Considered the role of the catechist in formulating religious belief. (RK)

Presents a tribute to the late Bishop Francis W. Howard for his many contributions to Catholic education. Presents insights into his character: his desire to spread the Catholic faith through Catholic education, his priestly involvements, his keen social awareness, and his work with the National Catholic Educational Association. (VWC)

Agrees that strong dissent by a teacher with church teachings is undesirable in a high school classroom. Suggests that "reserved dissent" (i.e., admission of personal doubts and concerns not precluding possible assent or appreciation of a doctrine's good points) can be a positive influence and lead to valuable class discussions. (DMM)

Explores changes that have taken place in the Catholic Church's understanding of the concepts of "religion" and "faith." Discusses the effects of these changes on the ministry of religious education. Makes suggestions concerning the development of a suitable environment and atmosphere for approaching religious education within…

Contends that to help children grow up to be people of faith, both parishes and parents have to do more than what was done in past generations. Emphasizes the importance of family catechesis--both the informal catechesis that happens in the home and the formal catechesis that parishes plan and facilitate. (VWC)

Proposes guidelines for Catholic religious educators to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable theological pluralism, and infallible and non-infallible religious teachings. Considers personal theological competence to be essential in dealing with dissenting ideas in the classroom. (DMM)

Contends that Christ's mission to proclaim God's good news of salvation is reaffirmed in the upcoming millennium. States Catholics must help accomplish Christ's mission by answering the baptismal call to missionary work in the community. Lists local and national agencies, dioceses, parishes, and schools that provide mission resources. (11…

Looks at parents as primary educators who teach a living faith to their children. Explores four corollaries for Catholic catechetical leaders and parents: the three-fold role of parents as catechists, balancing catechetical roles and responsibilities in the church, scope of family catechesis, and the need for adult maturity and faith formation.…

Suggests that one place parents can find helpful resources to aid in the faith formation of their children is the parish community. Presents some models that can be used to prepare for faith events, which depend most often on the makeup and vision of each parish community. (VWC)

Asserts that Catholic schools participate fully in the evangelizing mission and "are the privileged environment in which Christian education is carried out." States that the challenge of bringing faith, life, and culture into harmony is a challenge held in the hands of Catholic school administrators. (VWC)

Summarizes the findings of the National Catholic Educational Association's study of Catholic high school teachers' religious beliefs and practices. Compares the religious attitudes of Catholic teachers, American Catholics, and the American public; and differences in religious beliefs among Catholic lay, non-Catholic lay, and religious teachers.…

Looks at the implications of the new millennium in the development of Catholic identity of teachers. Puts forth a Catholic identity paradigm for the educator, and addresses issues of commitment to community-building, lifelong spiritual and religious growth, ongoing professional development, formation of students' spiritualities, and students'…

Describes the creation of the catechetical document, The Catechist in the Third Millennium: Call, Mission, and Formation, which addresses the new urgency and concern for both the quality of catechesis and those who are called to this ministry. Discusses challenges identified in the document and relates the enthusiasm for implementing a new vision.…

Reflects on areas influencing child formation most: home-based activities, school, and the children's social world and their interaction within the community. Explains how parents can establish and teach the primary values that coincide with each of these areas of child development. (VWC)