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"We know how challenging it is to articulate the message of the Gospels and the doctrines of faith to a culture that speaks a very different message."
     - The Catechist in the Third Millennium

Those called to be  Parish Catechists, Youth Ministers, R.C.I.A. Catechists and Catholic School Teachers in the Diocese of Brooklyn, join a vibrant group of people committed to helping fellow parishioners learn and respond to the Gospel message in today’s world. Catechists help people grow in their faith, understand the symbols, teachings, practices, and worship of the Catholic Church, and pass on the shared meanings and values of Catholic Christians.

To prepare Parish Catechists, Youth Ministers, R.C.I.A. Catechists and CatholicSchool Teachers,  the office of Religious Education has established a new Faith Formation Curriculum.

COMPARISON OF THE NEW CURRICULUM WITH THE OLD

FAITH FORMATION CURRICULUM GUIDE BASIC LEVEL

A.  The Foundation of the Creed
(5 sessions, 10 hours-replaces Basic I)

1. Exploring our Images of God
2. The Mystery of God
3. Theodicy-The question of good and evil
4. God as Trinity
5. Introduction to Christology and Pneumatology

B.  Revelation
(5 sessions, 10 hours-replaces Basic  III)

1. How is God revealed to us
2. The Old Testament
3. Understanding and Reading the New Testament: The Formation of the Gospels
4. The Content and Message of the Gospel
5. The New Testament Continued

C.  The Church and its Sacraments
(5 sessions, 10 hours-replaces Basic IV)

1. The Mission of the Church
2. The Principle of Sacramentality/Grace
3. The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
4. Eucharist
5. The Sacraments of Healing and the Sacraments of Vocation

D.  Handing Down the Faith in Catholic Schools Through Effective Catechesis (HDFEC)  (5 sessions, 10 hours-replaces Basic II)

FOR VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS

1. The Call and Mission of the Catechist
2. The Catechetical Process
3. The Teaching Learning Process
4. Effective Classroom Management
5. Lesson Planning, Assessment and Reporting

FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS

1. Call and Mission of the Catechist
2. The Catechetical Process
3. The Teaching-Learning Process
4. Integrating Religion Throughout the Curriculum
5. Planning Prayer Services and Liturgies

Please note:

1. The Benzinger Teacher Formation program had 18 hours of methodology and 22 hours of content.
2. The New Curriculum has 10 hours of methodology and 30 hours of content.
3. In section D, Handing Down the Faith through Effective Catechesis (HDEFC), the 10 hours of methodology will be different for the following groups:
   • Parish Catechists
   • CatholicSchool Teachers
   • RCIA catechists
   • Youth ministers

We are in the process of completing Intermediate and the Advanced curriculum.

Registration forms for the Faith Formation Courses are available by contacting your parish DRE.