A Peek at the Program

A Glimpse at the Born of the Spirit Series

This series, published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, begins with In God's Image, a catechetical resource for four-and five-year-olds. This resource "affirms the child in all areas of growth, and celebrates the wonder of childhood as a trace of God."

Cycle 1 of the resource, which includes Years 1, 2, and 3, focuses on one of the basic needs of children, the need to belong. The title of each year level indicates this: Year 1, We Belong to God, introduces the child to God, who loves us unconditionally; Year 2, We Belong to the Lord Jesus, is an invitation to friendship with Jesus and is a catechesis on the Eucharist; Year 3, In the Spirit We Belong, focuses on the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and explores our belonging to the Church.

The second cycle continues the theme of Church. Year 4, Come and See, focuses on the person of Jesus, inviting us to be disciples of Jesus within the Church. Year 5, May We Be One, centers on the Church as sacrament. It focuses on how the Church is a gathering of people from all nations, through the Spirit of God. The focus of the Year 6 program, You Shall Be My Witnesses, is the Christian moral life. "God's covenant with the peoples of the earth is reflected in moral existence by the witness of love, justice and compassion." We are invited to be witnesses of God's justice and love.

The Role of the Family in the Catechetical Process

The documents of Vatican II remind us that parents are the first educators of their children. Within an atmosphere of love they provide for their children a well-rounded formation. This message has been repeated in both the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC, 1997).

The catechetical formation of young children begins many years prior to any formal catechetical instruction. The role of the family in the faith formation of their children does not end, but continues when children begin school. Parents continue to share their faith with their children through daily prayer, regular participation in Sunday Liturgy, and ongoing witness to their faith. As well, our Canadian Catechetical resources have been developed with a definite home connection. Teachers in schools and catechists in the parish are encouraged to send home information regarding the themes that have been presented. This enables parents to journey with their children in an ongoing way.

Family/Home Edition of the Canadian Catechetical Resources

There are some families who, because of distance or other reason, are unable to participate in formal catechetical classes in a Catholic School or in a parish. For these families there is a home edition of our Canadian resources. There is ongoing help available from the Catechetical office for the implementation of these programs. Ideally the home program works best when each family is connected with "someone" who mentors them along the way. As well, it is strongly suggested that the home program families in a parish/region might come together every month to six weeks for a general session.

New Home Program Resources:
In the late 1990's the Home Edition for Years 1, 2 and 3 was published in a booklet edition. These programs are still available from CCCB publications. A simplified version of these resources is available through our office.

In the Fall of 2002, the revised Year 4 family resource became available through the CCCB. This Fall, the years 5 and 6 family resources are available. The Archdiocesan Catechetical Office has available some copies of these programs. Please contact the Catechetical Office if you need copies.

Office of Religious Education
(780) 469-1010
religioused@edmontoncatholic-church.com