Kindergarten Catechism Problems

[gracepoole]

The parish we’re currently attending only hosts kindergarten religious ed classes once per week and it’s at a time that conflicts with our family’s schedule. Until recently, I thought we were relatively alone in dealing with this situation – but I just spoke with another mom who attends another nearby parish and her family is in the same boat. It seems as though either the parishes don’t see kindergarten catechism as significant or most families with kindergarteners aren’t participating and are thereby decreasing the number of days on which classes are offered. We’re providing our daughter with catechism at home (which is not being officially recognized by our parish, though the religious ed team there applauds our efforts and approach). But I find it unfortunate that we don’t have another option available. Is this how kindergarten catechism is dealt with in your parish? Did you find this year of faith formation important for your child’s preparation for receiving sacraments? Does your parish offer an at-home option? What’s the commitment involved with training to be a religious ed instructor?

 

[KP3243]

I teach older kids in 3-6th grade catechism and the kids are really far behind, my assumption is they aren’t taught any catechism at home so the fact that there isn’t a kindergarten catechism class might be a blessing if you can teach your child yourself for a while because they are more likely to retain what they are learning if you do things with them a few times a week -you may already be doing something with your kindergartener which is fantastic. Catholic Icing is a fab website for teaching smaller kids the Catechism. I think Lacie has a workbook specifically for younger kids. It is hard for a catechist who only sees your child for an hour a week to make any real progress with their faith, I spend half the class going over what we learned last week to refresh their memories. We aren’t good at anything we only spend an hour a week working at it but like I said before you may already be doing catechism at home.

 

[gracepoole]

I teach older kids in 3-6th grade catechism and the kids are really far behind, my assumption is they aren’t taught any catechism at home so the fact that there isn’t a kindergarten catechism class might be a blessing if you can teach your child yourself for a while because they are more likely to retain what they are learning if you do things with them a few times a week -you may already be doing something with your kindergartener which is fantastic. Catholic Icing is a fab website for teaching smaller kids the Catechism. I think Lacie has a workbook specifically for younger kids. It is hard for a catechist who only sees your child for an hour a week to make any real progress with their faith, I spend half the class going over what we learned last week to refresh their memories. We aren’t good at anything we only spend an hour a week working at it but like I said before you may already be doing catechism at home.

Haha – I *love *Catholic Icing! It’s a standard go-to for me. Lacy’s amazing. Thanks for your feedback!

 

[pianistclare]

The parish we’re currently attending only hosts kindergarten religious ed classes once per week and it’s at a time that conflicts with our family’s schedule. Until recently, I thought we were relatively alone in dealing with this situation – but I just spoke with another mom who attends another nearby parish and her family is in the same boat. It seems as though either the parishes don’t see kindergarten catechism as significant or most families with kindergarteners aren’t participating and are thereby decreasing the number of days on which classes are offered. We’re providing our daughter with catechism at home (which is not being officially recognized by our parish, though the religious ed team there applauds our efforts and approach). But I find it unfortunate that we don’t have another option available. Is this how kindergarten catechism is dealt with in your parish? Did you find this year of faith formation important for your child’s preparation for receiving sacraments? Does your parish offer an at-home option? What’s the commitment involved with training to be a religious ed instructor?

In our Archdiocese, parents are permitted to homeschool their children for religious ed, providing they use an approved curriculum (there are 6 listed on the Archdiocesan website) and that they inform the DRE and the Pastor that they are doing so. As DRE, I generally also suggest that the children come in quarterly to talk to me about what they are learning (mostly to check that they really are doing regular lessons). This is important because some folks (not many, but a few) SAY they have been homeschooling and want First Communion and it turns out the children have no clue about the faith. We require that paper trail and verification. Also, in my parish we are extremely limited to the times that we can offer. It’s once a week because we use borrowed classroom facilities. We just don’t have the luxury of our own set-up. So, if people can’t make it, they look for other huge parishes that offer multiple class offerings. Yes we consider it EXTREMELY important. Unfortunately, many parishes do not have the space to offer choices.
Regarding training:
The requirements for Basic Catechist are:
Ministry of Catechesis 2 hours
Spirituality of the Catechist 1 hour
Spirituality of the Catechist/Child divided by age group 1 hour
Spiritual Enrichment 2 hours (2 different events)
Overview of Scripture 2 hours
Catholic Morality 2 hours
Church Development 2 hours
What the Church Believes 2 hours
Liturgy and Sacraments 2 hours
Prayer and Spirituality 2 hours
Faith and Moral Development 2 hours
Effective classroom teaching and management 1 hour
General teaching methods 1 hour
Classroom observation 2 one hour sessions

This is for someone who has never been certified as a Catechist before. Some of those requirements are waived if only a renewal. (like the techniques)

A lot of these classes are offered at the Chancery, the parishes, Retreat centers, etc.

God Bless you for taking your child’s catechesis so seriously. It’s a real joy to teach children about our beautiful faith.

 

[robwar]

The parish we’re currently attending only hosts kindergarten religious ed classes once per week and it’s at a time that conflicts with our family’s schedule. Until recently, I thought we were relatively alone in dealing with this situation – but I just spoke with another mom who attends another nearby parish and her family is in the same boat. It seems as though either the parishes don’t see kindergarten catechism as significant or most families with kindergarteners aren’t participating and are thereby decreasing the number of days on which classes are offered. We’re providing our daughter with catechism at home (which is not being officially recognized by our parish, though the religious ed team there applauds our efforts and approach). But I find it unfortunate that we don’t have another option available. Is this how kindergarten catechism is dealt with in your parish? Did you find this year of faith formation important for your child’s preparation for receiving sacraments? Does your parish offer an at-home option? What’s the commitment involved with training to be a religious ed instructor?

K for religious ed is usually not required at all. My parish offers it during one of the Masses. When are the other classes offered such as 1st grade? Usually 1st grade is when they want you enrolled. Did you speak with your DRE?

 

[gracepoole]

K for religious ed is usually not required at all. My parish offers it during one of the Masses. When are the other classes offered such as 1st grade? Usually 1st grade is when they want you enrolled. Did you speak with your DRE?

Yup.

We’re providing our daughter with catechism at home (which is not being officially recognized by our parish, though the religious ed team there applauds our efforts and approach).

And yes, it seems that 1st and 2nd grade are being looked at as important prep years while kindergarten isn’t. I’m not a fan of this approach (my kiddo absorbs catechism really, really well and easily, likely because of her age) but I do appreciate the feedback with your experience!

 

[maryjk]

In our Archdiocese, parents are permitted to homeschool their children for religious ed, providing they use an approved curriculum (there are 6 listed on the Archdiocesan website) and that they inform the DRE and the Pastor that they are doing so. As DRE, I generally also suggest that the children come in quarterly to talk to me about what they are learning (mostly to check that they really are doing regular lessons). This is important because some folks (not many, but a few) SAY they have been homeschooling and want First Communion and it turns out the children have no clue about the faith. We require that paper trail and verification.

Just wondering what you do if someone doesn’t meet with you.

Or if they don’t ask permission to home educate their child? Or if they use a curriculum that isn’t on the approved list?

Now, of course if the child doesn’t have the knowledge needed to receive a sacrament, then you have something to hold over their head. But what if they have the knowledge?

Sorry, I just think it is funny to say, “Yes, we permit parents to home school.” As though you really have any choice in the matter.

 

[Sarabande]

With the exception of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd taught to the Pre-k and K children during the week at the parish school where I send my child (which I absolutely love), I don’t know of any parishes which offer regular Kindergarten catechesis. It seems to start at 1st grade. Perhaps it depends on what is required per diocese.

 

[1ke]

We are a small parish and I’m the CRE.

I don’t have K because we typically have to group kids together into multi-grade classes, and in K they can’t read/write and in 1 they can. It’s too big of a gap and it makes it too difficult to put them together.

I offer parents a study at home K program from Ignatius Press, Image of God. But no parent has ever taken me up on it.

 

[gracepoole]

We are a small parish and I’m the CRE.

I don’t have K because we typically have to group kids together into multi-grade classes, and in K they can’t read/write and in 1 they can. It’s too big of a gap and it makes it too difficult to put them together.

I offer parents a study at home K program from Ignatius Press, Image of God. But no parent has ever taken me up on it.

That’s one of the two program we use at home!

 

[robwar]

Yup.

And yes, it seems that 1st and 2nd grade are being looked at as important prep years while kindergarten isn’t. I’m not a fan of this approach (my kiddo absorbs catechism really, really well and easily, likely because of her age) but I do appreciate the feedback with your experience!

I think 1Ke answered why most parishes don’t offer in an official form K catechism which would be due to the reading and writing ability of K students. That is great you are doing it at home but most Catholic families I’ve seen are probably not as pro-active as you are and Churches respond to what is demanded or as interest level is of most of its members. Parishes struggle enough finding people to teach catechism classes that asking for K maybe stretching it if the interest isn’t there and again a K class is going to be more on the active side than having children sit and read and discuss.

 

[kkollwitz]

Maybe you and the other parents who can’t make the weekly class pick a time that works for y’all. Then get the DRE’s ok to have a second class and teach it yourselves using whatever materials the parish uses in the other K class you can’t attend. Most catechists are parents of the kids, so that’s no obstacle.

 

[pianistclare]

Just wondering what you do if someone doesn’t meet with you.

Or if they don’t ask permission to home educate their child? Or if they use a curriculum that isn’t on the approved list?

Now, of course if the child doesn’t have the knowledge needed to receive a sacrament, then you have something to hold over their head. But what if they have the knowledge?

Sorry, I just think it is funny to say, “Yes, we permit parents to home school.” As though you really have any choice in the matter.

Well, WE, meaning the Pastor certainly does have the right to tell people what he will allow. The Bishop’s office permits the parish to permit people to homeschool. I’ve never had someone “refuse to meet” with us. Usually the homeschoolers are the ones who truly care about religious ed. They are generally happy to show how well educated their kids are. Asking for an approved curriculum is standard and necessary. The standard age in THIS diocese is 2nd grade for First Communion. Pastors enforce this. It’s just the way it is.
I find it amazing that people on the boards are willing to tell others what to do all day every day, but a Pastor or a Bishop calling the shots? Wow.
If a parent does not have permission from the Pastor (which amounts to informing him of their intent) that can hold up their Sacraments. They must attend catechism classes offered by the parish otherwise. If we had no idea that you were home educating your child, you’re not in the loop, so to speak. Just like homeschooling in general. You have to let the State know what you are doing, you have to submit your curriculum. At least that’s what the home schoolers around here do.
It’s not as sinister as you seem to portray. The parish DRE’s have to deal with a lot of people who are trying to skirt the requirements. That’s the reason for all the rules form the Diocese. There are people whose children only show up for 9th grade classes because they want Confirmation in 10th. They come to minimum classes and then disappear again.
Wouldn’t you agree that they need actual lessons in order to fully understand the importance of the Sacrament?
And by the way, we offer catechesis form Pre K 4 years old to the grave.

 

[gracepoole]

I think 1Ke answered why most parishes don’t offer in an official form K catechism which would be due to the reading and writing ability of K students. That is great you are doing it at home but most Catholic families I’ve seen are probably not as pro-active as you are and Churches respond to what is demanded or as interest level is of most of its members. Parishes struggle enough finding people to teach catechism classes that asking for K maybe stretching it if the interest isn’t there and again a K class is going to be more on the active side than having children sit and read and discuss.

I can certainly understand the problem with finding enough catechists. Sad, but true. It’s sad too, though, that there’s a misconception that teaching catechism is somehow more difficult because kindergartners can’t yet fully read and write. The site that was mentioned in an earlier post (Catholic Icing) is a fantastic resource for preschool catechism, for example. There really is so much that can be absorbed by a five-year-old – it’s quite amazing!

 

[pianistclare]

We have many people who fight over who “gets” to teach Pre-K & K catechism. It’s a nice problem to have. The children DO have an enormous capacity to grasp the faith and they love learning the prayers. Everyone learns them by rote. Writing has little to do with it at this point. Children learn their prayers from their loving parents at bedtime. I don’t think any small child learns to pray by reading. People love this age group because of their purity and innocence. When their parents and teachers say “God loves you” they get it.
Also, some people who want to become catechists think that the little ones will not ask the hard theological questions. All in all, it’s a wonderful thing to teach catechism classes of any age.
I think the real reason why parishes shy away from it is because they can’t readily buy a textbook for the teacher. There’s little Kindergarten material out there, and almost none for Pre-K. Adults expect to have a teacher’s manual. And Pastors want them to have something solid to build on and to be assured of what their are presenting. Otherwise it can dissolve into coloring sheets all the time.
That’s why it’s such a good idea to go to Catechetical prep classes and to observe other teachers. As a Director, you know you have great catechists on board when your 3rd grade class is full. They weren’t there to punch their card, so to speak. The children understand that it’s necessary to grow in their faith and they want to attend.
Right now we have 3 teachers in the Kindergarten classroom, and also in the Spanish Kindergarten class. The children get a lot of attention and I think on some level they know that the adults believe their class is very important. St. Nicholas visited the classes a couple of weekends ago and told his story. They were enthralled. The chocolate coins were a hit too!
One thing he said was: “The most important gift you can ever give your parents is to tell them that you love them. This will make your parents happy. Things don’t make people happy.” Was a real blessing.

 

[bcuster]

Just wondering what you do if someone doesn’t meet with you.

Or if they don’t ask permission to home educate their child? Or if they use a curriculum that isn’t on the approved list?

Now, of course if the child doesn’t have the knowledge needed to receive a sacrament, then you have something to hold over their head. But what if they have the knowledge?

Sorry, I just think it is funny to say, “Yes, we permit parents to home school.” As though you really have any choice in the matter.

The parents are the primary religious educators of their children. That’s what we promise in at their baptism. As a DRE, I tell the parents this at our orientation meeting. Our program at Church is a resource for parents. Sacramental preparation is a little different. The Church needs to make sure youngsters are prepared and fully understand the sacrament they are receiving. Home school would be fine for this, but the parish priest or someone he appoints should assess the youngster’s understanding and freedom in receiving the sacrament.

 

[maryjk]

The parents are the primary religious educators of their children. That’s what we promise in at their baptism. As a DRE, I tell the parents this at our orientation meeting. Our program at Church is a resource for parents. Sacramental preparation is a little different. The Church needs to make sure youngsters are prepared and fully understand the sacrament they are receiving. Home school would be fine for this, but the parish priest or someone he appoints should assess the youngster’s understanding and freedom in receiving the sacrament.

It seems that some DREs forget that the parents are the primary educators of their own children.

I am sure my post earlier in the thread came off as quite confrontational. But I have dealt with a couple of DREs that seem to think the Church has merely lent our children to us. That their religious education is completely and totally dependent on the DRE. It gets old after a while.

There is no “letting” the parents teach their own children religious ed. Sacramental prep may be different. But general year to year education is, and should be, the responsibility of the parent.

 

[pianistclare]

Well, if you’re going to speak in generalities, then realize that many Catholic desire to turn it over to the Church because they themselves are not well-catechized and they realize this. I AM a DRE and I WISH parents would take a more active role as primary educators.
There’s a lot more to it than dropping them off at Sunday school or Youth Group.
Having said that, we are bound by what the Diocese permits/allows/ however you want to phrase it. And we can not (or are not supposed to) make exceptions for anyone.

All the DRE’s I know and are working with my Deanery are very highly educated (theology degrees, and many certifications) and they try their best to offer a good program and offer lots of continuing education for their catechists. The problems that many of the DRE’s speak about is problems with parents who just want to have it their way, regardless of the guidelines that are in place.
They work hard. Really they do.

 

[bcuster]

It seems that some DREs forget that the parents are the primary educators of their own children.

I am sure my post earlier in the thread came off as quite confrontational. But I have dealt with a couple of DREs that seem to think the Church has merely lent our children to us. That their religious education is completely and totally dependent on the DRE. It gets old after a while.

There is no “letting” the parents teach their own children religious ed. Sacramental prep may be different. But general year to year education is, and should be, the responsibility of the parent.

I know how this is. I have a sister who takes her children to a Christian Church for Sunday School because the local parish was so unyielding. Granted, I only got her side of the story. She was an ER Nurse and a single mom. They required that she attend the parent meeting which was scheduled only once a month on one of her work days. Her house was in foreclosure and she felt she couldn’t take another day off and keep food on the table for her children.

 

[3DOCTORS]

Okay, I just have to ask, and I may be way out of line here; if I am, forgive me. But what is in the “family’s schedule” that is a higher priority than religious ed? (And other education too, but learning about God is the foundation for everything.)

When I attended CCD class, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, it was on Sunday mornings between the two Masses at our parish. Some parishes started having it at different times during the week, though some in my area still have it on Sundays. But if it’s on a weeknight where you are, then that’s when it is.

Be that as it may, what message are parents sending if sports or extracurricular lessons and activities are more important than Catechism? Put the Catechism in before other things are scheduled on your calendar. The alternative of home schooling isn’t bad, and it sounds like you’re looking for quality materials and it’s great you’re starting at a young age. Maybe the parish is being rigid, but on the other hand I can’t help wondering if they are having problems with trying to find a night that suits all the families because of the families’ non-essential “priorities.” Not just you, everybody.

Forgive me, please, for sounding harsh, it’s just that I see this so much and I think it can start a slippery slope. I’m not exempting myself - we are all sometimes tempted to get done what we want to do then “fit God in” the time that’s left. It’s just a trend we should be aware of and examine ourselves to make sure we’re not falling into the trap. I hope all works out well for all of you.