What to buy and bring for a catechism evening

A catechism evening needs more than Bibles and worksheets. Plan drinks for the break, tableware for serving them, and the practical items that keep the room working smoothly. Coffee, tea, water and simple groceries should be ready before participants arrive, while pens, printed worksheets and presentation equipment need a separate check. This list also covers often-forgotten basics such as serving spoons, extension cords and cleaning supplies.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 35
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Presentation remote
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 35
Drinking glassesqty 35
Platesqty 35
Teaspoonsqty 35
Serving spoonsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Serving plattersqty 6
Pitchersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 6
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 3 bottles
- Spa Rood - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snacks - 2 bags
- Mini butter cookies - 4 packs
- Biscuits - 4 packs
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Lemons - 4 pieces
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Tea filters - 1 pack

Tips

Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add extra water or hot drinks if the evening runs longer. Include coffee, tea and cold drinks rather than relying on one option.
Buy or bring at least 1 pen per participant, plus 5 to 10 spare pens. Print one worksheet per person and keep a small extra stack for late registrations or mistakes.
For a group using coffee and tea, prepare roughly 1 cup per person for the break, with about 10% extra. Check that you have teaspoons, serving spoons, thermos flasks, kettles and a coffee maker before shopping.
Check the room setup at least 24 hours beforehand: tables, chairs, tablecloths and the projection screen may be available, but extension cords, power strips and a presentation remote are easy to overlook.
Set aside cleaning supplies before the session starts. Washing-up bowls, cleaning cloths, a broom, dustpan and brush, and a mop prevent a small drink spill from becoming the last task of the evening.

Frequently asked questions

What groceries do I need for a catechism evening?: Plan coffee, tea, water and other drinks for the expected attendance, plus a small buffer of 10%. Add simple break food if it is part of the programme, and check dietary requirements before shopping.
How many cups and glasses do I need for a catechism evening?: Allow 1 coffee cup and 1 drinking glass per participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 people, that means 22 cups and 22 glasses if both are used.
How many worksheets and pens should I prepare?: Prepare 1 printed worksheet and 1 pen per registered participant, with 5 to 10 spare pens and 2 to 3 extra worksheets. Print everything at least 1 day before the evening.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a catechism evening?: Do the main shopping 1 to 2 days beforehand and chill cold drinks for at least 4 hours before participants arrive. Set out coffee and tea supplies 30 to 45 minutes before the start.

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