PA910EE Principles of Catechetics
Designed for deacons, lay ministers and volunteers who will be involved in planning and implementing faith formation for all ages and anyone interested in learning more about emerging models of catechesis. The course will provide a survey of emerging models and approaches to faith formation. The reading assignments and presentations will point to texts, journals, web sites and parishes that provide and practice the models described. The course will encourage conversation and mutual learning about all approaches to parish faith formation across the life span with the goal of assisting all who bear this responsibility.
Course Syllabus
Overview
Designed for deacons, lay ministers and volunteers who will be involved in planning and implementing faith formation for all ages and anyone interested in learning more about emerging models of catechesis. The course will provide a survey of emerging models and approaches to faith formation. The reading assignments and presentations will point to texts, journals, web sites and parishes that provide and practice the models described. The course will encourage conversation and mutual learning about all approaches to parish faith formation across the life span with the goal of assisting all who bear this responsibility.
Weekly Module Plan
| Module | Reading | Journal | Forum |
| Module 1 | The Pedagogy of God - Introduction, and Part I, chapters 1 and 2
General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) - Preface and Part 3 , chapter I Points of Particular interest: The Pedagogy of God - Introduction, pgs. 4-5. p. 1, & THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE PEDAGOGY Chap. 1, pg. 12, p. 1 & 2, Chap. 2, pgs. 15-18. GDC - The Pedagogy of the Faith, pp. #137, 138. Additional Reading (Optional) The Mystery We Proclaim, Part I - Chapters 1 and 2 Catholic Christianity, Chapters 1 through 4 |
In the M1 journal please introduce yourself and your experiences of Catechesis.
Please read the instructions for journals BEFORE posting your entry.
Reflect on the concepts of Catechesis. |
Participate in the Required Video Conference Call |
| Module 2 | Read all Previous assignments, including Introduction and Key Points
Letters of Paul if you have time Read The Pedagogy of God - Part I, chapter 3 Read General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) - Part 1, Intro & chapter I Points of Particular interest: The Pedagogy of God - Word studies on pgs. 31-33. GDC - The Transmission of Revelation by the Church: pgs. 38-39. Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community from http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_14041990_acat_en.html Additional Reading (Optional) The Mystery We Proclaim, Part II - Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Catholic Christianity, Part I - Chapters 5, 6, and 7 |
In the Module 2 Forum discuss with your classmates the meaning of the Pedagogy of God and its relationship with the Pedagogy of the Faith.
RESPOND to one of the following prompts: 1. Define the Pedagogy of God. 2. Where does the Pedagogy of God come from? What is the origination point of this concept? 3. What is the relationship between the Pedagogy of God and the Pedagogy of the Faith? |
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| Module 3 | Gospel of John
The Pedagogy of God: Part I, chapter 4. The GDC: Part 1, chap. II. Points of Particular interest: Catechesis at the Service of Ongoing Formation in the Faith. · Various forms of continuing catechesis: pgs. 61-62 · Distinctions between "Religious education" and "Faith formation". Additional Reading (Optional) Catholic Christianity, Part I, Chapters 8, 9, 10 |
Catechesis entails both the learning and faith development.
In the M3 journal write a journal entry on your intellectual and spiritual growth.
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| Module 4 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 2, chap. 5
GDC: Part 1, chap. III The Didache from http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html St. Paul’s letters to Timothy (I, II). Points of Particular interest: The meaning of the transfer, or "handing on" of the faith. The purpose of the written Gospel: Jn. 20:31
Additional Reading (Optional) Catholic Christianity, Part II, Chapters 1, 2 and 3
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Adults and older children who seek entrance into the faith do so through a process. Discuss with your classmates your understanding of this process. | |
| Module 5 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 2, chap. 6
The GDC: Part 3, chap. II Points of Particular interest: Variables in the Itinerary of Christian Initiation: pgs 103-107. ESSAY: 5 page essay on any topic from your assigned readings. You must use Turabian (Chicago) style, including a cover page and bibliography consisting of at least 3 sources (may include the Bible). Due at the end of Module 6 period. Follow the paper requirements described in the LMS documents (double spaced, 1” margins, 12 font)
Additional Reading (Optional) The Mystery We Proclaim, Part III – Chapter 1 Catholic Christianity, Part II, Chapter 4, 5, and 6 |
The early church attempted to establish a method for teaching the faith. In the M5 journal describe your thoughts on where the church was and where it is today. | Participate in the second Conference Call and Chat session. |
| Module 6 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 2, chap. 7
the GDC: Part 2, chap. II Points of Particular interest: Catechisms in the local churches, pgs. 124-131. -Why are local catechisms needed? -What is the relationship between the local and universal catechisms? -How might a diocese, community, or parish, adapt the Catechism, and why?
Additional Reading (Optional) The Mystery We Proclaim, Part IV – Chapters 1 and 2 Catholic Christianity, Part II – Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 |
Submit your essay on the readings. | The early church attempted to establish a method for teaching the faith. Discuss with your classmates your thoughts on where the church was and where it is today. |
| Module 7 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 2, chap. 8
the GDC: Part 5, chap. II Points of Particular interest: The formation and personal development of the catechist. The importance of prayer, the human, Christian, and apostolic maturity of catechists. Catechists are ministers, not just volunteer religious education teachers.
Additional Reading (Optional) Read Catholic Christianity, Part III, Chapters 1 and 2 |
Reflect on the essential elements of the formation of catechists.
The ministry of catechesis. |
Reflect with your classmates on the essential formation of catechists. How does formation differ from, and how is it similar to, education? |
| Module 8 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 3, chap. 10
the GDC: Part 5, chap. III Points of Particular interest: The relationship between catechesis and location. The role of the catechist in the Pedagogy of God. Additional Reading (Optional) The Mystery We Proclaim, Part V - Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Catholic Christianity, Part III – Chapters 3 and 4 |
Share with your classmates what in the lives and experiences of the Catechists you have researched really spoke to you and your faith life | |
| Module 9 | The Pedagogy of God, Part 3, chap. 9
Additional Reading (Optional) Read Catholic Christianity, Part III - Chapters 5 and 6 |
Reflect on the transitions made in catechesis from the Reformation to the 2ndVatican Council and discuss these in your journal. | |
| Module 10 | The Pedagogy of God: Part 3, chap. 11
the GDC: Part 1, chap. III Points of Particular interest: The nature and contours of good catechesis. The implementation and practice of catechesis. Additional Reading (Optional) Catholic Christianity, Part III, Chapters 7 and 8 Historical Models of Catechesis |
Reflect briefly on what makes for good catechesis?
Engage with your classmates on what makes for good practice in catechesis. |
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| Module 11 | the GDC: Part 5, chap. IV
Points of Particular interest: The formation and personal development of the catechist. The importance of prayer, the human, Christian, and apostolic maturity of catechists. Catechists are ministers, not just volunteer religious education teachers. Catechesi Tradendae available online from http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_16101979_catechesi-tradendae_en.html “Christ and Culture” Angus J. L. Menuge in PDF Additional Reading (Optional) Catholic Christianity, Part III, Chapters 9, 10 and 11 Catechesi Tradendae available online from http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_16101979_catechesi-tradendae_en.html “Christ and Culture” Angus J. L. Menuge in PDF |
The past, present and future hope the keys to catechesis; consider the selected questions and post in your journal | Participate in the third Conference call and chat session. |
| Module 12 | Read the Letter of James
The GDC "Conclusion". |
Reflect on how Catholic Christian catechesis differs from other forms of education. |
Texts for PA631DE: Principles of Catechesis:
The Pedagogy of God: its centrality in catechesis and catechist formation. Farey, Linnig, Paruch. Emmaus Road Pub. Steubenville. ISBN 978-1931018722
The General Directory for Catechesis. United States Catholic Conference. Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1574552256
Additional Reading (Optional):
The Mystery We Proclaim: Catechesis in the Third Millennium
Second Edition
Francis D. Kelly, ISBN: 1-55635-684-6
Our Sunday Visitor (2nd Edition) 2007
Price $16.00 paperback; Available from Amazon and others
Catholic Christianity
Peter Kreeft ISBN 978-0-89870-798-4
Ignatius Press 2001
Price $12.21 paperback; $9.91 Kindle Available from Amazon and others
This reference book is not required but is very helpful in understanding the full depth and scope of Catechesis. You will probably find in your Religious Education Office:
The National Directory for Catechesis
ISBN: 978-1-57455-443-4
Published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Publication # 5-443 -- Washington, DC
Grading
There are six forum assignments that are worth 5 points each in your final grade (30 %).
There are six journal assignments that are worth 5 points each in your final grade (30 %)
There is an essay worth 15 points (15%)
The final examination is worth 25 points (25%)