Standards for Introduction to Catholicism

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Standards for Introduction to Catholicism Standards for Introduction to Catholicism Course: Introduction to Catholicism Overview: Introduction to Catholicism immerses students in the four major parts of the Catechism: The Profession of Faith, the Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer. The course invites students to encounter and follow Christ through Scripture and Tradition, while also exploring the history of Bishop Kelley and its LaSallian charism. In this overview of the entire high school Theology curriculum developed by the Bishops, students gain a firm foundation in Catholicism. Introduction to the Apostles’ Creed and Lasallian Charism (Part 1 of the Catechism) (YouCat 25-165) Standard 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s role in Christian doctrine Objective 1.1a Define the following terms: revelation, natural revelation, divine revelation, Scripture, and Tradition, creed (YouCat 26), catechism (pg.4 - bottom) Objective 1.1b List the two types of revelation and list the two pillars of the Church Objective 1.1c Identify correct Catechism of the Catholic Church and YouCat citations Objective 1.1b List and describe the four pillars of the Catechism Objective 1.1d Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on any given topic using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) Standard 1.2 Demonstrate an understanding of God’s revelation, especially in the Apostles’ Creed Objective 1.2a Recite, identify, explain the twelve key tenets of the Apostle’s Creed Objective 1.2b Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on the twelve tenets of the Apostles’ Creed using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) Standard 1.3 Demonstrate an understanding of Bishop Kelley and our Lasallian tradition Objective 1.3a Identify key moments in the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle and his religious order the Christian Brothers / Lasallians Objective 1.3b List St. John Baptist de la Salle’s contributions to education and explain how his contributions are present at Bishop Kelley today Objective 1.3c Identify who Bishop Francis Kelley is and his contributions to Oklahoma Introduction to Prayer and Introduce the Sacraments (Part 2 of the Catechism) (YouCat 166-278) (pgs.245-380) Standard 2.1 Demonstrate an understanding of Christian prayer and how the Our Father is a model of Christian prayer (pgs. 223-244) Objective 2.1a Explain why we pray Objective 2.1b List, define, and categorize the 5 major kinds (thanksgiving, intercession, praise, blessing/adoration, and petition) (YouCat 483, 485-9) of prayer Objective 2.1c Identify and explain major types of Christian prayer (like the rosary, lectio divina pg.232, etc.) Objective 2.1d Label and explain the significance of each part of the Our Father Objective 2.1e Describe how the Our Father is a model for Christian prayer Standard 2.2 Demonstrate a knowledge of the different components of the sacraments of Initiation Objective 2.2a Define the following terms: grace, sacrament, sign/matter, form, … Objective 2.2b Identify the sign/matter and form of each sacrament Objective 2.2c Explain the graces received from each sacrament Objective 2.2d Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on the sacraments using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) Objective 2.2e Categorize prayers by which sacrament they are used in and explain why that prayer fits the particular sacrament Standard 2.3 Demonstrate a knowledge of the different components of the sacraments of Healing and Service of Communion Objective 2.3a Define the following terms: grace, sacrament, sign/matter, form, … Objective 2.3b List the seven sacraments and categorize each Objective 2.3c Identify the sign/matter and form of each sacrament Objective 2.3d Explain the graces received from each sacrament Objective 2.3e Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on the sacraments using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) Objective 2.3f Categorize prayers by which sacrament they are used in and explain why that prayer fits the particular sacrament Standard 2.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the Eucharist and its significance to Catholicism (Note: Regular Mass Schedule = Tues.4th & Thurs.1st) (pgs.285-314) Objective 2.4a List the four parts in order and describe the role of each part Objective 2.4b Recite the people’s responses in the Mass Objective 2.4c Describe the origins of the Mass using Scripture and other extra-biblical documents like the Didache and/or Justin Martyr’s 1st Apology (paragraphs.65-67) (pg.239) Objective 2.4d Define the significance of the Eucharist for Catholics Objective 2.4e Locate and cite Scripture passages correctly (and identify the components of correct Scripture citations) Objective 2.4f Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on the Eucharist using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) Objective 2.4g Explain (using examples, the YouCat and the CCC) the origins of the Mass Objective 2.4h Explain the benefits of the Mass in the lives of Catholic Christians today Sacraments of Healing, and the Sacraments of the Service of Communion and Catholic Morality (Part 3 of the Catechism) (YouCat 279-468) and (Part 3 of the Catechism) (YouCat 279-468) Standard 3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the Precepts of the Church (pg.193) Objective 3.1a List and explain each precept Objective 3.1b Compare the precepts of the Church with faith Objective 3.1c Explain the consequences of lacking either the precepts or faith Standard 3.2 Demonstrate the ability to connect the sacraments of vocation to all Christians Objective 3.2a Identify the primary vocation of Christians (received at Baptism) Objective 3.2b Compare and contrast the primary and secondary vocations Objective 3.2c Identify various skills of discernment Standard 3.3 Demonstrate knowledge of the types of sin (pg.318) Objective 3.3a Define the following terms: sin, mortal sin, venial sin Objective 3.3b Compare and contrast the two types of sin Objective 3.3c Create examples of each type of sin and explain why particular sins fall into that category Standard 3.4 Demonstrate knowledge of the 10 Commandments and how Christians should live them out (pgs. 405-562) Objective 3.4a List and explain the 10 Commandments Objective 3.4b Create real life examples of each commandment Objective 3.4c Explain the relationship between the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes Objective 3.4d Locate and explain what the Catholic Church teaches on the 10 Commandments using the YouCat, Catechism of the Catholic Church, (and pertinent Bible passages as listed in the YouCat or CCC) .
Recommended publications
  • Peter Canisius and the Protestants a Model of Ecumenical Dialogue?
    journal of jesuit studies 1 (2014) 373-399 brill.com/jjs Peter Canisius and the Protestants A Model of Ecumenical Dialogue? Hilmar M. Pabel Department of History, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada [email protected] Abstract Some modern interpreters have incorrectly suggested that Peter Canisius was an ecumenist before his time. Their insistence on his extraordinary kindness towards Protestants does not stand the test of the scrutiny of the relevant sources. An analysis of Canisius’s advice on how Jesuits should deal with “heretics” in Germany, of his catechisms, and of his polemical works reveals a typical Catholic controversialist of the Reformation era. Canisius was disposed to display hostility, more than good will, to Protestants. Keywords Peter Canisius – Protestants – Reformation – apologetics Introduction: The Celebration of a Saint Peter Canisius’s path to canonization was a long one. He died in 1597. The for- mal ecclesiastical process to declare him a saint began in 1625, but his beatifica- tion, solemnly pronounced by Pope Pius IX, had to wait until 1864.1 In Militantis ecclesiae (1897), Pope Leo XIII marked the 300th anniversary of Canisius’s death by hailing him as “the second apostle of Germany.” St. Boniface, the eighth- century Anglo-Saxon missionary, was the first. Pius XI not only canonized Canisius in 1925; he also declared him a doctor of the universal church.2 This 1 Forian Rieß, Der selige Petrus Canisius aus der Gesellschaft Jesu (Freiburg im Breisgau: Herder, 1865), 552, 554. 2 Otto Braunsberger, “Sanctus Petrus Canisius Doctor Ecclesiae,” Gregorianum 6 (1925): 338. © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2014 | doi 10.1163/22141332-00103002Downloaded from Brill.com09/26/2021 04:37:36AM via free access <UN> 374 Pabel was a rare distinction, as Yves de la Brière reported two weeks later in the Jesuit journal Études.
    [Show full text]
  • The Precepts of the Church : the God-Given Laws
    the PRECEPTS Of the CHURCH . the GOD- GIVEN laws Why the Knights of Columbus Advertise Catholic Faith The reason is simple. We Catho- Despite the plainly stated will lics want our non-Catholic friends of the Good Shepherd that there and neighbors to know us as we be "one fold and one shepherd,” really are and not as we are some the differences in the understand- times mistakenly represented. ing of Christ’s teaching are plainly evident. It has rightfully We are confident that when been called "the scandal of a our religious Faith is better un- divided Christianity.” derstood by those who do not If there is anything which will share it, mutual understanding gather together the scattered will promote the good-will which flock of Christ, it is the nation- is so necessary in a predominant- wide understanding of the ly Christian country whose gov- Savior, what He did and how He ernment is designed to serve all intended mankind to benefit by the people— no matter how much the Redemption. their religious convictions may To this end, we wish our differ. fellow-Americans to become ac- American Catholics are con- quainted with the teachings of vinced that as the teachings of Christ as the Catholic Church Christ widely and firmly take has faithfully presented them, hold of the hearts and conduct since the day the apostles in- of our people, we shall remain vaded the nations of the world free in the sense that Christ in willing and courageous obedi- promised (John VIII, 31-38), ence to Christ’s command: "Go, and in the manner planned by therefore, and make disciples of .” the Founding Fathers of this all nations .
    [Show full text]
  • Grade 8 Scope and Sequence Go to Aliveinchrist.Osv.Com for Complete Program Scope and Sequence
    Grade 8 Scope and Sequence Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for complete program Scope and Sequence. Catechism of the Tasks of Catholic People Catholic Social Unit Chapter Lesson Concepts Sacred Scripture Catholic Church Catechesis Faith Words of Faith Teaching • God made humans in his image• God and made likeness humans so wein hiscould image be inand relationship likeness so with we couldhim. be in relationship with him. The Story of Creation Genesis The Story 35,of Creation 45, 356, Genesis357, Promoting35, 45, Knowledge 356, 357, soul,Promoting free will, Knowledge St.soul, Marcella free will, RightsSt. and Marcella Rights and • With a soul, reason, and free• will,With humans a soul, reason, can set and their free priority will, humans and direction can set in their life toward priority friendship and direction with in God. life Jesustoward is friendshipthe with God. Jesus is the 1:27–28, 31; Dependence on God1:27–28, 31;346, Dependence 1954–1974 on God of the346, Faith, 1954–1974 Moral covenant,of the Faith, Ten Moral covenant, Ten Responsibilities Responsibilities model for living out this relationship.model for living out this relationship. Matthew 6:26–33 Matthew 6:26–33 Formation Commandments,Formation Commandments, of the Human of the Human In God’s Image In God’s Image • Through the accounts of creation• Through and thethe accountsestablishment of creation of the and covenant, the establishment we learn that of God the iscovenant, faithful towe all learn humans, that Godeven is faithful to all humans, even Decalogue Decalogue Person, Solidarity Person, Solidarity CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER when 1 CHAPTER they sin.
    [Show full text]
  • Parent Handbook
    St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 2018 – 2019 Catechetical Year Parent Handbook Contact Us: + Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 252 Granada Avenue Long Beach, California 90803 252 Granada Ave 562.438.3826 Fax 562.438.2227 Long Beach, CA 90803 www.stbartholomewcclb.org Phone: 562-438-3826 Director of Faith Formation Dear Parents, Kellie De Leo Email: [email protected] Congratulations on carrying out the gift of faith sharing with your child(ren). This gift you promised to them on the day you Middle/High School/Youth Ministry Coordinator brought them to the Church for the Sacrament of Baptism. Steve Tetreault We pray that you will continue to be the best of teachers of Email: [email protected] the Catholic Faith, for and with your child. It is a privilege for Faith Formation Assistant all of us here at St. Bartholomew Catholic Community to be Louis Lemen part of your faith sharing. We thank you for your trust and Email: [email protected] love in what we do. May the celebration of the Eucharist each th Sunday, strengthen you and your family as we pray and 4 Street Faith Formation Bldg. worship our God with the community of faith. (Only call this number during Faith Formation times. Phone is not monitored other times.) In your daily prayer, remember our catechist as they, like you, 562-433-3970 share in the formation of your child(ren) bringing them up in Masses: Saturday 5:00 pm the Catholic faith. Sunday 8:00 am Through the intercession of Mary our Blessed Mother and St.
    [Show full text]
  • THE FIVE PRECEPTS of the CHURCH (Duties of a Catholic)
    THE FIVE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH (Duties of a Catholic) Since ancient times, people who hear the successors of Peter and the apostles preaching Christ instinc- tively ask, "What shall we do?" Throughout the centuries, the Church has given trustworthy answers to this question, adapting the unchangeable elements of the Christian vocation to the pastoral require- ments of the current age. In our own day, the core responses to this question are summed up in what have come to be known as “The Precepts of the Church.” The Precepts of the Church are derived from Catholicism’s moral and doctrinal foundations, and are reflected in many ways, perhaps most notably in her canon law and liturgical discipline. Our Faith Doc- trine (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2041-2043) lists the five precepts of the Church, which are discussed below. Catholics should consult the Precepts of the Church as a sort of “self-assessment” by which their com- pliance with the minimum criteria for active Church membership can be measured. Non-Catholics can consult the list to see what would be expected of them as Catholics. SUMMATION To attend Mass on Sundays and holy days while resting from servile labor (CCC 1388-9, 2042, 2043, 2177, 2180, 2185; 2187-8; 2192-3). To receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year (CCC 1457; 2042). To receive the Eucharist at least once a year, during the Easter Season (CCC 1389; 2042). To observe the days of fasting and abstinence (CCC 2043; 2177). To help to provide for the needs of the Church according to one's abilities (CCC 1351; 1387; 1438; 2043).
    [Show full text]
  • February 14, 2021
    427 Stanhope Road Sparta New Jersey 07871 973-729-1682 www.saintkateri.org email: [email protected] LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST FEBRUARY 14, 2021 WELCOME: New parishioners are asked to register by calling or visiting the parish office or by speaking to one of the parish staff. You can also visit our website and register. WHY A CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE A REGISTERED PARISHIONER The precepts of the Church explained that: we need to belong to a parish (your parish is the Church in the City where you are domiciled) and to contribute to its support. Everyone should do this (Canon 107). To identify yourself with a worshipping community of faith. Salvation comes to us by God in community. Religion is not meant to be individualistic. Membership in a parish community is the norm. To allow the priest of the parish to know Sacrament of Baptism: Baptism will be celebrated every 1st you so that Letters of Recommendation Sunday & 3rd Sunday of the month at 1:00pm. Please call can be given when needed. eight weeks in advance of the date of baptism or email: (Sponsorship/certificates) [email protected]. For those who are Sacrament of Marriage: Arrangement should be made attending Mass in person one year in advance of the marriage date. Please call the or visiting for private office. prayer, please be mindful that a mask must be worn Eucahristic Adoration: Every first Friday of the month from in the Church at all times. 2:00pm. Ending with evening prayer, prayer novena to St.
    [Show full text]
  • Catechism-Of-The-Catholic-Church.Pdf
    CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Table of Contents PROLOGUE I. The life of man - to know and love God nn. 1-3 II. Handing on the Faith: Catechesis nn. 4-10 III. The Aim and Intended Readership of the Catechism nn. 11-12 IV. Structure of this Catechism nn. 13-17 V. Practical Directions for Using this Catechism nn. 18-22 VI. Necessary Adaptations nn. 23-25 PART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH SECTION ONE "I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE" n. 26 CHAPTER ONE MAN'S CAPACITY FOR GOD nn. 27-49 I. The Desire for God nn. 27-30 II. Ways of Coming to Know God nn. 31-35 III. The Knowledge of God According to the Church nn. 36-38 IV. How Can We Speak about God? nn.39-43 IN BRIEF nn. 44-49 CHAPTER TWO GOD COMES TO MEET MAN n. 50 Article 1 THE REVELATION OF GOD I. God Reveals His "Plan of Loving Goodness" nn. 51-53 II. The Stages of Revelation nn. 54-64 III. Christ Jesus -- "Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation" nn. 65- 67 IN BRIEF nn. 68-73 Article 2 THE TRANSMISSION OF DIVINE REVELATION n. 74 I. The Apostolic Tradition nn.75-79 II. The Relationship Between Tradition and Sacred Scripture nn. 80-83 III. The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith nn. 84-95 IN BRIEF nn. 96-100 Article 3 SACRED SCRIPTURE I. Christ - The Unique Word of Sacred Scripture nn. 101-104 II. Inspiration and Truth of Sacred Scripture nn. 105-108 III. The Holy Spirit, Interpreter of Scripture nn.
    [Show full text]
  • Junior High Church History, Chapter Review, Answer Key
    Junior High church History, Chapter Review, Answer Key Chapter 8 Reformation and Renewal 1. The ________ is the successor of St. Peter the Apostle. a. bishop b. Pope c. priest d. disciple Answer: b 2. The ________ Church is ‘a people brought into unity from the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.’ a. Apostle’s b. Christian c. Baptist d. universal Answer: d 3. At the beginning of the 14th century, the ________ wanted more control. a. popes b. kings c. peasants d. monks Answer: b 4. A papal ________ is a document issued by the pope that bears his official seal. a. letter b. short story c. bull d. poem Answer: c 5. Pope Boniface VIII, in Unam Sanctam, said that the temporal power of the king was under the ________ power of the Church. a. holy b. blessed c. spiritual d. strict Answer: c 6. In 1303 Pope Boniface ________ King Philip for rejecting teaching. a. reprimanded b. fired c. excommunicated d. praised Answer: c 7. Changes in the 14th – 16th century in Western Europe sparked a desire for ________ of the Church. a. growth b. reorganization c. reform d. investigation Answer: c 8. In England, ________ called for reform of the lifestyle of the clergy and spiritual care of the laity. a. John Wycliffe b. Henry II c. Thomas Becket d. the Archbishop of Cantebury Answer: a 9. John Wycliffe advocated that ________ should be available to all and read by all. a. Homer’s Odyssey b. the Illiad c. the Bible d.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    PROTOCOL FOR ASSESSING THE CONFORMITY OF CATECHETICAL MATERIALS WITH THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH INTRODUCTION In his apostolic constitution, Fidei depositum, Pope John Paul II points out that the Catechism of the Catholic Church “is meant to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account various situations and cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to Catholic doctrine” (Pope John Paul II, Fidei depositum, #3). In light of this objective and the charge of the Administrative Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is reviewing catechetical materials voluntarily submitted as to their conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. To guide this process and to provide as objective an instrument as possible, the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism of the Catholic Church has developed this Protocol. The Administrative Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops gave initial approval of this Protocol to be used ad experimentum for a year. After a survey consultation of publishers, bishop reviewers and their consultants, the Protocol was revised and submitted to the Administrative Committee. In September, 1997, the Administrative Committee approved the Protocol for Assessing the Conformity of Catechetical Materials with the Catechism of the Catholic Church as the standard review instrument for the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism. The following points introduce some important caveats in the use of the Protocol in the review of catechetical materials: ▪ As far as possible, the evaluative points of reference employ the language of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in order to underscore its dependence on the Catechism ▪ The review process is primarily intended for a complete series of catechetical materials which encompass, for example, K-8, 9-12 or a Catechumenate program.
    [Show full text]
  • Confirmation Workbook 2016-2017
    The Holy Sacrament of Confirmation Workbook 2016-2017 Icon of Pentecost © by Monastery Icons – www.monasteryicons.com Used with permission. “Come Holy Spirit and inflame our hearts with the fire of divine love!” Darryl Adams 540-622-8073, [email protected] St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Front Royal, VA A.M.D.G Table of Contents Weekly Class Schedule 5 Confirmation Preparation Entrance Questionnaire 6 Note to Parents 7 Specific Confirmation Prayers 8 Summary of the Faith of the Church 9 Summary of Basic Prayers 10 Preparation Checklist 12 Forms and Requirements (Final Requirements start on page 121) Confirmation Sponsor Certificate*1 14 Choosing a Patron Saint and Sponsor 16 Sponsor & Proxy Form* 19 Retreat from* 21 Patron Saint Report 23 Historical Report 24 Gospel Report 26 Apostolic Project 28 Apostolic Project Proposal Form 31 Apostolic Project Summary Form (2 pages) 33 THE EXISTENCE OF GOD 36 The Problem of Evil 39 Hell is Real 43 Guardian Angels including information from St. Padre Pio 47 Guardian Angel Litany 51 The Last Things 52 SACRED SCRIPTURE 55 Are the Books of the New Testament Reliable Historical Documents? 56 How do the Books of the New Testament indicate the manner in which they are supposed to be read? 57 Where the rubber hits the road… 59 How does the Church further instruct us on how to read the Holy Bible? 60 The Bottom Line 61 Diagram of Highlights of Christ’s Life 62 THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST AND THE HOLY TRINITY 63 What Jesus did and said can be done by no man 64 Who do people say that He is? 66
    [Show full text]
  • The Five Precepts of the Church
    The Five Precepts of the Church In my homily on Ash Wednesday, I spoke about grave sins (also known as mortal or serious sins). I mentioned that most serious sins are listed in various places in the Bible, like the Ten Commandments, but God has given the Church the authority to make laws for us, to lead us to holiness, just as He, himself, has given us the laws in the Bible to lead us to holiness. The most important laws that the Church issues for our growth in holiness are known as the precepts of the Church. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. This requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord, as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. This ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. This guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with Easter, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
    [Show full text]
  • September 12, 2006
    Diocese of Madison CATECHETICAL STANDARDS & BENCHMARKS Grades PreK—8 Promulgated June 8, 2012 Office of Evangelization & Catechesis Office of Catholic Schools June 6, 2012 Dear Friends in Christ, As we in the Diocese of Madison participate in the Universal Church’s preparation for the Year of Faith, it is joyfully fitting that we promulgate our new Catechetical Standards for grades pre-K through 8. I am grateful to the staffs of the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis and the Office of Catholic Schools, along with the many pastors, parents, directors, coordinators, principals, and catechists working in our Catholic schools and parish programs who have taken part in developing these solid standards based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In calling for a Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI echoes the words of Blessed John Paul the Great in declaring the Second Vatican Council “the great grace bestowed on the Church in the twentieth century,” and the Catechism of the Catholic Church as “one of the most important fruits” of this Council which “will make a very important contribution to that work of renewing the whole life of the Church.” In the Catechism, our Holy Father declares, we have “a precious and indispensable tool” for all people to not only “arrive at a systematic knowledge of the content of the faith,” but to authentically encounter the person of Jesus Christ “who lives within the Church” (Porta Fidei, 5, 11). In drawing generously and systemically from Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, these new standards offer an excellent foundation for drawing all participants, catechists and students alike, into deeper communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ, for “only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity” (Bl.
    [Show full text]