Certification MCFD Course Learning Objectives

Transcription

1 Certification MCFD Course Learning Objectives Scripture... 3 Origins of Scripture... 3 The Pentateuch... 3 Historical Books... 3 Prophets and Wisdom... 3 Jesus Christ... 3 The Gospels... 4 Acts and the Epistles of Paul... 4 Letters of the Apostles and Revelation... 4 Foundations: Creed... 4 The Trinity and Creation... 4 Original Sin... 4 The Incarnation... 4 Christ Establishes the Church... 5 The Church s Ecumenical and Missionary Mandate... 5 Divine Revelation, God Speaks to Us... 5 The Liberation of Humanity from Sin... 5 The End Times... 5 Death, Judgment and Purgatory... 5 Marian Doctrines... 6 Mary, Our Spiritual Mother... 6 Liturgy and Sacraments... 6 Liturgy and Sacraments... 6 The Mass, Part I... 6 The Mass Part II... 6 The Blessed Sacrament... 7 Baptism and Confirmation... 7 The Sacraments of Healing... 7 Holy Orders... 7 The Sacrament of Marriage... 7 Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 1

2 Moral Life in Christ... 8 Christian Morality, Part I... 8 Christian Morality, Part II... 8 The Moral Law... 8 The Human Community... 8 The Sermon on the Mount... 8 The Ten Commandments... 9 Prayer... 9 Big Picture of Spirituality... 9 Prayer in the Life of Jesus... 9 Introduction to the Life of Prayer... 9 The Practice of Prayer... 9 Overcoming the Difficulties in Prayer Catholic Devotions Devotion to Mary Docility to the Holy Spirit Prayer (in Faith Foundations) The Rosary and True Devotion to Mary Catechesis Catechesis in the Church's Mission of Evangelization The Nature of Catechesis The Content of Catechesis Inculturating the Message Those Who are Catechized Methodology, Part I Methodology, Part II The Person and Spirituality of the Catechist Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 2

3 SCRIPTURE Origins of Scripture The value and importance of Scripture God s self-revelation in the Scriptures Scripture s structure The Historical development of the Canon of Scripture The Pentateuch The purpose and meaning of the first five books of Moses, also called the "Pentateuch" The creation, fall, and the path to redemption The importance of covenants in Scripture Historical Books The Israelites' historical "pattern" of obedience and disobedience to God's Law The typology and symbolism present in the telling of history in the Old Testament The kings of Ancient Israel and the covenant made with David The decline and fall of the kingdom and the Babylonian captivity Prophets and Wisdom The mission and message of the prophets The main themes of the Wisdom Books Jesus Christ The Mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ The Scriptural basis for the teaching on the Holy Trinity Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenants and prophecies The Importance of Mary Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 3

4 The Gospels The Message of the Gospels The Synoptic Gospels The Gospel of John The Personal Encounter with Christ Acts and the Epistles of Paul The early history of the Church as recorded in the book of Acts of the Apostles The role of St. Paul's Epistles in the development of Church doctrine Predictions about the Parousia, or the Second Coming of Christ Letters of the Apostles and Revelation The epistles of the early Apostles, known as the "Catholic Epistles" The book of Revelation FOUNDATIONS: CREED The Trinity and Creation God s love, goodness, self-donation, and interpersonal communion. How man is created in the "image and likeness of God." The relationship of truth to human freedom and happiness. Original Sin Man's first sin. The consequences of sin. Why God permits evil. The Incarnation God's unfailing love for man. Why the Word became flesh. The person and natures of Christ. Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 4

5 Christ Establishes the Church The authority Christ imparted to His Apostles. The special role given to St. Peter The Pope and the bishops as legitimate successors of the Apostles The Church s Ecumenical and Missionary Mandate The principles of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, and apply them in real-life situations. The "new evangelization" as the mission of the Church in the 21st century. The distinctive role of the laity in the new evangelization. Divine Revelation, God Speaks to Us The deposit of faith. How the deposit of faith is communicated through Scripture and Tradition. The role of the Church in interpreting and proclaiming the deposit of faith. The Liberation of Humanity from Sin How Christ's sacrifice conquers original sin and produces a new life of grace that flows from His pierced heart. How we avail ourselves of this life through the Sacraments of the Church. The End Times The end times, including: o The Resurrection of the Body o The Second Coming of Christ o The Last Judgment. The ultimate realities of heaven and hell. The establishment of a "new heavens and a new earth." Death, Judgment and Purgatory The Christian perspective of death. The particular judgment of the individual at the time of his or her death. The Church's teaching on purgatory from both a biblical and catechetical perspective. Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 5

6 Marian Doctrines The Church's principal teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary. How these teachings fit in the broader context of salvation history. How these teachings are correctly understood in relation to her Son, the one Savior of the world. Mary, Our Spiritual Mother The Church's principal teachings on the Blessed Virgin Mary. How these teachings fit in the broader context of salvation history. How these teachings are correctly understood in relation to her Son, the one Savior of the world. LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS Liturgy and Sacraments How the liturgy makes present the saving work of Christ. The sacraments as personal encounters with Jesus Christ. How the sacraments are effective signs of divine grace. The Mass, Part I The origin of the Mass in the life of Jesus and its early historical development. The basic structure of the Mass, particularly the Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word. The Mass Part II The significance of the second part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The progression of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, through: o The Preparation of the Gifts o The Eucharistic Prayer o The Communion Rite Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 6

7 The Blessed Sacrament Jesus' own teaching concerning the Eucharist, especially the "Bread of Life Discourse" and the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The Church's constant teaching regarding the Real Presence. The faithful's response to the Eucharist, including its effects in the lives of Christians. Baptism and Confirmation The Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Baptism, including its relationship to the Baptism of Jesus. The Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Confirmation, including (a) its relationship to the Sacrament of Baptism, and (b) its effects. The Sacraments of Healing The Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Reconciliation from a biblical, catechetical, and pastoral perspective. The Church's teaching on the Anointing of the Sick. Holy Orders The nature of Holy Orders as a sacrament of service directed toward the salvation of others The three degrees of ordination: the diaconate, priesthood, and episcopacy The Church's teaching and discipline on controversial issues, such as the ordination of women and married clergy Holy Orders in the context of "vocation" and the universal call to holiness The Sacrament of Marriage The Sacrament of Marriage as a partnership of life and love ordered to: o the good of the spouses o the procreation and education of children Marriage as a vocation that: o reflects the love of the Trinity o entails a mission to build up the Kingdom of God o provides the foundation for the family, the "domestic Church" Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 7

8 MORAL LIFE IN CHRIST Christian Morality, Part I How the quest for authentic human happiness, and not legalism or relativism, provides a solid foundation for moral living. The distinction between true human freedom and mere license. The role of the cardinal and theological virtues as the basis of good actions ordered to human fulfillment and happiness. Christian Morality, Part II The role of conscience in moral decision-making. The object, intention, and consequences as the three sources of the morality of human acts. The nature and reality of sin, including the distinction between mortal and venial sin. The Moral Law The moral law as God's fatherly instruction, which provides: o (a) the rules of conduct that lead to happiness. o (b) the behaviors that lead us away from God's love. The various types of law, especially natural law and revealed law. The role of civil and canon (Church) law in the Christian life. The Human Community The societal or communal dimension of the human vocation. The principles of authority, common good, and participation. The basic principles underlying the Church's teaching in the area of social justice. The Sermon on the Mount Appreciate the Sermon on the Mount with greater clarity and depth. Find inspiration to live according to this blueprint for happiness. Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 8

9 The Ten Commandments The first three commandments, on love of God The next seven commandments, on love of neighbor The role of the commandments in the Christian life PRAYER Big Picture of Spirituality Give an overarching perspective for the Prayer & Spiritual Life Series Explain the Goal of Christian Life Discuss Holiness, Happiness, and the Way to Achieve Both Prayer in the Life of Jesus Examine specific moments of prayer in the life of Christ as well as His teachings on prayer through His parables Explore the relationship between the active life and contemplative life Introduction to the Life of Prayer Introduce you to the Catholic tradition of prayer Explain the three major expressions of prayer Provide helpful tips for your own prayer journey The Practice of Prayer Explore prayer as a conversation with God Identify helpful practices for establishing a daily routine of prayer Explain the practical steps to meditation known as the three Rs: Read, Reflect and a Resolution Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 9

10 Overcoming the Difficulties in Prayer Examine the main obstacles that people encounter in their prayer life such as a lack of time, distractions, and spiritual dryness. Provide deeper understanding of each of the obstacles and some advice on overcoming them. Catholic Devotions Explain the characteristics of a Catholic devotion Present the practice and background of several popular Catholic devotions Discuss Catholic sacramentals and their assistance in a life of prayer Devotion to Mary Introduce you to Marian Devotion Explore the special relationship between Jesus and Mary Explain the Spiritual Motherhood of Mary for the Church Show you ways to increase personal devotion to Mary Docility to the Holy Spirit Provide 10 principles for unleashing the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Explore different inspirations and how we can best receive and respond to them. Prayer (in Faith Foundations) The essence of Christian prayer. The three major expressions of prayer, namely vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation. The Rosary and True Devotion to Mary The basic structure and purpose of the Rosary. The nature and purpose of consecration to Mary. How Marian devotion helps the Christian to become more like Christ. Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 10

11 CATECHESIS 101 Catechesis in the Church's Mission of Evangelization That catechesis is part of the Church's mission of evangelization The centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ in catechesis The place of catechesis within a life of discipleship The Nature of Catechesis What we mean when we say that catechesis is ecclesial, scriptural, Trinitarian, systematic, organic, and integral. The six fundamental tasks of catechesis. How the baptismal catechumenate serves as a model and inspiration for all catechesis. The Content of Catechesis What the Catechism of the Catholic Church is, including its structure and history. How the Catechism is intended to be used in catechesis. What the Five Foundational doctrines are and how they assist the work of the catechist. Inculturating the Message The meaning of inculturation and its importance in evangelization. How our relationship with our students is important as we inculturate the message. Some common contemporary cultural challenges faced by catechists and how to meet them. The meaning and importance of apologetics in the life of the Christian. Those Who are Catechized The psychological development of the person The stages of religious and spiritual development of the person Learning styles and examples of how to teach to each style The key elements of an adult learning model Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 11

12 Methodology, Part I Understand what the Church means by the term: "Divine Pedagogy." See how method is the servant of content. Learn how to use a variety of methods. Receive tips on how to catechize effectively. Methodology, Part II Know the basics of how to use video and sacred art in catechesis. Take home some helpful resources to be used in catechesis. Be able to name the five steps of the Ecclesial Method, articulate the purpose of each step, and design a lesson plan within the framework of these five steps. The Person and Spirituality of the Catechist Be able to articulate various components of a healthy spiritual life. Find encouragement to grow in the spiritual life. Learn about some practical resources to grow spiritually. Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved. Page 12