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Fostering Faith Curriculum Guide
for Catechist Certification: Catechesis
Session Description
This session introduces the catechist to the basic vision of
catechesis, and to the aims, tools and techniques of catechetical ministry.
Themes
 | Catechesis as a ministry of the Word |
| Basic skills necessary for effective catechetical ministry |
| Design and implementation of lessons which come alive for learners |
| Classroom management techniques |
| Catechesis for people of culture |
Focusing the Session
Catechesis "echoes" the ancient Gospel message to the
present day. Because it is a form of the Church’s ministry of the Word of God, the
proper content of catechesis is not head knowledge but instruction which strengthens
faith, and its proper context is not the classroom but the worshipping Church community.
In order to help children, youth and adults to grow in faith, and to gain both a sense of
community and a better understanding of their faith, catechists need to have a variety of
resources at their command. Among these are the ability to relate to students and their
parents to help them relate to one another as persons, and to prepare and use a plan for
learning.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Discuss the history and meaning of the word
"catechesis." |
| Set the context for catechesis in the Church’s
ministry of the Word. |
| Present a long range planning method and explore the
structure of the manuals. |
| Present a sample format for a session plan, and give
practice in using it. |
| Evaluate practice session plans in terms of stated
objectives. |
| Present a sample format for a culturally inclusive
catechetical session. |
| Model a variety of teaching methods which catechists can
use. |
| Present basic legal and health concerns affecting the
catechetical ministry. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session, catechists will be
able to:
| Define the meaning of the word "catechesis." |
| Explain catechesis as a form of the Church’s ministry of the
Word. |
| Create a tentative, long-range plan for the year which includes
parental involvement for those who teach children. |
| Use their teacher manuals to prepare a session through study,
prayer, and the identification of learning objectives. |
| Structure a session to accomplish these objectives. |
| Describe several different types of methodologies for
instruction/practice. |
| Structure a catechetical session which is culturally inclusive. |
| Articulate the basic legal and health concerns which the catechist
must know. |
Special points from the Documents
| Catechesis is intended to make people’s faith living,
conscious and active through the light of instruction (Vatican II, Decree on the
Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church #14; General Catechetical Directory
#17) |
| As a form of the ministry of the Word, the goal of catechesis is
not communication of abstract ideas but the proclamation of the Gospel for the
strengthening of faith (General Catechetical Directory #16) |
| The content of catechesis recognizes a hierarchy of truths: some
parts are based on others which have a higher priority (General Catechetical Directory
#43, Sharing #47) |
| Methods of catechesis must be adapted to the age, culture and
aptitude of the persons concerned (On Evangelization in the Modern World #44) |
| Methods must also seek to fix in the memory, intelligence and heart
the essential truths that must impregnate all of life (On Evangelization in the Modern
World #44) |
| Catechists draw on biblical, liturgical, ecclesial and natural
sources (Sharing #60a) |
| Catechesis should be systematic; it should deal only with
essentials while being sufficiently complete, and it should be integrated with the rest of
Christian life (On Catechesis in Our Time #21) |
Documentary References
See Bibliography for secondary source.
Vatican II, Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the
Church #14
General Catechetical Directory #10-35, 43, 70–76
On Evangelization in the Modern World #44
On Catechesis in Our Time #20-22, 30-31, 51-55
Code of Canon Law #774, 776
Sharing the Light of Faith #176, 212
A Family Perspective on Church and Society
Scripture Contexts
| Isaiah 40:6-8 Isaiah 55:10-11
Matthew 13:51-52
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 Corinthians 14:33,40
I Thessalonians 2:13
Colossians 1:29
1 Peter 1:22-25
Hebrews 4:12 |
Humans pass away, but the Word of God
stands forever God’s Word unfailingly accomplishes its
mission
The trained teacher brings new and old from her treasure
No matter how much you know, the point of catechesis is love
Work for the God of peace is to be done with a sense of order
The divine Word comes to us through human words
Christ is the living center of catechesis
We are born anew by the imperishable Word
The word of God is living and active, piercing deep into life |
Suggested Participant Resources
Catechist/teacher religion manual
Calendar of sessions for the current year
Session Description
This session familiarizes catechists with basic leadership, group,
and facilitation skills for catechesis.
Themes
Introduction to group leadership and facilitation skills
Use of audio-visual materials in catechesis
Focusing the Session
Along with a grasp of Catholic doctrine and worship, and
familiarity with Scripture, catechists need communication skills, an ability to use
various interactive methodologies of group learning, and basic techniques for managing
group process. From the beginning catechists have used art and media to communicate
Christ's message; the use of contemporary media and technology offers the same opportunity
today.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Present and demonstrate basic techniques of group formation. |
| Model various methods of group study including discussion, guided
reflection, role playing and situation games. |
| Provide examples of effective audio-visuals that can be used in the
context of a lesson, and model the method of their presentation. |
| Offer effective criteria for selecting, previewing, preparing
students and following up the use of audio-visuals. |
| Model ways in which catechists can help develop a sense of
community within a group. |
| Demonstrate disciplinary techniques which promote self-esteem and
build community, exploring approaches the catechist can use to help correct inappropriate
behaviors. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session, catechists will be able to:
| Use basic techniques of group formation. |
| Employ various methods of group study, including discussion, guided
reflection, role playing and situation games. |
| Access a set of norms that guides the selection, preview, use and
evaluation of audio-visuals in catechesis. |
| Use disciplinary techniques which maintain dignity and respect
between the group and the catechist. |
| Discuss varieties of learning styles (visual, audio, tactile) and
the need to include varieties of learning activities in their plan for catechesis. |
Special Points from the Documents
| Communications media shape the environment of learning (Sharing
#252) |
| Communications foster human development and are capable of
contributing to the growth of theological understanding and faith experience (Sharing
#252) |
| Catechists must look for the most suitable ways and means of
catechizing through use of social communications (On Catechesis in Our Time #46)
|
Documentary References (see Bibliography for secondary sources)
General Catechetical Directory, #116–124
Sharing the Light of Faith, #261–266
Scripture Contexts
| Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Matthew 13:1-23
Matthew 13:34-35
Acts 8:26-35
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1 John 1:1-4 |
Etch these teachings into life: your
wrists, foreheads, doorposts We scatter our seed everywhere
without controlling outcomes
Jesus used well thought out methods for teaching the Word
Understanding Scripture often requires a Spirit-led interpreter
Paul used every kind of method for communicating the Gospel
Teaching is effective out of deep personal affection for learners
Catechesis requires a shared personal experience of Christ |
Session Description
This session explores the stages of human development, and how
these relate to faith growth in the catechist and in the learner.
Themes
Introduction to psychological, personal and faith development
Method of catechizing according to faith development
Focusing the Session
Personal development, personality type and environment profoundly
influence a person's faith development. Understanding the process of development is an
essential skill for catechesis. Catechists can work more effectively when they have a
clear perception of the life situation in which catechesis takes place.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Explore various stages of human development and personality types,
and their implications for the growth of faith. |
| Offer catechists the opportunity to reflect on the experience of
their own faith development in its various stages. |
| Examine practical ways to communicate the Good News which are
appropriate to students in their various stages of development. |
| Use a variety of materials and techniques to engage the
participants in the learning process. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session, catechists will be able to:
| Identify the various stages and characteristics of personal
development and personality types, and how faith development is related to them. |
| Discern areas for further reflection in their own faith
development. |
| Articulate the implications for teaching methods based on the
characteristics of various stages of development. |
Special Points from the Documents
| Catechists should possess a theoretical and practical knowledge of
the laws of psychology and of educational method (Vatican II, Decree on the Pastoral
Office of Bishops in the Church #14) |
| Stages of human development (Sharing #177–189) |
| The relationship of growth in faith to human development (Sharing
#173–175; On Catechesis in Our Time #35–45) |
| Methodology of catechizing according to human development (Sharing
#176) |
| Catechesis in sexuality is needed in the context of religious
values (Sharing #191) |
Documentary References (see Bibliography for secondary sources)
Vatican II, Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the
Church #14
Vatican II, Declaration on Christian Education
General Catechetical Directory #77–97
Sharing the Light of Faith #173–175, 177–189, 191
On Catechesis in Our Time #35-45
Scripture Contexts
| Psalm 131 John 16:12-15
1 Corinthians 2:6-3:3
2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Philippians 3:12-16
Hebrews 5:11-6:12 |
Each of us has a level of faith where
we are nurtured best I have many things to tell you, but you
cannot bear them now
From milk of fleshly knowledge to solids of spiritual wisdom
As we grow we advance from one degree of glory to another
"Perfection" isn’t being flawless, but always
making progress
Let us always press beyond basics to whatever the next level is |
Suggested Participant Resource
Catechist/Teacher Religion Manual
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