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The object of catechesis is communion with Jesus Christ. Catechesis leads people to enter the mystery of Christ, to encounter him, and to discover themselves and the meaning of their lives in him. "At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth... The definitve aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ..." National Directory for Catechesis (NDC), p 55
The single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a professionally trained parish catechetical leader. NDC, p 224
Parish Catechesis Resources:
Religion Course of Study & other diocesan documents (PDFs)
Scripture Creed Sacraments Moral Prayer
Sacramental Preparation: Diocesan Policy for Sacramental Preparation (PDF)
Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Reconciliation
Rite of Christian Initiation: RCIA Diocesan Handbook (available from Office for Divine Worship) RCIA materials by Association for Catechumenal Ministry Making Disciples: Comprehensive Catechesis for RCIA Catechumenate
Adaptable for use with high school age in RCIA context: "Understanding the Catechism" series (RCL) (This series has 4 volumes with teacher's guides for each: Creed, Liturgy & Sacraments, Morality, Prayer) Our Catholic Identity Catechism Workbook (RCL) (adult version can be used with teens --- the series for grades 1 - 8 is listed below)
Adaptable for use with children in RCIA context: "Our Catholic Identity Catechism Workbook" series grades 1-8 (RCL) "Scripture Workbook" series grades 1-8 (RCL)
Catechetical Leaders: Program development Catechist development Administration & management Ongoing professional develop. US Bishops' Catechetical Guidance:List of texts conforming to Catechism per US BishopsBishops' Catechetical Framework for High School Age MaterialsBishops' Guidelines for Catechetical Formation in Chaste Living
Publishers with Materials on Bishops' Conformity List: Ave Maria Press Catholicism Series - CR Publications Consecrated in Truth Program Faith First Harcourt Religion Pflaum Ignatius Press Religious Education Loyola Press Our Sunday Visitor Pauline Books and Media Priory Press Dominican Series RCL-Benziger Sadlier St. Mary's Press
Periodicals: Catechetical Leader Catechist Faith and Family Lay Witness Religion Teacher's Journal The Sower
Links: Vatican's Holy See USCCB (US Bishops) Catechism of Catholic Church online New American Bible online
Organizations: Association for Catechumenal Ministry (ACM) National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM)
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