Resources and ideas for "not in person" catechizing

We also share the school building on Sundays mornings and Wednesday evening. We will be following the same parodical as the parish elementary school. I have been in contact with the Panhandle Public Health Department as to our plans to open in September/October. Naturally, we will be following any mandates from the diocese and the current DHM.

As of today:

1. As Catholic Christians we are called to care for others, therefore, the learners/catechists will be wearing masks as the rooms we use do not allow a full 6' between learners. (This is also the plan for the elementary school at our parish) I have purchased masks for the learners that come without a mask

2. limit one set of restrooms to be used during the formation sessions - this way the custodian will know which set of restrooms to clean prior to the next school day

3. the cohorts will be by grades with no mixing of grades, we have different doors to enter/exit the building - so certain grades will use certain doors to enter/exit the building - thus limiting the amount of traffic through only one door - I have purchased non-contact thermometers so each learner can be scanned prior to entering the building - this will also serve as a means for taking attendance

4. no shared materials

5. each learner will have a drawstring bag that the text book, activity book, and pen will be kept in and all bags will be stored by cohort (grade)

6. after the formation session the catechist will spray the chair the learner has been sitting in with a disinfectant and the learner will wipe the chair with a paper towel

7. I have prepared a tote bags (from Hobby Lobby 1.99 each) that will contain paper towels, gloves, and hand sanitizer for each grade - see attached photo

As I stated, this is the plan as of today.... the local school districts have not release a plan as of yet for beginning the school year. I assume they are waiting for the latest DHM.

I have not released anything to the parents as to the plan as of yet, but plan to the beginning of August as I understand the Governor will be releasing updated DHM the end of this month.

I have been in contact with the catechists as to the possibility of using zoom to facilitate the weekly formation sessions if we are called to not meet face-to-face and have received a very positive response. The curriculum we are using for 1-8 is the Faith & Life Series published by Ignatius Press and they offer the lessons on-line that can be shared to facilitate a zoom session. We use Midwest Theological Forum and YOU for 9th -10th and Decision Point for 11th - again, sessions are available on-line that can be shared over zoom.

I am prepared to offer "homeschooling" for any families that are uncomfortable with their child attending face-to-face sessions.

I am sharing this on July 23rd - September /October seems like a long time from now ... I guess I would rather be over prepared and able to let up if the DHM allows than to be scrambling at the last minute :-)