RCIT - In need of some resources!

[darthsmozers]

Greetings

I am an instructor of about 12 teens who are enrolled in an RCIT program … essentially a 2 year catechesis class. All have been Baptised, most have not received any other Sacrament.

The class was given to me to structure freely. From Sept-Nov, we began discussing the Church. However, it became apparent very quickly that the kids had little to no catechesis. So, during Advent, we read the Gospel accounts of the birth of Christ. During Christmas, we read the wisemen, presentation, and finding in the temple. During the brief stint of Ordinary Time, we read of Jesus baptism and his 40 days of fasting. Now, we are proceeding with Jesus first apostles and the beginning of his public ministry. (When I said “we read”, essentially I read and they followed along, although last week I did no reading and 3 students enthusiastically volunteered to read!)

My method this far has been to 1) introduce them to scripture and doing so by taking advantage of the liturgical seasons of Advent through Lent; 2) introduce them on how to find readings in the Bible - Last week I only provided chapter/verse rather than page numbers; and 3) to spark discussion by remaining on a very basic level - the life of Jesus Christ (this is working, as last week I spent 40 minutes answering some awesome questions!)

However, as I said, I am building this class up from scratch. We have purchased Bibles for each student, but I also feel I should provide binders to hold weekly handouts. That way, rather than just reading scripture to start with, they can go home with something that compliments what we read.

Thus, the point of this post: Does anyone know of any good resources for teens regarding catechesis? I’d very gladly type up my own material, but I am open to anything: worksheets, “Bible cheat sheets”, liturgical calendars, basic outline of the Mass, info sheets about sacraments, etc. (Bible cheat sheets would be awesome!!)

Any suggestions regarding material (especially online material!) would be awesome

Thank you

 

[kage_ar]

The Compendium - I heard an apologist whom I respect said if he were teaching RCIA, he would use this as the resource. It is Q and A

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

Also, Mark Hart’s books including his latest: “100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know”

The Great Adventure Bible Study has a teen version.

Lastly, there is Jason Everett’s “Theology of the Body for Teens”

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Greetings

I am an instructor of about 12 teens who are enrolled in an RCIT program … essentially a 2 year catechesis class. All have been Baptised, most have not received any other Sacrament.

Thank you

There is no such thing as RCIT! Do you mean RCIA geared to teens?

If so get a copy of the “White Book” for RCIA and thoroughly study it to understand how to structure the process first…

 

[darthsmozers]

There is no such thing as RCIT! Do you mean RCIA geared to teens?

If so get a copy of the “White Book” for RCIA and thoroughly study it to understand how to structure the process first…

Right, I think RCIT is an unofficial term. Its essentially RCIA expanded to two years.

I was given some RCIA materials, but I quickly learned that these teens need a simple biblical foundation first. As we were coming up on Advent at the time, it was a most opportune time to begin reading the 4 Gospels aloud together. And from this alone, numerous questions have sprung forth, and they’ve really been showing an interest in learning more. It seems as though once the door opened, they began to run through the doorway, so to speak, unleashing all the questions that may have always had but never had answered. Its great Once we break from the core Gospel readings, I think I’ll then begin integrating traditional RCIA structure. I think of this as their foundation building time, so to speak.

 

[darthsmozers]

The Compendium - I heard an apologist whom I respect said if he were teaching RCIA, he would use this as the resource. It is Q and A

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

Also, Mark Hart’s books including his latest: “100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know”

The Great Adventure Bible Study has a teen version.

Lastly, there is Jason Everett’s “Theology of the Body for Teens”

I own the Compendium, and will surely research the other two books THANK YOU so very much!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Right, I think RCIT is an unofficial term. Its essentially RCIA expanded to two years.

I was given some RCIA materials, but I quickly learned that these teens need a simple biblical foundation first. As we were coming up on Advent at the time, it was a most opportune time to begin reading the 4 Gospels aloud together. And from this alone, numerous questions have sprung forth, and they’ve really been showing an interest in learning more. It seems as though once the door opened, they began to run through the doorway, so to speak, unleashing all the questions that may have always had but never had answered. Its great Once we break from the core Gospel readings, I think I’ll then begin integrating traditional RCIA structure. I think of this as their foundation building time, so to speak.

Remember that RCIA is a Liturgical process that incorporates Catechesis and the Lectionary readings for Spiritual development. It is not intended to be just another “CCD” or “YM” program for teens. I have found that teens want to be able to defend their faith when peers find out that they are Catholic. (here in the south that is)

 

[Joannm]

We haven’t had teens in RCIA for awhile, but when we did we insisted they go to the teen CCD classes or Youth Group in addition to RCIA.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

We haven’t had teens in RCIA for awhile, but when we did we insisted they go to the teen CCD classes or Youth Group in addition to RCIA.

That make perfect sense. I might also add that when I had teens that were 16 and 17. They participated in the regular adult RCIA, but with special Sponsors that understood their view and had a parenting or YM background.

 

[puzzleannie]

what we have found works best is that older children and teens attend regular CCD with their grade level during the week, and for most grade levels there are at least 2 classes, one with children who have already made first communion, have a good background, and can use the text for their grade. In the other class I assign those who need basics, including the unbaptized and uncatechized, those who have skipped grades, and whose catechists are on the sacramental/RCIA team, and get additional training and formation for those responsibilities.

After the Rite of Acceptance those who will be received into the Church at Easter also attend RCIA on Sunday morning, 3 classes, adult, teen and children (varies depending on how many we have). After Christmas the godparents and parents also participate so they get the instruction they need in the Rites and required “parent/sponsor” classes for each sacrament. This is new for us, and seems to be working well.

there are past threads on good programs for teens, which I will try to find. short answer for OP, if he is providing the only instruction these children will receive:
Teen Catechism and Making Disciples from Our Sunday Visitor, supplement with Opening the Scripture, also from OSV.

MD has the outline of “what we have to teach” and the Teen Catechism follows it nicely, and contains a scripture intro for each lesson. MD shows you different plans for structuring the order of topics. Since you seem to be using a lectionary based model, MD helps you re-arrange the order of lessons, with the help of the third good guide from OSV- Opening the Scriptures. This handy dandy little green book relates the readings for each Sunday of each cycle to the catechetical topics, so helps make the connection so important catechism topics don’t get lost in the shuffle.

another alternative if you are short on time to come up with your own “program” is Journey of Faith for Teens from Liguori, which has a leader guide, and you can in addition purchase the companion guide to the lectionary cycle. Begin with the readings, especially the gospel as you have been doing, take a break, and use the “handouts” to present the catechetical topic (they also have good bible look-up exercises, and can be used as homework).

don’t know why the parents should not be asked to provide a binder, or pay for them, and pay for materials. JOF is about &8 or 9 for all 4 sets, Teen Catechism $10-12.

RCIC and RCIT are handy shorthand for assigning candidates to classes on your computer schedule, but there is no such thing. there is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adapted for Children, the Children’s Catechumenate for short. OP needs a short course in the RCIA ritual book to understand what is needed to prepare for the Rites as well, but it helps to go through one complete liturgical cycle and learn from those directing the program.

 

[darthsmozers]

puzzleannie and others:

thank you for the feedback. I do appreciate it.

I was asked to teach this class and i am pretty much on my own (aside from some moral support from others who head RCIA). I am constantly reminded that because I have two years with these kids, I have plenty of time to go through everything I’d like - Scripture, Sacraments, Tradition, etc etc. (In addition to the RCIA requirements.)

I’ve only been in this for a couple of months, and in that time its been simply trying to build their foundation by reading through the Gospels with them. This has been so rewarding, as I have seen them really open up and absorb it all. After Easter, I feel I can then begin adding Liturgical aspects to the class, in addition to continued Scripture background and perhaps even assign homework so they can read on their own.

In the meantime, I will see what I can find out regarding specific RCIA requirements for these kids. As i said I seem to be in a unique position and I want to do it the right way

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

puzzleannie and others:

thank you for the feedback. I do appreciate it.

I was asked to teach this class and i am pretty much on my own (aside from some moral support from others who head RCIA). I am constantly reminded that because I have two years with these kids, I have plenty of time to go through everything I’d like - Scripture, Sacraments, Tradition, etc etc. (In addition to the RCIA requirements.)

I’ve only been in this for a couple of months, and in that time its been simply trying to build their foundation by reading through the Gospels with them. This has been so rewarding, as I have seen them really open up and absorb it all. After Easter, I feel I can then begin adding Liturgical aspects to the class, in addition to continued Scripture background and perhaps even assign homework so they can read on their own.

In the meantime, I will see what I can find out regarding specific RCIA requirements for these kids. As i said I seem to be in a unique position and I want to do it the right way

I’ll offer you this suggestion. since you have been with them for a few months and they are not coming into the Church this Easter. (If I understand correctly)

I would consider this past time and the remaining time until after Easter, to be the Inquiry period. Sort out their backgrounds. Investigate their Baptisms, sort out the Validly Baptized form the un-Baptized. Get with the Pastor and/or RCIA director and discuss celebrating the Rite of Acceptance for the un-Baptized and the Rite of Welcome for the Baptized after Easter. Also get Sponsors assigned and attending with them ASAP. (remember that parents cannot be Sponsors)

After the Rites have them start attending Mass together as a group with their Sponsors. This will allow you to start dismissing those who are not Baptized to reflect on the Scripture readings, known as BOW, Breaking Open the Word.

 

[puzzleannie]

I second Bro, and glad you are not aiming for this Easter. His plan sounds great. Other thing to consider is, do you have them for school year only, or year round, and plan accordingly.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I second Bro, and glad you are not aiming for this Easter. His plan sounds great. Other thing to consider is, do you have them for school year only, or year round, and plan accordingly.

I personally would plan to meet hrought the summer months, maybe by-weekly if necessary.

 

[puzzleannie]

we are cautiously moving to year round RCIA for all levels, child and teen as well as adult, since I have a large group ready for rite of acceptance, which we would like to do right after Easter. am in the process of polling the parents and enlisting their support, and recruiting catechists, because it would mean giving up my vacation, retreat and continuing education time in the summer. obviously my personal considerations should not get in the way of “doing the rites right” but it is a factor, and if I don’t have enough catechists to separate children, teens and adults, it won’t work anyhow. tried the combined group for a couple of years and it bombed. I think the time is right, and the increased number of inquirers of all ages to me is a sign the Holy Spirit will also send catechists, and this will all come together.

 

[kage_ar]

This is the course we use for RCIA

acmrcia.org/index2.html

 

[1ke]

I would get a textbook of some kind-- for example “This Is Our Faith” which isn’t too hard for teens even though it’s an adult book used for RCIA. Or, I’d get a CCD book for the high school level. You need some structure.

For a bible foundation I’d get the Great Adventure Bible Study T3: Teen Timeline. It’s 8 weeks of material, approximately. I’m using that with my CCD kids and it’s GREAT.

For morality, you can get the Theology of the Body for Teens book, study guides, and video.

 

[graceandglory]

Greetings

I am an instructor of about 12 teens who are enrolled in an RCIT program … essentially a 2 year catechesis class. All have been Baptised, most have not received any other Sacrament.

The class was given to me to structure freely. From Sept-Nov, we began discussing the Church. However, it became apparent very quickly that the kids had little to no catechesis. So, during Advent, we read the Gospel accounts of the birth of Christ. During Christmas, we read the wisemen, presentation, and finding in the temple. During the brief stint of Ordinary Time, we read of Jesus baptism and his 40 days of fasting. Now, we are proceeding with Jesus first apostles and the beginning of his public ministry. (When I said “we read”, essentially I read and they followed along, although last week I did no reading and 3 students enthusiastically volunteered to read!)

My method this far has been to 1) introduce them to scripture and doing so by taking advantage of the liturgical seasons of Advent through Lent; 2) introduce them on how to find readings in the Bible - Last week I only provided chapter/verse rather than page numbers; and 3) to spark discussion by remaining on a very basic level - the life of Jesus Christ (this is working, as last week I spent 40 minutes answering some awesome questions!)

However, as I said, I am building this class up from scratch. We have purchased Bibles for each student, but I also feel I should provide binders to hold weekly handouts. That way, rather than just reading scripture to start with, they can go home with something that compliments what we read.

Thus, the point of this post: Does anyone know of any good resources for teens regarding catechesis? I’d very gladly type up my own material, but I am open to anything: worksheets, “Bible cheat sheets”, liturgical calendars, basic outline of the Mass, info sheets about sacraments, etc. (Bible cheat sheets would be awesome!!)

Any suggestions regarding material (especially online material!) would be awesome

Thank you

Theology of the Body for Teens
has tons of relevant catechesis.
And it’s interesting, besides.

www.ascencionpress.com

 

[graceandglory]

Theology of the Body for Teens
has tons of relevant catechesis.
And it’s interesting, besides.

www.ascencionpress.com

TOB IS a complete Bible Study. It answers the questions why did God make me. It gives all the reasons for being Catholic. It addresses Mary, the Sacraments, the Trinity, etc. It helps Catholics know and defend their faith.

 

[darthsmozers]

You all have been so helpful in your suggestions, regarding both structure and materials. I will take all of this to heart

As I said, I’ve basically been given the class with the idea that I’d built it in my own way. That’s cool in a way, but could be dangerous or ineffective in other ways. Hence, I want as much advice as possible, and you all have provided a great start! Thank you so very much

(PS - to the poster who mentioned This Is Our Faith, we have it And they all have their own Bibles now too. Fortunately there is funding available so I can order what I need. I was asked to teach the class at the last minute, so its only now that I’m using the experience of the last few months to evaluate what is needed )