Systematic Biblical Catechesis

Age Group Books of the Bible Technique Content & Emphasis

Early Childhood: Book of Genesis Tell stories (do not read the Bible, do reverence for creation, tales of Cain and Abel, Age: 3-5 years old not ask to memorize verses but rather to Noah.... remember the bible stories they heard) Family tales: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph in Egypt Draw/paint the story rather then just colouring pages

Childhood: Exodus, Leviticus, Introduce the children to the whole EXODUS....: God - on a journey with his people Numbers, Deuteronomy, salvation history in the Bible Concept of salvation: Exodus & Jesus Commandments Age: 6-11 years old LEVITICUS 1-20 Concept of Sacrifice Joshua & Judges (content & structure of the Bible). LEVITICUS 19-26 Being holy, sin & punishment Let them discuss the heroes/ NUMBERS Sin & Punishment for sin (First Communion) (First Communion Class: heroines and villains in the Bible. JOSHUA & JUDGES God protects his people Jesus in the Gospel Stories) Eg.: Samson: saint & sinner GOSPELS: Jesus story - version for children

Adolescents: 1 & 2 Samuel, Use creative storytelling, drama, PROPHETIC CHALLENGE: Nathan challenges David after 1 & 2 Kings multimedia, games, etc to re-enact he has sinned, Elijah challenges Ahab & Jesabel Age: 12-18 years old VOCATION: Call of Samuel, God chooses David, Solomon’s (1 & 2 Chronicles) and enliven the Bible story. choice of wisdom, call of Isaiah & prophets. Ezra & Nehemiah Discuss Young Biblical Heroes: NT: Stephen’s , Philip’s, Peter’s & Paul’s call and mission Prophets Samuel & David SIN & FORGIVENESS: Repentance of David, Prophets Motivate: Courage and message of calling to repentance. Soul’s/Paul radical change, Jesus’ call “to Confirmation Class: the Prophets. enter the Kingdom of God” (Confirmation) JESUS IN THE GOSPELS: teaching, works, passion, death (Gospels & Acts of the Open to the Spirit: Prophets, Jesus and resurrection of Jesus Apostles) & Apostles HOLY SPIRIT in the Gospels (LUKE) and in Acts

Young Adults Letters of Paul Serious Bible study Moral teaching of the Letters Age: 19-30 years old catholic letters: 1 & 2 Peter, (introduction to Biblical Scholarship, What it means to live as a community of the 1-3 John, James, Jude.... studying not just the text but the sources of Church. Old & New Testaments) STUDY of the whole Bible What should I do as a member of the church?

Mid-life Adults Wisdom Books, Praying Meditating, Integrating becoming wise, sage for the younger generation Age:30-50 years old (Review of all the Bible) the wisdom of the Bible becoming fully integrated spiritual person.

Aged Adults Apocalypse, Preserving the hope, faith & love. Study Older heroes of the Bible: Simeon & Ana, Age: 50-65+ years old (Review of all the Bible) Practising Lectio Divina Abraham, Job, etc