A couple of weeks before Christmas, I was walking round in the deserted Derry city centre. There I met one of our local teachers and her nine-year-old … [Read more...] about Catholic Schools – Communities of Faith and Resilience-Bishop Donal McKeown
Primary School Resources
These resources are to help parents, teachers and children. We are continuously adding new ideas and guides. So bookmark this page and come back often.
Useful links to Primary and National School Resources
You may find these websites useful for Religious Education and Faith Formation for children at Primary and National School
- Catholic Icing-Crafts for Children: www.catholicicing.com
- Diocese of Derry: www.derrydiocese.org
- Drawing God Projects: www.drawing-god.com
- Kildare and Leighlin Diocese: www.kandle.ie
- Praying in Colour: www.prayingincolor.com
- Trocaire: www.trocaire.org
- Veritas - Grow in Love Religious Education Programme: www.growinlove.ie (login for parents/guardians): Email: trial@growinlove.ie Password: growinlove
- World Missions Ireland (children’s section): www.wmi.ie/society-of-missionary-children
Catholic Schools Week 2021 Online Programme
Are you preparing to celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2021? Looking for ways to explore the themes of Faith, Learning, Love, Resilience and Hope? Why … [Read more...] about Catholic Schools Week 2021 Online Programme
Catholic Schools Week 2021-Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Education
“A Catholic school is not just teaching secular subjects and then little bits and pieces of Church teaching. Our schools locate excellent teaching in … [Read more...] about Catholic Schools Week 2021-Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Education
A New Year filled with Hope, expectations of Great Joy and many Blessings-Roisin Rice
As I read the various posts on social media over the last few days of 2020, it struck me that there was an overwhelming consensus of good … [Read more...] about A New Year filled with Hope, expectations of Great Joy and many Blessings-Roisin Rice
New Beginnings-Fr Declan Boland
Every year at this time we spontaneously and genuinely wish each other ‘Happy New Year.’ We have all being doing it for decades and it is a heartfelt … [Read more...] about New Beginnings-Fr Declan Boland
Celebrating Christmas – “Unto us a child is born” (Is 9:6)
At Christmas we celebrate the gift of Jesus, our hope and peace, Jesus, the light of the world. We invite you to use these resources to help you, as … [Read more...] about Celebrating Christmas – “Unto us a child is born” (Is 9:6)
‘The Magnificat’ – Anne Marie Hickey
As we journey through Advent, it is important to take time and reflect on the gift of Mary, our Mother. Pope Francis says of Mary, ‘She teaches us the … [Read more...] about ‘The Magnificat’ – Anne Marie Hickey
Advent – a time to wait?
Tell me, O rose, what thing it is That now appears, now vanishes? When the American poet Edwin Markham wrote these words, he was referring to a … [Read more...] about Advent – a time to wait?
Advent- Niamh McLaughlin
On Sunday the 29th of November, the Church will begin to celebrate the season of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. When the word … [Read more...] about Advent- Niamh McLaughlin
Advent-Spirit Led Acts of Kindness
A different way for children and young people to prepare during Advent, for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Led by the gift of the Holy Spirit, … [Read more...] about Advent-Spirit Led Acts of Kindness
Advent Resources for Parishes and Families
To support families and parishes, in the celebration of the Season of Advent, there are resources available through the Diocesan Catechetical Centre. … [Read more...] about Advent Resources for Parishes and Families
Preparing our Hearts for Christmas-Advent Resources
Advent is the time set aside by the Church to prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, into our hearts, into our lives and into the world. We … [Read more...] about Preparing our Hearts for Christmas-Advent Resources
Preparing to Celebrate the Feast of Christ the King
On Sunday 22nd November, the Church celebrates the feast of Jesus Christ, the universal king. Jesus is king, not only of the world, but of the entire … [Read more...] about Preparing to Celebrate the Feast of Christ the King
Learning Sanctity from Children-Lisa Hendey
Although I began my writing career penning non-fiction for adults, in recent years my emphasis has strongly shifted toward crafting work that will … [Read more...] about Learning Sanctity from Children-Lisa Hendey
The Gift of Care – Isobel Mc Dowell
I am increasingly grateful for the gift of growing up in a family of unconditional love, faith and care. God was ever present in our family and this … [Read more...] about The Gift of Care – Isobel Mc Dowell
Bishop Donal Mc Keown shows Appreciation for Staff who are Retiring
A number of staff in our diocesan schools are retiring at this time. We thank them for their contribution over the years to Catholic Education and to … [Read more...] about Bishop Donal Mc Keown shows Appreciation for Staff who are Retiring
World Drawing God Day-9th November 2020
Where do you see God? Who do you see God in? Have you ever thought about drawing God? Lots of children in the Derry Diocese did just that last year … [Read more...] about World Drawing God Day-9th November 2020
November: A Month to Remember our dearly Departed
Each November we gather as a Christian Community to remember those who have gone before us and to offer our consolation and support to those among us … [Read more...] about November: A Month to Remember our dearly Departed
Blessed Carlo Acutis-A Saint for Children and Young People
“Carlo is a concrete example of ‘what holiness looks like in the 21st century.” (Cecilia Cicone) We are all called to be saints! To celebrate … [Read more...] about Blessed Carlo Acutis-A Saint for Children and Young People
Praying the Rosary with and for our Diocesan Schools
Why not pray the Rosary this October? Or at least one decade a day! Pray with and for our schools. Spend a little time at home, in school, while … [Read more...] about Praying the Rosary with and for our Diocesan Schools
Growing Hope Week-Celebrating the Season of Creation in Primary School
From Sunday, 27th September to Sunday, 4th October, the Diocese of Derry will mark the Season of Creation through a dedicated 'Growing Hope Week’. … [Read more...] about Growing Hope Week-Celebrating the Season of Creation in Primary School
Diocese of Derry- Primary School Resources Information
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre provides Faith Formation and Religious Education support to Catholic schools, parishes and families. It aims to … [Read more...] about Diocese of Derry- Primary School Resources Information
Opening of the School Year-Classroom Liturgy
It may not be possible for your school to have a whole school assembly to mark the beginning of the new school year, so this liturgy, 'Friends of … [Read more...] about Opening of the School Year-Classroom Liturgy
Welcome Back Message to Derry Diocesan Schools and Students from Fr Paul Farren
Fr Paul Farren, Director, Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, thanks God that our schools are able to reopen. He invites school communities, in the … [Read more...] about Welcome Back Message to Derry Diocesan Schools and Students from Fr Paul Farren
Family Prayer for Return to School
As children prepare to return to school we invite families to pray together for the year ahead...family-prayer-for-return-to-school God our Father, … [Read more...] about Family Prayer for Return to School
Guided Gospel Meditations by Mary Murphy
Would you like to take time for quiet prayer using scripture? Guided Gospel Meditation, in the tradition of Saint Ignatius, allows us to engage all … [Read more...] about Guided Gospel Meditations by Mary Murphy
Reflection Journal for Principals
At the end of a very different academic year for leaders in Catholic Schools, this journal offers an opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer, … [Read more...] about Reflection Journal for Principals
Led by the Spirit Board Game
Does your family enjoy a good Board Game? Well they will enjoy this then! This Board Game with questions and group activities is a fun way for … [Read more...] about Led by the Spirit Board Game
Book: Feed My Lambs – Pope Francis
A Book for children and families written a year after Pope Francis was elected Pope. This book helps encourage children to learn about Pope … [Read more...] about Book: Feed My Lambs – Pope Francis
Masters in Catholic School Leadership
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, working in Partnership with Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham, offers the Masters in Catholic School … [Read more...] about Masters in Catholic School Leadership
