Resources for Catholic Identity
Catholic identity is not simply one aspect of Catholic education. It is the foundation that shapes every dimension of school, parish, and family life. Forming young people in faith requires more than the transmission of knowledge; it calls for an encounter with Christ, participation in the life of the Church, and growth in virtue, wisdom, and holiness.
The Center for Catholic Education at Aquinas College offers these resources to assist educators, catechists, school leaders, and families in fostering a vibrant Catholic culture. Whether you are seeking materials for the classroom, resources for professional development, ideas for family faith formation, or a deeper understanding of the Church’s vision for Catholic education, we hope these materials will support your efforts to form hearts and minds in the light of the Gospel.
Faith Formation Resources for Home, School, and Parish
These resources provide practical ways to deepen Catholic identity and strengthen faith formation in a variety of settings. Designed for use by educators, catechists, parents, and parish leaders, they offer opportunities to learn from the saints, engage with Scripture, celebrate the liturgical year, and grow in understanding of the Catholic faith.
- Year of Saint Joseph Resource The Resource for the Year of St. Joseph provides prayers to share, artwork to enjoy, scripture and thoughts for prayerful consideration and activities that can be adapted to home, school and parish.
- The Saints Speak to Us! Quote-a-Day for November This resource provides a quote each day from one of the saints who teach by their example and their words.
- Saints Posters This resource will help students grow in knowledge and love of the saints, so that they may imitate them and become the saints God created them to be.
- Black History Month Resource Highlighting the role of African American Catholics in the United States, this resource aims to aid teachers and catechists in planning activities and/or content.
Understanding the Mission of Catholic Education
Catholic schools participate in the Church’s mission of evangelization and discipleship. The following resources explore the purpose, identity, and distinctive character of Catholic education as articulated in Church teaching and educational practice. They are especially helpful for teachers, administrators, school boards, and anyone involved in the leadership of Catholic schools.
- The Mission and Identity of Catholic Schools: A Reflective Resource for Educators
- Timeline of Major Church Documents relating to Catechetics and Catholic Education
- The Nature, Mission and Identity of the Catholic School
- A Model for Catholic Identity across the Curriculum
- Catholic Schools Week: The Saints on Teaching and Learning
Study Guides for Professional and Personal Formation
These guides were created to encourage deeper engagement with key Church documents on Catholic education. They may be used for faculty formation, professional development programs, parish discussions, leadership training, or individual study. The questions and reflections provide practical ways to connect the Church’s teaching with the daily work of Catholic education and formation.
Catholic identity flourishes when it is intentionally cultivated in classrooms, homes, parishes, and communities. We invite you to explore these resources, share them with others, and draw upon the wisdom of the Church as you participate in the important work of forming the next generation in faith, truth, and virtue.