The extract below is reproduced from two handouts given out by Father Johnson of Christ the King to parents of home-based catechism groups. It explains the rationale for home-based family catechism and gives advice on how sessions can be successfully conducted.

Why the change from parish catechism to home-based family catechism?

In Singapore, all parishes use the classroom model of religious education. From our experience we have found that this model is inadequate for effective religious education for several reasons.

The reality is that traditional weekend classes are overcrowded. Catechists are putting more energy in discipline and keeping order. The time given to each session is often too short for effective teaching. And most importantly, parents are generally uninvolved in their own child’s faith development.

What is home-based family catechism?

Home-based catechesis are small groups of families – the numbers vary from four to eight families – who meet in the home for the purpose of religious education of their children..

• The group (parents and children) meets weekly and it sometimes includes a time of socializing and food in their gathering.
• The families decide on the day and time they want to meet.
• A family-friendly curriculum is given by the parish.
• The teachers’ manual is given to each group to help in their preparation.
• Each child will purchase a textbook and student workbook. The current diocesan programme which will use is Walking by Faith.
• Parents are encouraged to create and innovate from a goldmine of materials and resources available on specific themes.
• Each catechetical session is scheduled for approximately one hour, but meetings in homes allows for flexibility.
• Each lesson begins with an ice-breaker, praise and worship; an experience that involves children and adults; followed by sharing bible stories and church teachings.

We know how we learn from our experiences, especially in family. From these experiences we interpret the message of our faith. When we do this, suddenly doctrine takes on flesh and has meaning for our lives. Each session concludes with a closing prayer service /hymn.

The activities and home handout materials accompanying each lesson continue the work begun and connect the lesson with family gatherings at home during the week.

All ages can benefit from the richness of these sessions. Even teenagers can join in the home sessions!

What makes a good Parent-Catechist?

Try to see yourself in the qualities described below.

• Be yourself. Genuineness. I am more effective in dialogue if I can be real, if I do not put on a mask. I teach best when I am in touch with my own feelings.
• Openness to learn. Listening. I teach best only when I am learning. I do not have to know all the answers. But I do need to realize that I too, am part of of the learning home-based family community.
• Affirmation. Listening. I teach when I hold the learner as a gift, and value his or her feelings and ideas. I teach when I recognise the goodness, beauty and truth of each person. No one learns until I or someone else reveals that each person in valuable, worth listening to and very sacred.
• Availability. I teach best when I am available to the rest of the parent-catechist, by making time for the meetings, by listening, by being supportive.
• Being specific. Structuring. I teach when I can be real and use life experiences from here and now. I teach when I am able to structure the lesson well. I do not simply wander from thing to thing with no direction or purpose.
• Confrontation. I teach well when I am able to confront and challenge, to give direction rather than allow persons to be passive.
• Intensity. Passion. Enthusiasm. I have only an hour or so to teach, not a lifetime. I must concentrate on the quality rather than the quantity of material. I teach when I am deeply involved with passion and enthusiasm.
• Being a model. I teach by way of example. St Paul said: "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." My word is life.
• Prayerfulness. I teach best when I rely on God’s strength and grace of God. I teach when I know that I am poor and needy, that my life isn’t all that it should be. I teach when I am aware of my own weakness that I need to be healed.

(taken from handouts given to parent catechists by Christ the king in 1999)