It is hard to believe that the summer has slipped away so quickly! With the end of August in sight as I write, thoughts turn to the beginning of the school year and the resumption of Catechetical programming for the fall. The energy level is beginning to build once again as plans are brought to realization and accomplishment. In the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office, much of our energy has been driven and directed by the search for new staff persons. I am happy to announce that we are nearly there, having filled three of four open positions, with a fourth candidate in sight. I take this opportunity to introduce: Mrs. Alice Hugh Brown -- Associate Director for Adult and Adolescent Catechesis. Alice holds her graduate degree from Princeton Theological and has a background in publishing as well as parish catechetical ministry. Sister Francis Cordis Bernardo,S.C. -- Associate Director for Catechist Formation and Certification. Some perhaps know Sister from her involvement in professional catechetical organizations over the years. Most of her catechetical ministry has been spent in the Paterson Diocese and we are certain that she will make an important contribution to the work of the Office in this most important area of developing catechists' spirituality as well as their skills and confidence in their ministry. Ms. Claire Ohalek Associate Director for Parish Catechetics. For those of us who have ministered in the Archdiocese for some time, especially those from Union County, Claire needs no introduction. She has served as PCL at St. Bartholomew's in Scotch Plains for many years and joins us with a wealth of experience in parish catechetical ministry. Her knowledge of the catechetical ministry especially within the Archdiocese will prove to be a special asset. As I am sure you'll agree, we are off to a good start with these fine new staff additions. Please take the time to welcome them and let them get to know you and your needs. As we move into the Fall season, a number of new PCLs will swell the ranks among the catechetical leadership here in the Newark Archdiocese. Over 20 new PCLs will be joining us for the new PCLs Orientation which will be held at the Carmel Retreat Center in Mahwah September 2 and 3. Please be sure to take the time to meet our new colleagues and support them in the transitional time which lies ahead for them. On Sunday, September 20th, the Church in the United States will again observe Catechetical Sunday. This year's theme is once again tied to the Millennium preparation themes suggested by Pope John Paul II's letter, Tertio Millenio Adveniente. Since Advent, 1997 the Church has embraced the theme of the Holy Spirit in its preparatory reflections on the Trinity. Accordingly, this year the Catechetical Sunday theme is: Holy Spirit Source of Unity. In order to assist parishes in preparing for the celebration of Catechetical Sunday, the Department of Education of the United States Catholic Conference has published its Catechetical Sunday Resource Packet, including its very attractive and useful observance book in English and Spanish, poster, prayer cards and certificates of commissioning. It is an invaluable collection of resources which will help you to prepare yourself, your staff and catechists for this very important yearly celebration helping the parish to focus on the importance of the Catechetical Ministry and those who carry it out in the local parish. You can obtain your copy from the USCC Publications Office, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017-1194 or by calling them toll free at 1-800-235-8722. Please accept our sincere best wishes as you celebrate Catechetical Sunday, 1998 and for success in the coming year in your ministry. Be assured that the Catechetical Office is here for you and most anxious to serve you in carrying out your catechetical programming efforts. May the Lord continue to bless our efforts to make the Gospel known and lived, and may he give us His Peace! Ron Pihokker
by Patricia Hawkins Vaillancourt In this year of 1998, in the preparation for the Millennium, the Year of the Holy Spirit, we pray: Come
Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in I watched
them on their way today, off to a new year at school Come Holy Spirit, renew the face of our homes. And what
will they learn in school these little people? Come Holy Spirit, renew the face of our schools. And what
will they learn from their culture, these children? Come Holy Spirit, renew the face of our culture. Will
the economy insure that the wealth of the world is justly shared
so all parents have work? Come Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth! The little
children of the world who went off to school today, and yes those
not so fortunate,
PLUMB THE DEPTHS!
THE HOLY SPIRIT, SOURCE OF UNITY
by Sr. Elizabeth Cahill, S.C. Need we remind you that we are in a significant period of time, the time of preparation for the Jubilee? How is your preparation going? As the Fall season arrives the following questions come to mind. Is the Millennium preparation part of what is foremost in your mind this year? What specific plans are being made for the local parish around this theme? In particular, what areas of the Year Two themes need to be developed? Are you familiar with the United States Catholic Conference material, have you found it helpful? In this material, the Preparing for the Jubilee Parish Catechetical Kit prepared by the USCC, we are introduced to the words Unity, Trinity, Eucharist, and the year 2000. They are shown as focal points in the graphic diagram for each of the three years of the preparation period. The preparation kit further divides the approach to Jubilee into five aspects, i.e., the Trinitarian theme, a highlighted Virtue, a Sacramental focus, a Marian theme, and an Ecumenical goal. In this year, 1998, the specific focus in each of those areas is Holy Spirit, Hope, Confirmation, Mary Model of Hope and Christian Unity. The current material, Year Two, 1998, Parish Catechetical Kit, Preparing for the Jubilee, is filled with suggestions for the Fall. They also offer extended resources for further development of the themes. It may be just what you need to rekindle interest in the preparation for the Millennium and the Great Jubilee. Let me review the content of the kit with you. The resource presents a variety of materials. One is for Small-Groups, including five sessions for this Fall. To quote from the first Fall session titled Let the Land Lie Fallow we read, " Because time has a fundamental importance in Christianity, we have a duty to sanctify time. In Christian (and Jewish) practice, we sanctify time through the practice of Sabbath. It is important to remember that when Jesus gave his 'inaugural address' in the synagogue of Nazareth, he chose to proclaim it on the Sabbath. He knew, as do all who practice Sabbath, that one day of every week must be given to God. Time must be set apart when we turn from our works of creating and re-creating in order to rest, to listen, and to turn to the Creator of the world. In Jubilee Forgiveness, the title of the second small group session, we read, "The joy of every jubilee is above all a joy based upon the forgiveness of sins. In the original teachings of the jubilee found in the Book of Leviticus--to which both Jesus and Isaiah point-- the occasion of the jubilee was a cause of particular rejoicing for the poor, for when the jubilee came, all their debts were forgiven. Those who held power, especially political power, realized that it was morally wrong to allow people to remain in situations where generation after generation, entire families were condemned to live as debtors in the society. So every fifty years when the jubilee came, they were given a new start...this was 'good news to the poor,' and it is directly relevant today to the poorest in our midst." In the third small group session Proclaiming Freedom, the understanding of God as liberator is developed. To quote from that section, "One of the central religious themes of the twentieth century is liberation, which includes recognizing God as liberator and celebrating the belief that Yahweh 'saves.' The Book of Exodus confesses this liberating God through freeing the Hebrew slaves and resting the land, actions that are also prescribed in Leviticus 25. As the people do these things, they begin to recognize that their God is not only one who 'saves'; their God is one who 'frees.' Jesus speaks of this God when he says, "He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and ...to let the oppressed go free" (Lk 4:18). ...The jubilee teachings on freedom also give us clues to what our freedom is for. ...The jubilee even frees us to return to ourselves in the sense that with the jubilee, we can be 'at home' in our own skins. These jubilee freedoms are ours because fundamentally, we are free to be at one with our God, who is our liberator, our savior, and our home." There is also a fourth and fifth session for small groups that will continue to carry people further into the jubilee theme. The fourth is Jubilee Justice, which tells us that "commitment to justice is a necessary condition for the jubilee (quoting Pope John Paul II)."And the fifth is Jubilation in which is stated, "The Jubilee of the Year 2000 is meant to be a great prayer of praise and thanksgiving." Maria Harris who has been at the heart of the catechetical area for many years authored all of these particular sessions. In the Family Materials section, written by Kathleen O. Chesto, two appropriate sessions appear for the Fall. The one is for the beginning of the school year entitled Spirit of Knowledge and the Spirit of Fear of the Lord, which moves one through Thanksgiving into the new liturgical year and Advent. Other parts of the kit include material for Retreat appropriate for various grade levels or for the Family unit, Catechist/Religion Teacher Reflection pieces and an overall Guide for the Parish Leadership . . . Plumb the depths of these materials that have been available throughout 1998; do revisited them. There is probably no better way to lead your people to the Father, the 1999 theme. Yes, now is the time to gift yourself with this resource again. It is also the time to think about ordering the 1999 resource. It will use the same format as the prior years and is available in both English and Spanish at the very affordable price of $13.95 per kit. Everything is reproducible once you purchase one copy of the resource. A few of the writers of the new material for Year Three, 1999, will be James deBoy, Jean Marie Hiesberger, Carl Pfeifer and Janaan Manternach and Jim and Kathy McGuinness. Each of these people are expert in their area of interest and will have much to share with us. Using the same frame of reference as before, the 1999 specific focus areas are Father, Charity, Penance, Mary Model of Charity and Dialogue with World Religions. Jesus, Holy Spirit and now God our Father fill our reflections as we travel these days that will bring us into the year 2000 and beyond. We urge you to re-visit this USCC resource, adapt it to your people and let them experience the unfolding of the spirit's gifts in their lives.
MODELS OF CATECHESIS: AN OVERVIEW
by Patricia Hawkins Vaillancourt When we speak of models of catechesis we are talking about the manner in which we bring together the culture, the family, the individual, the conversion process and the ideas or content which we are teaching. A catechetical model is the overall design or pattern of the program or programs. It is the way in which the various segments are put together to create the whole process. This is different from both content and methods of catechesis. The content of catechesis, is the actual material to be taught (dogma, Scripture, Tradition, contents of The Catechism of the Catholic Church, etc.) When we speak of methods of catechesis, we are speaking about the orderly arrangement of the content, and the catechetical process we use in presenting the content so that it is possible for conversion to take place. In other words, methods are the manner in which we go about the actual interaction that takes place while catechizing. Models of catechesis organize these elements in an overall design or framework which is compatible with the individual's needs and conversion process, their family needs, and the demands made by the culture in which they live. Models of catechesis include timeframes, some of which are long term. For example, the 'school model' includes twelve years of catechesis. All models of catechesis first and foremost recognize the need for life-long faith growth. We are all on a journey, which begins at birth and does not end until death. Our faith should grow and deepen hand in hand with our conversion as we change and develop throughout our lives. In addition, all catechetical models recognize the primary importance of adults in the ministry of catechetics. It is adults who comprise the faith community of the Church. ADULT MODELS Adult Catechesis in the Christian Community1 gives six general principles upon which adult models of catechesis should be based. They are: * Deal with the questions, difficulties and doubts which arise in the human heart. * Be dynamic and relevant so people can become aware of their value and dignity as human beings. * Provide formation in a spiritually suitable for the Christian laity. * Encourage an ecumenical outlook open to con fronting and entering into dialog. * Prepare adults to communicate the contents of faith to others. * Help adults experience the 'mystery of theChurch; provide a communitarian dimension. In exploring these principles in considerable depth, it becomes apparent that a number of catechetical models flow from them, and also that it is important to use a variety of models in reaching out to our adult Catholic parishioners. The first model which comes to mind is a series of lectures, which are followed by discussion and/or reflection in small groups. There is a difference between discussion and reflection. With discussion, questions are presented for participants to talk about; with reflection questions are posed for participants to think about quietly and then for them to share any insights they may have. There is a place in catechetics for both discussion and reflection, however, it should be noted that reflection usually brings the sharing to a deeper, more personal level. Another widely used model of adult catechesis is the on-going, small group which meets either year round or throughout a specified period of time, e.g., during advent, lent, or the school year, etc. CFM groups and RENEW groups use this model effectively and there are a wide variety of materials available from Catholic publishers which support this model. Whether meeting in homes or at the parish, the strength of small communities is their ability to build community among participants. This community feeling allows deep sharing to take place. This spirit quite naturally flows into the larger parish community strengthening its ability to both evangelize and catechize. Then there is adult catechesis which takes place in the home itself. This is a model often overlooked by the parish, and yet, it is a model which fosters tremendous adult growth which flows from the self-direction and self-motivation of the model. In this model, adult catechetical materials are used by adults privately in their homes for their own personal growth. Such materials are not readily available to parishioners and often Church professionals are unaware of this simply because of the abundance of materials, catalogs, book lists, etc., which come to them via their professional and ministerial connections. The average "person in the pew" usually has to rely on commercial bookstores, self-help providers, and access to bookstores at retreat centers. Providing materials for home use is a growing adult catechetical model especially appropriate in an age when time is scarce, stress is high and large numbers of people are fairly well educated. Today's adults are in the habit of teaching themselves what they need to know in order to lead more effective lives. In particular adults read. For those who question this premise, I suggest a leisurely stroll through one of the Barnes & Noble or Borders stores particularly focusing on the large area of "self-help", "spirituality" and "psychology" bookshelves. These very available books offer a wide selection of very needed adult titles which address the deep spiritual needs of contemporary adults. Not a few of these books are best sellers. Unfortunately, few of them address these issues from a Catholic or even a Christian perspective. This need is obviously there, but not the availability of resources. Catholic self-help, spirituality and psychology books are a pathway to conversion for many of our people. They assist them in changing the patterns of their lives. When this change brings them closer to God, we speak of this change as conversion. Our parishes can facilitate this "adult 'at home' catechetical model" by providing materials for reflection, for prayer, and information to facilitate conversion, for individuals and couples. The materials can be used in their homes individually and/or together. Reading materials can be offered through parish book racks, books which are offered for sale at various parish activities, bulletin stuffers, materials mailed home, parish newsletters, and personal invitations regarding particularly pertinent reading materials, etc. It also should be noted that adults watch TV and most families not only own a VCR but use video lending libraries on a regular basis today. Here again the absence of good adult video is appalling. The time has come to consider a parish video lending library a necessity. Also, there are a number of catechetical websites and even our most avid Catholic Internet subscribers are not aware of them. These websites need to be publicized in our weekly parish bulletins. CFT will give a listing of these sites in the near future which you will be able to reproduce in your parish bulletin on a regular basis. FAMILY MODELSFamily models of catechesis are also focused on adults because adults are both the authority and power base of the healthy family. Parents lead and direct families through what may be called an "authority or power of love." Their authentic place in healthy family life must be both respected and assisted in its development. The proper focus of family catechesis is to enable the development of domestic church or the " Church of the home." This means assisting families in building andstrengthening healthy family relationships; that is, shedding light on the ways that individuals in families relate to each other. Faith is, after all, lived within relationships, especially these very primary family relationships. For it is here, within the realm of family intimacy, that true Christian living either does or does not take place. Enabling 'Domestic Church' by developing family faith brings to these relationships an awareness of the many ways in which God works in the family, the power of prayer in family life, and the need we all have for connections to the larger faith community. In short, family models of catechesis assist family individuals to grow in their relationships with God and each other, and help them along the road to conversion in all aspects of their lives. This includes such things as developing family prayer, traditions, stories and some facility in faith sharing among the family members. Family models of catechesis are intergenerational in nature (every family is, after all, intergenerational) and can take place either at home or at the parish. All Sacrament preparation of children is family focused and therefore constitutes a family model of catechesis. Sacraments are both Church and family celebrations. The preparation for Infant Baptism is both a team and family model. The team, made up of parents, not only prepares the parent participants (and sometimes godparents), to celebrate the Rite of Infant Baptism, but also seeks to help develop their homes to be Domestic Church. This, the beginning of Catholic family life which includes nurturing a child, is an important time in the family's life cycle. It is a time when patterns are set for the future of the family. Preparation should also be an experience in community offering through lay team members a network of Catholic adult connections to the parish which will last through these early, very formative years of family development. In effect this means that the parish also offers on-going opportunities for young family participation through various activities at least until the infant begins formal catechesis five or six years later. This is achieved through various family models such as: MOM'sgroups, Families Beyond Baptism, creating a " Family Friendly Parish," family liturgies, and other adult catechetical programs suited to their needs. CFT has addressed some of these models inthe past and will continue to do so in the future. The Archdiocesan Guidelines also state that the immediate preparation for each sacrament must take place apart from the regular graded catechetical program or the Catholic school religion programs. There are two very prevalent intergenerational models in use today to prepare families for the reception of these Sacraments. In the first model, parents catechize their children on a one-to-one basis at home. They read, discuss, share their faith, and work together on projects for a series of weeks at a time they deliber-ately put aside each week for this purpose. The parents are prepared for this task at the parish parent meetings. At some point during the preparation time, the families come to the parish at least once for prayer and joint activities. Once families have put the time aside for this purpose, many find that they wish to continue faith sharing with their children on a regular basis. Another model used with First Reconciliation and First Eucharist preparation is one which takes place primarily at the parish in a series of meetings with parents and children working sometimes together (intergenerational) and sometimes in their own peer groups, under the direction of the catechetical leader. This is an excellent model to use when parents are uncomfortable with faith sharing. Participation in the group makes it easier to begin. With both of the above models, the children continue their regular participation in their graded program. Confirmation preparation models take into consideration the growing independence of the adolescent, but they should also include some work in intergenerational groupings and especially family celebrations. Generally speaking, however, when parents and youth meet together, parents should work with other people's children in small groups. This allows separation appropriate to the family life-cycle stage, while giving both parents and youth support in their family and individual faith development. MODELS
FOR CHILDREN The two best known models for catechesis with children are, of course, the Catholic school and the parish graded program. Both of these 'school models' however, become much more effective when there is a high degree of parent involvement. This can take place in a variety of ways including, parent materials sent home for adult enrichment, family participation materials which help families develop their prayer lives, their family traditions, etc., information sheets to facilitate better, holier family relationships, family activity nights, parent meetings, parent/catechist communication by telephone or conference, etc. In addition to these traditional models, there are a number of other options, which I will summarize here. First, there are the models commonly called, "Alternative Scheduling." This includes summer programs, which are comprehensive and sequential. This means that the regular work which is included in the graded program is completed during this intense summer program. These programs are closely coordinated with the regular year long parish programs. Sacrament programs are of course separate and take place during the regular school year. Other gatherings such as retreats, enrichment days and/or other intergenerational celebrations are held during the year in order to keep regular contact with the families who choose the summer sessions. "Alternative Scheduling" also includes other time frameworks of programs which take place during the regular school year, such as: two-hour sessions every other week, or four-hour or full-day sessions every month. It should be noted, however, that Summer Bible programs, which are supplemental in nature, and other extra programs, are not to be considered "Alternative Scheduling". They are a catechetical and enrichment model in themselves. However, these models are usually not offered as a replacement for the regular program because of the lack of continuity in presenting their content and because their purpose is to enrich the regular year-long program. These enrichment models are excellent in and of themselves. They are fun for the participants, and a very desirable summer activity for families. Alternative Models of catechesis is a term used to describe a number of creative models, all of which combine parents and children in differing configurations including: home instruction by parents; small groups of parents and children which meet on a regular basis either at home or at the the parish; neighborhood groupings; yearlong family catechesis around the kitchen table; catechesis in small groups at the parish or at home using the Sunday liturgical readings, etc. Alternative Models are complete programs. They contain sufficient content and catechetical process to meet the requirements of The Archdiocesan Curriculum Guidelines. These models are usually offered in addition to the regular graded program. They constitute an alternative for parents, that is, they allow parents to choose from among one or more programs, the one they feel best meets the needs of their family. There are several excellent Alternative Models published by our Catholic publishers. For more information on Alternative Models, see past issues of Catechetics for Today.
DISCIPLESHIP, CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND THE TASK OF CATECHESIS
by Ron Pihokker In the 28th Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew the very basis of the catechetical mission of the Church is found in Jesus' final command to his disciples: Go, therefore, *and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Mt. 28: 18-19) It is interesting to note the order in which the three elements of Jesus' mandate are arranged:
In practice however, we often seem to invert the process and in doing so fail to "teach as Jesus did," imperiling the success and effectiveness of our ministry. Often we baptize or sacramentalize first, then teach and presume that those we teach will naturally and automatically become "disciples." Based upon the work of the renowned professor emeritus of catechetics at Catholic University, Berard Marthaler, we are told that the goal and intent of catechesis is to nurture believers in Christian discipleship. Does our practice of the catechetical ministry align itself well with this goal or does it indicate that we may be missing the mark? That is to say, do we catechize in order to make disciples first? In the original Greek Gospel texts, the word we render as "disciple" in the Greek is mathetes which also may be translated as apprentice. It is in this sense that catechists need to focus their energy--to help make "apprentices" to Jesus. Discipleship means far more than simply "learning and knowing" about the Lord. Catechetical ministry must lead and challenge those whom we catechize to live the life of the disciple/apprentice -- actively modeling their whole life on the mission and example of Jesus. They must learn more than ideas and concepts of Christian doctrine, spirituality, morality and worship--they must be challenged to live them--to make real choices which are consonant with the Gospel in their everyday living. This need is at the heart of the concern for nurturing a Catholic identity among our young people. To appreciate the uniqueness of Catholic spirituality is to be able to identify oneself with the manner and purpose of the Master. The new General Directory for Catechesis, relying upon Pope John Paul II's Apostolic exhortation, Catechesi Tradendae, on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Vatican II Decree on the Missionary Activity in the Church--Ad Gentes, puts it in this way:
This is not to say that concerns for orthodoxy in the content of catechesis are unfounded or can be set aside -- quite the contrary. However, there is a need to look beyond this concern for faithfulness to the Church's foundational beliefs without, in any way, diminishing the importance of fidelity to Church teaching, to be concerned moreover for the nurturing of living the faith we profess. To give intellectual assent to a concept is far from giving it flesh by how we live it out. Especially today when Catholic belief is often the countercultural choice in an ever increasingly secularized world, catechesis cannot afford to rest with the notion that knowledge of the Faith is sufficient. The disciple/apprentice is someone who is constantly sharpening the skills of putting the faith into practice. And so the question remains, how do catechists make disciples? First of all, the catechist must look to be an enabler of dynamic Christian practice (or praxis) by engaging people through story-telling especially in the re-telling of the Gospel stories and those of the saints and Christian witnesses of our own day, in order to help them reflect on their own stories. This requires the acquisition of the skill of being a good listener as well as becoming a contemplative person. Further, it follows that such contemplative living must lead to the ability to appreciate and recognize God's presence in the ordinary and the everydayness of our lives and to celebrate it in prayer. We must catechize in such a way that we bring people to expect mystery and to chose silence in the midstof the noise in which modern living emerses us. Do you expect mystery in your life? Do you appreciate God's presence in the ordinary? Do you see the action of God's Holy Spirit in your life story and in the lives and stories of others? Are you comfortable with silence? Next, I think we need to go beyond the content of the faith, as has already been pointed out, by demonstrating its meaning and application to being people of faith today. It is not enough to allow students to draw their own conclusions from what the Church teaches. We must make clear just what the Catholic Christian message says to us about how we are invited to live in the concrete, current moment, the challenge which it demands of us and the price it will exact of us in order that we may be faithful disciples/apprentices. Do you teach with the Gospel in one hand and the newspaper in the other? Do you challenge those to whom you minister to critically reflect on current events and social questions generated out of the current moment? A true apprenticeship is about practicing life skills. It means entering into a school of discipleship which offers growth opportunities not simply by the acquisition of a knowledge of the faith but by an active sharing in the mission of the Church. Do we give those to whom we minister concrete opportunities which challenge them to continue the work of Jesus in the building of the Kingdom of God by being of service to the poor, the hungry, the naked, the marginalized? This catechetical process involves, as Dr. Thomas Groome has said:"A... dynamic marked more by drawing out than pouring in, more by enabling students to be active agents than passive knowers of their faith. Allowing the Spirit to "work" in people's lives means inviting them to "come and see for themselves," to enter into their own discernment and decision making, confident that the Spirit inspires and guides them." As we begin to plan for the new catechetical year ahead, it is good to take time to remind ourselves of the goals and vision of catechesis and to make room in our programs and processes for disciple-making, for apprentice-enabling, for skill building in applied Christian living. It is in this way that the unique Catholic identity will be observed, learned and assimilated. May the Lord grant success to the work of our hands.
A Review of Current Books . . . TAKE ME HOME TOO: MORE NOTES ON THE CHURCH YEAR FOR CHILDREN by Peter Mazar (Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Publications, 1997) If you have used LTP's Take Me Home, Notes on the Church Year for Children, this companion book will be a welcome addition to your program. Reproducible and designed in the same format as the original (which is still available), this tear out book contains entirely new content which is an excellent supplement to the material in the first book. It deserves to be part of every Catechetical Office library. FATHER MCBRIDE'S FAMILY CATECHISM by Alfred McBride, O.Praem. (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1998) In his Introduction, Father McBride states, "I hope that you will use this book to help you make a lifetime study of the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. My book is simply a means to an end, not just for study, but for living the faith of the Church." Each section of the book begins with reference numbers to the Catechism and an entertaining yet thought-provoking opening story, followed by a Catechism reflection, an application of the teaching to Catholic family life, a family prayer, and a glossary of terms. Simply written, informative and interesting, it is sure to whet the appetite of parents. FOOD FOR THE FAMILY SPIRIT: A SOURCEBOOK FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION by Laurie N. Bowen (Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1997) This is truly a "sourcebook" for it contains suggestions from ordinary families taken from daily life as well as some of the best resources from publishers. It is an excellent resource for families who wish to grow spiritually and a gold mine of information for those who work with families and are looking for catechetical materials for the family setting. It should be offered to every parent who takes seriously their role of "first catechist" of their children, and read by every catechist who struggles with understanding the difference between "school activities, which are sent home" and true "family activities." SAINTLY CELEBRATIONS & HOLY HOLIDAYS: EASY AND IMAGINATIVE IDEAS TO CREATE YOUR OWN CATHOLIC FAMILY TRADITIONS by Bernadette McCarver Snyder (Liguori, MO: Liguori Publications, 1997) Another book for families, this book concentrates on helping parents create their own family traditions. There are suggestions for creating a wide variety of traditions for each month of the year and for people of all ages. For each month there is a list of Saints Days, holidays, recipes for the family, gifts to make, and an abundance of ideas for families to apply to individual members or to the group as a whole. It is a celebration of life -- family life. HOME IS A HOLY PLACE: REFLECTIONS, PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS INSPIRED by the Ordinary by Mark G.Boyer (Chicago, IL: ACTA Publications, 1997) This book follows the alphabet from A to Z, with each reflection based on a household object or activity, beginning with 'apron' and ending with 'zipper'. It is hoped that the reflections will lead family people to learn the basics of domestic spirituality, the "holiness of the home". Each exercise consists of five parts: Title, Scripture Reflection, Meditation and Prayer. After praying with this little book, one's home begins to look different -- a place where everything can be holy. This is a refreshing, fun book which contains much food for thought and an excellent choice for the parish bookrack. VELVET & STEEL: A GUIDE FOR CHRISTIAN FATHERS AND GRANDFATHERS by John K. Ream. (San Jose, CA: Resource Publications, Inc., 1997) This excellent book is a statement on the challenging art of fathering and the positive effect men can have in their children's lives. It is also a testimony to how husbands and wives can serve as full partners in marriage and family life. The book contains fathering principles which are illustrated with real-life stories and biblical insights. This is an excellent book for every father to read, and it can also be used by fathers in small sharing groups. MOTHERHOOD, A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY by Ellyn Sanna (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1997) This is a gift book. It is the kind of book that you can give to new mothers at the birth of a child or on the announcement of pregnancy. It would make a very special Mother's Day present for any mother regardless of her age or the ages of her children. Ellyn Sanna reflects on the ups and downs of motherhood. Each chapter contains both a "sunshine" section and a "shadow" section. She offers reflections on such topics as Pregnancy and Childbirth, Nourishing an Infant, Letting Go, Housework, Failure, etc., and in the process offering insights from such spiritual masters as: Mother Teresa, Saint Augustine, Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, and Thomas Merton. There are also numerous references to Scripture. It offers much for all Moms to think about. DOLORES CURRAN ON FAMILY PRAYER by Dolores Curran (Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, revised and expanded 1997) This third edition of a "family favorite" continues to be a basic resource book for all families interested in praying at home with their children. It is packed with everything today's Catholic family needs to build a rich and satisfying prayer life. It is a handbook with traditional prayers; spontaneous prayer, what it is and how to start; contemporary prayer services and rituals for all occasions; and home activities with a spiritual flavor. It is easy to adapt to any family situation. This new addition offers a list of suggested resources and where to obtain them, thus recognizing the difficulty parents have in locating Catholic reading and video resources for their families. FAMILY PRAYER FOR FAMILY TIMES by Kathleen O'Connell Chesto (Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1998) This book can be considered a companion to the book above. Dr. Chesto shows how to bring family members closer together and closer to God through family prayer and family involvement. She offers a guide for prayer and ritual which contains simple rote prayers and ways that individuals can make prayer their natural response to everything from waking to sleeping. She also offers ways for families to celebrate their lives and foster a sense of Christian identity through family ritual. This is a book full of ideas which families can make their own. TABLETALK, STORY-SHARING FOR FAMILIES by Carole M. Eipers (Kansas City, MO: Sheed and Ward, 1997) This is a book about sharing food and the stories which can nourish us as a family wherever and whenever we are able to gather. It can also be used as a family journal which keeps a record of the sharing that takes place around the table. It is a workbook also, offering one-page invitations for families to share stories, past and present, about topics ranging from "family favorites" to moral dilemmas, to our dreams about the future. These formats for sharing are fully reproducible if parishes wish to use them as 'send home' material . They can also be used for parish family activities. BUILDING FAMILY PRAYER & TRADITIONS by Steve Givens (Alphonsus House Chawton Alton Hampshire: Redemptorist Publications) This very colorful, easy reading book is an appeal to families to give family ritual a place in their homes. Family ritual can, the author states, build a sense of family, help pass on the faith, nurture participants, strengthen personal faith and family communication, connect faith to life, and establish and reinforce Christian values. The book also offers guidelines for creating good family ritual and some simple devotions for families to try. THE ABC'S OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION by Jean Monbourquette (Ottawa, Ontario: Novalis, 1994) This is a short handbook on raising children. It was compiled in light of many years of workshops given on parent-child communication and on the basis of information gathered from family therapy sessions. It is an excellent book for young families, those with pre-school children and with children in grade school. It may also be helpful for parents of adolescents. It offers parents sound principles and practical advice in living and communicating as a family. The author is both a priest and a psychologist. CATHOLICS & FUNDAMENTALISTS: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE by Rev. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. (Chicago, IL: ACTA Publications, 1997) This is a small practical book which answers some of the questions Catholic people have regarding Fundamentalism. It addresses such topics as: the origins and appeal of Fundamentalism, the problems with the Fundamentalist approach to the Bible, the Catholic understanding of salvation, the best way to respond to Fundamentalists and what to do when friends or relatives join a Fundamentalist church. DAILY MEDITATIONS (WITH SCRIPTURE) FOR BUSY DADS by Patrick Reardon (1995) DAILY MEDICATIONS (WITH SCRIPTURE) FOR BUSY COUPLES by David Foster and Patricia Robertson (Chicago, IL: ACTA Publications, 1997) These paperbacks, just the right size for desk, kitchen counter or bedside night table, contain 365 meditations for either fathers or couples. They are companions to the best seller which was written for mothers, by the same title (substitute ' Busy Mom's'). Each one-page meditation is dated, beginning with January first and ending with December thirty-first. The meditations reflect the seasons of life as well as the seasons of the year. As one reads through the books, it becomes very apparent that the authors of these books speak from the experience of family life. MIDLIFE AWAKENINGS: DISCOVERING THE GIFTS LIFE HAS GIVEN US by Barbara Bartocci (Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, Inc., 1998) As we reach the crossroad of midlife we seek inspiration to guide us into a deeper spiritual awareness of the second half of life. With simplicity and insight, this book offers just the right blend of friendly encouragement and practical guidance to live a more reflective life. Bartocci provides practical instruction on meditave prayer and ways to live in the presence of God every day. This is another nourishing book for the parish bookrack. WITH AN EAGLE'S EYE by John Miriam Jones, S.C. (Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1998) This book presents an opportunity to explore Celtic spirituality through a seven-day retreat. Day one invites us to explore how the warm relationship between God and Celtic Christians can enrich our awareness of God in every part of our world. Day two dwells on how the Celts' sense of friendship with the angels and saints can be an experience of Christ's presence and protection for us too. Day three immerses us in the Celtic experience of life in community. Day four explores the many ways the Celts gave artistic expression to their faith and invites us to do the same. Day five calls us to recognize that the Celtic sense of journey and pilgrimage represents an aspect of our call too. Day six engages us in a call to live the Celtic virtues of simplicity of life, warmth in relationships, and attentive openness to God. Day seven provides the opportunity to strengthen the graces of the retreat by focusing on God's passionate love expressed by St. John.
BAPTISM: SACRAMENT OF BELONGING 15 min Alfredo, a terribly scarred, Mexican, homeless child, in his search for a loving family finds a home in a Catholic orphanage where he finally "belongs". A touching true story which reflects the meaning of Baptism. Reflection questions follow the presentation. CREATING FAMILY: INTIMACY, LOVE & SEX, with Clayton Barbeau This five part series looks, from a Catholic perspective, at the American family of today. Each video has about one half hour to forty minutes of excellent lecture in front of a live audience, followed by discussion with a group of couples or families. A guide is included which gives discussion questions for small groups and a set of discussion questions for families to take home. Part I Husband / Wife relationship 51 min This video discusses the role of sex in marriage, the myths which surround it in American culture, sexuality as a part of identity and personhood, the role of communication including holy communication." Part II Creating Family 50 min Second video in the series, this video addresses the ways we create ourselves, our openness to others, the hurts of our lives which gravely influence us, the ability to close off the past, the ways couples create each other and their children, change and options, negative and positive energy. Part III The Male / Female Crisis 47 min This third video in the Clayton Barbeau series discusses self-esteem, barriers to intimacy emotional freedom, healthy male/female relationships, marriage as renaissance and commitment to growth. Part IV Teens, Singles and Love vs. Sex 52 min This is an excellent video for parents and teens to view together. Communication, expressing care and concern for young people, home as the training ground for love, infatuation vs. love, varieties of loving, and premature sex are some of the topics covered. Part V Parents As Role Models 50 min This last video in the series addresses parents and sex education for their children, communication with children, parent notions of what children should be, life-style, authenticity in parenting and much more. INTIMACY: THE LOVING CONNECTION, WITH CLAYTON BARBEAU This is a four part series intended to enrich family life by enriching the intimacy in present day families. Barbeau is both humorous and an excellent speaker. Part I Looking At Intimacy 45 min This first video in the series gives a very short history of marriage, the importance of relationships and influences on our relationships, what real intimacy means, some barriers to intimacy, game playing and the gift of time. Part II Barriers to Intimacy 50 min Part II of this series is a continuation of Part I. It continues with barriers to intimacy addressing: self- righteousness, fear of rejection, competitiveness, discounting feelings, learning self-awareness, and self- esteem. Once we become aware of what is happening in our lives, we can find alternate ways of responding. Part III Nurturing Intimacy 50 min Communication is a road to intimacy. This segment of the series deals with the words we use and how we use them within relationships to create intimacy. Some concepts addressed are: tone of voice, touch, space, time and feelings. Part IV Intimacy and Sex 56 min Part IV of this series deals with the covenant of intimacy which should flourish in marriage and the unique role of sex in a long term, committed marriage relationship. Topics covered include: trust, commit ment,the true meaning of beauty, spiritual and emotional unity, courtesy and kindness. PARENTING WITH VALUES 120 min A Program for parents, this video has six, 20 minute segments designed to assist parents in raising children with values which flow from their belief in God. The sessions are all built around short video vignettes of a group of families. These are excellently portrayed and each short segment ends with a question to be discussed in small groups. Topics include the values of responsibility, courage, fidelity, compassion and honesty. Guide book and participant books are included. HOW TO RAISE PARENTS IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES, WITH CLAYTON BARBEAU This is a two-part program that looks at the changing relationships between teenagers and their parents. Excellent viewing for parents and teens together. Part I 60 min This tape presents some guidelines for communication between generations including the influence of peer pressure, the stresses of adolescence, mid life pressures, creating a balance, sex as an American cultural pressure and the dangers of premature sexual activity. Part II 60 min Clayton Barbeau answers questions presented earlier by parents and teens. He shares insights about such topics as: choosing our response to the feelings of others, parental authority, the authority of love, learning to listen, logical consequences, being honest and the need to forgive.
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