Religious Education classes continue in era of pandemic

Although cases of COVID-19 are rising in the state, Religious Education classes have continued despite the pandemic. Thanks to the innovative procedures of the RE catechists throughout the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, students are continuing their Catholic studies on schedule. 

“Many parishes have made the decision to start fall formation later this year, allowing more time to adapt to archdiocesan and national health guidelines. The structure and format of faith formation really varies from one parish to another. Pastors with their lead staff and catechists have been preparing for fall formation with a missionary spirit, exploring creative options that suit their particular community and setting,” explained Ann Grim, director of Children’s Evangelization and Discipleship. 

“Some formation classes continue to meet on site. Most find the hybrid format is better, providing opportunities for both in person gatherings and virtual. Some parishes are opting to use virtual classes for the younger grades while youth continue to gather physically at the parish. A few are using a blended A/B model similar to what the schools use.”

Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Anadarko is taking advantage of the mild Autumn weather while it lasts and is holding classes outside.

“Every class meets near a different tree behind our Activity Building, practicing social distancing. It is working out well. The little ones sometimes get distracted by a grasshopper or something, but their catechist handles it well. Each student has their own canvas bag with class appropriate supplies, i.e. Bible, pencil, crayons, clipboard, with a sealed drink and snack. When the weather gets cooler, we will social distance inside” said Carolyn Cantrell, director of Religious Education for Saint Patrick.

Another church that has been innovative in teaching their RE students is Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lawton. 

“After polling families, the decision was made to return to virtual instruction. We are using an online program to work with our groups. Pre-K and K are given packets, containing activities for one month at a time. Catechists send an invitation to a Zoom meeting each week. We have an opportunity to meet with the children for about 30 minutes each Wednesday. Then, they are instructed to work on their online lesson,” said Alicia Brierton, director of Religious Education. 

“Each catechist adds his/her own flair to each week. Using Google classroom, playing games, and sharing stories provides us with an opportunity to keep the children engaged.”

The RE catechists are adapting to the change in how they teach during the pandemic, and have become creative in their approach, and are thinking outside the box, according to Grim. She added the classroom goes beyond the physical space. Formation can be presented in a variety of ways and can be more than written textbook material.

“The catechists have been positive, open to change, and are learning new practices. Zoom is a big resource. The challenges make the experience better for the next week. If anything, the Zoom meetings are definitely unpredictable! Did the families receive the invitation to the meeting? Will the audio work? Will the video work? Will I be able to share my screen? In the end, we have made a direct connection with the children. The time in the meeting is a wonderful time to pray together,” Brierton said.

Although the classes are geared to the students, the parents play a big role in the new way RE is being taught this year. Grim reminds parents to stay positive, pause and reflect on God’s presence in the midst of chaos. Also, praying with children before leaving for formation class or before sharing faith activities at home is recommended. 

“The parents have been great as always. They make sure the kids are at RE on time and pick them up on time. They are very helpful and understanding. I always have thought we have the best parents,” Cantrell said.

Brierton added it is very important to stay connected with the catechists. Using communication  such as e-mail, Remind, Facebook, among others, are useful to keep parents informed.

“The most important preparation is to pray together, keep communication open, and take a few minutes to review what was shared in the lesson. Parents are the first teachers. Anything they can do to share God’s love is valuable,” Brierton added.

Jolene Schonchin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Photo (above): Religious Education teachers at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lawton use Zoom to conduct classes. Photo provided.



The Religious Education class at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Anadarko enjoyed a lesson outside. Photo provided.