Questions & Logistics
Practical answers for bringing Catholic Essentials into your classroom.
Is it really free?
Yes. The video series is free on YouTube. Lesson plans and worksheets are being added alongside it.
Where do I start?
With the Bible Timeline Overview. It lays out all 11 periods in 8 minutes. Then follow the School of Trust playlist in order.
When are the Catechesis and Formation series coming?
The Apologetics-Based Catechesis (30 videos) and Spiritual Formation (15 videos) series are coming soon. The Scripture series is being released now. Subscribe on YouTube to be notified when each one launches.
What if I have mandatory textbooks?
Keep them. Catholic Essentials is built to sit alongside the textbook, not replace it. Use a video to open a unit, and let the essential question frame the textbook chapter. The Curriculum Map cross-references the Catechism, so you can match lessons to the chapters you are required to cover.
What if my students don't have Bibles?
Every lesson puts key passages on screen, but students should have their own Bibles to read the actual text, not summaries. Getting class sets should be a priority for every Catholic school. Catholic children's translations work well for younger students. See Teaching Resources for recommendations.
How do I grade this?
Each lesson has essential and objective questions. Objective questions check comprehension and work well as quizzes or exit tickets. Essential questions suit written reflections, discussions and projects. The Before You Watch and After Watching worksheets can be graded for completion or for content.
What grade levels is this for?
The series is written for 8th–12th grade students and the teachers who teach them. It also serves parents teaching at home, RCIA inquirers, catechists and adults returning to the faith.
I'm not a theologian. Can I teach this?
Yes. That's the point. The series is designed to form the teacher alongside the student. Watch the lesson first, use the lesson plan, and let the video carry the content.
How long is each lesson?
Most videos run 6–12 minutes, short enough to fit a class period with time left for the worksheets and discussion.
Is this faithful to the Church?
Yes. Every teaching is presented in fidelity to the Magisterium and cross-referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Have a question that isn't here? Get in touch.