How we list programs
Useful details.
Clear sources.
A consistent starting point for comparing Catholic formation programs, with publisher information, source links, and the date each listing was last updated.
Find your next resource
What belongs on the shelf
Made for formation.
Ready to explore.
Our focus is programs for catechesis, evangelization, and parish, school or home formation: sacramental preparation, religion series, OCIA, youth ministry, adult formation, group Bible studies and homeschool religion.
General reading, devotionals and standalone media without a teaching program fall outside that focus.
What we look for
- A teaching purpose. Designed for a class, small group, parish, school or family learning together.
- Help for the leader. A catechist guide, teacher edition, facilitator notes or support for a parent.
- A planned structure. Defined lessons, sessions or a scope and sequence.
- A documented Catholic connection. Public information about the publisher, apostolate, diocese or religious community behind the resource.
These are questions for evaluating a resource. A listing is not a certification of its publisher's ecclesial status or its suitability for your parish.
From the publisher to the shelf
A few details.
A clearer picture.
Start with the publisher
We use the publisher's own information for price, session count, formats, age groups, languages and leader materials.
Keep the source in sight
Every listing requires a source link and an update date. Prices and availability can change, so follow the source and confirm current details before choosing a program.
Be clear about the gaps
If we couldn't confirm something, we say "unknown" rather than guess. A website screenshot is a snapshot from its capture date; it doesn't replace the publisher's current information.
Church guidance and your parish
Context for
a thoughtful choice.
CatechistShelf is not a Church authority. We don't approve, endorse or certify programs, or judge whether a program is orthodox. Your pastor and diocesan catechetical office can explain which materials your parish may use.
The USCCB Conformity List reports on voluntarily submitted texts and series. Its review concerns doctrinal content, not teaching methods or an overall endorsement. Absence from the list is not a judgment: a resource may be under review, in revision or outside the review's scope.
Check the exact text and edition with the publisher and your diocese. An imprimatur is permission to publish; a nihil obstat records a censor's finding concerning faith and morals. These have distinct roles, explained in the USCCB's Permission to Publish guide. This directory does not currently display verified Church-status fields for each program.
Our listing principles
An independent
point of view.
Sponsored listings are always labeled "Sponsored." Payment never changes the order of programs, filters, or what we say about a program, and sponsorship does not imply Church approval.
Who does the work
AI agents help research and update listings; a source link and date are required for every listing. CatechistShelf is a project of Cordial Labs, led by Edmund Mitchell, who is responsible for what we publish.
About CatechistShelfRead our AI policy