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CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MTHATHA

POLICY DOCUMENT FOR CATECHESIS

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1.   INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 2  2.   AGENTS OF CATECHETICAL MINISTRY ........................................................................... 3  

2.1   The Diocesan Catechetical Commission ............................................................. 3  2.1.2. Membership of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission ........................... 4  

2.2 The Priest ............................................................................................................................. 4  

2.2   The Catechetical Committee in the Parish .......................................................... 5  2.3.1 Office bearers of the Parish Catechetical Committee. ................................ 5  

2.3   The Sowers ..................................................................................................................... 6  2.4.1 Formation and Training of Sowers ....................................................................... 6  

2.4   The parents and the Sponsors .................................................................................. 7  3.   THE PROGRAMME OF CATECHETICAL MINISTRY ........................................................ 7  

3.1 Infant Baptism Preparation ........................................................................................... 8  

3.1.1   Objective of Infant Baptism Preparation ....................................................... 8  3.1.2   Recipients of Infant Baptism Preparation ...................................................... 9  3.1.2.1   First time Catholic Parents .............................................................................. 9  3.1.2.2 Second Time Catholic Parents ........................................................................ 10  3.1.2.3   Situations where only one parent is a practicing Catholic and where the child lives with a Catholic relative (usually grandmother) .............. 11  

3.1.3 Sponsors ..................................................................................................................... 11  3.1.3   Personnel for instructing the Parents ............................................................. 12  3.1.5 Methodology. .......................................................................................................... 12  3.1.6 Expected Outcome ............................................................................................... 12  

3.2 Holy Communion Stage ............................................................................................... 12  3.2.1 Four to Five years old ............................................................................................. 12  3.2.2 Six to Nine years Old .............................................................................................. 13  

3.2.3 First Holy Communion ............................................................................................ 13  3.3 Confirmation ................................................................................................................... 16  

3.3.1 Pre- Confirmation ................................................................................................... 16  3.3.2 Confirmation ............................................................................................................ 18  

3.4 Rite of Christian Initiation ............................................................................................. 20  3.4.1 RCIA for children ..................................................................................................... 20  3.4.2 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults ................................................................... 22  

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3.5   Marriage Preparation ............................................................................................... 24  

3.6   Family Catechesis ...................................................................................................... 25  3.7   Catholic Schools Catechesis .................................................................................. 25  

4.   CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................... 26   INTRODUCTION “Catechesis is shared by differentiated responsibility. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious

and lay faithful play their part, each according to their respective responsibilities and

charisms” (General Directory for Catechesis 216, pg. 223). In this document the agents

of catechetical ministry are identified and their role clarified.

Our rural situation is not without challenges with regard to catechetical ministry. The

number of Catholics is low and even among those who avail themselves for this ministry,

not all of them are able and skilled to educate others. In spite of that however, the

Diocese has opted against the practice of paid catechists. The Diocesan animation

team will instead train and support voluntary catechists, known in our Diocese as

Sowers.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Catechism is conceived as an

organic presentation of the Catholic faith in its entirety. It should be seen as a unified

whole” (CCC 18: 1992). This document seeks to spell out the structure, the content and

management of catechetical ministry, in the Diocese of Mthatha. It presents Catechesis

according to the stages of the faith development so that the ideal of organic formation

in the faith is achieved.

Seven stages of catechetical formation, i.e. Infant Baptism Preparation, Communion,

Confirmation, Rite of Christian Initiation, Marriage preparation, Family and School

Catechesis constitute this wholesome presentation of the faith. The diocesan

catechetical programme also establishes the curriculum, the methodology as well as

the resources/material to be used for each stage of catechetical formation. The

objectives as well as the outcome of each stage are also spelt out.

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1. AGENTS OF CATECHETICAL MINISTRY In the Diocese of Mthatha, the agents of catechetical formation are:

1. The bishop in collaboration with the Diocesan Catechetical Commission

2. The parish priests in collaboration with the Parish Catechetical Committee

3. The Sowers

4. The parents

5. The Sponsors

6. All the faithful.

1.1 The Diocesan Catechetical Commission

The Catechetical commission establishes and coordinates catechetical activities in the

diocese. Therefore, “The organization of catechetical pastoral care has as its reference

point the Bishop and the diocese. The diocesan catechetical office (officium

catechisticum) is the “means which the bishop as head of the community and teacher

of doctrine utilizes to direct and moderate all the catechetical activities of the diocese”

(GDC 265, pg 267).

The Diocesan Catechetical Commission will be tasked with the following responsibilities

and roles in the diocese of Mthatha:

a) Coordinating and regulating the activities of the DAT in the diocese in matters

pertaining catechesis.

b) Determining the materials to be used for all levels.

c) Organizing the material and regulating the manner in which these materials are

used.

d) Setting up a catechetical programme in the diocese and supervise it.

e) Coordination of the activities of the Sowers in the diocese to make sure that

each parish has established the Sowers’ program.

f) Visiting all the parishes at least twice a year (cf. GDC 266, pg 268).

g) In consultation with the Commission, the Bishop will appoint a Diocesan

Catechetical Coordinator to serve as a member of the Commission.

h) Have regular meetings with other commissions such as Liturgy and Justice and

Peace so that it can be informed about other areas to be covered.

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i) To have meetings with the bishop at least once a year to evaluate and plan the

activities of the diocese and to liaise with the National Catechetical department.

2.1.2. Membership of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission

The membership of the Diocesan Catechetical Commission is composed of the

following:

1. Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator

2. Four Deans

3. One DAT member

4. Four Deanery Catechetical Coordinators.

The term of office for the Diocesan Catechetical Commission lasts for three (3) years,

subject to renewal. Members will elect among themselves office bearers with the

approval of the bishop but the Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator will be appointed

by the bishop.

2.2 The Priest

Catechesis is a primary responsibility of a priest in the parish. According to the South

African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Catechetical Directory, 2003;

• Priests, as pastors and educators of the Christian community, have as one of their

greatest duties that of discerning the vocation of the catechist (Sower) and of

attending to their formation and training.

• It is also a responsibility and duty of the priest to integrate all catechetical activity

in the parish with ongoing evangelisation and catechesis of the community.

• In order to achieve this the priest needs to bring about and foster the link

between catechesis, sacraments and the liturgy.

• A crucial moment in catechesis is the interlink between the priest and catechists

(sowers). It is the task of the priest to accompany catechists (sowers) and

encourage them to share their faith.

• Priests are called upon to care for the planning of catechesis in the parishes by

participating actively with the catechists (sowers) and by insisting that catechesis

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be well structured and in keeping with a common diocesan policy” (SACBC CD

6.2, 2003).

1.2 The Catechetical Committee in the Parish

The primary role of the Parish Catechetical Committee is to ensure the establishment

and support of structures for catechesis in the Parish.

2.3.1 Office bearers of the Parish Catechetical Committee.

The Parish Catechetical committee is composed of representatives from each sub-

parish and these Catechetical coordinators from each sub-parish constitute together

with the priest the Catechetical committee of the whole parish, among whom a parish

catechetical coordinator is elected. The parish catechetical coordinator will then

represent the Parish at the deanery level. The office bearers of the Parish Catechetical

Committee are:

1. Parish Priest (Overseer of the group)

2. Parish Catechetical Coordinator (Chairperson)

3. Secretary

4. Additional member.

In co-operation with the parish priest, the Catechetical committee is tasked with

organizing a quarterly meeting for Sowers in specific parishes. These quarterly meetings

evaluate the catechetical activities in the parish. Other roles of the Parish Catechetical

coordinator include the following:

§ He/she works hand in hand with the priest in all matters relating to catechesis

§ He/she organises the catechetical material in consultation with the parish

priest

§ He/she must produce the report of the catechetical activities in the parish

§ He/she checks attendance registers of the Sowers

§ Also prepares the report to the diocesan coordinator of catechesis in

consultation with the parish priest

§ In essence he/she is the principal of catechetical school in the parish.

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§ A regular report of the activities of the Parish Catechetical committee to be

given to the Parish Pastoral Council

§ Represent the parish to the deanery and the Diocese

1.3 The Sowers

“The vocation of the laity to catechesis springs from the sacrament of Baptism. It is

strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation. Through the Sacraments of Baptism

and Confirmation they participate in the Priestly, Prophetic and Kingly ministry of Christ.

In addition to the common vocation of the apostolate some lay people feel called

interiorly by God to assume the service of catechists.” (GDC 231. pg 237). Therefore, in

our diocese of Mthatha these voluntary catechists are known as “SOWERS”. They sow

the word of God into the hearts of the Youth and Adults alike and share their own faith

with them. The vocation to be a catechist (Sower) is a special form of the Ministry of the

Word. This is a personal calling that requires an initial and developing relationship with

Christ.

An intimate relationship with Christ is the driving force behind all catechetical activity.

“Form this loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim him, to ‘evangelize,’

and to lead other to the ‘Yes’ of faith in Jesus Christ” (CCC 429).

It is imperative therefore, that the local Church provide the means necessary to awaken

and discern the vocation of the catechist, confer the mission to catechize, and provide

the necessary initial and ongoing formation and training for catechists (Sowers) (SACBC

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Sowers are men and women and should emerge from their Small Christian Communities.

Ideally a Parish should have Sowers for each stage of catechetical formation and there

are seven of these stages, There should be a minimum of the two Sowers for each stage.

These Sowers fulfil their tasks in the name of the whole community and therefore are to

be commissioned and blessed in the Church assembly.

2.4.1 Formation and Training of Sowers

The initial training and the ongoing formation of the Sowers in the parish and in the

diocese in general is very vital to the growth and development of faith in the diocese of

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Mthatha. According to the General Directory for Catechesis, “An adequate

conception of the formation of catechists/Sowers must always take prior note of some

of the criteria which inspire and configure with varying emphasis relevant to the

formation of catechists…” (GDC 237, pg 244). In Mthatha Diocese therefore:

Ø All Sowers in parishes and the diocese in general must undergo a compulsory

annual renewal training to be organised by DAT.

Ø This annual renewal training be done on Deanery levels in order to cut out the

travelling expenses.

Ø We recommend annual retreats for all Sowers in order to help the spiritual

renewal of all whose task is to hand on the Catholic faith. All parish priests and

pastoral workers must see to the fulfilment of this recommendation.

Ø The training of Sowers remains an on going task in the diocese of Mthatha. The

DAT therefore, must see to the material applicable to the area of training.

1.4 The parents and the Sponsors

The role of the parents and sponsors in Catechetical ministry cannot be emphasised

enough. To them belongs the informal living out of Christian life, where children learn

from them by observing. Parents and sponsors impart faith by praying in their homes,

practicing Catholic customs and devotion, living out the Gospel values and active

participation in the life and work of the Church.

2. THE PROGRAMME OF CATECHETICAL MINISTRY

Catechetical formation in the Diocese of Mthatha covers the following stages:

1. Infant Baptism preparation

ü For 1st time Parents

ü For 2nd time Parents

ü For situations where only one parent is Catholic

ü For situations where the relative (grandmother) lives with the child.

2. Communion preparation

ü 1st age group 4-5 years old

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ü 2nd age group 6-9 years old

ü First Holy Communion 10-12 years old

3. Confirmation preparation

ü Pre confirmation 13-14 years old

ü Confirmation preparation 14-16 years old

4. Rite of Christian Initiation

ü Rite of Christian initiation for Children

ü Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

5. Marriage Preparation

6. Family catechesis

7. School catechesis.

3.1 Infant Baptism Preparation

Infant baptism is a sacrament that opens the gate of belonging to the family of God

and the Church. The aim therefore of infant Baptism Preparation is to commit the

parents to be a family that Catholic This sacrament remains a ground of meeting

whereby Catholics and non-Catholic parents experience the church and their faith

anew while in preparation for their infants’ baptism (initiation) in the Church.

2.1.1 Objective of Infant Baptism Preparation

The primary aim of Infant Baptism preparation is to commit the parents to be a family

that is Catholic, where praying together, especially night and morning prayers as well as

devotions (Rosary) is the norm. Furthermore, this stage of catechetical formation

encourages the parents to commit themselves to be a family that lives by Gospel values

and Catholic Teaching. Being in such a Catholic Family environment, the child will grow

into the habit and appreciation of Christian life and values.

The second aim of Infant Baptism Preparation is to commit the parents to active life and

work of the Church. This preparation therefore should help the parents to realise the

importance of belonging to a parish Church and to participate regularly in the worship

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and prayer of the Church in all its forms. Furthermore, the programme aims at

encouraging the parents to be involved in the evangelising work of the Church. In this

way, the child will grow in its identification with the life and work of the Church.

2.1.2 Recipients of Infant Baptism Preparation

The preparation of parents for infant baptism has three forms, i.e. preparation for first

time parents, for second time parents and for parents where one partner is not Catholic.

The objective of the catechetical programme for Second time parents is to deepen

and renew the parents’ knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith and morals so

that they are able to teach their children.

2.1.2.1 First time Catholic Parents

These are parents who prepare for their first child baptism. The following material and

syllabus are used for the preparation of infant baptism.

§ Infant Baptism Preparation kit- Lumko material No. 12V

§ What will this child turn out to be? Lumko material No.13

§ Hymn book (Bongan’ Inkosi/ Rorisang Morena)

§ Our Journey together (OJT) by Oswald Hirmer

§ Our Joy in being Catholic ( OJC) Oswald Hirmer and

§ The Holy Bible

Sessions:

Session 1-3 – Card Sessions from Infant Baptism preparations/ OJT- page 26

Session 4- Lesson 3 “Discover God’s plan…” OJT

Session 5- Lesson 11 “The water of liberation…” OJT

Session 6- Lesson 20 “I believe in God the Father…” OJT

Session 7- Lesson 21 “I believe in Jesus Christ …” OJT

Session 8- Lesson 28 “I believe in the Holy Spirit…” OJT

Session 9- Lesson 36 “Baptism: We give ourselves to Christ” OJT

Session 10- Lesson 37 “Baptism: We join the Christian community…” OJT

Session 11- Lesson No. 23 “The Angels of God…” OJC

Session 12- Appendix 1 -OJT

Basic Prayers of the Catholic Church (pg. 191-199) OJT

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§ DAY OF RECOLLECTION, CONFESSIONS AND FINAL PREPARATION FOR BAPTISMAL

CEREMONIES IS HIGHLY COMMENDED! PRIEST AND PASTORAL WORKER TO

CONDUCT A DAY OF RECOLLECTION.

Sponsors and all who wish to be sponsors (cf. Canon law 872- 874) must join in the first,

sixth and twelfth sessions as recommended above with the parents of the child to be

baptized. The OJT pg. 26 that explains the tasks of Sponsors is recommended for the first

session with the parents and the sponsors.

3.1.2.2 Second Time Catholic Parents

This category of parents must have undergone preparation for their first child baptism.

When parents in this category prepare for their infant baptism the second time, the

following materials and syllabus is used for instructions:

1) Infant Baptism Preparation kit- Lumko material No. 12V

2) What will this child turn out to be? Lumko material No.13

3) Hymn book (Bongan’ Inkosi/ Rorisang Morena)

4) Our Journey together (OJT) by Oswald Hirmer

5) Our Joy in being Catholic ( OJC) Oswald Hirmer and

6) The Holy Bible

Sessions

Session 1- No. 1 “We believe in ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH…” OJC

Session 2- no 11 “By making the sign of the cross…” OJC

Session 3- Lesson 36 “Baptism: We give ourselves to Christ” OJT

Session 4- Lesson 38 “Confirmation: We are anointed with the Holy Spirit…” OJT

Session 5- Lesson 39 “Holy Eucharist: The great Meal of Unity…” OJT

Session 6- Lesson 41 “Reconciliation: There is a way back to God…” OJT

Session 7- Lesson 43 “Anointing of the Sick: Sacrament of healing …” OJT

Session 8- Lesson 44 “Marriage: A mirror of God’s love…” OJT

Session 9- no. 27 “Sacrament of Priesthood…” OJC

Session 10- no. 44 “Abortion and the Catholic church” OJC

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Session 11- no. 45 “No divorce, no polygamy in the Catholic church…” OJC

Session 12- no. 46/47 “Our Catholic attitude towards sexual behaviour…” OJC

§ DAY OF RECOLLECTION, CONFESSIONS AND FINAL PREPARATION FOR BAPTISMAL

CEREMONIES IS HIGHLY COMMENDED!

Sponsors and all who wish to be sponsors (cf. Canon law 872- 874) must join in the first,

sixth and twelfth sessions as recommended above with the parents of the child to be

baptized. The OJT pg. 26 that explains the tasks of Sponsors is recommended for the first

session with the parents and the sponsors.

3.1.2.3 Situations where only one parent is a practicing Catholic and where the child

lives with a Catholic relative (usually grandmother)

In situations where one parent is a practising Catholic and the other is none, the right of

the infant is respected by offering baptism and therefore ideally both parents must

come for instructions. The reason for including the non-Catholic partner in baptism

preparation is to ensure that the partner concerned will at least not be an obstacle to a

Catholic atmosphere in the family, otherwise it makes no sense to baptise the child if

there is no guarantee of faith support for the child. Experience, however, shows that

very rarely do Non Catholic partners show willingness to be part of infant baptism

preparation, but where possible this must be insisted upon. For the preparation of

parents where one parent is not Catholic, the same material and sessions for parents

who are both Catholics is used.

3.1.3 Sponsors

The sponsors must be Catholics who are already confirmed and have received the holy

Eucharist. They should be leading a life of faith in harmony with the duty they are

undertaking. He/she must be active in the life of the church. According to the Catholic

understanding, the responsibility expected from a sponsor or godparent include the

following:

§ Together with the parents, presents the child for baptism

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§ Helps the child to lead the Christian life in harmony with baptism and

§ To fulfil faithfully the obligations inherent to it. (Canon 872)

3.1.3 Personnel for instructing the Parents

The Priests trained Sowers, trained religious sisters and trained Pastoral workers.

3.1.5 Methodology.

The methodology for infant baptism preparation is dialogical as in the Our Journey

Together material. Parents and instructors search together the meaning of faith, using

Picture charts, life stories/experiences and linking them with our faith so as to reach to

the deeper meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism. This methodology will help the

parents and sponsors to understand their role in handing on the Catholic faith to their

children.

3.1.6 Expected Outcome

ü That Parents will model Catholic family

ü Be knowledgeable about sacraments

ü Have personal relationship with the Lord Jesus

ü Be part of Church life and its work of evangelising and witness

ü Know basic church prayers and be proud to be Catholics and this will enable

them to pass on these prayers and rituals to their children.

3.2 Holy Communion Stage

This stage of catechetical formation consists of pre-communion, communion and post

communion groups.

3.2.1 Four to Five years old Objective: The objective of the stage of catechetical formation is to introduce the

children to our basic Catholic prayers and gestures, e.g. Sign of the Cross, genuflection

and Our Father, Hail Mary etc. Thus the children between four and five years are the

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target of this class. Parents and guardians of children in this age group assisted by

Sowers are therefore requested to introduce their children into this age group class.

Material: The material to be used for this is Ukholo luncancwa ekhaya

Methodology: It is characteristically dialogical, but includes a lot of learning by heart

and activity.

3.2.2 Six to Nine years Old Objective: The aim of this stage of catechetical formation is to introduce the children to

the fundamentals of the Christian faith and sacraments.

Material: Book 1- You are my Children by O. Hirmer & F. Lobinger

Hymn book i.e. Bongan’Inkosi/ Rorisang Morena

Sessions:

ü Sowers or Instructors introduce children to the knowledge of God the Father, God

the Son and God the Spirit.

ü nstruct them about the meaning of baptism.

ü The basic Catholic prayers must be taught and revised

For those children who are being prepared for baptism in this class, a day of

recollection, prayer and confessions for their parents and sponsors is recommended

before the celebration of Baptism.

Methodology: Dialogical, use of pictures, activities and memory learning.

3.2.3 First Holy Communion Objective: The purpose of catechesis at this stage is to deepen the understand and

spirituality (relevance for life) of sacraments especially the sacrament of Reconciliation

and the Eucharist.

Material: For this stage of catechetical formation the following material is used.

1) Jesus’ sign of love by Theodulla Muller

2) Book II- You are my family by Theodula Muller CPS & Paul Nadal MA

3) Family Feast/ Isidlo sosapho SACBC 1999

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Ø The Hymn book and the Children Bible stories are recommended to be

introduced in this preparatory class for Holy Communion. A special day

of recollection and prayer is highly commended for the children in this

age group before the celebration of the Sacraments.

Sessions (Eucharist)

Jesus’ Signs of Love by: (Sr. Theodula Muller. 2003)

Lesson 1 – Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments

Lesson 8- The sacrament of Penance and reconciliation

Lesson 9- invited

Lesson 10- The Last supper

Lesson 13- At Holy Mass we learn to forgive

Lesson 14- God speaks to us

Lesson 16- The great thanksgiving

Lesson 17- Holy Communion

Lesson 18- Go in peace to love and to serve the Lord

You are my family by (Sr. Theodula Muller CPS & Fr. Paul Nadal MA. 1987)

Lesson 1- The Great Good News

Lesson 2- This is my beloved son

Lesson 4- The Wedding feast

Lesson 6 – Jesus feed five thousand people

Lesson 8- The last supper

Lesson 9- Jesus gives himself for us

Lesson 10- Jesus rises from the dead

Lesson 16- Jesus helps the apostles

Lesson 19- Jesus teaches us how to pray

Lesson 20- Jesus teaches us how to obey

Lesson 21- The Good Samaritan

Lesson 24- I am the Way…..

Family feast / Isidlo sosapho (SACBC. 1999)

Lesson 1- Jesus is brought to the Temple

Lesson 2- Jesus grew up like us

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Lesson 3- Jesus grew up in Nazareth

Lesson 7- Sharing

Lesson 22- Jesus’ baptism

Lesson 24- To prepare oneself

Lesson 25- I am invited into the feast of God’s family

Lesson 27- In Holy Mass we give ourselves….

Lesson 29- Jesus invites us to share with him …

Lesson 31- I am sent

Lesson 32- Different services of various feasts

Sessions (Reconciliation)

Sr. Theolodula Muller 2003: Jesus’ Signs of Love by: (

Lesson 4- Jesus the friend of sinners

Lesson 5- Our conscience

Lesson 6- Peter denies knowing Jesus

Lesson 7- I will go and tell my father

Lesson 8- The sacrament of penance and reconciliation

Lesson 13- At Holy Mass we learn to forgive

Sr. Theodula Muller and Fr. Paul Nadal 1987: You are my family

Lesson 26- Peter denies Jesus

Lesson 28- A merciful parent

Lesson 29- I will go to my Father …

Lesson 30- Jesus forgives sins

Basic Catholic prayers at the end of the book

SACBC 1999: Family Feast

Lesson 14- Reconciliation

Lesson 15- The goodness of truth

Lesson 16- The truth set you free

Lesson 17- I have sinned

Lesson 18- Conscience

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Lesson 19- Forgive me

From Bongan’ Inkosi / Rorisang Morena hymn book

• Basic prayers

• Mysteries of the rosary

• Structure of Mass

• How to go for Confession

• Seven sacraments through the hymn

• Church precepts (Laws)

Methodology: Dialogical, bringing in of life experience, learning by heart, use of

pictures, short essays to encourage personal reflection.

Outcomes: Understand and relate the sacraments to personal life and to life in general.

3.3 Confirmation

Confirmation preparation is done in two stages, i.e. pre-confirmation and confirmation itself.

3.3.1 Pre- Confirmation The target age group of this stage of catechetical formation is between 13-14 years.

Objective: The purpose of this class is offer children a comprehensive view of the

Christian faith and morals. Another area of focus in this class is to introduce the children

into a better understanding of their membership in the Church and their role in the

Church as members.

Material: The following instruction materials is used:

Ø Book III- You are my people by Paul Nadal & Theodula Muller

Ø The Holy Bible and the use of the Catholic Hymn book (Bongan’ Inkosi/ Rorisang

Morena).

Ø The praying and explanation of the Rosary and the Mysteries.

Sessions

Lesson 2- God call Abraham

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Lesson 3- Moses the leader of the Israelites

Lesson 9- The Church, the new people of God

Lesson 13- The power to forgive sins

Lesson 15- Look after my people

Lesson 17- The risen Lord sends the Holy Spirit

Lesson 21- Baptism makes us members of the Church

Lesson 22- God’s people live on the bread of life

Lesson 23- I am the Lord your God

Lesson 24- My name is holy

Lesson 25- My day is holy

Lesson 26- Honour you father and mother

Lesson 27- You shall not hate

Lesson 28- Be pure

Lesson 29- Be honest

Lesson 30- You shall not bear false witness

Lesson 33- Come follow me

Lesson 34- The people of God honour Mary

Lesson 38- Jesus is tempted

Lesson 39- Jesus forgives sinners

Lesson 42- Jesus our king dies for us

Lesson 43- The risen Lord, the light and life of the world

Lesson 44- The risen Lord tells us why he died

Lesson 47- The sacrifice of Mass

Lesson 48- At Mass Jesus speaks to us

Lesson 49- Come Holy Spirit

Lesson 50- The Holy Spirit helps the Church to grow

Lesson 51- Blessed Trinity

Lesson 52- Mary, Mother of the Church

Lesson 55- The bishops take the place of the apostles

Lesson 56- The pope takes the place of St. Peter

Lesson 59- I too must serve

Lesson 60- Help those in need

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Lesson 63- Jesus teaches us how to forgive

Lesson 64- Jesus teaches us to pray

Lesson 65- Heaven is our home

Lesson 67- We prepare for Christmas

Lesson 68- Come Lord Jesus come

Basic Catholic prayer at the end of this book and from the hymn book

NB: THIS CLASS MUST BE MADE COMPULSORY FOR ALL CHLDREN UNDER THE AGE GROUP AS RECOMMENDED AND THEREFORE MUST BE INSTRUCTED IN BOOK III BEFORE THE CONFIRMATION CLASS BEGINS.

Methodology: Dialogical, bringing in of life experience, learning by heart, use of

pictures, short essays to encourage personal reflection.

Outcomes: Children will have a broad view of the Christian Faith and its relevance for

their lives.

3.3.2 Confirmation The age group recommended for Confirmation is between 14-16 years of age and

above. This age group follows a mandatory three year full programme before the

celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation candidates who are 21

years of age and above follow a mandatory two year intense programme before the

celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation1.

Objective: As taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Sacrament of

Confirmation serves “completion of the baptismal grace. The baptised are more

perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy

Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and

defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC. 1285)

The objective of the stage of catechetical formation therefore is to prepare the young people to be witnesses of Christ by making choices inspired by Christ and by being

1 In a parish situation it has been noted that this age group cannot endure a three year program in Confirmation preparatory class. Therefore, the Commission recommends the reduction in preparatory class duration for two year.

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responsible and active members of the Church. Thus during the instructions the candidates must be made aware of different ministries in the Church e.g. Readers, Ushers, Youth supporters, Sacristan, Sowers etc. and sodalities so that while making them aware of their Christian responsibilities towards the church, they may be aware of concrete possibilities of exercising this responsibility in the Church.

Material: The following instruction material is used:

ü Our Confirmation Journey by: Bishop Hirmer

ü Our Confirmation Journey Syllabus and Liturgical rites

ü The Holy Bible,

ü The Hymn book (Bongan’ Inkosi/ Rorisang Morena)

ü Our Journey Together by O. Hirmer

ü Our Joy in being Catholic by O. Hirmer

ü The Rosary

ü Education for Life Programme/ HIV/ AIDS

Besides the above mentioned materials, the following books could be consulted as

appendix to Confirmation journey.

• Amos programme –Lumko for SCC no. 24

• Raising Awareness Lumko no. 22

• What do you mean by this service by Paul Bradshaw

• This is our faith by Michael F. Pennnock

• Catechism of the Catholic Church

Sessions

All sessions outlined in Hirmer O: Our confirmation Journey, Our Journey together and

Our Joy of being Catholic constitute the syllabus for this stage of catechetical

formation. Furthermore, these sessions include liturgical rites in between and Gospel

camps.

Requirement:

Candidates should have the following books/material to be part of the Confirmation

Journey

ü The Holy Bible

ü Hymn book

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ü Our Journey Together

ü Our Joy in being Catholic

ü The Rosary

ü Kabelo card

Methodology: Dialogical, bringing in of life experience, learning by heart, use of

pictures, short essays to encourage personal reflection, Gospel camps, and discussions.

Outcomes:

ü Maturation in the understanding and practice of faith.

ü Decision to witness for Christ and make decisions inspired by him.

ü Willingness to take active part in the life and evangelising work of the Church.

ü Appreciation and practice of Catholic customs and traditions,

3.4 Rite of Christian Initiation

Objective: As explained by the General Directory of Catechesis the Rite of Christian

initiation serves the purpose of:

a) Adult Christians who consistently live their faith option and sincerely desire to

deepen it;

b) Adults who have been baptised but who have not been sufficiently catechized

or have not brought to fulfilment the journey begun at Christian initiation or who

have fallen away from the faith (Lapsed Catholics);

c) Adults who come from Christian confessions (Converts) which are not in full

communion with the Catholic Church.

In Mthatha diocese, we affirm and encourage the use of RCIA for ongoing formation

of Christians formation in the faith.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is meant for children of 9 years to 17 and adults who join

the Church. There is thus a Rite of Christian Initiation for Children and Rite of Christian

Initiation for Adults.

3.4.1 RCIA for children

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Children who are above nine (9) years of age to seventeen (17) are required by law

(Canon 852) to be instructed in the full program of RCIA for children. Parents, instructors

and Sowers must not deny this basic church right to children by simply rushing them into

mere infant baptism. The children’s catechumenate should last for at least three years

but not shorter than two years.

Material and Syllabus: The material and the syllabus to be used for the Rite of Christian

Initiation for Children is the same as that of:

1. First Communion

2. Pre-confirmation

3. Confirmation.

Furthermore, candidates in this stage of catechetical formation must attend a weekend

retreat and intense preparations preceding the Easter night of baptism, whereby the

candidates receive the three Sacraments of Initiation namely Baptism, Confirmation

and the Eucharist.

Requirement:

Each confirmation candidate should have the following books/material to be part of

the journey for the sacraments of initiation.

ü The Holy Bible

ü Hymn book

ü Our Journey Together

ü Our Joy in being Catholic

ü The Rosary

ü Kabelo card

Outcomes and expectations:

ü Acquisition of full membership in the Church

ü Maturation in the understanding and practice of faith.

ü Decision to witness for Christ and make decisions inspired by him.

ü Willingness to take active part in the life and evangelising work of the Church.

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ü Appreciation and practice of Catholic customs and traditions.

3.4.2 Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adults in this category must be above seventeen (17) years of age. It is to this age group

that the RCIA program properly belongs. The Catechumenate may often last two years

or even longer, but it should not be shorter than one year. The following instruction

material is used:

• RCIA programme (Yellow pages in OJT)

• Our Journey Together by Oswald Hirmer

• Our Joy in being Catholic by Oswald Hirmer

• Confirmation Journey by Mthatha diocese

• The Holy Bible and the Church Hymn book.

Syllabus for Adults is as follows from Our Journey Together (OJT):

Lesson 7- We are invited to join God’s people

Lesson 8- Models of great faith

Lesson 9- God has heart our cries

Lesson 10- The blood of liberation

Lesson 12- The ten Words of Liberation

Rite of Acceptance

Lesson 13- The new way of solving problems

Lesson 15- The new way of making life meaningful

Lesson 16- The new way of looking at people

Lesson 18- The new Heaven and Earth

Lesson 19- Christ is the “seed” of God’s World

Rite of Commitment

Lesson 20- I believe in God, the Father Almighty

Lesson 21- I believe in Jesus Christ

Lesson 28- I believe in the Holy Spirit

Lesson 22- Jesus suffers for us

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Lesson 23- Jesus dies for us

Lesson 25- Jesus is risen form the dead

Lesson 29- Christians are sent to be light to the world

Lesson 30- Christians are sent to create unity among people

Lesson 34- There are quarrels among you

Lesson 35- I believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting

Lesson 36- Baptism: We give ourselves to Christ

Lesson 41- Reconciliation: There is a way back to God….

Lesson 39- Holy Eucharist: The great Meal of Unity

Lesson 38- Confirmation: We are anointed with the Holy Spirit of courage

Lesson 43- Anointing of the Sick: The Sacrament of Healing and Hope

Lesson 44- Marriage: A mirror of God’s love

Lesson 31- I believe in the holy Catholic Church

Lesson 47- Serve the community with your gifts

Page 199-201 (OJT)

Page 202-203 (OJT)

Our Confirmation Journey syllabus page 44-51

Our Confirmation Journey syllabus page 75-80

The use of Bongan’Inkosi and Rorisang Morena hymn books

Saints and choice of name page 67-74 Confirmation Journey syllabus

Rite of Election

Lesson 31- I believe in the Holy Catholic Church

Lesson 32- An example of a living Church community

Lesson 33- God is a sharing community: Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Furthermore, candidates in this stage of catechetical formation must attend a weekend

retreat and intense preparations proceeding the Easter night of baptism, whereby the

candidates receive the three Sacraments of Initiation namely Baptism, Confirmation

and the Eucharist.

Requirement:

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Candidates should have the following books/material to be part of the journey for the

sacraments of initiation.

ü The Holy Bible

ü Hymn book

ü Our Journey Together

ü Our Joy in being Catholic

ü The Rosary

ü Kabelo card

Outcomes and expectations:

ü Acquisition of full membership in the Church

ü Maturation in the understanding and practice of faith.

ü Decision to witness for Christ and make decisions inspired by him.

ü Willingness to take active part in the life and evangelising work of the Church.

ü Appreciation and practice of Catholic customs and traditions,

Outcomes: By the sacrament of adult initiation, new converts are led fully into the

membership of the Church. Each candidate therefore, follows this rigorous and intense

formation and preparation of total commitment to the Catholic faith and practices.

Therefore, the candidates must demonstrate by their lives and examples the willingness

to witness for Christ’s mission.

3.5 Marriage Preparation

Marriage remains a call or vocation fully recognised by God and the Church. Three

categories of people are invited to this catechetical formation for Marriage:

ü People that are already living together, in customary marriage

ü People who are not yet living together and are not yet married according to

custom but intend to marry

ü Catholic and non-Catholics willing to engage in the Sacrament of marriage

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Objective: The purpose of Marriage preparation is to lead the spouses to commit

themselves to living their marriage union in relationship with God and to be guided by

Him in it, while they fulfil their vocation as a family.

Material: The following resources are used for Marriage Preparation:

• Preparing for marriage- Lumko no 23p

• Canon Law on marriage (Canon 1055-1165)

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC. 1601-1666)

• Our Joy in being Catholic (Lesson 38, 44, & 45)

• Our Journey Together by O. Hirmer

• References from the Holy Bible

Persons Responsible for Marriage Preparation

In Mthatha Diocese, the ideal of having a Marriage Encounter or Couples for Christ

taking care of Marriage preparation is being contemplated. Until such time the this ideal

is realised, the responsibility for preparation of couples for marriage lies with the Parish

priest.

3.6 Family Catechesis

Formulation and implementation of family Catechesis is a project that is still envisaged in

Mthatha Diocese. This is still to be looked at. Presently, the recent publication of Family

Catechesis by the SACBC family desk remains a possible resource for the planned family

Catechesis programme.

3.7 Catholic Schools Catechesis

Since most Catholic Schools in our Diocese and indeed in the whole country are no

longer under the direct authority of particular parishes and that most of the children

in Catholic schools are not Catholic, the formulation of School Catechetical

programme is left to the CIE. Catholic Schools being broad in their catechetical

approach to accommodate the many children who are not Catholic, the religious

education offered in Catholic Schools is not enough for Catholic Children.

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All parishes therefore that have private schools, Catholic schools and or public

schools situated in their geographical location are responsible to see to it that

Catholic children and learners in these schools are catered for with regards to

catechism according to the programmes stipulated above. This is also true for

students at Tertiary institutions.

4. CONCLUSION

The aim of this document is to offer clear guidelines of catechetical formation for all

stages of life, so that there is unity of approach that is organic to catechetical

formation in the Diocese of Mthatha. It is hoped that all involved in catechetical

ministry will find it helpful. The catechetical programmes for Marriage preparation

and family catechesis remain a task that still needs to be worked on.