St. Mary ïs Catechist · PDF fileSt. Mary ïs Catechist Handbook 2014-2015 . 2 Table...
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St. Mary’s Catechist Handbook 2014-2015
Transcript of St. Mary ïs Catechist · PDF fileSt. Mary ïs Catechist Handbook 2014-2015 . 2 Table...
St. Mary’s Catechist Handbook
2014-2015
2
Table of Contents
1. The Object of Catechesis page 3
2. The Role of the Catechist page 3
3. The Spirituality of the Catechist page 4
4. Contact Info and Room Assignments page 6
5. Calendar page 9
6. Expectations for Volunteers page 12
7. Catechist Information page 13
8. Curriculum and Textbooks page 17
9. Classroom Procedures page 21
10. Appendix 1 Progress Report page 24
11. Appendix 2 Lesson Planning Sheet page 25
12. Appendix 3 St. Mary’s School Floor Plan no page #
13. Note Section page 26
Lacy Prebula, Director of Religious Education [email protected]
(301) 762-8750 (301) 852-9153 Cell*
*(Please use this number only for emergencies)
Ellen Finnell, Executive Secretary (301) 762-8750
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The Object of Catechesis: Communion with Jesus Christ
“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to
teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” – Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi 41
“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and
intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” All evangelizing activity is understood as promoting communion
with Jesus Christ. Starting with the “initial” conversion of a person to the Lord, moved by the
Holy Spirit through the primary proclamation of the Gospel, catechesis seeks to solidify and
mature this first adherence. It proposes to help those who have just converted “to know better
this Jesus to whom he has entrusted himself: to know his ‘mystery,’ the kingdom of God
proclaimed by him, the requirements and comments contained in his Gospel message, and the
paths that he has laid down for anyone who wishes to follow him.” Baptism, the sacrament by
which “we are configured to Christ,” sustains this work of catechesis with the help of its grace.
General Directory for Catechesis #80
The Role of the Catechist
No methodology, no matter how well tested, can dispense with the person of the catechist in
every phase of the catechetical process. The charism given to him by the Spirit, a solid
spirituality and transparent witness of life, constitutes the soul of every method. Only his own
human and Christian qualities guarantee a good use of texts and other work instruments.
The catechist is essentially a mediator. He facilitates communication between the people and the
mystery of God, between subjects amongst themselves, as well as with the community. For this
reason, his cultural vision, social condition and lifestyle must not be obstacles to the journey of
faith. Rather, these help to create the most advantageous conditions for seeking out, welcoming
and deepening the Christian message. He does not forget that belief is a fruit of grace and liberty.
Thus, he ensures that his activities always draw support from faith in the Holy Spirit and from
prayer. Finally, the personal relationship of the catechist with the subject is of crucial
importance.
General Directory of Catecheis #156
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The Spirituality of the Catechist
“Prayer is . . . necessary for their ministry to be fruitful, for
communication of the Christian faith depends less on the catechist’s ability
than on the God’s grace working in the hearts of those who hear the
message.” Guide for Catechists, 22
(The following guidelines are taken primarily from the document Guide for Catechists by the Vatican
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.)
According to the Guide for Catechists by the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, catechists' spirituality should bear the marks of: 1.) openness to God's word, to the Church, and to the world; 2.) authenticity of life; 3.) missionary zeal; and 4.) devotion to Mary.
1. Openness
Openness to the Word
- Openness to the Word contained in revelation, preached by the Church,
celebrated in the liturgy, and lived out by the saints.
- This openness is Christocentric – centered on Christ and leading to Christ
in the Eucharist – and necessitates a constant listening to the voice of the
Holy Spirit.
Openness to the Church
- “The word is entrusted to the Church, so that it may keep it faithfully,
deepen its understanding of it with the help of the Holy Spirit, and
proclaim it to the whole world.” GFC 7
- The catechist’s service is an ecclesial act that is done in love of the Church
and in imitation of Christ, who “loved the Church and sacrificed himself for
her” (Eph 5:25).
Missionary openness to the world
- Being in the world without being of the world—being involved in the life
of society while keeping a supernatural outlook on life and believing
always in the efficacy of God’s word.
2. Authenticity of life
“Before they preach the word, they must make it their own and live by it. . . . Before
doing the catechesis one must first of all be a catechist. The truth of their lives
confirms their message.” GFC 8
Authenticity of life—a life of prayer, experience of God, and fidelity to the action of
the Holy Spirit.
St. Augustine writes, “The spouse of Christ brings forth sons spiritually from
God…He alone can have God as Father who first has the Church as Mother.”
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Similarly, Origen states, “He who does not have Church for mother cannot have God
for Father.” – Obedience to Christ is obedience to the Church.
3. Missionary zeal
“Catechists will try to be like the shepherd who goes in search of the lost sheep ‘until
he finds it’ (Lk 15:4), or like the woman with the lost drachma who would ‘search
thoroughly until she had found it’ (Lk 15:8).” GFC 9
4. Devotion to Mary
The spirituality of the catechist will be deeply enriched by a devotion to the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Mary gave Jesus to the world in a unique way. In catechesis, we give Jesus to those
we catechize.
Our spiritual disposition should be that of Mary’s fiat – utter trust and humility. We
too should be able to say, “May it be done unto me according to your word.”
Spiritual Life of the Catechist
1. Weekly attendance of Mass and frequent reception of the Most Holy Eucharist
2. Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance
3. Daily meditation and personal prayer – with a special devotion to Mary
4. Daily prayer for students, parents, and all those involved in catechesis
5. Continuous study of the Catholic Faith
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Contact Info and Room Assignments
Sunday Session: 10:15-11:45 am
Grade Room Catechist(s) Contact Info
Kindergarten 36 Amy Martinez….…………………………………………….301-881-0182 [email protected]
Aide: Anne D’Cruze………………………………………. 240-507-7580 [email protected]
1A 35 Sally Rinaldi………………………………………………….301-545-0074
[email protected] Aide: Monika Maier……………………………………….301-424-8254
1B 34 Carole Day….......................................................................240-672-1053 [email protected]
Aide: Manuela DiCamillo………………………………..301-254-8440 [email protected]
2A 32 Jacqueline Starkes……………………………………...….202-288-0251
[email protected] Aide: Felicidad Naval……………………………………..301-231-6675
2B 4 Irene Toruno.....................................................................240-380-7156 Mario Toruno………..………………………………………240-380-7156
[email protected] 3rd 5 Janice Reese…………………………………...……………..240-481-8524
[email protected] Aide: Anna Martin……………………………………… …301-838-9067
[email protected] 4th 18 Monica Mutai……………………………………...…………301-299-3645
5th Library Kara Croker…………….....................................................240-314-0223 [email protected]
Aide: Anita Dsouza……………………………………….. 301-990-3903 [email protected]
6th 17 Melanie Rubavu …………………………………….……...240-543-7491
[email protected] 7th 16 David DeSantos…………………………………..…...........301-906-4240
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8th 15 Tony Prebula………..………………………..……...………301-852-9430
Basic Faith Music Ruth Paat………………………………………………………301-807-8373 [email protected]
Adv. Sacraments Conf. Rm. Charles Choyce………………………………………….…..301-527-9892
R.C.I.T. 1 T. Lounge Catherine Gallerizzo…….……………………………..…240-246-4315 [email protected]
R.C.I.T. 2 14 Anton Kallungal…………………………………………….240-481-7616 [email protected]
Monday Session: 6:45-8:00 pm
Grade Room Catechist(s) Contact Info
1st 34 Katie Fitzgerald……… ………………………….………...845-239-3045 [email protected]
Aide: Claudia Kakareka…….…………………………....917-294-9392 [email protected]
2nd 35 Michelle Chite…………………………………………….....301-326-7092
[email protected] Aide: Cynthia Ramos………………………………………..469-230-1342
3rd/4th 5 …………….…………………………… Aide: Fabian Cantio……………………………………… 301-762-5535
5th 18 Christine Banks………………..........................................860-303-0001 [email protected]
Aide: Scott Thompson……………………………….......301-519-2421 [email protected]
6th 17 James Conway………....... ……………………………...….301-738-9497
7th 14 Erik Tavenner……........................................................... 412-722-9305 [email protected]
Aide: Mary Ann Neumann……………………………...301-838-9338 [email protected]
8th 15 Gerry Blackwell………………….……………………........301-873-1673
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Substitutes
Catechist Contact Info
Paul Webster……… ………………………….………………………………………………………………………240-375-0873 [email protected]
Jennifer Galmeijer…………………………………………….............................................................................301-294-6339 [email protected]
Kathleen Klausing …………….……………………………………………………………………………...……..301-294-9392 [email protected]
Joan O’Boyle…………...…………………………...…………………………………………………………….……301-288-7192 [email protected]
Celeste Torio……………….............................................................................................................................. 650-315-5198 [email protected]
Teresa Kingfield……………………………………………………………………………………………………...301-915-7538 [email protected]
David Fessel……………………………………………………………………………………………………………301-424-5092 [email protected]
Barbara Williams……………………………………………………………………………………………...……..301-424-1429 No email
Caroline Conway……………………………………………………………………………………………………..301-738-9497 [email protected]
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Calendar
SEPTEMBER 7/8
CCD Classes Begin – parent meeting in Parish Hall after students are dropped off in
classrooms
SEPTEMBER 14/15
CCD
SEPTEMBER 21 Catechetical Sunday, Catechists recognized at 9am Mass – Doughnuts to follow
in Parish Hall
SEPTEMBER 21/22 CCD
SEPTEMBER 25 Confirmation Parent/Child Mtg 7pm – School Auditorium
SEPTEMBER 28/29 CCD
OCTOBER 5/6 CCD
OCTOBER 9 First Reconciliation Parent Mtg 7pm – School Auditorium
OCTOBER 12 Confirmation Retreat – 1-7pm – MANDATORY for 8th Grade
OCTOBER 12/13 CCD (except for 8th grade)
OCTOBER 19/20 CCD
OCTOBER 26 Enrollment Ceremony 9am Mass – ALL Sacramental Students
OCTOBER 26/27 CCD
NOVEMBER 2/3 CCD – Circle of Grace
NOVEMBER 9/10 CCD – Circle of grace make-ups (if necessary)
NOVEMBER 16/17 CCD
NOVEMBER 23/24 CCD
NOV 30/DEC 1 No CCD classes (Thanksgiving weekend)
DECEMBER 6 Parish St. Nicholas Festival in School Gym After 5pm Mass
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DECEMBER 7/8 CCD (Confessions for Grades 7 & 8 – Sunday only)
DECEMBER 13 First Reconciliation & Pancake Breakfast – 10am
DECEMBER 14/15 CCD (Confessions for Grades 5 & 6 on Sunday; and for all grades on Monday)
DECEMBER 21/22 CCD (Confessions for Grades 3 & 4 – Sunday only)
DECEMBER 28/29 No CCD classes (Christmas Break)
JANUARY 4/5 CCD
JANUARY 8 First Holy Communion Parent Mtg 7pm–School Auditorium
JANUARY 11/12 CCD
JANUARY 18/19 No CCD classes (MLK Holiday)
JANUARY 25/26 CCD - Catholic Schools Week Celebration
FEBRUARY 1/2 CCD
FEBRUARY 5 Confirmation Parent/Child Meeting 7pm – School Auditorium
FEBRUARY 8/9 CCD
FEBRUARY 14 Parish Gala and Auction 6:30pm – School Auditorium
FEBRUARY 15/16 No CCD classes (President’s Day)
FEBRUARY 22/23 CCD (Confessions for grades 7 & 8 – Sunday only)
MARCH 1/2 CCD (Confessions for Grades 5 & 6 on Sunday; and for all grades on Monday)
MARCH 7 Confirmation Interviews 9:00am-12:30pm
MARCH 8/9 CCD (Confessions for Grades 2, 3 & 4 – Sunday only)
MARCH 14 First Holy Communion Retreat 9:30am-12:30pm
MARCH 15/16 CCD – Faith Knowledge Assessments (grades 3-8)
MARCH 22 Confirmation Evening of Reflection – 3:30-7:30pm in the Main Church
MARCH 22/23 CCD – Faith Knowledge Assessment make-ups (grades 3-7) (no class for 8th graders)
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MARCH 29/30 CCD
APRIL 5/6 No CCD classes (Easter)
APRIL 12/13 CCD
APRIL 15 Confirmation Practice – 6pm in the Main Church
APRIL 16 Confirmation Mass – 7pm in the Main Church
APRIL 19/20 CCD
APRIL 23 7 Grade Parent/Child Confirmation Mtg 7pm–Preparation 2016
APRIL 26/27 CCD
MAY 1 First Holy Communion Rehearsal 6pm – Meet in School Gym
MAY 2 First Holy Communion Ceremony 10am–Meet in Gym 9:30am
MAY 3 Parish May Crowning 3pm–Meet in School 2:30pm, Last day of CCD
Catechist Meetings and Formation Events
August 23, 2014 – St. Mary’s Catechist Training Day o 9:30am-3:30pm at St. Mary’s
September 21, 2014 - Catechetical Sunday o 8:30am: Catechists meet with classroom teachers in CCD classrooms o 9:00am: Catechists recognized at 9:00am Mass o 10:00am: Doughnuts and coffee/juice in Parish Hall after Mass
Fall 2014 (Date TBD) – Archdiocese of Washington o Training day for all catechists in the archdiocese
November 8, 2014 – Catechist Book Club Meeting o 9:30-11:00am in the Parish Hall
January 11/12, 2015 – Catechist Mid-Year Meeting o In Parish Hall after class
April 26/27, 2015 – Catechist End-of-Year Meeting o In Parish Hall after class
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Expectations for Volunteers
Expectations for CCD Catechists
1. To attend class on Sundays (10:15-11:45am) or Mondays (6:45-8:00pm). If you cannot attend, you should arrange in advance for a substitute to teach your class.
2. To attend all trainings and meetings. 3. To plan your lesson in advance of class. Lesson-planning time will vary according to
grade level and topic. 4. To return the teacher’s manual at the end the year. Students may keep their textbooks. 5. To make sure your classroom is kept clean and orderly and is returned to its original
condition. 6. To be in contact with the parents of your students so information and resources can be
shared between the home and the classroom. 7. To pray for your students and with them.
Expectations for CCD Aides
1. To attend class on Sundays (10:15-11:45am) or Mondays (6:45-8:00pm). If you cannot attend, you should arrange for a substitute to assist the class.
2. To attend all trainings and meetings. 3. To support the catechist in preparing for each week’s class (if needed). 4. To assist the catechist during class by preparing and passing out materials, helping
students complete their work, helping to maintain order in the classroom, keeping an eye on the students to make sure everyone is safe, is listening to the catechist, and is behaving properly.
8. To help ensure that the classroom is kept clean and orderly and is returned to its original condition.
5. To act as a substitute if the catechist must miss class. 6. To pray for your students and with them.
Expectations for CCD Substitutes
1. To respond in a timely matter to requests from the catechists and DRE (whether or not you are able to act as a substitute).
2. To attend all trainings and meetings. 3. If you are scheduled to sub for a class, you must meet all the expectations for a CCD
catechist (listed above).
Expectations for Front Desk volunteer
1. To sit at the front desk to monitor who enters and leaves the building. (No adults should be walking throughout the school unless they are Virtus certified or accompanied by the front desk volunteer).
2. To assist the Director of Religious Education with administrative duties during class time.
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Catechist Information
1. Catechist Absence
If a catechist is going to be late or absent, he or she should call the Office of Religious
Education and leave a message. If you know well in advance that you will be absent, please
notify the Director of Religious Education and arrange for a substitute using the sub list in
this handbook. If you cannot find your own substitute from this list, please notify the
Director of Religious Education as soon as possible.
2. Catechist Arrival and Departure
Catechists are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of class. Please set a good
example and show the children that you care about them by being there on time. If you are
going to be late, please be courteous and contact the Director of Religious Education. Once a
catechist is late three times, the Director of Religion Education will schedule a meeting with
him/her to discuss any difficulties and arrive at a solution.
Upon arrival, catechists are asked to pick up their blue bins from the Office for Religious
Education. Attendance sheets will be in each bin. Attendance must be taken at the
beginning of each class. At the conclusion of class, catechists are asked to return their bin to
the office with the attendance sheet still inside; they should not bring the attendance sheets
home.
Parents will drop the students off in the classroom. They will be instructed not to leave
their child in the classroom unless a catechist or aide is present.
At the end of class, catechists are asked to remain in the classroom until their students have
been picked up by a parent. Students may not leave the classroom with another adult who
is not their parent unless you have received prior notice from the parents.
3. Class Cancelations
Under no circumstances may a catechist make the decision to cancel a class without prior
approval from the Director of Religious Education.
If CCD must be canceled due to inclement weather, you will be notified by email in advance
of the class (as soon as possible). If the change is made last minute, you will also be notified
by phone.
If the Sunday class is canceled, the families will be notified by email. The Monday class will
follow the closings for Montgomery County. If the evening activities are canceled for
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Montgomery County, CCD will also be canceled. This information can be found at wtop.com or
by checking the local TV stations. Any cancelations will also be posted on St. Mary’s website:
www.stmarysrockville.org.
4. Catechist Certification
The Archdiocese of Washington and St. Mary’s Church expect catechists to work toward
certification as a catechist (here at St. Mary’s, catechists do not need to be certified at time
of their start date). The Office for Catechesis provides excellent and accessible courses for
catechists to gain the necessary knowledge to fully implement the archdiocesan religious
education curriculum, Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization. Online and in-parish
courses are available in both English and Spanish.
To be certified as a catechist one must:
1.) *Take part in an initial interview with the Pastor or the
Director of Religious Education.
2.) *Fulfill the VIRTUS screening/fingerprinting process as
outlined in the Archdiocese of Washington’s Child Protection
Policy.
3.) Complete Living Catholic – preferably within a blended
program (gathered community and online) at the parish where
the catechist will serve.
4.) Complete the five core courses of Faith Foundations online
through My Catholic Faith Delivered or in-parish from an
archdiocesan approved teacher.
5.) Complete the catechist formation course Catechesis 101 online
through My Catholic Faith Delivered or in-parish from an
archdiocesan approved teacher.
6.) Participate in a one-day Archdiocese of Washington catechist
formation retreat, offered by the Office for Catechesis
throughout the year in regional locations.
* This is a mandatory requirement to be fulfilled by the catechist before the first day of
class in the first year of assisting with CCD.
To encourage all of the catechists to continue to pursue catechesis themselves, which will
benefit both them as well as the children participating in the St. Mary’s CCD Program, you
will be expected to complete at least one of requirements #3-5 per year from your initial
date of hire (#6 cannot be completed until all other requirements are met). In greater
depth, they are:
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Living Catholic:
An accelerated, online formation program for all Catholics, Living Catholic draws on the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and focuses on deepening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ in the context of prayer, learning, and the New Evangelization.
Faith Foundations:
Available both online and in-parish, Faith Foundations effectively teaches the faith to adults so they can live it with greater confidence and share it with others as part of the New Evangelization. These five courses also provide the theological content necessary for catechists to teach the faith to others. Faith Foundations draws upon and correlates to the current certification courses: Creed, Sacraments, Christian Morality, Prayer and Scripture. Approximately 50 hours are needed to complete all five theological content courses. Basic outlines of each course are available upon request from the Office for Catechesis.
Catechesis 101:
Available both online and in-parish, Catechesis 101 trains catechesis in methodology so they can more effectively teach others. This course provides a solid overview of the Church’s vision of catechesis, methods of learning and practical catechetical methodology that can be incorporated in the classroom. Approximately 10 hours are needed to complete the course.
Formation Retreat:
A vital element of catechetical methodology is witness within the Christian community. Upon completion of the theological and methodological requirements (Living Catholic, Faith Foundations, and Catechesis 101), catechists will attend a Catechist Formation Retreat (5 hours); this shared experience of prayer and reflection is the final component of the certification process. The retreat will be hosted by the Office for Catechesis and held in regional locations throughout the archdiocese over the course of the year. Certification certificates will be distributed at the conclusion of the retreat.
*Those catechists who succeed in obtaining their certification in their first year in the St. Mary’s CCD Program are to be congratulated and subsequently win a $100 gift card to the restaurant of their choosing.
Information for those who have already begun the certification process:
If you have already received certification as a catechist, the certification remains valid. Please consult the archdiocesan website for ongoing formation opportunities.
Catechists who have begun the certification process will retain credit for all courses already completed. If a catechist is not sure which courses have been taken, please contact the Events office at [email protected] or (301) 853-5334
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and request a record of certification check. (The archdiocesan Events office assists the Office for Catechesis by tracking certification records and arranging in-parish live courses.)
Catechists who have successfully completed at least three Hearts Aflame courses by December 31, 2012 are not required (but are still encouraged) to take Living Catholic or attend a formation retreat in order to complete their certification; they will, however, have to complete their remaining core courses and Catechesis 101, as appropriate.
Equivalencies within the Faith Foundations curriculum will be available for those seeking to complete certification. For example, if you have taken Creed, Sacraments and Prayer in Hearts Aflame, then you need to complete the Christian Morality and Scripture in the new Foundations series. Please contact the Office for Catechesis at (301) 853-5385 with any questions.
As for January 1, 2013, the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) will not be a certification option, with the exception of the Special Needs Ministry Study group that is working in conjunction with VLCFF.
Please contact the Director of Religious Education or the archdiocesan website (www.adw.org) for more information and class schedules.
5. Catechist Observations
Time permitting, the Director of Religious Education will arrange a time to sit in and
observe as you teach a class. The purpose of this observation is to affirm your strengths as
a catechist and to offer some ideas to help you improve your teaching methods. You will be
notified in advance as to the date of your observation, and you will have an opportunity
afterward to discuss the class with the DRE. The observation will be very informal and
hopefully very helpful as you continue to grow as a catechist.
6. Child Protection Policy
All new catechists must complete the Child Protection Policies by the start of CCD. There
will be no exceptions to this requirement. If not completed, catechists will not be allowed to
start teaching their classes until they have fulfilled those requirements. All current
catechists are to maintain online training through their VIRTUS account by completing all
bulletins. Please contact the Director of Religious Education or Ellen Finnell
([email protected]) with any questions.
Additionally, any catechist who believes that a child is in immediate danger of abuse,
neglect, or harm must report it immediately to the Director of Religious Education.
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7. Correspondence with Parents
Parents are very interested to hear what is happening in CCD, but the students may not be
communicating the extent of what they are doing in class. To keep the parents in the loop
and to encourage communication between the parents and you, please plan to send a
parent update or newsletter at least once a month. This can be done by email, by mail, or
paper copies can be sent home with the students.
Curriculum and Textbooks
1. Curriculum
All parishes and parochial schools in the Archdiocese of Washington use a religious
education curriculum entitled Forming Disciples of the New Evangelization. This curriculum
ensures “that the faith is taught to children in a complete, systematic, and consistent way in
all parish and Catholic school programs.”
The curriculum for each grade level can be found on the Archdiocese of Washington’s
website at http://www.adw.org/forming-disciples/
CCD catechists will be responsible for teaching their students the elements in bold. The
entire list of elements is taught to students in Catholic schools, but because of the time
constraints, CCD programs asked to cover the most essential material, indicated in bold.
While every catechist is encouraged to be creative in their individual approach to the
subject matter, it is essential that the students truly learn the Catholic Church’s teachings,
which are presented at an age-appropriate level in the curriculum and textbook. A catechist
should never publicly denounce the Church’s teachings on a particular subject, even if he or
she personally does not agree with it. If there are any teachings that you wish to learn more
about or would like to discuss, please be in touch with Lacy Prebula or one of the priests.
They would be very happy to meet with you to talk about it.
2. Testing
In order to help catechists gauge the students’ knowledge of the faith, assessments (called
Faith Knowledge Assessments) will be given in on March 15/16, 2015 (make-ups on March
22/23, 2015). A poor grade on the assessments will not keep a student from advancing to
the next grade level. Rather, the assessments are a tool to help catechists to get a clear
picture of the students’ understanding of the faith and to evaluate the teaching methods
used in CCD. With this information, catechists will be able to adjust their lesson plans to
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address topics in which the students need more instruction. They will also be able to
review which of their teaching methods have worked and which need more development.
The assessments are standardized throughout the archdiocese. Because the assessments
involve reading the questions and filling in the bubbles by the correct answer, only
students in grades three through eight will take the assessments. Catechists will receive
instruction on how the assessments will be administered, including how to accommodate
students with special needs.
To help you use the curriculum in conjuncture with the textbook, correlation documents
are available for each grade level. These documents show where each standard of the
curriculum can be found in the textbook.
3. Textbooks
K: Kindergarten uses God Loves Us, published by Loyola Press. Textbook resources can be
found here: www.godlovesus.loyolapress.com
1-7: First through seventh grade uses the text Christ Our Life, also published by Loyola
Press. Textbook resources can be found here: http://www.loyolapress.com/christ-our-life-
2009-catechists-and-teachers-resources.htm
The access code can be found in the instructor’s manual.
8: Eighth grade uses Decision Point by the Dynamic Catholic. Resources can be found here:
www.dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation
4. Safe Environment Class: Circle of Grace
Every year in the fall we take time out of our regular CCD curriculum to teach a safety class
designed to help our children learn more about their dignity as human persons and tools
that can protect them from those who might cause them harm. The class will take place on
November 2/3, 2014 (make-ups on November 9/10, 2014). Lesson plans will be
distributed in advance of the class.
For the second year now we will be using the program called Circle of Grace. Circle of
Grace, a safe environment program developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha, serves the
dual purpose of educating and forming youth about the value of positive relationships with
God and others. Circle of Grace helps children and young people understand the sacredness
of who they are and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults.
“Through the Circle of Grace program, adults assist children and youth to recognize that each of us lives within a Circle of Grace that holds our very essence in body, mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. Through the Circle of Grace program, children and youth are taught to
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identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries;
recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated.
“Circle of Grace is clinically sound and grounded in the Catholic tradition. Its strong parent component means parents can actively participate in their children’s education and formation.” -Description found on the Archdiocese of Omaha’s website: http://www.archomaha.org/safe-environment/circle-grace/
5. Prayer
Prayer should be incorporated into each CCD class. Catechists should find creative ways to
introduce the students to different forms of prayer with the goal of inspiring the children to
incorporate prayer into their daily lives.
6. Progress Reports
Progress Reports will be issued in December and April as a way of communicating with the
parents regarding student progress, attendance, and areas for improvement. Each catechist
is required to complete a progress report for each student in his/her class. Once completed,
progress reports are to be returned to the Office of Religious Education by the specified
date. A blank progress report can be found in Appendix 2 of this handbook. One will also be
emailed to you as the due date approaches.
7. Resources
Online Resources
www.adw.org This is the official website of the Archdiocese of Washington. It is full of
helpful information, including an explanation of the child protection requirements, a
calendar of events in the Archdiocese, and contact information for all parishes in the
Archdiocese of Washington.
www.catholic.com Catholic Answers is mostly an apologetics site put together by the folks who work with Karl Keating, author of Fundamentalism and Catholicism, and other great books about knowing, defending and sharing the Faith of the Roman Catholic Church.
www.catholic.org Catholic Online is a huge resource center, with news, 10,000+ links, forums, articles, devotions, shopping, web hosting and design and more.
www.catholicculture.org This site tries to organize many of its features so that the brief material is out front. If you've got more time, so much the better! For example, take their "What You Need to Know" feature — quick hits about important subjects. If you have only a few minutes they’ll guide you to the most important things to read. They review over 500 Catholic web sites annually to let you know what’s out there — both what to look at, and
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what to avoid. If you want to learn more about your Catholic Faith – its doctrine, its history, and what is happening in the Church today – this is the site for you!
www.catholicmom.com The Catholic Moms (TM) website is not just for moms! The site includes lots of craft ideas, especially for Holy Days and holidays.
www.masstimes.org This is a free ministry to traveling Catholics, funded by Pauline Books and Media, in partnership with the Catholic Communication Campaign of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Mass Times Trust. No matter where you are traveling in the world, you can find out where and when the nearest Catholic Masses are available.
www.newadvent.org New Advent is a Catholic Encyclopedia online, plus much more. www.osv.com/teachingcatholicyouth Our Sunday Visitor’s Teaching Catholic Kids is an
online resource for teachers, catechists and parents to help children grow in our Catholic faith. It includes newspaper and magazine articles, access to an article archive, the Catholic Almanac Online, “What the Church Teaches,” and “Teaching Links.”
www.sacredspace.ie You can make a 'Sacred Space' in your day, and spend ten minutes praying as you sit in front of your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day. It’s like a having a ten minute online retreat at your disposal every day!
www.TheologyoftheBody.com Christopher West's apostolate promoting Pope John Paul II's amazingly profound letter on how our bodies and our sexuality are a true expression of the love of God when redeemed by the Son.
www.thereasonforourhope.org The Reason for Our Hope Foundation was founded by Fr. Larry Richards in answer to 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” The purpose of The Reason for Our Hope Foundation is to fulfill the command of Christ to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 16:28). You can download Fr. Larry’s weekly homilies for free and send away for his excellent teaching CDs on various Catholic topics.
www.usccb.org The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of the hierarchy of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands who jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States. The purpose of the Conference is "to promote the greater good which the Church offers humankind, especially through forms and programs of the apostolate fittingly adapted to the circumstances of time and place." Their website is a great resource for Church “documents,” such as an online Bible, Daily Mass readings, an online Catechism, and more!
www.zenit.org ZENIT’s "mission is to provide objective coverage of events, documents and issues emanating from or concerning the Catholic Church.” This is a great place to go to get the latest news about everything, from the viewpoint of the Roman Catholic Church.
Other Resources
The Office of Religious Education has many resources at the disposal of the catechists.
Bibles, Catechisms, children’s books, other textbook series, catechist books, craft books,
DVDs, CDs, and much more can be found there.
Classroom and craft supplies can also be found in the Office of Religious Education.
Catechists contact the Director of Religious Education if any materials, supplies, or
resources are needed. *Please do not use the materials or supplies that you find in the
classrooms. These belong to the school teachers and should not be used without prior
permission from the classroom teacher.
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Classroom Procedures
1. Accident and Fire Procedure
If an accident occurs, please provide any necessary minimal first aid to the student and
contact a parent or other emergency contact person as soon as possible. A first aid kit is
kept in the Religious Education along with emergency information for each student.
In case of a fire, each class should silently follow their teacher to the closest exit. The class
should walk to the back of the school (where we enter for CCD) and meet at the far fence
(between the school and the metro). Please take your attendance sheet with you and take
attendance when you arrive at the fence.
2. Classroom Use and Condition
St. Mary’s CCD is fortunate enough to have classroom use in the school. Because we share
the classrooms with the school, the classrooms must be kept in excellent condition. Before
dismissing the students, the catechist should:
1. See that all trash and paper is removed from the floor and is disposed of properly.
2. See that all windows are closed and heaters/air conditioners turned off.
3. See that your writing on the blackboard is erased.
4. See that the desks/furniture is returned to the location and condition that it was
found in when the catechist arrived.
5. See that all lights/fans and air conditioner/heater are turned off and the door is shut
when you leave. Please close the blinds if they are open.
6. Please remove the room sign and return it to your blue bin. Return the bin to the
office.
7. If anything is broken or damaged, please report it to the Director of Religious
Education immediately after class.
Catechists should ALWAYS be aware of students playing with or destroying materials
found in the desks. Because students from the school and students from CCD share the
same desk, both parties should respect the property of others. This should be made known
to the students on the first day in a clear way.
2. Student Arrival and Dismissal
Students should be dropped off in the classroom by a parent. Parents will be instructed not
to leave their child in the classroom unless a catechist or aide is present.
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Students are to arrive on time and with the proper materials. If a student is continuously
tardy or without the proper materials, please contact the parent or let the Director of
Religious Education know.
Students are to be picked at the classroom by the parent unless a parent tells you in
advance that other arrangements have been made. Do NOT let the students leave on their
own unless prior approval is granted by a parent. The students do NOT have the authority
to say that it is okay for them to leave without a parent or with an adult that is not their
parent.
3. Student Discipline
The catechist should always be more concerned with preventing the development of
discipline problems than with dealing with the consequences. A respectful attitude and a
keen eye on the part of the catechist will be conducive to a better learning and teaching
environment.
In the event of discipline problems, all catechists are asked to follow the steps below:
1. Verbal Warning – Tell the student that you are not pleased with his/her behavior
and that it needs to stop immediately.
2. Send to the Office – If the behavior persists, send the child to the office. The child
will return to class at the discretion of the Director of Religious Education.
3. Phone the Parent – The parent will be phoned if the behavior still continues OR if
the nature of the behavior warrants parent notification.
4. Parent/Catechist Meeting – At the discretion of the Director of Religious
Education, a parent/catechist conference may be called to discuss the student’s
behavior.
5. Parent Attends Class – In certain situations, the parent may be asked to sit with the
child during class.
***At any time, the catechist may speak with the parent at the conclusion of class
pertaining to the student’s performance or behavior. The catechist MUST inform the
Director of Religious Education of this meeting. ***
Some Discipline Dos and Don’ts
DO learn to scan the room as you teach. DO assign tasks and responsibilities. DO move around the room as you are speaking. DO use students’ names when you call on them. DO use eye contact and non-verbal communication.
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DO reinforce good behavior. DO be firm, confident, and consistent. DO be fair and flexible to find a solution.
DON’T turn your back on or leave the room. DON’T allow problems to escalate. DON’T use sarcasm or ridicule a student. DON’T use homework as punishment. DON’T punish the entire class because of one student. DON’T accuse or verbally attack. DON’T touch students, especially if you or they are angry or upset.
4. Restroom Privileges
Students in grades K-3 should be escorted to the restroom by a catechist or aide. The adult should wait outside the restroom until the student is ready to return to class. Students in grades 4-8 may be sent to the restroom on their own, but they should be sent one at a time. Please instruct them to use the closest restroom, to avoid running in the halls, and to return in a reasonable amount of time. 5. Computer Use in Class
You are welcome to use the computers in the classrooms. To log into the computers you
will need the catechist username and password:
Username: ccdteacher Password: catechism Please talk to Lacy Prebula if you plan to bring your own computer and need the password for accessing the wireless Internet.
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Appendix 1: Progress Report
Student’s Name ______________________________________________________________________________________ Class __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Catechist _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Co-Teacher/Aide ____________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Semester 2nd Semester
Pays attention in class
Shows a familiarity with and recall of themes presented in class
Completes and returns homework on time
Has memorized basic prayers for this grade level 1. _____________________________ 2. _____________________________ 3. _____________________________
Respects and cooperates with others
Total number of absences
Total number of late arrivals
8th grade only: Has completed the Mass journal _______ out of _______ times *A scale of 1-5: 5 indicates satisfactory progress; 1 indicates an area where growth is needed.
TEACHER’S COMMENTS: ______________________________ _________________________________ ________________ Catechist Signature Co-Teacher/Aide Signature Date
St. Mary’s Office of Religious Education
Progress Report: 2014-2015
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Appendix 2: Lesson Planning Sheet
Date: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Liturgical Season and any special feasts: ______________________________________________ Topic(s): __________________________________________________________________________________ Curriculum Elements and Standards: __________________________________________________ Textbook Sections: _______________________________________________________________________ Presentation: Opening prayer (time: _________): ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction (time: _________): __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Connection (time: _________): ____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Content (time: _________): ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Activity (time: _________): ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Wrap up: Feedback (time: _________): ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Wrap up (time: _________): _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Closing prayer (time: _________): _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Materials I need: Materials students need:
__________________________________ ____________________________________ __________________________________ ____________________________________ __________________________________ ____________________________________
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Notes
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Notes
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Notes
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Notes
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Mary, our patroness, mother, and model for catechesis
pray for us!
St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Charles Borromeo, patron saints of catechists,
pray for us!
