Diocese of Trenton 

Elementary Religion Curriculum Guidelines

The Diocese of Trenton’s Elementary Religion Curriculum Guidelines provide a framework around which catechists and catechetical leaders present systematic and organic catechetical programs. 

These Guidelines are oriented around the Six Tasks of Catechesis, which are described in sections 85 and 86 of the General Directory for Catechesis.

These Guidelines, presented by grade level, are provided below:

• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• Grade One
• Grade Two
• Grade Three
• Grade Four
• Grade Five
• Grade Six
• Grade Seven
• Grade Eight

 Publisher Correlation Documents

   Ignatius Press

• Faith and Life Correlation all grades

   Our Sunday Visitor

• OSV Alive In Christ Parish 1-6
• OSV Alive In Christ Parish 7-8
• OSV Parish K-6 Call to Faith
• OSV Gr 7-8 Call to Faith

   RCL Benzinger 

• RCL Benziger Be My Disciples
• RCL Benziger Blest Are We
• RCL Benziger Faith First

   Loyola Press

• Loyola Press Christ Our Life and Finding God

   Sadlier

• Sadlier We Believe with Project Disciple

• Pre-K
• Kindergarten
• Grade One
• Grade Two
• Grade Three
• Grade Four
• Grade Five
• Grade Six
• Grade Seven
• Grade Eight

   RCL Benziger Family Life Correlations

• BeMyDisciples and Family Life
• RCL Come-Follow-Me and Family Life
• 2010-RCL-Faith-First-and Family Life
• Loyola Christ Our Life and RCL Family Life
• Loyola Finding-God-and RCL Ben Family Life
• Sadlier-We-Believe-K-6-Benziger-Family-Life-2010-2
• Pflaum Family Life Correlation-1

University Scholarships are available for students. More information can be found at the following link:  https://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/university-scholarships

Certificate in Catechesis

The Department of Catechesis encourages parish catechists and Catholic School teachers to obtain the diocesan Certificate in Catechesis. 

What is Catechesis?

“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: 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.” Catechesi Tradendae, 5

Catechism of the Catholic Church

“And they held steadfastly to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”
Acts 2:42

Parish Religious Education programs in the Diocese of Trenton rely heavily on the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a basis and guide for the systematic and organic presentation of the Catholic faith.  Catechists are encouraged to refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in preparation for catechetical sessions as the foundation for what is taught in catechetical programs.  All basal catechetical textbooks utilized in the Diocese of Trenton must be evaluated as presenting the Faith in conformity with the CCC.  To learn about the conformity process and to view the most updated version of the conformity list,refer to the resources on the USCCB page: USCCB

General Directory for Catechesis

The General Directory for Catechesis “attempts to provide those fundamental theologico-pastoral principles drawn from the Church’s Magisterium, particularly those inspired by the Second Vatican Council, which are capable of better orienting and coordinating the pastoral activity of the ministry of the word and, concretely, catechesis.” General Directory for Catechesis, 9

National Directory for Catechesis

The National Directory for Catechesis is “a source of inspiration for catechesis in the dioceses and parishes of the United States and an important reference point for the formation of catechists and the preparation of catechetical resources.” National Directory for Catechesis, 5

The Annunciation, Filippo Lippi, National Gallery, London, UK