Religious Education
(as done in the past)

The Sunday Education Assembly is separated from catechesis.

Generations of Faith
G.O.F.

Week long reflection on the previous Sunday’s readings in every parish group and household, for example, the question of the week. The homily becomes the backbone and the Eucharist is the source and summit each week.

Conversion is generally not a concern of the religious education program. It is for the head not the heart.

Conversion precedes catechesis, is on-going, and is encouraged through faith sharing.

We call it: the Parish Religious Education Program, normally referring to PS - 12th grade.

We call it: Generations of Faith (Whole Community Catechesis) - referring to all age groups, pre-school through adults.

Who takes part: mainly young people within the parish.

Who takes part: truly for young people, youth, young adults, and adults of all life situations and ages - all on an intergenerational basis.

How we meet: religious education class.

How we meet: We gather together as a faith community for monthly catechesis assemblies and weekly worship.

Classroom

Assembly Hall - gathered in small and large groups, a liturgical setting, and a place for food to be shared. Food is very important to Catholic celebrations. Jesus left us a meal as a memorial of himself for us.

Students

Learners and disciples, maybe even “apprentices in the faith” - used interchangeably from PS - adult.

Classroom catechist or religion teachers

Lead presenter, activity leaders, plus the essential work of each household.

Textbook, plus other materials.

Textbook is used as a resource, not the main source. Activities that include 1) an invitation to faith sharing, 2) an approach that connects the head (knowing) the heart (loving), and the hands (serving), 3) the integration of family life and catechesis.

Method - mainly to cover material in text, following instructions in teachers’ or catechists’ edition. Follows the school year.

Material in text provides a jumping off point. Curriculum and content comes from the life and events of the Church. Follows the Church year.

Parents

Parents, guardians, families or households - used interchangeably, recognizing the large amount of household diversity in today’s church.

Mainly the work of catechesis is done by the parish staff and volunteers; what happens within the household is not seen as part of the process of catechesis.

Every house hold in the parish is invited to participate on a 50-50 basis; therefore, Christian homemaking is part and parcel of the catechetical process.