Reports on a survey of religious vocation awareness education. Lists common strategies and materials that may be used to reverse the trend away from religious careers and reviews selected diocesan religious vocation awareness programs. (DMM)

Describes how coordinators/directors of religious education (DREs) have changed with respect to their characteristics and functions since 1970. Concludes with three future challenges for DREs: maintaining professionalism, developing curriculum, and using the K-12 parish structure. (LWL)

Discusses the General Directory for Catechesis' (GDC) statement that one of the roles rooted in baptism is the responsibility to evangelize, and that everyone involved with the Catholic church should be meeting this responsibility. Explains the GDC's definition of evangelization (to transmit the word of God) and catechesis (to put people in touch…

Narrates the ninety years of leadership involved in the Department of Chief Administrators of Catholic Education (CACE). Outlines the historical development and various leaders of CACE in three parts: section period from 1908-1935, department period from 1936-1971, and CACE period from 1972-present. (VWC)

Outlines an immersion-apprenticeship training model to teach ministers to respond to the needs of young people. Outlines a four-stage process: (1) immersion in youth culture; (2) apprenticeship with a professional youth minister; (3) internship experiences; and (4) commissioning. (DMM)

The author makes a case for Catholic education as the heart of Catholic schools, refuting arguments that this approach is too narrowly sectarian, too insular, and counterproductive to the ecumenical movement. He advocates challenging young people with the message of Catholicism and making the school a Christian community of service. (Author/SJL)

The author explains the background and content of "Catechesi Tradendae," Pope John Paul II's pastoral letter of October 25, 1979, on the goals and methods of Catholic religious education. (SJL)

Assesses the current status of catechesis and religious education in Australian Catholic schools and parishes. Notes recent efforts and offers suggestions for improving religious education in those settings. (DMM)

Describes the development of a video-based training program for the formation and certification of catechists for the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware. Offers information on the need and rationale for the program, the production of the videocassettes and learner's manual, and responses to the program. (DMM)

Traces changes in the content and instructional methods of catechesis from the early centuries of Christianity, when the focus was on evangelization, to the twentieth century. Reviews the influences of developmental psychology and social consciousness on modern catechetical renewal. Considers the educational needs of the twenty-first century. (DMM)

Reviews recommendations put forth in "The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis: Maturing in Faith." Enumerates principles related to the development of a personal faith and Catholic identity in adolescence, stressing respect for variability in maturation rates and learning needs and the need for variety in learning formats, environments,…

Presents an interview with Dr. Robert J. Kealey, an executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association, and an advocate for Catholic schools and educational choice. Explores the growth of National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools, and discusses the vital public policy issues facing Catholic schools. (VWC)

Describes a survey conducted by the National Catholic Education Association on how to better serve the needs of religious teachers, catechists, and those involved in faith formation. Reports that, according to 655 respondents (46% response rate), the most important initiatives are those related to catechesis; items related to standards and…

Reports on New Jersey Catholic schools celebrating and demonstrating the meaning of the Gospel. States that each Catholic school in New Jersey made an 8.5"x11" puzzle showcasing current outreach service activities, and that each diocese displayed the puzzles for Catholic Schools Week. Lists outreach activities being performed by the…

Reports that the Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (ACRE), which looks at content and technical properties of Catholic education, is being revised. Provides a projected time line for the revision process and states that the new version will be available for the 2001-2002 school year. Asserts that schools need to be ready to make the…