1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CATHOLIC?

2. We need to be reminded more often than instructed.S.Johnson Catholics are Christians who affirm Jesus –we are saved Tradition is important to us Catholics use minds and hearts –ratio et fides We believe in sacramentality ordinary reveals extraordinary Catholics emphasize community we are the Body of Christ

3. Core characteristics of Christianity: positive anthropology; conviction of the sacramentality of life; emphasis on relationship; commitment to history, tradition appreciation of wisdom; emphasis on: –spirituality –social justice –hospitality

4. In other words... Why did God make us? knowloveserve messagecommunityservice

5. Problems of our Culture Privatization of religion separation of private from public life Tendency to psychologize how do you feel? Reductive inclusivity Seinfeld: not that theres anything wrong Relativism its OK if its me

6. According to the Bishops 1972 letter To Teach as Jesus Did, the Catholic religious education program is characterized by : Teaching of the message of Jesus Creation of a faith community The expectation of Christian service

7. Message: We teach the Scriptures and Tradition We study the life and teachings of Jesus We study the teachings and doctrine of the Church We infuse the religious dimension into all parts of the activities of the program We train our teachers in the knowledge of the Catholic religion and methods for teaching religion

8. Message There is an annual catechists retreat There is a clear articulation of the religious mission of the parish There is a concise plan for updating of religion curricula There is a requirement that catechists be updated regularly on Church teaching

9. Community We welcome all into the parish community We regularly share our faith and take opportunities for communal prayer and worship. We treat all persons with dignity and respect. We relate the religious education community to the larger parish and Church community

10. Community Students participate in meaningful liturgies and prayer opportunities Catechists are inserviced on various forms of prayer Parents are involved in sacramental preparation Parents are involved in the religious formation of their children

11. Service Service learning opportunities are an integral part of the program Students are instructed on the integration of Gospel teaching into service Service projects are regularly assessed with regard to the appropriateness and value Students are instructed in the social justice teachings of the Church

12. Service Issues such as racism, ageism, sexism are addressed by the catechists and others; Students are challenged to live in a socially responsible way by taking example from administrators and catechists; There is a conscious effort to meet the needs of a diverse student population There is a sense of global responsibility

13. Elements of Catholic Identity Catholic Leadership Religious Education Worship Faith Development Witness/Service Faith Community Total Person/Student Philosophy Tradition Parental Involvement

14. Leadership: a rubric Parish administration and staff give witness to the lived Gospel. The director develops and promotes integration of faith and values. Financial accountability and sharing of resources reflect Catholic social teaching. The administrator emphasizes the Catholic nature of the program in the public forum.

15. Religious Education: a rubric There is an articulated religion program. The religion program articulates the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catechists are trained in good pedagogy. The religion curriculum is supervised and evaluated. Teachers of religion are professionally competent.

16. Worship: a rubric Meaningful liturgies are provided. Students participate in preparation of liturgical celebrations. Liturgies and paraliturgical celebrations mark important observances in the parish Students are instructed in meaning and participation in worship services.

17. Faith Development: a rubric Signs, symbols, rituals and traditions of the Catholic Church are evident within the environment. The religious education program fosters and promotes the faith experience of students and staff. The program teaches prayers and praying as part of the development of students and staff.

18. Witness/Service: a rubric The students are given instruction on the Churchs social teaching. Ample opportunities are provided for service to others. The students and the catechists reflect the lived message of the Gospel

19. Faith Community The parish seeks to aid the parents through programs of family evangelization. The students and staff see themselves as integral parts of the parish, the diocese, the universal Church. Opportunities for communal prayer are made available.

20. Total Person: a rubric The religious education program provides for all aspects of human development: intellectual, social, spiritual. The parish is known as a welcoming place. The parish program values the gifts and talents of all its students and staff. The building and its furnishings reflect a Catholic presence.

21. Philosophy/Mission: a rubric The mission and philosophy reflect the integration of the Catholic faith and Gospel values with learning and life. The mission and philosophy are consistent with the educational ministry of the Church. The parish expresses its belief through worship, teaching of Catholic doctrine and programs for spiritual formation.

22. Tradition: a rubric Besides Scripture, the Churchs tradition is transmitted to students. The grace and richness of sacramental experience and history is reflected in the curriculum and the climate. Students and staff study the heroes of the faith and strive to emulate their witness. Parish traditions reflect the Catholic heritage.

23. Parental Involvement: a rubric The rights of parents, as primary educators, are respected. There is accountability to parents and families. There are ample opportunities for parental involvement in the life of the religious education program and the sacramental program. There is a conscious effort to in-service parents.

24. For Us to Ask Ourselves: How can we use the rubric to determine the extent of presence/absence of the elements of Catholic identity? What place does Catholic identity have in the programs strategic plan? In its budget? What can the parish program guarantee parents? Students? What role does Catholic identity play in the development of teachers/ staff?

26. Creating the Catholic Classroom the physical set-up creating opportunities to grow and learn creating the local community offers to serve the person in the front of the room

27. The Physical Set-Up bulletin boards prayer corner arrangement of desks, tables decorations themes sacramentals

28. Opportunities to Grow & Learn WWJD?? Seamless infusion of Catholic values Time to reflect, pray Catholic teachings

29. Creating the Local Community the Domestic Church all are welcome Importance of forgiveness Investigation of Learning Styles Affective climate Respect for individual differences Respect for families

30. Offers to Serve Classroom helpers Global awareness, concern Service Projects Influence on public, political scene

31. The most important element...the people who work there held to higher standards living logos... once in awhile, use words know when to hold em

32. To Summarize:Our Commitment to affirm students basic goodness, promote their dignity, develop their gifts; to educate people to live responsibly as responsible partners; to convince them that their lives are worthwhile and have historical significance.

33. In practical terms: seamless integration of values; sacramentality in academic excellence; emphasis on the community of faith; development of right relationship; partnership with local and universal Church; concern for the whole world.

35. Be it known to all who enter here: that Christ is the reason for this school; He is the unseen, but ever- present teacher in its classes, the model of its faculty, the inspiration of its students.