God is mysteriously active in the heart of the human being before this has been explicitly reached by the Gospel. In this sense, she will find ways to draw near to the people of our time, walking alongside them wherever they happen to be. Catechesis, moreover, forms believers for mission, accompanying them in the maturation of attitudes of faith and making them aware that they are missionary disciples, called to participate actively in the proclamation of the Gospel and to make the Kingdom of God present in the world: “The Church’s closeness to Jesus is part of a common journey; ‘communion and mission are profoundly interconnected.

from the General Directory for Catechesis #50

The Office for Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults is responsible for promoting adolescent catechesis for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. In the context of youth ministry within our diocese, adolescent catechesis supports parish catechetical ministry for youth in grades 9 to 12. Each parish is encouraged to have a systematic 4-year adolescent catechetical curriculum from grades 9 to 12 based on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) document entitled Doctrinal Elements for a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age.

Below is a list of available curriculums that are written to follow the USCCB’s Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age or Adaptation. While we have made an effort to include all of the major publishers, this is not a comprehensive list; it is meant as a starting place and helpful resource. There are also supplemental resources that could be used as parts of a larger curriculum or within additional youth ministry programs. If you are considering switching your parish curriculum, we encourage you to contact us ([email protected]) so that we can help you navigate your options and select what will work best for your needs!

Curriculum Suggestions:

Supplemental Resources:

Virtual Resources

  • Click here for a compiled list of virtual resources and ideas