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The Annunciation, Filippo Lippi, National Gallery, London, UK -
“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: USCCBGeneral 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
Diocese of Trenton Elementary Religion Curriculum GuidelinesThe 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
Publishers have provided correlation documents which illustrate how each basal catechetical series correlates with the Diocese of Trenton's Elementary Religion Curriculum Guidelines. These correlation documents are provided below:Ignatius Press
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
Loyola Press
Sadlier
In addition, RCL Benziger has provided correlations between the RCL Benziger Family Life series and other basal catechetical series:RCL Benziger Family Life Correlations