Archdiocese of Detroit + Maryknoll Educators' Corner + New Teacher Connection + America
Catechetics is a year-long elective course in Roman Catholic Theology that explores and deepens a students understanding of the ministry and mission of the catechist as one who passes on the faith. Various topics in theology will be covered through class meetings, attending formation topics outside of class meetings offered by the Archdiocese of Detroit Office of Religious Education, and by teaching or assisting an after-school elementary religious education class in a local Catholic parish. The course culminates with the completion of the teaching internship and the student becoming a certified elementary catechist for service in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Course Prerequisites
Open to seniors (and juniors in some cases) by permission of the Religion Department and recommendation of the faculty of Notre Dame High School. A student must have a "B" average in his completed religion courses which must include Old Testament, New Testament and Sacramental Theology or their equivalents. The student, if a junior, must be enrolled concurrently in Church History and in Morality if he is a senior.
Course Objectives
The primary objectives of the course are: 1. to deepen the student's understanding of basic concepts in Roman Catholic Theology so that he may communicate the teachings of the Church clearly and pastorally; 2. to explore the process of theological reflection; 3. to learn how to form lesson plans which are creative and effective in communicating the faith to elementary students through experimentation; 4. to effectively teach (or assist) a year long elementary religious education course in a local parish under the guidance and supervision of the course instructor and/or the director of religious education; 5. to become familiar with the catechetical resources of the Church both on the parish and archdiocesan levels; 6. to emphasize the importance of service in the Roman Catholic Church; and 7. to become a certified elementary catechist for service in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Course Texts - available through Mr. Lowery only
Religious Education At a Crossroads by Francoise Darcy-Berube.
Paulist Press, 1995. ISBN 0-8091-3829-8
Catechesis Revisited by Liam Kelly.
Paulist Press, 2000. ISBN 0-8091-3997-9
That You May Believe by Patrick M. Devitt.
Dominican Publications, 1992. ISBN 1-871552-23-0
Course Requirements and Expectations
-students will complete the twenty foundational topics (or their equivalents) for Catechists offered by the Archdiocese of Detroit and earn basic certification.
-students are expected to complete any/all assignments on time.
-students are expected to participate actively in class lecture, discussions and theological reflections and to support one another.
-students are to be faithful to their assigned parish internship and maintain a good relationship with their supervisors accepting both commendations and recommendations openly so as to represent Notre Dame High School and themselves in a good light.
-Students are expected to teach only the faith and Traditions of the Roman Catholic Church in a way which communicates the Church's stance and encourages personal reflection and integration.
Grading - Grade Scale
-completion and submission of weekly lesson plans
-completion of reading assignments and participation in class seminar
-completion of the twenty foundational topics offered by the Archdiocese
-Quizzes and tests over materials discussed in class
-final exams at the end of each semester
Archdiocese of Detroit + Maryknoll Educators' Corner + New Teacher Connection + America
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