Convert Catechizing Cradle Catholics

[kkollwitz]

“I’m going to be teaching Catechumens who are middle-schoolers next year.”

Well, let me toot my horn. I live in the Bible Belt and taught RCIA & adult ed for 4 years; since then I’ve catechized 6th graders for 8 years. You might take a look at my book on the subject of catechizing middle schoolers:

createspace.com/3835986

 

[kevinerose]

When I went to RCIA, the cradle catholics I met were very well informed of their faith. I also started to notice people during mass and I could tell many were very religious and passionate. And like in protestant churches there were no doubt those who seemed out of place, were there out of obligation, or only there due to family traditions.

But at the same time, I can see how an older person may have forgotten what they were taught as a youth. I think the church does a fine job of teaching the youth but they don’t have anything like the protestant’s Sunday School in which adults can continue their training / education.

But they can continue to grow when they have initiative to be active in the church and do other things to seek after Christ. So I think one thing you can do to help while teaching the children is to impress upon them the importance of being active in the church, volunteering, studying the bible, and having an active prayer life.

 

[Diana_Catherine]

Get the Baltimore Catechism. I think Volume #2 was intended for that age group. If they know that book, they’ll know the Faith.

That, and get them all an inexpensive Rosary and teach them to pray it.

If you can, get a priest to come and teaching them about the Blessed Sacrament and offer Adoration and Benediction.

I agree.

After returning to the Catholic church my family and I went through the Baltimore catechism together, along with learning many prayers and I can’t believe how much we learned. My teenage son and I continue to work through it on the way of taking him to school in the morning and I feel both of us are able to answer questions people would send our way regarding Catholic teaching. T

There of course are other things to learn, scripture, good works, the saints and more but I really feel this is a great thing for children to know.

And as others have said, living out our faith and showing our love for the Lord.

 

[Diana_Catherine]

I like the St. Joseph Edition and would recommend it to any catechist who does not have a degree in theology. It’s concise, but gives you resources to expand so that you’re not always doing the question and answer routine. The student can actually do research, without the need of being guided by a professional theologian who would know where to go look. The book tells you where to look.

I don’t use it, because I have access to a very extensive theological collection. But most catechists don’t. This is a perfect resource book to have in your bag.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, FFV

I, agree. I guess when we say the Baltimore catechism we could mean different versions but the one we used was the St. Joseph Edition and it has a lot more besides the questions and answers.