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Catholic Faith Basics equips catechists with modern, faith-filled lesson packets that use Scripture, short videos, and reflection to help today’s learners truly understand and retain the Catholic faith.
This site was created by Chris Moriak, a Catholic catechist who teaches high-school religious education and OCIA. I developed these lesson packets for my own classes before sharing them with other parishes and catechists. This site was created because traditional lesson plans, often built around long lectures and heavy reading, were not helping many people truly engage with or remember what they were learning.
By using short, focused Catholic videos followed by guided reflection and discussion, students and adult learners began to retain more, understand the key ideas more clearly, and think more deeply about their faith. Participants asked for these lesson plans, and this website was created to make them available to other catechists, parishes, and faith-formation programs.
While these resources are accessible to students and individuals, they are primarily designed to support catechists who are leading 60–90 minute classes and want a more engaging, effective, and pastorally grounded way to teach the Catholic faith in today’s world.
Mission
Mission
Catholic Faith Basics helps Catholics (age 12+) and seekers learn, pray, and grow in the faith in a way that is clear, catechetical, and faithful to Church teaching.
How This Site Is Organized
How This Site Is Organized
Catholic Faith Basics is arranged the same way the Church forms people in faith: first learning what we believe, then growing in prayer, and finally preparing for the sacraments and Christian life.
Catholic Foundations: Learn the core beliefs of Christianity and Catholicism (God, Jesus, the Bible, the Sacraments, the Church).
Prayer & Small Groups: Practice how Catholics pray and reflect together, including Lenten series, Scripture study, and guided prayer.
Sacramental Preparation: Materials for OCIA, Confirmation, Baptism, and those preparing to fully enter the Church.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Not Sure Where to Begin?
If you are new to the Catholic faith or want to refresh your understanding of the religion, start with Catholic Foundations.
If you are preparing for a sacrament, go to OCIA, Youth Confirmation, or Baptism Preparation.
If you want to grow in prayer, visit Prayer & Small Groups.
How to Use the Lesson Packets
How to Use the Lesson Packets
Each lesson packet (PDF) includes Scripture, reflection questions, and direct links to all YouTube videos used for the lesson.
These are designed to be ready-to-use for:
individual study
families
small groups
parish classes
Questions or Feedback
Questions or Feedback
Catholic Faith Basics is a resource created to support parish faith formation, OCIA, and personal study.
If you have a question about a lesson, notice a broken link, or would like to share feedback, you’re welcome to reach out below.
Please note: this site supplements parish formation and is not a substitute for pastoral guidance or sacramental preparation.
Recommended Catholic Resources for Deeper Study
Recommended Catholic Resources for Deeper Study
Catholic Faith Basics provides guided lessons, Scripture, videos, and reflection.
The recommended sites below offer trusted Catholic teaching, prayer, and reference materials to support your journey.
💡 Perfect for: OCIA, small groups, catechists, sponsors, and anyone growing in faith.
Vatican (Holy See)
Vatican (Holy See)
www.vatican.va
The official website of the Catholic Church, containing Church documents, papal writings, the Catechism, and authoritative teachings.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org
The home of the U.S. bishops, featuring the official Bible used at Mass in the United States, Church teachings, pastoral letters, and liturgical resources.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catechism of the Catholic Church
www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM
The complete Catechism of the Catholic Church, presenting the core beliefs, moral teachings, prayer life, and sacraments of the Catholic faith.
Word on Fire
Word on Fire
www.wordonfire.org
A global Catholic ministry founded by Bishop Robert Barron that offers videos, articles, and courses explaining Catholic faith, Scripture, philosophy, and culture in a clear and engaging way.
Ascension Press
Ascension Press
www.ascensionpress.com
Publisher of popular Catholic study programs such as The Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year, with strong resources for Scripture study and faith formation.
Formed (Augustine Institute)
Formed (Augustine Institute)
www.formed.org
A Catholic streaming and learning platform used by many parishes, offering videos, movies, talks, and studies for adults, youth, and families.
Catholic Answers
Catholic Answers
www.catholic.com
A trusted Catholic apologetics and Q&A site that explains Church teachings and addresses common questions about Catholic beliefs.
Bible Gateway (Catholic Editions)
Bible Gateway (Catholic Editions)
www.biblegateway.com
An easy-to-use online Bible. Be sure to select Catholic translations such as NABRE, RSV-CE, or NRSV-CE when reading Scripture.
The Chosen
The Chosen
www.thechosen.tv
A widely loved multi-season series on the life of Jesus, often used for group discussion and faith reflection alongside Scripture.
Universalis
Universalis
www.universalis.com
A beautifully organized daily prayer site for the Liturgy of the Hours, Mass readings, and Catholic prayer.
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