this is the latest fad in catechetics, and its aim is sound as far as it goes, but like everything else, it depends on how the program is organized, does it reach its intended audience, what materials and resources are used, the spirituality and sound doctrinal background of those doing the presentations and the same factors that make for a good or bad CCD program (or Catholic school religion class).
Every parish should be devoted to the concept of “whole community catechesis”. It used to be called the sermon, and elaborated in the devotions and celebrations of the liturgical year such as holy hours, 40 hours, Eucharistic processions, parish missions, saint day celebrations, fiestas, posadas etc.
Much of what used to be integral to parish life was jettisoned with the so-called reforms following (not necessarily prescribed by) Vatican2, by those who did not realize or appreciate their role in “whole community catechesis” – statues, stained glass windows, lighting vigil candles, processions etc.
We do it through excellent sermons, our pastor is a master preacher, and a teaching elaborating on the gospel theme in the bulletin, drawn from the catechism. If you read the bulletin every week you will be getting a comprehensive summary of the teachings in the CCC and on the gospels.
Through CCD we send home bilingual family pages on the readings each week for use in the home, and wonder of wonders, some families actually use them. We begin every CCD session, meeting etc. with a reading and brief sharing or reflection on the Sunday gospel.
Whole community catechesis can take several formats, the most popular draws and another “fad” (with sound basis in the RCIA) of lectionary-based catechesis. This founds not only the catechesis for RCIA but for the whole parish on the Sunday readings especially the gospel. It is sound as far as it goes, but experience is proving that especially in school-year scheduled programs, not all the doctrinal content is presented, because half the year’s readings are not formally taught. A sound RCIA, sacramental prep or CCD program must also present the doctrine in an organized fashion.
The other method of WCC is exemplified in Generations of Faith and similar programs. Over a period of 4-6 years the doctrine is presented, more or less according to the plan of the CCC, with formal lecture and reading, according to age level of each group, and crafts, skits, other activities planned to reinforce the concepts in the lesson with the whole group. If a family attended faithfully for 4-6 years the content of a standard CCD program would be presented, but not in the same order or method of a traditional program.
Some WCC sessions meet in homes, some in the parish. There is a lot of theory about both methods. Some break up into age groups, some keep the whole group together, again, a lot of debate about what is best.
We have found that parents and other adults prefer teaching, including parent meetings for sacramental prep, suitable to adult understanding, not “kiddie stuff”. We try to use any occassion to draw adults together for good adult ed presentations on the topics. Parents (inlcuding grandparents, sponsors, godparents etc.) who attend all the parent meetings offered through the years their child is in CCD will get a good catechesis on the fundamentals of the faith from the CCC.
the main trouble with WCC is that it does not coexist very well with a traditional CCD program. If one is successful the other one dies away. In WCC the families already committed participate, but the “drop off” children who have been coming to CCD are lost.
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. Had no idea we were stuck in 1973.