DRE Manual

Full Manual

2. Prayer

Catechist’s Prayer

Father of all families, you have called me to serve the family in truth and love as a catechist.
May I be faithful to this call, rooted in your Word, and open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
May I use these gifts, especially the gifts of faith, hope, and love, to serve the family as a witness to you, who are love and life and the source and destiny of all families.
Let your Spirit enlighten my mind and strengthen my heart so that I can be a path of Christ’s love to families, especially those in need, the homebound and aged, the disabled, and disheartened.
Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph,
I pray for the Church, the Bride of Christ,
whose mission to build a civilization of love passes through the family.

Amen.

Copyright © 2010, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to duplicate this work without adaptation for non-commercial use.

3. Introduction Letter

Introduction Letter

August 3, 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

The call to evangelize and to catechize is not the work of one parish leader but is rather a collaborative effort calling for a partnership between the diocese, clergy, catechetical and evangelization leadership and the entire parish community. “All members of the community of believers in Jesus Christ participate in the Church’s catechetical mission” (NDC, p. 217).

Through the collaborative efforts of the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis, the DRE Deanery Representative Board, and many others, we are pleased to present to you the Director of Religious Education Manual and Religious Education Guidelines for the Diocese of Austin. This project is the result of hard work and a prayerful reflection upon the importance of religious education in the life of God’s people in the Church.

This manual provides valuable information, practical assistance, and directives for all parish programs of catechesis, youth ministry, and evangelization. The list of textbooks that have been endorsed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and approved for use in the Diocese of Austin has also been included as well as the curriculum.

The purpose of this manual is to provide greater unity and consistency in the religious education programs throughout the Diocese of Austin. It is a resource for priests, deacons, religious, Directors of Religious Education, and catechists. This manual contains several resources and should be used as a reference in conjunction with the diocesan website of the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis. The website will be the live document and as updates occur to any section of the manual those changes will be made on the corresponding web page.

It is essential that every parish catechetical program takes into consideration the role of parents as primary educators of their children and involve parents in the catechetical formation of their children. Parents form foundational values and beliefs from the earliest beginnings of life. They are “the most influential agents of catechesis for their children” and “catechize primarily by the witness of their Christian lives and by their love for the faith” (NDC, p. 234). Adult faith formation programs for the whole community are some ways in which the Director of Religious Education can assist parents and families in their faith journey.

I am profoundly grateful to all those who have dedicated time and effort and have contributed their gifts and talents to develop this much-needed resource. Thank you to the Evangelization & Catechesis staff, Carolyn Martinez and Tressi Breecher. I am also grateful to our DRE Representative Board for all their input.

My hope is that this manual will be a valuable ministerial reference tool. Please know that our office is ready to assist you to utilize this manual to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Austin.

Sincerely,
Maryrae Stein
Associate Director of Evangelization & Catechesis

Print Introduction Letter

4. Department Mission & Vision Statement

Department Mission & vision Statement
We, the Diocese of Austin, through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation and education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.

The Vision of the Diocese of Austin Office of Evangelization and Catechesis is:
- To deepen the local Church’s communion with the Lord Jesus while equipping individuals and parishes for Christian discipleship that includes fruitful sacramental life;
- To enliven the local Church’s missionary impulse through spiritual formation and support so that Catholics may become more effective witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
- To support the vital ministry of catechesis through the education and formation of parish catechists and ministry leaders.
- To implement the directives of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan through a consistent, professional, and pastoral response to the needs of deaneries, parishes, and language/ethnic groups.
EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS

Gospel needs to be planted:
1. Those persons and situations in which Christ and his Gospel are not known or always rejected. These persons need to be invited with joy to initial conversion.
2. Those persons who have heard the word and want to grow and mature in faith. This refers to the ongoing catechesis with children, youth, and adults which leads them to mature faith and makes evangelizers of those who have been evangelized.
3. Those who have lost a living sense of the faith. They may have been baptized but no longer consider themselves members of the Church and live a life removed from Christ and his Gospel. These persons are needing “new methods and language attuned to the different world cultures, proposing the truth of Christ with an attitude of dialogue and friendship” (DC 41).
In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC). This document, intended to be a “source of inspiration for catechesis” (NDC, p. 17), has three basic purposes:
1. To provide those fundamental theological and pastoral principles drawn from the Church’s Magisterium and apply them to the pastoral activity of catechesis
2. To offer guidelines for the application of those fundamental theological and pastoral principles in this country in order to continue the renewal of catechesis
3. To set forth the nature, purpose, object, tasks, basic content, and various methodologies of catechesis.
Catechesis, as an essential moment in evangelization, shares in the central characteristics of evangelization, but expresses them in a particular manner. The intent of catechesis is to make a person’s faith become “living, conscious and active through the light of instruction” (AGD, 14). Our National Directory, quoting Catechesi Tradendae makes it clear that all our evangelizing, catechizing activity has one object or “definitive” aim — “to put people not only in touch but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (CT, 5; NDC p. 55).

In 2020 the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization promulgated the Directory for Catechesis with the intent of emphasizing the close connection between evangelization and catechesis and presenting a DIOCESE OF AUSTIN OFFICE OF EVANGELIZATION & CATECHESIS pathway for the union of the announcement of the kerygma and its maturation. Catechesis under the primacy of evangelization brings about its goal of “the living encounter with the Lord who transforms life”. (DC, 6) For the disciple, faith must be “known, celebrated, lived and expressed in prayer” (NDC, p. 60). The Directory for Catechesis gives us five interconnected tasks inspired by the way Jesus formed his disciples. The pedagogy of Jesus molded the life of the Christian community; in order to form believers for an integral Christian life, catechesis pursues the following tasks (DC 79):
1. Leading to Knowledge of the Faith (DC 80). It faithfully instills in the believer a knowledge of the content of God’s self-revelation which is found in Sacred Scripture, in Tradition, and in the Creed, and integrates it into the experience of faith.
2. Initiating into the Celebration of the Mystery (DC 81). The believer comes to know Christ in the liturgy and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Catechesis fosters the “full, conscious and active” (SC, 14) participation in the liturgy of the Church. It prepares people for the initial celebration of the sacraments and provides deeper understanding and enrichment following their reception.
3. Forming for Life in Christ (DC 83). It transmits the content of the moral teachings of Christ and invites believers to transformation and conversion as they conform their lives to Christ. Catechesis encourages faithful witness to those teachings in everyday life and the public, and social arena. It is up to catechesis to demonstrate that the faith lived in a commitment to loving as Christ did is the way to foster the coming of the kingdom of God in the world (DC 85)
4. Teaching Prayer (NDC, p. 61). Catechesis must “educate the believer for prayer and in prayer, developing the contemplative dimension and teaching to pray with Jesus and like Jesus.” (DC 86) Catechesis is permeated by a climate of prayer, using the “Our Father” as the model for all prayer and a summary of the Christian life.
5. Introduction to Community life (DC 88) The faith is professed, celebrated, expressed, and lived above all in the community. “Catechesis has the task of developing the sense of belonging to the Church, cultivating a spirituality of communion, forming believers in the sense of ecclesial co-responsibility to be active participants and missionary disciples (DC 89)
ADULT FORMATION

Within the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops document Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, a Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States, the Bishops note that “maturity of faith is the intent of all catechesis from the earliest years” (OHWB, p. 13). Adult formation is the “principal form of catechesis because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form” (CT, 43). While the Bishops emphasize that they in no way wish to weaken the commitment to catechetical formation for children, they also make it abundantly clear that adult faith formation is a priority and that “catechesis needs to give more attention to adults than it has been accustomed to do” (OHWB, p. 14). This priority of adult formation is reinforced in the National Directory when it notes that “the catechetical formation of adults is essential for the Church to carry out the commission given the apostles by Christ” (NDC, p. 187) and that formation needs to be addressed to adults in “different stages in the development of their faith” (NDC, p. 187). The Directory also delineates the goals, tasks, content and methodology for adult catechesis (see NDC, pp. 188-193).

Faith formation leaders in the parish are called to form individuals from along the whole trajectory of life “…It means calling and equipping all Christians of every age and stage of life to fulfill their baptismal call to holiness in family, Church, and society—their mission is to evangelize and transform the world into a more caring and just society. Ongoing faith formation is essential to accomplish this mission; it does not end at Confirmation or Graduation but continues until one’s death” (OHWB, p. 14). Catechesis for all levels and for all ages is a continuous process of being formed and informed by the Word of God, by the sacramental life of the Church, by the Church’s rich tradition and by the Catholic value system. It is “an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted…in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” (CCC, 5).

In Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, the Bishops pledged their support for adult faith formation and promised a “renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it at the heart of …catechetical vision and practice” (OHWB, 2). The document encourages parishes to examine existing programs to determine how their programs meet the goals for adult formation to:
- invite and enable ongoing conversion to Jesus in holiness of life;
- promote and support active membership in the Christian Community;
- call and prepare adults to act as disciples in mission to the world. (See OHWB, pp. 22-24.)
The Directory of Catechesis provides guidelines for Adult Catechesis, stating it must be configured as a personal and communal learning process of accompaniment, disciple formation, and witness within social and cultural realities to bring about the kingdom of God. It includes the ecclesial community in its entirety and meets participants at their current place in life (DC 262.) The catechist is situated as companion and educator, and must be capable of working in the area of emphasis dictated by the learner.

PRINT Department Mission & vision Statement

5. Deaneries

Deaneries

6. Parish Catechetical Roles & Responsibilities

Parish Catechectical Roles & Responsibilities
PASTOR
The pastor, as the closest collaborator to the Bishop, is the primary catechist in the parish. He has the responsibility of ensuring that the catechetical needs, goals, and priorities of the parish are identified, articulated and met according to the norms established by the Bishop. (NDC 54)

PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADER (DRE, CRE)
“The single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a professionally trained parish catechetical leader.” (NDC p220) The role of the DRE/CRE includes the following responsibilities as assigned by the pastor:
- Overall direction of the parish catechetical programs for adults, youth, and children based on the needs and preferences of the parish
- Planning and implementation of the parish catechetical program based on sacramental guidelines provided by the Diocese of Austin
- Periodic program evaluation to include curriculum, student outcomes, catechist needs, parental involvement, community support
- Recruitment, formation, ongoing development, and evaluation of catechists
- Implementation of diocesan and parish catechetical policies and guidelines, including the areas of catechist certification and supervision, ethics and integrity in ministry, and emergency preparedness
- Collaboration with the pastor, the parish staff, other parish ministers, and appropriate committees, boards, and councils • Communication of catechetical information to the parish community, and pertinent diocesan and parish information to the catechetical staff
- Liturgical planning
- Facilitation of the development of community among catechists, learners, and families
- Preparation and administration of the yearly operating budget for the catechetical ministry.
- Review and selection of catechetical materials in accordance with the Diocesan Approved Textbook List and under the guidance of the pastor.
- Participation in ongoing formation as outlined by Diocesan guidelines
- Attention to the Code of Ethics for Professional Catholic Ministers which includes
  - Leading a moral life in faithfulness to the Church
  - Servant leadership
  - Promoting the dignity and equality of all persons
  - Employing justice and charity in actions and decisions
  - Respecting confidentiality in all relationships
CATECHISTS
“The Lord Jesus invites men and women, in a special way, to follow him, teacher and formator of disciples. From this personal call and the loving knowledge of Christ springs the desire to proclaim him, to evangelize and to lead others to the “Yes” of faith in him.” (GDC 231 At the heart of every catechetical program are the catechists who have answered the call. In sharing time, talent, and faith, the catechist accepts the invitation of Jesus to follow him as a teacher of the faith and a witness to the truth of the faith. Catechists:
- Support the vision and mission of the parish catechetical program and the direction of the catechetical leader •
- Develop effective tools and techniques for catechesis by preparing lessons and organizing age-appropriate materials and class activities
- Participate in the Sacramental life of the Church
- Strive to build community within the parish and the catechetical ministry
- Continue their own personal and educational development through attendance at courses and workshops; a minimum of Level 1 Diocesan Catechist Certification is expected within the first three years of ministry
- Exhibit a love of God, the Church, the Pope, the Blessed Mother and God’s people
- Show authenticity of life by faithfully practicing the teachings of the Church and teaching only that which is Church teaching
- Are dedicated to personal prayer and spiritual development to nourish their personal relationship with the Lord and the evangelizing mission of the Church
- Proclaim the faith with joyous zeal
- Provide a positive classroom atmosphere and communicate effectively with their learners and their parents
- Evaluate regularly their own teaching techniques, being sensitive to cultural differences and special needs of students;
- Collaborate with and affirm parents as the primary educators of their children’s faith formation.
CATECHETICAL AIDE/ASSISTANT

It is recommended that service in the ministry of catechesis begins in the role of Catechetical Assistant. As a person of faith who responds to the call of the Gospel to enhance the catechetical ministry through sharing time, talent, and faith, the Catechetical Assistant:
- Serves as a support to the catechists and the catechetical leader in classroom management, communication with parents, organizing tasks, assisting students
- Provides witness to a love for God and others
- Complies with the requirements of Ethics and Integrity
- Is committed to personal, spiritual, and educational development in accordance with future goals; attends department meetings
- Works to foster community within the parish and the catechetical ministry
PRINT Parish Catechetical Roles and Responsibilities

7. Formation & Certification

Formation & Certification

7.1 Ministry Formation Booklet
7.2 Catholic Adult Formation Form
7.3 Catechist Level 1, 2, and 3 Application Form
7.4 DRE Certification Application Form
7.5 Teacher Certification Application Form
7.6 Diocese of Austin Discipleship Certification Application
7.7 Diócesis de Austin Aplicación Para Certificación de Discipulado
7.8 Youth Ministry Certification Application Form
7.9 Continued Formation Application Form

8. Approved Textbooks for Catechetical Formation

Approved Textbooks for Catechetical Formation

Office of Evangelization & Catechesis
List of Approved Texts for Catechetical Instruction for the Diocese of Austin
(Updated and approved 2/10/2022)

The role of the catechist is to evangelize and teach the Gospel to all. As evangelizers, we are tasked with providing opportunities for young persons to encounter Christ and develop an intimate relationship with Him. Evangelization and catechesis go hand in hand; evangelization is like the seed that is planted on fertile ground and catechesis is the process of nurturing, caring, and guiding that helps the plant grow and become fruitful. We do this by providing the resources and instruction that meet the particular needs of the people as we accompany them in their journey of transformation.

One of the resources we are in the midst of completing is a revised list of Approved Texts for Catechetical Instruction for the Diocese of Austin, which includes many more texts than before. This list will help pastors and catechetical leaders (DREs) discern the series or texts that would best meet the needs of the parish or school.
This list of approved texts serves as a guide for choosing texts, but the final decision should be made by the pastor or principal (texts chosen must be on the approved list). The texts on our diocesan-approved list come from the Conformity Review List of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The texts chosen from the USCCB Conformity Review List are ones that correlate with the Diocese of Austin’s Religious Education Curriculum approved by our bishop and implemented in our parish programs and Catholic schools. Texts not listed below can only be used as supplemental resources, and may not be used as the primary texts for instruction. (An appendix entitled “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” provides further information about the appropriate use of supplemental materials).

Our hope is that a variety of materials will be considered. Following are recommendations for discerning the appropriate series or texts for instruction at a parish catechetical program or Catholic school:

The series should promote knowledge of God, true conversion to Jesus Christ, and help the student develop an intimate relationship with Christ, who calls us to discipleship and sacramental life.
The series of textbooks should include the best practices in psychological and pedagogical processes which will facilitate the student's learning and growth in faith in a holistic manner (GCD 121). The selected texts should emphasize the development of materials and resources to help meet the needs of children with disabilities, special needs, and multiple intelligences.
The series should be relatable to the generation addressed [e.g., age-appropriate in content and visuals], showing close acquaintance with anxieties and questionings, struggles, and hopes that students experience.
Texts and series should have practical resources such as manuals, lesson plans, multimedia, online resources and tangible materials for the catechist to facilitate the instruction, and to provide ways for parents and family members to continue the instruction at home.

In closing, I offer you this reflection from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium: “In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role of the first announcement or kerygma…On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” This first proclamation is called “first” not because it exists at the beginning and can then be forgotten or replaced by other more important things. It is first in a qualitative sense because it is the principal proclamation, the one which we must hear again and again in different ways, the one which we must announce one way or another throughout the process of catechesis, at every level and moment”.

Approved for use in the Diocese of Austin on February 10, 2022
Office of Evangelization & Catechesis
List of Approved Texts for Catechetical Instruction for the Diocese of Austin

Titles	Publisher	Specifics
Pre-School Series
Allelu! Growing and Celebrating with Jesus (3, 4, 5, and K) - E/B	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM ©2010, 2011, 2012
Finding God: Our response to God’s Gift (Age4 to 6)	Loyola Press	S, TM/CM ©2018
God Made Everything (PK3, 4, and K)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2008, 2010, 2019
I am Special (PK3, 4, and K)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM ©2007-2009
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches (Seeds, Promise-PK3/4,K,1)	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P, TM ©2018
Stories of God’s Love (PK3,4, 5, and K)	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM/CM ©2009, 2011
Blest Are We Faith in Action Kindergarten	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM/CM © 2019
Discovering God Series (3-5 yrs)	Sadlier	S/P 2013
Elementary Series: School and Parish
Alive In Christ (1-8) E/B	Our Sunday Visitor	S&TM/P&CM © 2014
Be My Disciples (1-6) E/B	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2013, S&TM © 2014
Blest Are We (1-6) E/B	RCL Benziger	S&TM ©2004, P&CM ©2002
Blest Are We Faith and Word Edition (1-6)	RCL Benziger	P&CM ©2008, S&TM ©2010
Blest Are We Faith in Action School Edition (1-8)	RCL Benziger	S&TM © 2018
Blest Are We Faith in Action Parish Edition (1-8)	RCL Benziger	S&TM © 2019
Call to Faith (K-6) E/B	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S&TM/P&CM ©2005, 2009
Christ in Us (K-6) Blended Learning	William H. Sadlier	S/P, ©2020
Christ Our Life (K-8)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM ©97, 02, 09, CM ©99, 09
Christ Our Life: The New Evangelization Edition (1-8)	Loyola Press	S/P, TM&CM ©2016
Discover (1-5)	St Mary’s Press	P ©2019
Faith First Legacy Edition/Parish (K-8)	RCL Benziger	P&CM ©2006, S ©2007
Faith First Legacy Edition/School (1-8)	RCL Benziger	S&TM ©2007

Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts (1-6) E/B	Loyola Press	S&TM, P&CM ©2005, ©2013
Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches (Good News, Ventures); (2-6)	Pflaum Publishing	S/P, TM ©2018
Spirit of Truth (K-8)	Sophia Institute for Teachers	S/P ©2017
We Believe (K-6) E/B	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S&TM, P&CM ©2004, 2011
We Believe, Catholic Identity Edition (K-6) E/B	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P ©2015
Sacramental Preparation Materials for FIRST RECONCILIATION/FIRST COMMUNION [In granting conformity to these supplemental texts it is understood that they are to be used IN CONJUNCTION WITH a basal series.]
Believe Celebrate Live Reconciliation (Primary)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2017
Believe Celebrate Live Eucharist (Primary)	William H. Sadlier, Inc	S/P&TM/CM ©2017
Call to Celebrate: Eucharist E/B	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Call to Celebrate: Reconciliation E/B	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Celebrate and Remember: Eucharist	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P & TM/CM©2011
Celebrate and Remember: Reconciliation	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P & TM/CM©2011
Encounter with Christ – Reconciliation E/B	OSV	S/P & TM/CM©2016
Encounter with Christ – Eucharist E/B	OSV	S/P & TM/CM©2016
Eucharist: We Give Thanks and Praise E/B	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2006, 2015
Eucharist E/B	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2003
Go Seek Find: Eucharist	Saint Mary's Press	S/P © 2017
Go Seek Find: Reconciliation	Saint Mary's Press	S/P © 2017
God’s Gift Eucharist (Primary) E/B	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2009, 2016
God’s Gift Reconciliation (Primary) E/B	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2009, 2016
Reconciliation E/B	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2003
Reconciliation: Pardon and Peace (primary) E/B	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2006, 2015
Together in Jesus – First Eucharist E/B	Pflaum Publishing Group	S&TM ©2004, 2011, 2018
Together in Jesus – First Reconciliation E/B	Pflaum Publishing Group	S&TM ©2004, 2011, 2018
Middle School Texts
Alive in Christ (7-8)	OSV	S&TM/P&CM©2014
We Believe Series, We Live Our Faith (7-8) E/B	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Finding God (7-8) E/B	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2007, © 2014
Catholic Connections for Middle Schoolers	St Mary’s Press	P©2014
Christ Our Life (7-8)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM©97,02,09
Call to Faith (7-8)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S&TM/P&CM ©2007

Call to Faith Junior High Faith Booklet Series	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2008
Blest Are We Faith and Word Junior High (7-8)	RCL Benziger	S ©2010,2018
Blest Are We (7-8)	RCL Benziger	S&TM ©2005, P&CM ©2003, S/P, TM&CM © 2010
Be My Disciples (7-8)	RCL Benziger	S&TM/P&CM © 2014
Faith First Legacy Edition: (7-8) Church History, Mystery of God, Sacraments, Morality, New Test	RCL Benziger	S&TM ©2007
Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches – Ventures, Visions (6-8)	Pflaum Publishing	S/P, TM ©2018
Spirit of Truth (7-8)	Sophia Institute	S/P©2017
High School Texts for Schools and Parish Youth Ministry (Adapted Framework)
Live Jesus in our Hearts: Revelation, New Testament, Sacraments, Morality, Church Foundations/Mission	Saint Mary’s Press	Schools ©2019
Catholic Essentials: An Overview of the Faith	Ave Maria Press	S/P ©2009
The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P © 2013
Credo Series: Core Curriculum	RCL Benzinger/Veritas	Schools © 2017
Spirit of Truth High School	Sophia Institute for Teachers	Schools ©2017
Sacramental Preparation Materials for High School Confirmation [In granting conformity to these supplemental texts it is understood that they are not to be used in isolation but in conjunction with basal series.]
Send Out Your Spirit: A Confirmation Candidate’s Handbook for Faith	Ave Maria Press	S/P&TM ©2003, 2010
Anointed in the Spirit – A High School Confirmation Program	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P & TM/CM ©2011
Believe Celebrate Live: Confirmation	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P& TM/CM ©2018
Call to Celebrate: Confirmation (Older Adolescents)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2008
Confirmed in the Spirit (12-14yrs)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM ©2007, 2013
Called to Mercy	Saint Mary's Press	S/P ©2018
Confirmation: Receiving the Gift of the Spirit (14-16yrs)	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM/CM ©2010
Confirmed in a Faithful Community: Candidate’s Handbook	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P ©2006
Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation	Ascension Press	S/P & TM/CM © 2016
Confirmation	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Gifted with the Spirit-Confirmation: Senior High Edition	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM/CM ©2018
RCIA (unbaptized or baptized but un-catechized children and youth)
These resources are developed specifically for the RCIA:
God Calls You By Name (adult)	Mother’s House Publishing	P&CM ©2006

Journey of Faith (children, youth, adult)	Liguori/Redemptorist Pub	©2017 P
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies (children, youth)	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P, TM ©2010, ©2018
Young Apprentices (children, youth)	RCL Benziger
Be My Disciples: Our Catholic Heritage (children, youth)	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2013
Breakthrough! Getting to Know Jesus Teaching Activities Manual (for Pre-catechumenate/Kerygma)	St Mary’s Press	P ©2007
Friends on the Way (Children)	Team RCIA
These resources cover the core teachings of the faith:
One Faith, One Lord (12-14yrs)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.
Our Catholic Faith (8-11yrs)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2003, 2009
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches (K-8)	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM/CM ©2009
Called to be Catholic (11-14yrs)	Loyola Press	S/P, TM ©2010, ©2018
The Catholic Connections for Middle Schoolers	Saint Mary’s Press
Faith Fusion: Knowing, Loving, and Serving Christ in the Catholic Church (8-11yrs)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P ©2009, 2014 TM © 2009, 2010
Faith Fusion: Knowing, Loving, and Serving Christ in the Catholic Church (12-14yrs)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM ©2016
Bridges to Faith (8-11yrs)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2010
Sacramental Preparation Materials for 4^th-8^th GRADERS preparing for First Reconciliation / First Communion / Confirmation (In granting conformity to these supplemental texts it is understood that they are not to be used in isolation but in conjunction with basal series.)
Believe Celebrate Live Reconciliation & Eucharist (Intermediate)	William H. Sadlier, Inc	S/P&TM/CM ©2017
Believe Celebrate Live: Confirmation (Intermediate)	William H. Sadlier, Inc	S/P& TM/CM ©2018
Call to Celebrate: Reconciliation and Eucharist (intermediate)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Encounter with Christ, Eucharist and Reconciliation	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM//CM © 2016
Reconciliation: Pardon and Peace (intermediate)	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2006, 2015
God's Gift Reconciliation and Eucharist (Intermediate)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM © 2016
Eucharist: We Give Thanks and Praise (Intermediate)	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2006, 2015
Anointed in the Spirit – A Middle School Confirmation Program	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P & TM/CM ©2010
Call to Celebrate: Confirmation (Younger Adolescents)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2008

Confirmed in a Faithful Community: Candidates Handbook (Immediate Preparation)	Saint Mary’s Press	S/P ©2006
Gifted with the Spirit-Confirmation: Junior High Edition	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM/CM ©2018
Encounter with Jesus – Confirmation E/B	OSV
Materials available in Spanish/Bilingual – PK/K
¡Alelú! Crecer y celebrar con Jesús (3-4)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM © 2012
¡Alelú! Crecer y celebrar con Jesús (4,5)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM ©2010
¡Alelú! Crecer y celebrar con Jesús (K)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P &TM/CM ©2011
Encontrando a Dios (Bilingual Edition of Finding God, Ages 4-6)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2018
Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes & Teaches (Seeds, Promise: PK3-1st – Bilingual)	Pflaum Publishing	S/P, TM ©2018
Relatos del amor de Dios Kindergarten	RCL Benziger	S/P & TM ©2012
Materials in Spanish/Bilingual – Elementary Series
Bendecidos / Blest Are We (1-6)	RCL Benziger	P&CM ©2008
Creemos/We Believe (K-6)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&CM©2005, 2011
Encontrando a Dios (Bilingual Edition of Finding God, 1-8)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2015
Un llamado a la Fe (Level A-F)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2005 (A-D), 2008 (E-F)
Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes & Teaches (2-6: Good News, Ventures)	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P ©2015, ©2018
Sean Mis Discípulos, 1-6 (Be My Disciples Bilingual Edition)	RCL Benziger	P&CM ©2014
Vivos en Cristo (A-F)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&CM © 2015
Paso a Paso con Jesús (PK-8)	Catequistas de Jesús Crucificado	P& TM /CM
Materials in Spanish – Middle & High School Series
Gospel Weeklies: What the Church Believes and Teaches (6th-8th); Ventures, Visions	Pflaum Publishing	S/P, TM ©2018
Vivimos nuestra fe, como discipulos de Jesús	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S ©2010
Una sola fe un solo Señor (7-8)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2003, 2009
Sean Mis Discípulos: Cristo en el Nuevo Testamento, Jr. High (Bilingual Edition)	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2015
Sean Mis Discípulos: Cristo en la Liturgia, Jr. High (Bilingual)	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2014
Sean Mis Discípulos: Cristo Revela el Misterio de Dios, Jr. High (Bilingual Edition)	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2015
Sean Mis Discípulos: Vida en Cristo Jesus, Jr. High (Bilingual)	RCL Benziger	P&CM © 2014
Materials in Spanish – Baptized / Uncatechized

Fusión en la fe: Conocer, amar y servir a Cristo en la Iglesia Católica (Bilingual Edition, 3-5)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P & TM/CM ©2016
Fusión en la fe: Conocer, amar y servir a Cristo en la Iglesia Católica (6-8)	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P&TM/CM ©2011
Llamados a Ser Catolicos	Loyola Press
Nuestra fe católica (4-6)	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P ©2009
Nuestra fe católica Guía	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	TM/CM ©2009
Bendicidos: Nuestra Identidad Catolico	RCL Benziger	S/P ©2019
Puentes a la Fe	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2010
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies: Good News, Ventures, Visions (Bilingual)	Pflaum Publishing	S/P, TM ©2018
Sacramental Materials in Spanish/Bilingual – to be used in conjunction with a basal series
Elementary First Reconciliation/Communion:
Creemos y celebramos Primera Comunión	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Creemos y celebramos Primera Reconciliación	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Don de Dios, la Eucaristía (Primaria)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2009, 2016
Don de Dios, la Reconciliación (Primaria)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2009, 2016
Encuentro con Cristo Eucaristia y Reconciliacion	Our Sunday Visitor	S/P & TM/CM © 2017
Eucaristía	RCL Benziger
Eucaristía: Damos gracias y alabanza	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2006, 2015
Un llamado a celebrar: la Eucaristía	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Un llamado a celebrar: la Reconciliación	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Paso a Paso con Jesús (Level 3)	Catequistas de Jesús Crucificado	P& TM /CM
Unidos en Jesús Primera Eucaristía	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM ©2004, 2011, 2018
Unidos en Jesús Primera Reconciliación	Pflaum Publishing Group	S/P&TM ©2004, 2011, 2018
Reconciliación	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM ©2003
Reconciliación: Perdon y Paz	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM/CM ©2006, 2015
Sacramental Spanish/Bilingual Materials – Intermediate level – Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation
Don de Dios, la Reconciliación y Eucaristía (Intermedio)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2016
Un llamado a celebrar: la Reconciliación y la Eucaristía (intermediario)	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Reconciliación: Perdón y Paz Bilingüe Intermedia	RCL Benziger	S/P&TM/CM © 2017
Confirmación	RCL Benziger	S&TM ©2014
Confirmación: Inspirados por el Espíritu	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2013

Confirmados en el Espiritu (7-9)	Loyola Press	S/P&TM/CM ©2007, 2013
El Espiritu Santo nos Libera: Preparando a los jóvenes para la Confirmación	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S/P&TM/CM ©2000
Vivimos nuestra fe, Inspirados por el Espíritu	William H. Sadlier, Inc.	S © 2011
Un llamado a celebrar: la Confirmación	Harcourt (OSV Curriculum)	S/P&TM/CM ©2011
Materials in Vietnamese
Creed: A Course on Catholic Faith
Instructional Material for Theology of the Body
Theology of the Body for Teens: Discovering God's Plan for Love and Life--Middle School Edition	Ascension Press
Theology of the Body for Teens: Discovering God's Plan for Love and Life--High School Edition	Ascension Press
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body	Ascension Press
Supplemental Materials [In granting conformity to these supplemental texts it is understood that they are not to be used in isolation but in conjunction with basal series.]
Family Life Series	RCL Benziger	S/TM ©2011
Conociendo Nuestra Fe Católica (Levels 1-3)	Loyola Press	S ©2011
Totally Catholic!	Pauline Books & Media	2013
Digital Resources
Alive in Christ 1-8	Our Sunday Visitor
Be My Disciples 1-6	RCL Benziger
Blest are We Faith and Word 1-8	RCL Benziger
Christ in Us K-6	Sadlier Religion
Finding God 2021 K-8	Loyola Press
Finding God K-8	Loyola Press
Christ Our Life New Evangelization	Loyola Press
Spirit of Truth K-8	Sophia Institute
We Believe Catholic Identity K-6	Sadlier Religion
We Believe with Project Disciple K-6	Sadlier Religion
Discover! Finding Faith in Life 1-5	Saint Mary’s Press
Family Life K-8	RCL Benziger
Pflaum Gospel Weeklies	Pflaum Publishing

PRINT Approved Textbooks for Catechetical Formation

9. Religious Education Curriculum

Religious Education Curriculum

9.1 Religious Education Curriculum—Pre-Kindergarten
9.2 Religious Education Curriculum—Kindergarten
9.3 Religious Education Curriculum—First Grade
9.4 Religious Education Curriculum—Second Grade
9.5 Religious Education Curriculum—Third Grade
9.6 Religious Education Curriculum—Fourth Grade
9.7 Religious Education Curriculum—Fifth Grade
9.8 Religious Education Curriculum—Sixth Grade
9.9 Religious Education Curriculum—Seventh Grade
9.10 Religious Education Curriculum—Eighth Grade
9.11 Religious Education Curriculum—Ninth Grade
9.12 Religious Education Curriculum—Tenth Grade
9.13 Religious Education Curriculum - Eleventh Grade
9.14 Religious Education Curriculum-Twelfth Grade
9.15 Sacramental Protocol Baptism
9.16 Sacramental Preparation Protocol Penance and Eucharist
9.17 Sacramental Preparation Protocol Confirmation
9.18 Sacramental Preparation Protocol Adult Confirmation
9.18.1 Adult Confirmation Sample Course
9.19 Letter on Structure and Guidelines for Baptized Uncatechized 2019
9.19.1 Comparison Chart for RCIA Adapted and Baptized Uncatechized
9.19.2 Example of Schedule for RCIA Adapted and Baptized
9.19.3 Sample Scenarios for RCIA Adapted and Baptized Uncatechized
9.19.4 Comparison Chart for Baptized Uncatechized vs. Catechized
9.20 How to Begin a Spanish Program

10. Interview Forms and Handbooks

Interview Forms and Handbooks

10.1 General Information Interview Form
10.2 Guidelines for Creating Handbooks
10.3 IREP Blank Document
10.4 IREP Sample Completed

11. Sacramental Forms

Sacramental Forms

11.1 Sponsor Covenant Forms
11.2 Profession of Faith Form—Revised 2011
11.3 Letter to Pastors Regarding Mass Attendance

12. Confirmation Guidelines and Liturgy Planning Form

Confirmation Guidelines and Liturgy Planning Form

Confirmation Guidelines
Liturgy Planning Form

13. Valid and Recognized Baptisms from Tribunal

Valid and Recognized Baptisms

This list is provided for information only as each situation should be judged on its own merits. If after a careful investigation there remains a serious doubt as to the proper matter and the form of the words used or the intention of the minister or the recipient, then the person should be baptized conditionally.

Appendix A: Information Concerning Validity of Baptism of Non[1]Catholic Churches and Communities

NOTE: Many Protestant communities have a dedication ceremony or other ceremony that is not a baptism. If the church has a dedication ceremony, their baptism is generally not conferred until the age of reason or until the approximate age of thirteen (13) years.

Adventists
Water baptism is by immersion with the Trinitarian formula. Baptism is given at the age of reason. A dedication ceremony is given to infants. The two ceremonies are separate. Valid Baptism if the Trinitarian formula is used with immersion. The dedication ceremony given to infants is an invalid Baptism.

African Methodist Episcopal
Baptism with water by sprinkling, pouring, or dunking. Trinitarian form is used. There is an open door ceremony that is not baptism. Valid Baptism except when sprinkling is used.

Amish and Mennonites
No infant baptism. The rite of baptism is valid.

Anglican | Valid baptism.

Apostolic Church
An affirmative decision has been granted in one case involving “baptism” in the Apostolic church. The minister baptized according to the form found in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2 and not in the Gospel of St. Matthew. The form used was “We baptize you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive a gift of the Holy Ghost.” No Trinitarian formula was used.
Valid if pouring or immersion are used with the Trinitarian formula.

The Assembly of God
The dedication ceremony is possible. Infants are not customarily baptized. Baptism through water takes place when a person is mature enough to understand its implications. The method of baptism is not outlined but appears valid.

Baptist
No infant baptism. There is a ceremony of dedication. Valid baptism takes place at the approximate age of 13.

Evangelical United Brethren
Members are not received into this church unless they have been baptized. Assurance of baptism is required before membership is extended. There is a dedication ceremony. Baptism by water seems valid and is generally done by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. The Trinitarian formula is used. It is a valid baptism except when sprinkling is used.

Church of the Brethren | Valid baptism
Baptism is made by triple immersion. The formula of Matthew is used.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
Invalid: According to the decision of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in a private response to a diocesan inquiry: “the Catholic Church does not recognize the baptism of Mormons” (1989).

Church of God | Valid baptism.
There is a public baby dedication with no sacramental significance. Baptism is conferred later by immersion and with a Trinitarian formula. Baptism is conferred when the individual asks for it.

Christian and Missionary Alliance
No belief in infant baptism, but only to those who give evidence of repentance and new birth. Baptism is conferred before the age of twelve (12). It is conferred by immersion. It is given upon personal confession of Christ as Savior of this person. The formula is not given. If the Trinitarian formula is not used, the Baptism is invalid.

Christian Reformed Church in North America | Valid baptism.

Christian Scientist | No true baptism.
The mother church of all Christian Science churches states: “Baptism is an individual spiritual experience. It is not a religious rite or ceremony performed by an ordained minister or priest.”

Church of Divine Science | Invalid baptism.

Congregational Church | Valid baptism.

Episcopalian | Valid baptism.

Evangelical Churches | Valid baptism.

Jehovah’s Witness | Invalid baptism.
Water is used but no Trinitarian formula.

Lutheran Church | Valid baptism.

Methodist Church | Valid baptism.

Liberal Catholic Church | Valid baptism.

Masons | No baptism

Church of the Nazarene
Infants are baptized or dedicated according to the wish of the parents. The form is Trinitarian. The matter is not mentioned. The dedication ceremony is not baptism. Adult baptism is valid.

Old Catholics | Valid baptism.

Pentecostal Churches
Baptism is considered necessary for salvation and is done by immersion. Because a Unitarian formula is used, baptism is invalid.

Polish National Church | Valid baptism.

Presbyterian Church | Valid baptism.

Quakers (Society of Friends) | Invalid baptism.
Enrollment on Sunday school rolls does not mean baptism. The Friends church does not observe baptism as an outward rite, but rather an inward work of God. There are no baptism records. Baptism is spiritual and “in no way strengthened by the application of water.”

Reformed Church in America | Valid baptism.

Salvation Army | No baptism.

St. Augustine Orthodox Catholic Church
This congregation in Round Rock is part of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Catholic Church and the validity of their ordination is in doubt. While their Baptism is valid, anyone who was Chrismated in the church needs to be confirmed when they become a Catholic. They are more closely associated with the Anglican Church.

United Church of Christ (Congregationalist, Evangelist and Reformed Church) | Valid baptism.
Unitarian Universalist Association (Church) Universalists and Unitarians voted to merge in 1960. There is a denial of the Trinity and divinity of Jesus. No valid baptism in either church

PRINT Valid and Recognized Baptisms