Catechist Helps

In the 2020 Directory for Catechesis, the Church calls for a renewal of catechesis that focuses on bringing people to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Solid formation is not only about teaching doctrine, but also, and more importantly, about forming disciples who have encountered and know Christ. In Following God's Pedagogy, Sister Mary Michael Fox, OP, brings decades of experience in catechesis to offer a unique and proven model for children's catechesis. She draws upon her deep catechetical experience and thorough research into the nature of the child, divine revelation, and catechetical methodology. She offers timely insight into how the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) offers an approach to children's catechesis that forms the mind and heart of the child, leading them into a deeper relationship with Christ and a life of discipleship.

Bishops, diocesan catechetical directors, and all catechists will discover a way of faith formation of children that is sure to renew and strengthen catechesis for years to come.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in a Parish Setting Revised Edition by Tina Lillig, revised by Mary Mirrione

What happens when a parish community chooses the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for its youngest members? What questions should be asked before that decision is made, and after? What does an atrium look like? What do you need? How do you start? And how did this type of Catechesis ever get started in the first place?

This newly revised edition of Tina Lillig's practical and enduring resource offers step-by-step information to address the questions of pastors, directors of religious education, parish staff members, parents, catechists, and anyone else interested in the great blessing that young children are to the parish community.

978-1-61671-423-9 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 80 pages | Language: English

This book describes the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based style of catechesis that focuses on the child's independent journey to God by working with materials in a specially prepared place called an atrium. Written by Sofia Cavaletti, the Italian scripture scholar who developed the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, this classic work demonstrates the profound spiritual capabilities of children as brought forth through their engagement in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This book is important for anyone desiring to learn about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or the spiritual life of children ages 3-6.

ISBN: 9781616715182

Paperback 256 pages

Size: 6 x 9

Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a catechist, parish DRE, textbook publisher, and founding director of the Echo Program at the University of Notre Dame, Gerard F. Baumbach explores contemporary catechesis in light of its history. This landmark book is an essential resource for every catechetical leader and will spur a new appreciation of the opportunities and challenges of catechesis in the Church today.

The Way of Catechesis offers a new and timely perspective on the vital ministry of catechesis at a pivotal moment in the work of New Evangelization. Gerard F. Baumbach shows how today"s catechists can follow the pedagogy of Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life, and he invites readers to an understanding of essential dimensions for handing on the faith and living in union with Christ the Teacher.

Author: Gerard F. Baumbach

Format: Paperback

Pages: 320

Trim size: 6 x 9 inches

ISBN: 978-1-59471-714-7

On-sale date: May 31, 2017

Anyone familiar with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has probably encountered the early description of this approach to the religious formation of the child in The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey. With major contributions by Sofia Cavalletti, Gianna Gobbi, Silvana Montanaro, and Patricia Coulter, this book has long been a core text' for catechists and also for parents of children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Now there is a new edition, which reflects the changes in the presentations and the materials that Sofia Cavalletti made in the years before her death in August 2011. The original contributions of the authors are retained in Part I. In Part II, long time catechist and one of the first US catechists to study with Sofia Cavalletti, Rebekah Rojcewicz, has carefully outlined the current methods and developments in the work. This includes a selection of the key parables and scripture texts that are presented to the children. She also offers a new Introduction in which she describes the process by which the original authors and founders of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd came to recognize the child's potential for a relationship with God and learned what nurtures that experience. The original art work by Julie Coulter-English is retained in this new edition.

Sofia Cavalletti, Patricia Coulter, and Gianna Gobbi contributed to this resource.

Paperback | 8 x 10 | 112 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2014

Since Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi founded the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) in Rome seventy years ago, they approached children's catechesis with a focus on Scripture and liturgy, and solidly based their approach on the Montessori principles of education. CGS is a gift and legacy that Sofia and Gianna have bestowed on generations of adults and children around the world who have fallen in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

In recognition of seventy years of CGS and of forty years as a national association, CGSUSA has compiled the commemorative journal The Gift of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The heart of this journal comprises a collection of previously unpublished excerpts from Sofia's personal correspondence with translator Patricia Coulter, covering various reflections on life and on the nature of the Good Shepherd Catechesis itself. Also included are Coulter's observations of Gianna's work with children in Rome. CGS members and catechists will appreciate Sofia and Gianna's long and deep experience of living the Catechesis joyfully and fruitfully with adults and children alike.

Paperback | 8 1/2 x 11 | 32 pages

ISBN 9781616717971

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he commissioned his disciples to spread his Good News to all nations. As catechists, we are part of this important work to help others be in a deeper relationship with God and become better disciples. This resource provides new and experienced catechists with an overview of the history of their ministry and offers spiritual formation and practical guidance for teaching the faithful and leading them to deeper communion with God and the world.

Paperback | 6 x 9 | 112 pages

ISBN 9781616717452

A handbook for catechumenate leaders second edition by Dennis Chriszt

Author Dennis Chriszt, CPPS, provides practi ­cal guidance on the practice of mystagogy in contemporary parishes, the wisdom of the early church mystagogues, and today's church documents to help Christian initiation coordinators and catechists understand the goals of mystagogy and plan for postbaptis ­mal catechesis in their communities.

978-1-61671-634-9 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 144 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2021

The period of the catechumenate is focused on helping new disciples understand the doctrines and precepts of the Church in a way that flows from the liturgy. This period imbues catechumens with a spirit of prayer and service as catechists guide them to a deeper relationship with Christ.

Catechetical Sessions for the Catechumenate provides models and suggestions for leading catechumens through the many aspects of the Catholic faith, including fifty prayerful and theologically sound sessions to use when catechizing the unbaptized and the uncatechized. The sessions are organized in five categories: Beliefs, Catholic Living, Holy People, Prayer and Liturgy, and Sacraments, allowing the catechist to integrate doctrinal teachings into sessions in a prayerful and formative way that reflects the vision of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. This material can also be adapted to your parish's unique needs, including to a year-round catechumenate model.

The sessions include:

• Theological backgrounds for each session topic
• Engaging and interactive catechetical scripts
• Liturgical recommendations for the Celebrations of the Word
• Opportunities for catechumens to live their faith
• Summary statements for wrapping up each session
• Organizational chart for scheduling the sessions according to the liturgical year

Also included in this book is an organizational chart for scheduling the sessions according to the liturgical year.

With a helpful overview of the period of the catechumenate, and guidance for forming catechumens, this resource will help catechists and initiation team members share their faith, teach Catholic beliefs, and help catechumens live their developing faith as disciples of Christ.

Spiral | 8 1/2 x 11 | 240 pages

ISBN 9781616717841

Brings the theological and catechetical principles of the third catechetical directory into the heart of everyday parish life by establishing a formal ritual institution of the age-old lay ministry of catechist.

This is a meditation about the vocation of the catechist. Whether you are a seasoned catechist or considering the invitation to become one, Called to Witness Hope reflects on the joy as well as the responsibilities of being someone who echoes the faith to others. A catechist is, first and foremost, a person living the grace of Baptism in the everyday, a joyful missionary disciple, a passionate witness of God's love in history. Starting with some thoughts on the calling to be a catechist, the book invites readers to contemplate four images meant to inspire deeper appreciation for this ministry: evangelizer, bridge, companion, and prophet of hope.

Called to Witness Hope builds upon the impetus generated by Pope Francis's institution of the ministry of catechist in his apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium (2021), the text of which is part of the book. This book is neither a commentary on the apostolic letter nor an analysis of the specialized ministry of the instituted catechist. This is a work about all catechists and for all catechists�a meditation on the beauty and power of this vocation.

Author: Hosffman Ospino, Foreword by Rosalia Meza, VDMF

Also Available in Spanish - Llamados a Se Testigos de la Esperanza

History, theology, and catechesis by Timothy R. Gabrielli, Carolyn F. Houston, and Christine G. Taylor.

An Introduction to the Restored Order explores the historical, theological, and catechetical dimensions of celebrating the sacraments of initiation in the order of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. It is primarily written for catechists who are guiding children and parents along the journey of the restored order, but others who are interested in this process will find useful insights as well. Through a deeper understanding of the restored order and its place in the Church's sacramental life, catechists are inspired to form children, parents, and the whole parish into lifelong disciples. Questions at the end of each chapter provide an opportunity for readers to reflect on their own understanding and experience of initiation. These questions can also be used to guide group discussions about the way the restored order is practiced in a parish community.

978-1-61671-622-6 | Paperback | 6 x 9 | 96 pages | Language: English | Copyright Year: 2022

An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ 

Filled with powerful testimonies from catechists; the fundamentals of evangelization, catechesis, and discipleship; and even helpful connections for parents, An Evangelizing Catechesis will change your approach to teaching the Catholic Faith. It is perfect for parish catechists, Catholic school religion teachers, parish and diocesan catechetical leaders, youth ministers, RCIA/OCIA coordinators, pastors, and parents.

As the Catholic Church embarks on the mission of teaching the Christian faith, the new Directory for Catechesis (2020) lays the how-to guidelines for catechesis and presents universal norms to guide pastors and catechists in the work of evangelization. The Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization presents the Directory to guide the proclamation of the Gospel by the Christian faithful to people of all ages and in all seasons of life.

The Directory places catechetical instruction and formation of catechetical teachers clearly within the realm of evangelization. It offers guidelines to assist in the creation of local directories and catechisms and clarifies the importance of catechetical renewal in Christian communities. The Directory affirms the presentation of the Catholic faith articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a sound point of reference for instruction while drawing deeply from Scripture and the writings of recent popes, especially Pope Francis€™s Evangelii Gaudium.

These guidelines are important for bishops, who are the primary catechists in their local diocese. The Directory will also be indispensable for all those responsible for formal religious instruction, including pastors and parish priests, deacons, lay and religious catechists, and religious education teachers in dioceses, parishes, and schools. The Directory will furthermore aid directors of formation who train the faithful in the forms and means of catechesis, including seminary rectors, directors of formation for the permanent diaconate, and lay ecclesial minister formation program directors.

If, as Pope Francis says, the church is a field hospital, then what does it mean to care for the wounded and heal the wounds? What would we do first? Indeed, God sends all of usespecially catechists and teachersto heal the world. And the first thing we have to do is this: proclaim that Jesus Christ saves us. This first proclamation heals the wounds of unbelievers, seekers, and believers alike.

Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation explores the nine core teachings of the church that make up this first proclamation. Readers will become catechists and evangelists equipped to bring healing to those around them by learning: