You will also find links to an overview of the LC RE Syllabus and Curriculm Framework and documents to support the preparation of school prayer services and celebrations of Eucharist.
Furthermore teachers who are new to the profession may find the reminders contained in the booklet ‘Ten ideas for small group work in the R.E. Classroom’ and Jared Dee’s advice (one page) under the link ‘Time saving Lesson Planning Tips’ helpful.
Veritas publications, approved by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, to support Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle Religious Education are currently migrating to a new platform which will be hosted by Folen’s Publishing Company. We look forward to bringing you details in the near future (posted August 2025).
The first five modules of this new digital programme, and approved by the ICBC are currently available. Each module contains five units:
The focus in each unit is on exploration and discovery, leading to personal action. Lots of video and audio content, and creative individual and group activities.
Visit www.folens.ie/pages/new-horizons for pricing etc.
Credible Catholic is a Religious Education programme made available for Senior Cycle non–exam RE by the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference in 2022.
It is designed for use in Catholic Voluntary Secondary schools in Ireland. An earlier version was written and produced by Fr Robert Spitzer SJ and the Magis Centre (California, USA) in 2018 and has been almost entirely re-developed for the Irish context, in line with feedback from RE teachers and theological advisors in Ireland.
The Council for Catechetics and the Catholic Education Partnership acknowledges the generosity of Fr Spitzer and the Magis Centre in their work with RE teachers, Catechetics Council members, Schools’ Trusts and others in the work of re-developing this programme for Ireland, in particular Ms Kate Liffey and Dr Tom Finnegan.
Credible Catholic aims to stimulate dialogue, encourage reflection and critical reasoning, foster religious literacy, build community, and nurture faith, and in doing all of these things, to promote student well being. It is an optional resource which will be very helpful to teachers of Religious Education.
To access and download related files please go to: https://catholiceducation.ie/credible-catholic/
Our thanks to the Catholic Schools’ Service of Down & Connor Diocese for sharing the following Senior Cycle resources.
For related enquires please contact Justin Harkin, who can put you in contact with the relevant personnel in Down and Connor.
Cephas – Catholic Social Teaching (Powerpoint Notes)
Cephas – Catholic Social Teaching (Powerpoint)
Presentation on Catholic Social Teaching
Accompanying Notes for Presentation on Catholic Social Teaching
The theme for this year is ‘Peach With Creation’, inspired by the passage from Isaiah 32:14-18; “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” The question underpinning this theme is, ‘In a world of challenges and division, marked by war and climate change, how can we as people of faith create and work towards peace with creation?’
The Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishop’s Conference and Trócaire have kindly prepared the following resources for parishes, and many can be used to support class-based discussion.
You can find further resources on the international Season of Creation website: www.seasonofcreation.org
Resources:
Other Useful Resources:
As well as supporting an age-appropriate introduction to key aspects of the Catholic Faith Soul Seekers fulfils the requirements of the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) for the Junior Certificate Examination. It is the only Religious Education text book that has received recognition for complying with the Irish Bishops’ guidelines for faith formation and has been approved by the Catechetics Council of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
The three-year student textbook is accompanied by a workbook containing worksheets as well as extension and revision exercises.
There is a digital platform with additional resources for teachers and students. The Teacher’s Guide is available on this platform, as well as a number of custom-made videos and supplementary texts.
Visit www.folens.ie/pages/soul-seekers for pricing etc.
This is scheduled to take place from the 18th to the 24th January 2026 and this year’s theme shall be, ‘Catholic Schools – Normal Lives, Called to Holiness’, mindful of the late Pope Francis’ insight ‘Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things, but doing ordinary things with love and faith.”
For more information please visit: www.catholicschools.ie . Related resources will be offered nearer the time.
Would you like to invite your Senior Cycle students to reflect on the life and ministry of Pope Francis as presented in his autobiography entitled ‘Pope Francis HOPE: The Autobiography’ published by Random House in January 2025?
Retired School RE Co-ordinator and Chaplain, Kevin McGeeney (St. Cuan’s College) and Retired Primary School Principal, Maired Ryan, kindly offer some PowerPoint slides to support interested teachers. They may be accessed through the following link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vHeeiSPJK7jJu8AQARdnYSt87N2Mybf_/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=109549652092911921276&rtpof=true&sd=true
Kevin is also happy to share from his experience of using these slides. Contact Justin for contact details.
