theecho

Issue 11: Spring 2019

Download the pdf version of this issue by clicking here.

The word ‘CATECHIST’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to echo’. As Catechists or teachers of RE we do not proclaim our own word. We echo the message of Jesus Christ our Lord. This newsletter aims at providing parish catechists and teachers of RE in schools some support in terms of reflections, ideas, useful resources they can use and so on. Feel free to share with other colleagues and friends. There is also a pdf version which you can download by clicking on the thumbnail below.

the echo
In this issue
Biblical Catechesis
Quote
Christ at the Centre
Inspiring Teachers and Catechists - Words of Holy Wisdom
Online Resources

Biblical Catechesis

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As teachers and catechists we always look for new and useful resources to use in our lessons and programmes. It is however crucial to remember that certain fundamental sources should never be overlooked but should always be present in every type of Catechesis and RE teaching

One key and essential source is the Bible - our sacred scriptures which in the words of the Second Vatican council document ‘Dei Verbum’ is ‘the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit’ (DV 9) Through Biblical catechesis we use the scriptures - the written word of God to tell the story of God’s love for us. We use stories and all the other genres of writing present in the rich treasure of the scriptures to illustrate thoughts and to draw out the deeper truths and messages of our Faith.

In his teachings and encounters with people, Jesus himself often quoted and referred to episodes and quotes from the scriptures to make his point. So did Stephen, Paul, Peter, the Fathers of the Church and so many saints who have dedicated their lives to spreading the word of God to others.

In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer describes the word of God as a double edged sword (Heb 4:12). It would be such a missed opportunity if we fail to make best use of this effective tool and source of all good as best we can.

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Quote

Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand; but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.


Mark Twain

Christ at the Centre

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Christocentricity incatechesis also means the intention to transmit not one’s own teaching or that of some other master, but the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Truth that He communicates or, to put it more precisely, the Truth that He is… Christ alone who teaches – anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ’s spokesman…Every catechist should be able to apply to himself the mysterious words of Jesus…My teaching is not mine!”

from Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in Our Time) by Pope John Paul II

Inspiring Teachers and Catechists - Words of Holy Wisdom

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THOMAS MERTON - Spiritual Writer

One of the best known spiritual writers, Thomas Merton had an unsettling childhood mainly due to his parents’ frequent travelling. His contact with faith was almost negligent till he was eighteen. While visiting Rome in 1933 he prayed in one of the churches he visited. He described his conversion ten years later in his acclaimed publication ‘The Seven Storey Mountain’ (1948). In 1938 he was received back into the Catholic Church and later became a renowned Trappist monk. He died accidentally while lecturing in Bangkok, Thailand in December 1968.

Souls are like athletes that need opponents worthy of them, if they are to be tried and extended and pushed to the full use of their powers, and rewarded according to their capacity.

from THE SEVEN STORY MOUNTAIN

The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.

from THE WAY OF CHUANG TZU

Online Resources

sdc_website

SDC Website

Resources for Catechists
and RE Teachers

Includes:

  • PowerPoint Presentations
  • Worksheets and Lesson Plans
  • First Communion Programme
  • Confirmation Programme
  • Lives of Saints
  • Picture Galleries
  • Prayers and Reflections

Visit on sdc.me.uk

Download the pdf version of this issue by clicking here.