The Whole Community Catechesis vision is more of a lens than a detailed program—a lens through which to look at, evaluate more clearly, and refine the offerings that are already occurring in the parish community. Implementing the Whole Community Catechesis vision does not require a complete dismantling and replacing of the various programs that are already in place or moving away from age-level catechesis or the use of religion textbook series. There are countless benefits to age-level catechesis that we do not want to lose. Many of the programs and textbooks being used will actually play a key role in providing a necessary framework for the whole community vision.
Textbook series that offer a spiral curriculum presenting the essential teachings of the Church every year at each grade level support Whole Community Catechesis by building upon and deepening the presentation of the faith. This spiral approach makes it possible for a parish to extend the themes to the larger community, and through additional support material, the whole parish community can focus on the same themes simultaneously. This provides a framework for intergenerational learning and promotes both discussion and faith sharing.
If your parish uses the catechetical assembly model, one of the strongest ways to support these gatherings is by using a textbook series. If age levels group for the core catechetical lesson, catechists can easily use the textbooks for content. But textbooks can also be a wonderful support for the lead catechist in preparing content and direction for the intergenerational assembly. Textbooks provide a range of age-appropriate material that can become the basis for input. Many parishes also refer families to the appropriate chapters in the student textbooks and family guides for further information on the topic at hand.
