This model relies on a team of trained, volunteer catechists who receive regular formation. It is carried out in a traditional educational setting with classrooms, desks, direct instruction and some discussion with children and youth along with activities. Usually a designated textbook is the resource used to instruct the curriculum.
- Lectionary-based: a method of teaching the faith to children and adults that uses the Sunday Mass Scripture readings as the basis for catechetical sessions.
- Mini-courses: a method of teaching the faith that breaks catechetical material into courses.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a sensory rich experience for children from the ages of 3 to 12 years that gives children the opportunity to grow in love and knowledge of God through the Christian tradition. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Central to this program is the Atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. The atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying.
“The home-based catechesis of children is a cooperative effort between the children, their parents, parish leadership, and the diocesan bishop.” (National Directory for Catechesis, 61.A.3). Generally, parishes will provide a guide or online program to families interested in home study and gather those home study families periodically throughout the year to connect them to the parish community.
In a Summer Intensive program, children gather in age level groups on a daily basis for two weeks of half days or one week of full days, covering a whole grade level in an intensive summer session. The summer schedule offers the advantages of good weather and more availability of volunteers, often certified teachers, to staff the program. The children often do not have the additional burdens of homework, sports schedules, and health issues, making attendance in the program better than weekly classes. This results in a relaxed atmosphere of total immersion in learning to live their Catholic faith. A summer Intensive program should be accompanied by expected attendance at Mass throughout the year and participation in intergenerational or family-based events during the school year.
Intergenerational catechesis, also referred to as whole community catechesis, invites parishoners of all ages to learn about their faith and celebrate together. This approach provides an integrated and comprehensive approach which addresses the role of the parish community as being both the agent for catechesis and its recipient and promotes faith formation as a lifelong process. It emphasizes the essential connection between catechesis and the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist, embraces all ages and generations, provides opportunities for Christian Service, and supports the family’s role in passing on the faith to children.
“Within family-centered catechetical programs are opportunities for parents to catechize their children directly, for spouses to catechize each other, and for children to catechize one another and their parents.” (National Directory for Catechesis, 61.2) Family catechesis should include prayerful celebration within the family which is closely linked to the parish liturgical celebration, as well as opportunities for Christian Service within the family and community. Family catechesis can take on different forms. It may involve families gathered together in small Christian communities that build on their relationships and grow in faith, together, throughout several years or it can be done in a large group as well as break down into age-level groupings to process information at different learning levels.
This empowers parents as the primary catechists of their children. Resources are provided to enable success with catechesis within the domestic church and periodic family events are scheduled at church to encourage relationship and community building.