Catholic Foundations

Catholic Foundations introduces the core beliefs, practices, and worldview of the Catholic Church. These lessons are designed to build a strong, unified understanding of the faith using Scripture, tradition, short videos, and guided discussion.

These materials are commonly used in:

• OCIA / Adult faith formation

• Youth Confirmation (Grades 8+)

• Small groups and parish series

Each lesson includes video content, Scripture references, discussion questions, and downloadable lesson outlines.

A Note on These Lessons

The journey to knowing God and growing in relationship with Him is deeply personal. Some encounter the Catholic faith early in life, others return after time away, and still others discover God through moments of grace, service, or searching.

These lessons focus on the foundational teachings of the Catholic faith — the beliefs and practices every Catholic should understand. They are not intended to be advanced theological studies, but to provide a strong and faithful foundation upon which deeper formation and lifelong discipleship can grow. The downloadable lesson outlines include a longer introduction explaining the purpose and scope of these materials.

Each lesson packet (PDF) includes Scripture, reflection questions, and direct links to all YouTube videos (free) used in the lesson. No additional preparation is required.

👉 Download Full Lesson packet (PDF)

Foundations Lesson Sections

What Is Catholic?

An introduction to Catholic identity, belief, and practice, addressing what makes Catholicism distinct and how it shapes a relationship with God.

Includes lessons on:

• What Is Catholic? - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Catholic Basics - Watch YouTube Playlist

• What Catholics Believe - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Lent - Watch YouTube Playlist

Who Is God?

Explores who God is as revealed in Scripture, focusing on the Trinity, Jesus Christ, and God’s character and promises.

Includes lessons on:

• Who Is God? - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Who Is Jesus? - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Bible (Old New Testament) - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Bible (New Testament) - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Character of God (Parts 1 & 2) - Watch YouTube Playlist

Engaging With God

Introduces how Catholics live in relationship with God through faith, prayer, Scripture, and the Mass.

Includes lessons on:

• Faith - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Catholic Prayer - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Mass - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Methods of Biblical Prayer - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Mass In-depth: The Liturgy of the Word - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Mass In-depth: The Liturgy of the Eucharist - Watch YouTube Playlist

Sacraments

Examines how God communicates grace through the sacraments and how they shape a Catholic life from beginning to end.

Includes lessons on:

• Baptism and Confirmation - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Eucharist - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Sacraments of Healing - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Sacraments of Service and Vocation - Watch YouTube Playlist

Living Christianity

Focuses on how Catholic belief is lived out through moral decision-making, discipleship, and service.

Includes lessons on:

• God’s Plan to Overcome Evil - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Ten Commandments - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Beatitudes - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Works of Mercy - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Catholic Social Teaching - Watch YouTube Playlist

God’s Church and Her People

Looks at the Church as the living Body of Christ, rooted in history, guided by the Spirit, and engaged with the modern world.

Includes lessons on:

• The Church and Her People - Watch YouTube Playlist

• The Early Church - Watch YouTube Playlist

• Faith and Science - Watch YouTube Playlist

👉 Download Opening and Closing Prayers for Lessons (PDF)

👉 Download Religious Education Schedule Template (XLS)