High school curriculum

[puzzleannie]

the other factor that comes into play is whether or not you are responsible for Confirmation preparation, or does that happen earlier, in the Catholic school or in the parish. both series I mentioned are written in the supposition that Confirmation occurs in 8th Grade, and the Loyola series has a Confirmation book as well, but it is very adaptable for 9th-10th grade.

there probably needs to be some kind of “remedial” course for uncatechized children entering a Catholic school in the later years.
from the fact that you posted your question on this forum I assume your question includes recommendation for scripture study. The Didache book is the best, I think it is the newest of the series. For a supplement to a good general textbook, Teen Guide to the Bible by Fr. McBride from OSV is good.

 

[Franciscan]

the other factor that comes into play is whether or not you are responsible for Confirmation preparation, or does that happen earlier, in the Catholic school or in the parish.

That’s kind of a mess in our diocese because we have confirmation in high school soph to senior year depending on the parish. Those kids who are in Catholic Highschool still have to go to confirmation class at their local parish and be confirmed there.

Im hoping they push it back to 8th grade.
.

 

[Corki]

For high school we use the Didache series but the 9th grade book, Introduction to Catholicism takes two years to cover in CCD so it is our foundational Confirmation text (Creed, Morality, Sacraments and Prayer). For the Catholic High school, which these books were written for, there is a Moral Theology Book, Sacred Scripture, and Church History. **They are the gold standard in my opinion. **Midwest Theological Forum, you can find link to the distributer-Emmaus Road-- at cuf.org, the site for Catholics United for the Faith.

Depending on your location what you will probably find is that you actually have two different student populations: those who have a good background in the faith from Catholic elementary school or solid CCD and good background in practice from strong families, but a solid minority (majority in our case) who have had essentially no faith formation since First Communion, are essentially uncatechized, and probably have not been to Mass or the sacraments since 2nd grade, and whose families are cultural Catholics but don’t really practice the faith. Good luck with the 2nd group they are the ones that really need evangelization, and if we don’t do it, our Protestant brothers and sisters will.

An alternate would be to use the RCL books, “Understanding the Catechism” for grade 9. This is a series of four books, one for each academic quarter, covering the Creed, Prayer, Christian Living and Liturgy (the four pillars of the Catechism). They are solid but not “too much” for those who may be lagging in prior catechises. This would bring everyone to a more even level. Then grades 10-12 could use the remaining three books in the Didache series.

 

[Franciscan]

An alternate would be to use the RCL books, “Understanding the Catechism” for grade 9. This is a series of four books, one for each academic quarter, covering the Creed, Prayer, Christian Living and Liturgy (the four pillars of the Catechism). They are solid but not “too much” for those who may be lagging in prior catechises. This would bring everyone to a more even level. Then grades 10-12 could use the remaining three books in the Didache series.

Thanks, This is very helpful!!!

 

[puzzleannie]

I just received sample copies of Loyola Press 7th & 8th grade revised texts. The 8th grade text has Church history but also Catholic identity, and in the back of both books are the “basics” prayers, Mass, devotions, practices etc. I am seriously thinking of using this 8th grade book as the basic text for grades 7-9 who have not received 1st Communion, or who have not been to CCD since 1st Communion (and also RCIA). If we use the Sunday readings for a full lectionary cycle (which we are already doing) they will get the Gospel and NT as well. As the regular 8th grade text for those who have been attending CCD, and have a good Scriptural background from 6th grade (OT) and 7th grade (NT) it will be a good intro to Confirmation prep. The books are very “user friendly” and my catechists, and a panel of kids and parents who helped review these and other texts all like them. Plus they are approved in this diocese.

you can get a review copy from loyola Press.