High School Catechesis Classes
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “catechesis is nothing other than the process of transmitting the Gospel, as the Christian community has received it, understands it, celebrates it, lives it and communicates it in many ways” (GDC, no. 105). Although parents are called to be the primary catechist in passing down the faith, the USCCB also notes that catechesis is also the responsibility of the entire faith community. As a response to this call and to better catechesis our high school students, starting in the Fall of 2016, students will have the opportunity to enroll in high school level catechesis classes. The USCCB compiled a curriculum guideline and framework for high school catechesis. The framework is designed to form the content of instruction, but more importantly to be a vehicle for growth in one’s relationship with the Lord. It was also designed to help develop the necessary skills to answer and address the real questions that they face in life and in their Catholic faith. Our parish has a 3 year catechesis plan to cover all 6 core curriculum topics. See below for our parish plan and overview of course.
| Fall 2016 | The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture | Give students a better knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture. |
| Spring 2017 | Who is Jesus Christ? | Introduce students to the mystery of Jesus, and understand that He is the ultimate Revelation to us from God, and what he calls us to be. |
| Fall 2017 | The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery) | Teach students that God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with him, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ won for us. Students will also be introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ. |
| Spring 2018 | Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church | Teach students that the Church is the living Body of Christ today, which has both divine and human elements. |
| Fall 2018 | Sacraments as Privileges Encounters with Jesus Christ | Help students understand that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially though the Eucharist. |
| Spring 2019 | Spring 2019- Life in Jesus Christ (morality) | Help students learn more about the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples. |
All students, regardless of academic grade, will be placed in the courses that are being offered that year. Students will register yearly for $40.00 if they wish to keep their text book. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm in the youth center. Please email me at najpacaja@saintsimon.org if you have any additional questions.