Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 1

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1 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 1 The Church gives us guidelines about what to include in the programme. Materials should be based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church; but the resources draw on other Church documents too: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) The Catechism was published to help the whole Church to renew and deepen faith and catechesis in the light of Vatican II. The General Directory for Catechesis (1997) tells us that there must be content in the catechesis; and it tells us that we find content in Scripture, through witness (or apostolic work), in our Creed (our profession of faith, through our lived moral values and in our liturgies and in our prayer. 1 In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is structured around these same fundamental dimensions (or pillars) of the Christian life. 2 Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975) On Evangelization in the Modern World Critical evaluation of culture is a core concern of Catholic religious education. It emphasises the importance of providing catechetical instruction under some form of catechumenate for the many adolescents who are gradually discerning the countenance of Christ (44) and reminds us that to administer the sacraments without any firm basis of catechesis on the sacraments themselves, or of general catechesis, is to stultify their purpose and to a great extent deprive them of their efficacy (47). Catechesi Tradendae (1979) Catechesis in our Time offers us norms and guidelines concerned with catechesis in general and catechesis within the school context, or religious education. It tells us: (1) that catechesis should centre on the mystery of the Trinity and Christ's saving work; (2) that catechesis should be christocentric, i.e. it should centre on the Person of Jesus Christ and Christ's teaching which is at the same time a lesson about life.; (3) that catechesis should present the Christian message in its entirety and in such a way that the inter-relationship of its parts is maintained; (4) that catechesis should recognise a certain hierarchy of truths; (5) that authentic catechesis should adapt to the circumstances of those being catechized; and (6) that catechesis should interpret the present life in the light of revelation and at the same time dispose people for the world to come. Vatican II documents influence Catholic Religious Education: Lumen Gentium the Constitution on the Church - offers the fullest understanding of the Church ever developed by a Council. Programmes should explore themes of the Church and its mission; communion with God is lived in the communion that is the Church because we are the Church. Sacrosanctum Concilium: the Constitution on Divine Liturgy is Council s reflection on the Church s worship and life of prayer. Communion is expressed and lived in worship and prayer. Programmes explore the sanctifying presence of Christ in the Eucharist and sacramental life of the Church and should teach about celebration in ritual and in the sacraments. Gaudium et Spes the Constitution on the Church in the World of Today - This document grew out of the Council s awareness of the need to find new ways of speaking to the world of today and the moral issues addressing us today. Programmes teach about the life of the Church in the modern world explore our Christian way of living. Dei Verbum the Constitution on Divine Revelation The Council s reflection and teaching on the relationship with God are at the heart of a Christian understanding of life. Our programmes should be Christocentric; Christ is the complete revelation of God God who is revealed in Creation, Incarnation and Redemption. These three Christian beliefs are the focus for the universal search in which human beings ask: Where do we come from? (Life) Who are we? (Dignity), Where are we going? and Why are we here? (Purpose) 1 2 General Directory of Catechesis, Congregation for the Clergy, Catholic Truth Society, London, 1997, and See also the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Geoffrey Chapman, London, 1994 as quoted in 122 of the General Directory of Catechesis.

2 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 2 Walk With Me A Religious education programme for family and parish use, National Project, Bishops Conference of England & Wales, 1996 Walk with Me is an on-going 4-year programme for use in parishes, ensuring that those children not attending Catholic schools may benefit from the same religious education. Approved by the Department for Catholic Education and Formation, Bishops Conference of England and Wales, each year contains material which can be used for the entire primary age range. The principles behind Walk With Me indicate the comprehensiveness of this programme in their recognition of who and what is involved in the religious education of children who are not attending Catholic schools. The material is flexible and adaptable. Catechists, parents and children all have their distinctive parts to play and Walk With Me caters for all of them, as well as providing the parish with opportunities for celebrating with them. As with Here I Am, the primary schools religious education programme to which it is closely related, Walk With Me is published with the authority of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales and is the result of an extensive process of consultation and piloting. Costs: Binder for all four years: 3.95; Catechists Guide introduction: 4; Catechists Guides Years 1-4: each; On We Go and cassettes Years 1-4: 4.95 each The Way, the Truth & the Life for Primary Schools, CTS Publications, London, 2002 Launched in 2002, this resource for primary school children is aimed to help to teachers in their classroom delivery of Religious Education at primary level and it is sometimes used in the parish setting. This series is unique at primary level, in that each year consists of a Pupil Book as well as a Teacher Book. The Pupil Books: are developed from sound theology appropriate to each age group, they contain an extensive variety of differentiated activities and they are colourful and imaginatively designed The Way, the Truth the Life series challenges young people to reflect upon the application of their study to their own lives. CTS Primary is based on a Syllabus for Key Stage 2, also launched in June 2002 which is based on the Religious Education Curriculum Directory (Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales, 1996) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It provides clear, concise statements of Key Learning objectives for all pupils and it provides continuity and progression between Key Stage 2 & Key Stage 3 Archbishop Vincent Nichols, has supported the project throughout and launches the CTS Primary series in London on June 21. He writes the following: I welcome this publication of The Way, the Truth & the Life for Primary Schools. The Syllabus presents clear, concise statements of key learning objectives on key content. I know teachers will welcome the theological notes and the excellent ideas in the Teacher Books. Most of all, I know everyone will enjoy the Pupil Books. They are imaginative, stimulating and challenging and should be a tremendous help. Cost: teacher s book Years 3-6: 29.95; pupil s book Years 3-6: 7.95

3 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 3 Sadlier We Believe, Parish Edition, William H. Sadlier, Inc., New York, 2004 ( We Believe offers age-appropriate, educationally sound lessons for pre-school children through year 6; they nurture faith and it offers a unique, three-step catechetical process, echoes Jesus' pedagogy of faith. The texts and guides are found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the U.S. Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism. The sessions are based on this methodology: WE GATHER -opens each chapter, engages children in a variety of prayers, and invites them to share their experiences. WE BELIEVE - presents the truths of the Catholic faith found in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, in accordance with the Magisterium of the Church, and provides an engaging activity for each faith statement. WE RESPOND - helps children put their faith into action through prayer, projects, and reflection. Lesson Features include four faith statements (which are fully developed in each Grade 1-6 core lesson). Scripture is a foundation of the program and is integrated throughout the text. Engaging art draws the child into the lesson and provides a visual image that is a learning too. As Catholics - faith facts and information are included for children to review and act on in their daily lives. Key Words - key faith words are defined in an age-appropriate manner at point-of-use, fostering the gradual development of a Catholic vocabulary. Seven seasonal chapters, woven throughout the text, integrate liturgy and catechesis through culturally-rich and diverse prayer experiences and ritual celebrations. Activities give children opportunities to explore and express their faith in a variety of ways that incorporate their multiple intelligences. These books can only be purchased through Sadlier in New York (Bill Dinger Jr. [bdingerjr@sadlier.com]). The catechist s book for each year: $47.67; Review and Resource book: 5.36; Assessment Book: 28.16; music CD: $19.07; family book $6.00 Sadlier Faith and Witness, Parish Edition, William H. Sadlier, Inc., New York, 2004 ( The Faith and Witness parish program gives year 7-9 students a clear understanding of the Catholic faith as they deepen their relationship with Jesus and the Church. The text and guides are judged to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the U.S. Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism. The Creed: a course on Catholic belief: It is through divine revelation that we come to know God through the knowledge God has of himself. The gift of faith enables us to respond to this divine revelation. Parts I & II Price: $9.86 each Liturgy and Worship: a course on prayer and sacraments: It is in the Church's liturgy, especially the seven sacraments that Catholics celebrate all that God has done for us in Christ Jesus through the working of the Holy Spirit. Our salvation was made possible through the paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. This mystery is made present to us in the sacred actions of the Church's liturgy. Price: $9.86 Morality: a course on Christian living: We were made for happiness, a happiness that God alone can provide. Modelling our lives on Christ, we know that the only way to achieve happiness is by rejecting sin and freely choosing to do what is right. Price: $9.86 The New Testament: an Introduction: Young Catholics need to rub shoulders with the culture of Jesus and his times. Likewise, they need to know that in Scripture things are not always what they appear to be. Scripture presents so much more, and young people should never be afraid of the truth as presented in Scripture. Price: $9.86

4 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 4 This is our Faith, RCL Benziger Publishers (available through This program provides pre-school children through year 6 with a faithful understanding, prayerful celebration and joyful living of the Catholic faith. The Books come include lessons, activities, etc. Student Books are in an easy-to-use chapter format with a complete three-step lesson for each day. Each chapter covers doctrine, Scripture, morality, prayer, worship and a section for review. Spiral-bound Catechist Manuals have complete lesson plans that call for minimum preparation time. Approved by the U.S. Bishops Committee. ( 1998) Cost: between $ for the children s books and $50.40-$68.95 for the catechists books. Available from St. Paul s Bookshop in London. Junior High programme, RCL Benziger Publishers (available through Eight flexible junior high programs for the parish. Check out the offerings of all major publishers to find the program that will work best for the year 7-8 students in your parish. Most programs divide the content into topics that include doctrine, morality, Scripture, prayer, sacraments, friendship and much more. Design a program that will meet the needs of your group of young people. Catechists Guides: $13.50; students books: $5.75 guidelines laid out Faith and Life Religion Series for Grades 1-8 ( The FAITH AND LIFE religion series is a comprehensive Catholic program that combines beautiful classical and original artwork with a solid doctrinal and scriptural presentation in an easy-to-read and stimulating format that is being praised by teachers, students and parents everywhere. Keeping in mind the popularity of the original edition of the Faith and Life textbooks, Ignatius Press has made only minor alterations to the revised student texts. The majority of the revisions within the student texts appear in the question and answer segments of the book. Each question and answer set is now related directly to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Second Edition) and tied specifically to the material covered in each chapter. Further, the questions and answers are age appropriate to each. These books include clear, comprehensive and interesting presentation of the Catholic Faith, tailored for the different grade levels, with a foundational emphasis on Scripture and Vatican II, quotations from Scripture, the liturgy, Church documents and the saints highlight important points in each lesson, inspirational classical and original artwork and photographs connect the lessons to the life of Christ and of the Christian, questions and answers at the end of the chapters help review vital material and aid retention and helpful supplementary sections include: Prayers and Devotions, Liturgical and Seasonal Life of the Church, Words to Know. The materials follow by the General Catechetical Directory, Pope John Paul II's "Catechesi Tradendae", and the U.S. National Catechetical Directory. These books can be purchased through Ignatius Press in the U.S.: costs: teacher s book Grades 1-8: $39.95; children s book Grades 1-8: $12.95

5 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 5 Other resources important to catechists teaching religious education in the parish Stages of Faith The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning, James Fowler, HarperSanFrancisco, 1995 ( 5.15) Does life have meaning or purpose? When you re most discouraged, what gets you up in the morning to return to the struggle? When and where do you experience wonder, awe and ecstasy? Dr. James Fowler has asked these questions, and others like them, of nearly six hundred people. He has talked with men, women and children of all ages, from 4-88, including Jews, Catholics, Protestants, agnostics and atheists. In many cases, the interviews became in-depth conversations that provided rare, intimate glimpses into the various ways our lives have meaning and purpose, window into what his book calls faith. Building on the contributions of such key thinkers as Piaget, Erikson, and Kohlberg, Fowler draws on a wide range of scholarship, literature and first-hand research to present expertly and engagingly the six stages that emerge in working out the meaning of our lives from the intuitive, imitative faith of childhood through conventional and then more independent faith to the universalising, self-transcending faith of full maturity. Stages of Faith helps us to understand our own pilgrimage of faith, the passage of our own quest for meaning and value. Christian Religious Education sharing our story and vision, Thomas H. Groome, HarperSanFrancisco, 1980 ( 14.95) A broadly ecumenical, acclaimed introductory work for teachers, students of religious education and catechetical co-ordinators. Christian Religious Education is a sophisticated yet accessible guide intended for any religious educator of any Christian denomination. The author presents a truly comprehensive overview of Christian education while providing a creative approach for revitalising existing educational programmes and crucial guidelines for future ones. Groome blends the best contemporary philosophies of education, biblical scholarship and theology to give a coherent account of the nature, purpose, context, method, stages and role of teachers within Christian education. He includes critical analyses of such theorists as Dewey, Fowler, Piaget, Erikson and Whitehead and an exposition of his own seminal shared praxis approach. Identity and the Life Cycle, Erik Erikson, W. W. Norton & Company, April 1994 ( 7.49) Erik H. Erikson's remarkable insights into the relationship of life history and history began with observations on a central stage of life: identity development in adolescence. This book collects three early papers that along with Childhood and Society many consider the best introduction to Erikson's theories. "Ego Development and Historical Change" is a selection of extensive notes in which Erikson first undertook to relate to each other observations on groups studied on field trips and on children studied longitudinally and clinically. These notes are representative of the source material used for Childhood and Society. "Growth and Crises of the Health Personality" takes Erikson beyond adolescence, into the critical stages of the whole life cycle. In the third and last essay, Erikson deals with "The Problem of Ego Identity" successively from biographical, clinical, and social points of view all dimensions later pursued separately in his work.

6 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 6 Stages of Faith and Religious Development Implications for Church, Education and Society, James Fowler, Karl Ernst Nipkow, and Friedrich Schweitzer, Crossroad, New York, 1991 ( 10.99) Part 1: Two development approaches to faith and religious knowing Part 2: Developmental theories and education: historical and theological perspectives Part 3: What critics are saying Part 4: Alternative perspectives on Religious Development and Spiritual Growth Part 5: Faith Development and Education in Society and Church Will our children have faith?, John H. Westerhoff, III, Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 2000 ( 9.99) Originally written in 1976, this classic critique of Christian education is back in a revised edition. Christian education, according to Westerhoff, has modelled itself on the schooling-instruction paradigm of our secular schools. Instead of expecting faith formation to happen within a variety of contexts the family, the church family, the school and the church school religious education has been relegated entirely to Sunday morning classes. There children learn the facts about religion, but will they learn or experience faith? How can we be communities that nourish and nurture the faith of children, instead of only teaching them facts? The revised edition includes a new foreword, chapter updates, and afterword that incorporate Westerhoff s thinking and re-thinking of the issus of Christian education since the book was originally published. The child s conception of the world, Jean Piaget, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; New Ed edition, 1975 ( 16.27) Jean Piaget s study of the child s notion of reality and behaviour is not only a classic of child psychology but a major contribution to the debate on the sources of language and mental structures. His conclusions regarding the development of perception, abstraction and cognition provide a key to the primitive yet self-consistent world of childhood, and explain why children ask questions and interpret information in ways that seem strange to adults.

7 Parish R.E. (Catechetics for children in non-catholic schools) Which resource should we choose? 7 Essential resources for catechists teaching religious education in the parish The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Geoffrey Chapman, London, March 2000, London The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first new edition of the catechism in 400 years. It is the authoritative summary of Catholic belief regarding the Church creeds, sacraments, commandments and prayers. The book is exceptionally well organised, with line-by-line explanations of every conceivable aspect of orthodox Catholic belief. Extensive crossreferencing, indexing and footnotes and "In Brief" summaries of each section further ease the project of finding the precise answers to any questions a reader might have. Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Catholic Truth Society, London, 6.95 The new essential guide to the Catholic faith is a faithful and sure official synthesis of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) Prepared by a commission presided over by the then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, General Directory for Catechesis, The Congregation for the Clergy, Catholic Truth Society, The General Directory for Catechesis provides religious educators, teachers, and catechists with a single point of reference for all aspects of catechetical instruction. Also available in easy-to-read language: The General Directory for Catechesis in Plain English: A Summary and Commentary (Paperback) by Bill Huebsch, Twenty-third Publications, 2001, On Catechesis in Our Time (Catechesi Tradendae) Pope John Paul II s timeless apostolic exhortation reflects on the realities and joys of bringing the mystery of Christ to all the world. (available on line: john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_ _catechesi-tradendae_en.html) Vatican II documents: Sixteen documents produced by the Second Vatican Council (available on line: I like being in Parish Ministry Catechist, Alison Berger, New London, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 2006 This is an ideal introduction to being a catechist for both those beginning their ministry and ministry veterans affirming their calls to service. Alison Berger invites catechists to probe the heart of their vocation: to help those they minister with to know, celebrate, live, and contemplate the mystery of Christ and so grow in communion with him. With stories, reflections questions, and concrete suggestions, she guides readers in exploring the spiritual and practical dimensions of catechizing as Jesus did. Ideal for both those beginning their ministry and ministry veterans affirming their calls to service Cost: $4.95