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Fostering Faith Curriculum Guide
for Catechist Certification: Theology
Session Description
This session introduces the Creed as the basic theological source
of catechesis, and introduces theology as disciplined reflection on the mystery of God as
triune (three Persons in one divine nature) and as the creator, redeemer, and sustainer of
all that exists.
Themes
 | Development and importance of the Church’s creeds for
the articulation of faith |
| Church's fundamental beliefs about God as Trinity |
| Intimate life of love among the three Persons, and their
cooperation in the work of creation and redemption |
| Images of God as author of creation and redemption in the
Scriptures and in the Tradition of the Church |
| Revelation of the First Person of the Trinity, God the
Father, as the Source of being and salvation |
Focusing the Session
All catechesis is meant to increase understanding and love of God.
The revelation of the God, the Three-in-One who is responsible for creating every form of
life and for saving creation from death, is at the heart of faith. This session explores
the revelation of God's loving care for all life as creator, redeemer and sustainer.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Explain the historical background of the Apostle’s
Creed and the Nicene Creed, and give an outline of their structure. |
| Explore the Christian revelation on the Trinity. |
| Address the issue of language and the incomprehensibility
of God. |
| Lead a prayer that affirms the goodness of creation as
upheld by the creating and loving God. |
| Use a variety of teaching methods in order to offer ways
catechists can teach about God so that their students may grow in knowledge of God's love
for them and in a positive image of God in their own lives. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session catechists will be able to:
| Sketch the background and structure of the Apostle’s
Creed and the Nicene Creed. |
| Compose a prayer that recognizes the central focus of the
Christian revelation of God as Trinity. |
| Reflect on personal experiences of the goodness of
creation. |
| Express an understanding of why no one image, description
or name of God can encompass the reality of God. |
Special Points from the Documents
| The Church’s creeds are one of the "ecclesial
signs" which serve as sources of catechesis (Sharing #45) |
| The "integral, vital substance" handed down
through the creed provides "the fundamental nucleus of the mystery of the One and
Triune God" (Sharing #45) |
| The whole content of catechesis should be both
Christ-centered ("christocentric") and God-centered ("theocentric");
therefore it must be "trinitarian" (General Catechetical Directory #40-41;
Sharing #47) |
| The living God is revealed as merciful and gracious, and
as the source of truth and love (CCC #199-227) |
| The reality of God transcends all language or formulas (CCC
#239) |
| The work of salvation is the common work of the Trinity (CCC
#257-260) |
| As God upholds all creation, so God can call to life those
dead through sin (CCC #296-298; Sharing #83-86) |
Documentary References (see Bibliography for
secondary sources)
| General Catechetical Directory #41-43, 47-49 |
| On Catechesis in Our Time #28, 59-61 |
| Sharing the Light of Faith #49-52, 83-86 |
| Catechism of the Catholic Church #199–324 |
Scripture Contexts
| Exodus 3:1-17 Exodus 33:18-34:9
Job 40:1-42:6
Psalm 103
Psalm 104
Isaiah 6:1-8
Isaiah 40:12-31
Isaiah 45:1-25
Matthew 11:25-27
Matthew 28:19
Acts 17:22-31
Romans 1:20
Romans 11:33-36
2 Corinthians 13:13
1 Timothy 6:16
James 1-16-17
1 John 1:5
1 John 4:8 |
God intimately reveals the divine name
I AM at burning bush Moses presses to see God’s glory,
but "no one sees me and lives"
Against God’s greatness and creation’s panorama, we are
small
The Lord’s justice, mercy and grace stir us to blessing and
praise
A majestic vision of God working throughout all creation
Isaiah is stunned to see a vision of the Lord’s glory in the
temple
God’s greatness over all the earth and over his dispirited
people
No one can compare with God, the Lord, Creator and Redeemer
The Father’s deep mystery fully known only by the Son
Baptism brings us into communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
People have always groped after God, in whom is all their being
God’s power and nature known from the things he has made
God is a vast mystery whose ways are unsearchable
Christians bless each other in name of the Father, Son, and Spirit
God alone immortal, invisibly dwelling in unapproachable light
The "Father of lights" in whom is neither shadow nor
change
God is light itself, completely free of error and deceit
We are born to life by loving one another, for God is love |
Session Description
This session introduces the branch of theology called christology,
the study of the person of Jesus Christ, and the redemption he effected by his
incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
Themes
| Church's fundamental beliefs about the Second Person of
the Trinity incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth |
| Salvation in the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ's life,
death, and resurrection |
| Imagery of Christ the Lord and Savior in the Scriptures
and traditions of the Church |
| Jesus as the model of the Christian life |
| Connection between Christ and grace |
| Faith as an essential characteristic of the Christian life |
Focusing the Session
The Church's message, indeed its very existence, is rooted in the
incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. All Christians in
general and catechists in particular should understand Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled
the law and prophets, the Lord who calls us to become disciples, the Word of God who
reveals God on earth, and the King who will judge the living and dead. The only adequate
response to such a revelation is whole-hearted faith and discipleship, which forms the
foundation of the Christian life.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Articulate the importance of the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ for the faith of the Church and of each Christian. |
| Discuss the Church's understanding of the humanity and
divinity of Jesus. |
| Demonstrate the diversity of images of Jesus by reference
to the "titles" ascribed to him in the New Testament, e.g., Son of God, Son of
Man, Lord, Christ, etc. |
| Clarify "faith" as theological concept,
experience of the heart, and way of acting and being. |
| Provide age-appropriate interactive methods for teaching
about Jesus as the model for Christian life. |
| Express his/her personal perspective on the conviction
that the living Jesus Christ is the heart of catechesis. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session, catechists will be able to:
| Articulate an understanding of the term "Paschal
Mystery." |
| Cite and explain Catholic teaching on the humanity and
divinity of Jesus in the Catechism and other sources. |
| Explain the meaning of at least three of the titles
ascribed to Jesus in the New Testament. |
| Describe the implications of Jesus as the model for
Christian life. |
| Trace the connection between Jesus' person and work on the
one hand, and the life of faith on the other. (For instance, answer the question,
"What practical difference does it make to you that Jesus rose from the dead?") |
| Explain from the Bible and from personal experience the
meaning of the concept of "faith." |
Special Points from the Documents
| The greatest of God’s works is the incarnation of his
Son, Head and Lord of the universe, who as a man worked with his hands, thought with a
human mind, and loved with a human heart (General Catechetical Directory #50, 53) |
| Jesus is true God and true man in the unity of one Person
(CCC #464-469) |
| Jesus has a human nature, knowledge and will (CCC #
470-478) |
| The meaning and destiny of human life is most fully
revealed in Jesus (Sharing #91) |
| The person of Jesus Christ is "the heart of
catechesis" (On Catechesis in Our Time #5; CCC #426-429) |
Documentary References (see Bibliography for
secondary sources)
| General Catechetical Directory #50-54 |
| Sharing the Light of Faith #53, 87-91, 98–100 |
| Scripture and Christology (Pontifical Biblical
Commission, 1984) |
| Catechism of the Catholic Church #142–184,
422-478, 512-682 |
Scripture Contexts
| 2 Samuel 7:8-16 Psalm 22
Wisdom 2:12-20
Isaiah 9:1-6
Isaiah 11:1-9
Isaiah 42:1-4
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Daniel 7:9-14
Micah 5:1-4
Matthew 3:13-17
Mark 14:60-62
Luke 1:30-35
John 1:1-18
John 14:1-11
John 20:24-31
Philippians 2:5-11
Colossians 1:15-20
Hebrews 1:1-4
Revelation 1:4-20 |
David receives the astonishing promise
of God’s everlasting love The righteous sufferer prays
with words Jesus used on the cross
Godless people plot to take the life of the righteous person
Great light shines, for "unto us a child is born"
The reign of Messiah-king will be wise, just and full of peace
The Chosen One in whom God delights will bring justice
The Suffering Servant gives his life so God’s people may live
The Righteous Shoot of David will reign wisely and justly
"One like a son of man" receives glory and dominion from
God
From Bethlehem will come forth the one to rule Israel
John reluctantly baptizes the One on whom the dove descends
Jesus testifies before the high court he is God’s Son and
Messiah
Angel Gabriel tells Mary of the future greatness of her son
The Word of God, who is with God and is God, becomes flesh
Jesus is way, truth and life, for whoever sees him sees the Father
"My Lord and my God!" says Thomas to the risen Christ
Ancient Christian hymn declaring every knee will bend to Jesus
Christ as co-creator of the universe, in whom all holds together
Son of God as redeemer, heir of creation, image of God’s
glory
Blazing vision of Christ "the first and last, the one who
lives" |
Session Description
This session introduces the branch of theology called pneumatology
(Greek pneuma, "spirit"), which examines the person and the work of the
Holy Spirit as the presence and power of God active in creation, in the world and in the
Church.
Themes
| The Church's fundamental beliefs about the Holy Spirit as
the Third Person of the Trinity |
| Imagery of the Holy Spirit as the Lord and Giver of life
in creation and history, as well as in the Scriptures and the traditions of the Church |
| The Holy Spirit's role in the life of the Church and in
realizing the salvation of Christ in each person |
| Love (charity) as an essential characteristic of the
Christian life |
Focusing the Session
The Holy Spirit is God intimately present in the world and the
revealer of Christ to the world. Central to our Catholic faith is an awareness of the work
of the Holy Spirit as the active presence of God. This session will give an overview of
the work of the Holy Spirit in the world, in the Church, and in the individual.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Read and discuss the teachings of the Church regarding the
work of the Holy Spirit in individuals’ lives and in relationship with the Church. |
| Express the conviction that the nature of the Church is
formed and continually inspired by the Holy Spirit. |
| Present the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. |
| Provide a variety of teaching methods which catechists can
use to facilitate the understanding of the meaning of the Holy Spirit in the life of the
Church and in the personal lives of their students. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session catechists will be able to:
| Write a reflection of no more than one page on the
relationship between the work of the Holy Spirit in their individual lives and in
relationship with the Church. |
| Articulate the work of the Holy Spirit in the formation,
guidance and continued inspiration of the Church. |
| List and explain the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, and
how they come to expression in their personal lives. |
Special Points from the Documents
| The Holy Spirit continues the work of Christ (Sharing #92;
CCC #689-690, 727-730) |
| The Holy Spirit forms and inspires the Church (CCC
#737-741, 799-801) |
| The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts and
fruits of the Holy Spirit (CCC #1830-1832) |
| The Holy Spirit is the Teacher Within (On Catechesis in
Our Time #72) |
Documentary References (see Bibliography for
secondary sources)
| Catechism of the Catholic Church #683-747, 1830-1832. |
| On Catechesis in Our Time #72 |
| Sharing the Light of Faith #54, 92 |
Scripture Contexts
| Numbers 11:24-30 Isaiah 44:1-5
Isaiah 61:1-3
Psalm 51:13
Psalm 139:7-12
Joel 3:1-5
Zechariah 4:4-6
Luke 1:26-35
Luke 11:9-13
John 7:37-39
John 14:15-26
John 16:12-15
Acts 2:1-41
Romans 8:9-27
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
1 Corinthians 12:1-13
Galatians 5:13-26 |
Moses wishes for the day when the
Spirit will fall on all people God promises the Spirit to
all God’s people
The Spirit anoints God’s servant to proclaim good news
Holy Spirit as the special presence of God to us
There is no place in creation where the Spirit is not present
Announcement of the future outpouring of the Spirit
Not by the human power and devices, but by God’s Spirit
Spirit to "overshadow" the Virgin at Jesus’
conception
God will not deny his Spirit to anyone who asks
Streams of water flowing from within signify the Spirit
The "Paraclete" calls to mind everything Jesus taught
Father, Son, and Spirit have and share all things together
The Spirit poured out upon Peter and the disciples at Pentecost
Spirit is the new principle of life within us, always leading us
Spirit knows God’s depths, and gives us the mind of Christ
We’ve all drunk of the Spirit, who animates the body of
Christ
Spirit works within us to help put to death the sins of the flesh |
Session Description
This session introduces eschatology, which examines the Church's
teaching on the ultimate destiny of individuals, the world, and all creation in God's plan
for salvation.
Themes
| Distinction between the signs and presence of the kingdom,
the "already" and the "not yet" |
| Images of the "last things" in the Scriptures
and in the traditions of the Church |
| Church's fundamental beliefs about the death, judgment,
the resurrection of the body, heaven and hell, and the new creation |
| Hope as an essential characteristic of the Christian life |
Focusing the Session
By his appearance Jesus "destroyed death and brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Tim. 1:10). In so doing he conquered the
fear of death and infused hope deep within the spirit of faith. Jesus' resurrection is the
sign of our own, and the beginning of the final resurrection. It is the duty of Christians
to persevere in hope and steadfast loving service in anticipation of the renewal of all
creation. In this way they gain confidence for the day of judgment and a greater longing
for both the vision of God in heaven and a renewal of all the earth.
Instructional Objectives
In conducting this session the facilitator will:
| Discuss the teachings of the Church regarding death,
judgment the resurrection of the body, heaven and hell. |
| Outline the teaching on Christian hope. |
| Provide a variety of teaching methods which catechists can
use to facilitate the Christian understanding of death, judgment and final union with God. |
Catechist Competencies
As a result of this session catechists will be able to:
| Discuss the relationship of personal death to the renewal
of creation and God's saving love. |
| Explain how Christ's resurrection is the foundation for
our resurrection of the body. |
| Describe the relationship between Christian hope for the
future and faithful work in the present. |
Special Points from the Documents
| Death is the path to living in the risen Lord (Sharing
#108; CCC #988–1009) |
| Judgment should be seen in the light of Christian hope (Sharing
#109; CCC #1020–1041) |
| Christ's resurrection signals the conquest of death (Sharing
#110; CCC #988–1009) |
| Human hope is ultimately oriented to the renewal of all
creation (CCC #1042–50) |
Documentary References (see Bibliography for
secondary sources)
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