Embrace New Methods: The Intersection of New Media and Catechesis
This month I have a featured article in Catechetical Leader based on my TED-style keynote from the 2012 NCCL conference in San Diego. In honor of the 2013 conference currently underway I’m pleased to reprinted the article here. A wise Dominican sister I studied with in graduate school once described theologians as the “scouts” of the Church: part of their task is to run ahead, discover what is over the hills in the distance, and report back so that the Church can be prepared for what lies before us. With that in mind I write as a “techno-theologian[1]”: someone who has...
Read MoreRethinking “Religious Education”
Words are important, and the words we use to name things should signify something about the object being named. With that in mind I’ve grown restive about the terms we use to describe our catechetical ministries, especially those aimed at children and youth. It’s no secret that the titles used for parish formational programs are many and varied; in my diocese we tend to use PSR, which is commonly understood to stand for “Parish School of Religion,” although I’ve heard other variations as well. Other places use “religious education” and I still see...
Read MoreBook Review: Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox
A few weeks ago Joe Paprocki asked if I would be interested in reviewing his new book, Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox: Catechesis That Not Only Informs but Also Transforms. Of course I said yes; I’ve been a fan of Joe’s work ever since I became involved in catechesis. Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox builds on and expands Joe’s book The Catechist’s Toolbox. In fact, this new book is a intended to help catechists “take it to the next level” by offering a model for religious education that moves beyond the typical “classroom model.”...
Read MoreThe Place of Evangelization in Catechesis
A few weeks ago I had a small revelation about the place of evangelization in catechesis. I decided to make a short video about it.
Read MoreThe Importance of Discernment in Sacramental Prep
My friend Marc has a post over at his (excellent) blog about Confirmation, restoring the order of the Sacraments of Initiation for Catholic youth, and possible effects on parish religious education programs. I’ve written about restored order a few times, but Marc argues for the other side of the coin: If kids aren‘t evangelized the effect of Confirmation will be negligible. With little or no faith, Confirmation won‘t do much for them. They won‘t be any closer to staying Catholic than before. There goes that benefit… I‘m the last one to advocate for the carrot on the...
Read MoreFinding Copyright-Free Images for Catechetical Use
Sorry for the recent radio silence; my website switched to a new server earlier this month and it caused some unexpected issues. I’ve got them (mostly) resolved now, so expect regular posting to commence next week. In the meantime, here is a short video I made last week about how to find free, high-quality pictures for your catechetical projects without having to worry about running afoul of copyright laws:
Read MoreVLCFF Course – Overview of the GDC & NDC
I am happy to announce that registration for my next Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) course is now open: Two Church documents which are responsible for guiding and reflecting the practice of catechesis in the twenty-first century are the GDC (General Directory for Catechesis; 1997) and the NDC (National Directory for Catechesis; 2005). The vision of each of these two documents is closely aligned with the other. This seminar will address how these documents echo each other and where they are unique. The accountability for the message of the documents will be...
Read MoreVLCFF Course – Survey of Catholic Doctrine
I recently received my 2013 course schedule from the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF); I’ll be facilitating a section of Survey of Catholic Doctrine in January and February: This course will look at some of the major doctrines of the Catholic Church. Participants will come to a better understanding of the Trinity, original sin, church, salvation history, and the communion of saints. Participants will be asked to identify the meaning of magisterium, ecumenism, eschatology, and other Catholic terms. I’ll also be facilitating a seminar on the General Directory...
Read MoreA Short Appreciation for the Catechism
Our diocese is in the process of establishing curriculum standards for religious education in Catholic schools and parish-based programs for children. It’s been a fun — and challenging — task that still has at least two years to go. Our committee has wrestled over not just what should be included in a comprehensive curriculum for discipleship, but also how to phrase teachings in age appropriate ways that are faithful to the Church’s tradition. In the process my respect for the Catechism of the Catholic Church has grown considerably — not so much for it’s...
Read MoreNotes and Resources: Using New Media for Professional Development
Thank to everyone who participated in my webinar today on using new media for professional development in catechesis! Here are my notes, a link to the opening prayer from the USCCB, and some of the resources I mentioned during the webinar: Facebook NCPD Group NCCL page Jonathan’s Catholic Catechesis List LinkedIn Video: How to Use LinkedIn Groups Adult Faith Formation Professionals Twitter Twitter: How To Use HashTags #CathMedia Jonathan’s Catechesis List Reading Blogs Video: RSS in Plain English Google Reader Catechist’s Journey Creating...
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