Guidelines: Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis

Two documents have recently been published by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. These were developed by the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Both documents are available for download on the Web site of the USCCB:

The first document is Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age.

As a framework, this document offers guidance to catechetical publishers in the creation of instructional material… In addition to aiding those creating catechetical texts and materials, this framework will also serve to aid those responsible for overseeing catechetical instruction within dioceses as well as those responsible for curriculum development or the development of assessment instruments designed to complement texts, programs, or curriculums.

The framework is composed of six semester-length subject themes with room for a diocese or school to choose two elective subject themes.

Core Curriculum:

I. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
II. Who Is Jesus Christ?
III. The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)
IV. Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church
V. Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
VI. Life in Jesus Christ

Electives:

Option A. Sacred Scripture
Option B. History of the Catholic Church
Option C. Living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ in Society
Option D. Responding to the Call of Jesus Christ
Option E. Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues

The Second document is called Catechetical Formation in Chaste Living: Guidelines for Curriculum Design and Publication.

This guideline

is designed to guide publishers in the development of new religion texts for students in preschool through twelfth grade and to assist in curriculum development by diocesan and parish catechetical leaders. These guidelines may also be helpful to assist parents/guardians, catechists, and Catholic school teachers in their respective roles in this crucial and delicate task.

The guideline is comprised of two main parts:

Part I: The Teaching of the Church

A. The Received Teaching of the Church Regarding Chaste Living
B. Church Teaching on Special Issues of Concern

Part II: Passing On the Teaching of the Church

This section describes the roles of Pastors, parents or guardians, teachers, catechists, and publishers. It also
provides a bibliography of resources.

For more resources on catechesis:

Catechetics - Resources for Catholic Educators
http://www.silk.net/RelEd/catechetics.htm

Catechesis for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
http://www.silk.net/RelEd/disabilities.htm

Resources for Catholic Educators Store - Catechesis
http://astore.amazon.com/resouforcatho0b-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2