National Directory for Catechesis

Course Details

It is recommended that Overview of the GDC & NDC Seminar be taken before this course

This course studies the text of the 2005 National Directory for Catechesis, examining the fundamental principles which should guide catechesis and stressing practical applications within parishes, Jesus Christ commanded the apostles to preach, to teach, and to bring all nations into communion with God. The National Directory for Catechesis presents the vision of the bishops as to how we can do that in our culture, time and place.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

Course Materials

• Required Book: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops National Directory for Catechesis $19.95 Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005. ISBN 1-57455-443-3
• Course Materials available at the VLCFF Amazon Store.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: National Directory for Catechesis, Chapters One and Two
  • Identify challenges to catechesis
  • Identify the general characteristics of and the diversity in U.S. culture that have an impact on catechesis.
  • Describe the role of catechesis within the Church's mission of evangelization
  • Name the purposes and tasks of catechesis
  • Describe the inculturation of the gospel message
• Week 2: National Directory for Catechesis Chapters Three and Four
  • Name the resources that serve the Church's catechetical activity
  • Identify the criteria for the authentic presentation of the Christian message in the U.S.
  • Describe God's self-revelation and the human elements of catechetical methodology
• Week 3: National Directory for Catechesis Chapters Five and Six
  • Describe the relationship between catechesis and worship, catechesis and the sacraments, catechesis and prayer, and catechesis and devotions
  • Name the catechetical principles and guidelines for personal and social moral formation
• Week 4: NDC Chapters Seven and Eight
  • Describe catechetical methodology for the different age groups
  • Name the principles, guidelines and criteria for presenting the gospel to different groups in their diverse settings
  • Describe the role and functions of those involved in catechetical ministry
  • Name the principles, guidelines and criteria for catechist formation
• Week 5: NDC Chapters Nine and Ten
  • Name some organizational principles, structures relationships that are important to catechesis
  • Describe the criteria, principles and guidelines for developing, producing, selecting, evaluating and using catechetical resources

Print - Close