IGNORANT CATHOLICS - The alarming void in religious education

Commonweal ^ | April 2004 | John Cavadini

[NYer]

Without prejudice to any other area of catechesis—in fact, to enhance them all—let us return in a renewed way to a pedagogy of the basic doctrines of the faith.

It may be just that simple - a return to basics.

[B Knotts]

Does Mr. Cavadini miss the irony of this being published in Commonweal?

Although he did manage to slip in a moral equivalence between abortion an capital punishment.

[johnb2004]

This is a big problem. First, we need all those who would teach to be on the same page. Anyway,parents needs to be the chief catechists.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Well, good catechism is certainly a must. You do also need:

1) reverent celebration of the Mass

2) solid orthodox priests

3) good Catholic schools and colleges

4) orthodox, confident bishops who back up all of these

[AnAmericanMother]

I noticed that too.

[Romulus]

"If they don't know the faith, John, we have nothing to build on," Father Theodore Hesburgh once summed it up to me.

The article doesn't make clear whether Hesburgh considered this a good thing or not.

[johnb2004]

"We must not simply leap over the last forty years of catechesis as if they were an unmitigated wasteland, but take the basic thrust of post–Vatican II catechesis seriously: namely, that the doctrines mean little unless they are related to one’s experience, to one’s desires, hopes, fears, and dreams."

Perhaps I am too cynical, but why can't the truth stand on its own? Must everything be "relevant" to me?

[man from mars]

New Jersey: In New Jersey, as in many national polls, President Bush and Sen. John Kerry are running closely, with Bush getting 40% of the vote and Kerry 41% according to a new Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll. When 'leaners' are included, Kerry leads Bush within the poll's margin of error by 48 to 47%. But when Ralph Nader is also included in the question, the 5% he draws is enough to put Kerry behind Bush by 44% to 48%."
posted by StopDemocrats.com @ 3:24 AM

New Jersey well fall to Bush soon. Bush is within the margin in MD.

[Jaded]

In the last 2 years we have had 2 different sets of CCE books for the kids. The first one was geared more toward kids who were going to Catholic schools with a very solid background. The priest selected those books. The set used this year was picked by the CCE director. They are just a little to new-agey for my liking.

Baltimore Catechism sounds like a good thing about right now.

[siunevada]

So, I volunteered to help with the Confirmation class by leading a small group discussion after the main talk every week.

Suddenly, I'm referred to as a catechist! Yikes! No training. Little prep before each class. And I'm a catechist?

A couple of months ago I looked at the Baltimore Catechism again. You know, there's not a darn thing wrong with it. Especially for the public school kids I am dealing with. They are just wildly guessing at what their faith is supposed to be. 95% of them seem to have nothing at home.

Well, at least I did get the chance to correct our parish DRE on what the "source and summit" of the Catholic Faith is. Golly, if you're going to cite Vatican II as authoritative, it helps to actually read the documents to see what they have to say.

[alpha-8-25-02]

romans 12v2
and do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
add bible study to the list.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

The first one was geared more toward kids who were going to Catholic schools with a very solid background.

Catholic schools...very solid background.....ROFLOL...:)

I spent 12 years in Catholic schools and look at me now, a Fundamental Baptist. I have learned more about what the RCC teaches here then I ever did in school. Maybe your Theology classes should include time on the Religion Forum of FR:)

Becky

[Unam Sanctam]

I am shocked and amazed that Commonweal would have an article acknowledging the catechetical crisis of our day. I truly believe the lack of solid grounding of new generations in the teaching of the faith is the single most important issue facing the Church at the present time.

[redhead]

"So, I volunteered to help with the Confirmation class by leading a small group discussion after the main talk every week. Suddenly, I'm referred to as a catechist! Yikes! No training. Little prep before each class. And I'm a catechist?

A couple of months ago I looked at the Baltimore Catechism again. You know, there's not a darn thing wrong with it. Especially for the public school kids I am dealing with. They are just wildly guessing at what their faith is supposed to be. 95% of them seem to have nothing at home.

Well, at least I did get the chance to correct our parish DRE on what the "source and summit" of the Catholic Faith is. Golly, if you're going to cite Vatican II as authoritative, it helps to actually read the documents to see what they have to say."

I would be inclined to think that anyone who undertakes to shed light on "Why Catholics Do That" would be considered a catechist. It merely means one who teaches the Faith. You don't need credentials to be a catechist, thank God.

As many of you who are reading this thread will know from my past posts, RAMPANT ignorance among the laity in the post-Vatican II American Church is a particular thorn in my side.

But I always say the same thing: If your parish doesn't have an ADULT Catechism class, start one. A few phone calls and a place to meet is all you need. Bring your copies of the CCC, and start reading.

Adult Catholics of the last generation are as ignorant of Church teaching as their children. Informed Catholics will be able to KNOW when something isn't right in their parish (which explains why so many pastors and bishops hesitate to encourage Catechism study for adults these days...).

[m4629]

Perhaps I am too cynical, but why can't the truth stand on its own? Must everything be "relevant" to me?

That's called "self-centered theology", a trademark of modernists and feminazis.

[alpha-8-25-02]

hello brethren,
catholic born 1957"even named after a gunned down priest"
re-born 8-25-02,fundamental baptist.
GODSPEED
SOLI DEO GLORIA
SOLA SCIPTURA

[alpha-8-25-02]

PS
AND MORE TIME IN GOD'S WORD

[Codie]

You should have married within the faith.