Orthodoxy & Orthopraxy
As chief catechist in your parish, you oversee the formation of the parish education ministry and can offer cooperation and support to the catechetical program. It is your responsibility to encourage members of the faith community to share their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. If your parish has adopted BLEST ARE WE: Faith & Word Edition, you as pastor will be glad to know that this faith formation series created specifically for parish catechesis passes the test for both orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
BLEST ARE WE is orthodox in that it has both the imprimatur of Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of Paterson, NJ, and also the conformity decree granted by the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism, US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The BLEST ARE WE: Faith & Word Edition has increased attention on the Bible. In the beginning of texts for grades one through six, a special section focuses on the purpose of the Bible with activities to help the children in their use of the Bible.
The four pillars, or parts, of the Catechism of the Catholic Church are addressed within each chapter.
Believe. The first chapter of each unit centers on doctrine (creed) or "What Catholics Believe." The first chapter of each unit uses Scripture as the starting point and covers a particular Catholic teaching in an age-appropriate way.
Worship. The second chapter of each unit focuses on liturgy, or "How Catholics Worship." This includes learning about the sacramental rites of the Church, particularly the Mass, and about the Church's tradition and practice of worship.
Live. The third chapter of each unit centers on Christian moral teaching or "How Catholics Live." This chapter challenges the children to consider a moral response to what they have learned regarding Catholic doctrine.
Pray. The fourth chapter of each unit focuses on Catholic prayer. This includes understanding the Church's beliefs about prayer and experiencing the wide variety of Catholic prayer.
As for orthopraxy, BLEST ARE WE reflects the social teachings of our faith. Along with the many encyclicals, statements of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and pastorals of individual bishops, we have been challenged to translate beliefs into action, to live out our statements of faith in both private and public life. In every chapter at every grade level, this series integrates Catholic social teachings into doctrine, worship, and community life.
The orthodoxy of the series ought not provide any headaches for you as pastor. The orthopraxy segments could present a challenge in that Catholic social teachings still remain one of the best-kept secrets of the faith. We, as Catholics, have not completely migrated from a "God and me" spirituality to a "God, me, and we" approach.
Additional Materials
The following BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guides are available to purchase online at www.sbgreligion.com/catalog/ or call Silver Burdett Ginn Religion at 1-800-552-2259. See order number provided for each.
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 1 1-4182-5278-6
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 2 1-4182-5279-4
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 3 1-4182-5280-8
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 4 1-4182-5281-6
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 5 1-4182-5282-4
BLEST ARE WE Faith & Word Edition Catechist Guide Level 6 1-4182-5283-2 The following BENDECIDOS bilingual Catechist Guides are currently available for grades 1-4. You may purchase online at www.sbgreligion.com/catalog/ or call Silver Burdett Ginn Religion at 1-800-552-2259. See order number provided for each.
BENDECIDOS Guía del Catequista Level 1 1-4182-5284-0
BENDECIDOS Guía del Catequista Level 2 1-4182-5285-9
BENDECIDOS Guía del Catequista Level 3 1-4182-5286-0
BENDECIDOS Guía del Catequista Level 4 1-4182-5287-5 |
