CAT - Catechetics Course Descriptions

CAT 120 The Catechist and Missionary Evangelization

Will provide foundational material for further work in catechetics and evangelization. Based on key catechetical documents, this course will help students to understand the identity and role of the catechist, together with the basic content and methodology of catechesis in the service of the Church’s ministry of evangelization. A particular focus of this course is the spiritual life of the catechist, including a study of Part IV of the Catechism, on prayer. This course will also analyzes the role of the catechist in relation to the universal Church and the local parish through a detailed study of Christifidelis Laici. Finally, this course willgive an overview of topics and challenges pertinent to professional catechetical ministry. Students will be provided with opportunities to formally address the class.

3

Prerequisites

THE 101

CAT 180 Art of Catechetical Speaking

Is a course that teaches students how to always present doctrine in reference to the love that never ends." Students will study basic speech communication skills, discover ways to make Scripture "come alive, and be given many opportunities to give catechetical presentations. This class is also an excellent opportunity for students who struggle with speaking anxiety. The course is graded as Pass/Fail.

3

Prerequisites

For CAT majors only.

CAT 190 Introduction to Sign Language I

Is designed to introduce students to American Sign Language. The students will develop a basic sign language vocabulary, with the ability to form simple sentences, as well as common phrases and some idioms. They will also learn about the characteristics of the deaf community in the United States.

1

CAT 191 Introduction to Sign Language II

Is a continuation of Introduction to Sign Language I. The students will add to their sign vocabulary, progressing to storytelling. In addition, students will receive an introduction to American Sign Language grammar. They will also gain a deeper knowledge of the deaf community.

1

CAT 204 The Church's Vision of Catechetics

This course will provide a survey of the history, methods, content and contemporary practice of handing on the faith, inspired by God’s pedagogy of revelation and the response of faith, for the purpose of familiarizing future catechists with the mind of the Church concerning catechesis. Essential catechetical documents of the Church will be studied for the purpose of providing an understanding of the nature and scope of catechetics while establishing a basis for further catechetical study. An introduction to catechetical methodology will include certain post-Conciliar methodologies that interfere with the delivery of the Deposit of Faith and the conversion of those being catechized. Typical deficiencies in catechetical materials will be discussed. Finally, the content of catechesis will be addressed by introducing the technique of analyzing doctrine for effective delivery. Thus the content will be studied as well as its application. 

3

Prerequisites

Pre/Co-requisite: CAT 120. For CAT majors only.

Cross Listed Courses

CAT 517

CAT 207 Introduction to Music Ministry

Introduction to Music Ministry examines both theoretical and practical applications for music ministry within the Catholic Church, in both liturgical and non-liturgical environments. This course exposes the student to a wide variety of experts in the field of Catholic music ministry. Numerous musical genres will be studied so that a student may learn to draw from the richness of the Catholic musical tradition as well as incorporate contemporary expressions of Christian praise and worship. It will also address basic music fundamentals necessary to be effective in music ministry.

3

CAT 301 Catechetical Content and Curriculum

Will address the content of catechesis, the Deposit of Faith, especially as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It will explore magisterial guidance on the characteristics of the content, its integrity, organic unity, and the need for its systematic delivery. Kerygmatic catechesis will be presented as the delivery system for doctrine. The right ordering of catechetical material will be presented and exercise in the development of curricula for a variety of catechetical ministries such as Catholic schools, youth ministry, Christian initiation, and others will be provided. Finally, the process of analyzing doctrine for the purpose of delivering it more effectively will be explained and demonstrated for various individual doctrines.

3

Prerequisites

CAT 204. For CAT majors only.

CAT 302 Scriptural Foundations of Catechetics

Teaches students to see how Catholic doctrine is driven by Scripture, and how to effectively use the Bible in catechesis. Students will get a catechetical overview of Scripture and be challenged to come up with creative ways to use Scripture in different catechetical settings.

3

Prerequisites

CAT 204. For CAT majors only.

CAT 303 Catechetical Saints: History of Evangelizing Culture

Will offer a deeper understanding of the content, method, and inculturation of evangelization and catechesis through the lives of the saints who spent their lives engaged in handing on the faith. By examining these saints within the context of the 2000 year history of the Church, the students will gain a more profound understanding of the richness of the catechetical endeavor and come to know these catechetical saints as models of holiness.

3

Prerequisites

CAT 204 and CAT 301. For CAT majors only.

CAT 304 Catechumenate: Conversion and Christian Initiation

Will examine the catechumenal model as the paradigm for all catechesis, and the way in which the stages of evangelization correspond to and are informed by the periods of the RCIA process.  Students will come to understandthe pedagogy of God according to its pastoral, catechetical, and liturgical dimensions.  The nature and means of conversion will be analyzed in light ofthe initiation sacraments in general and the explicit desire for baptism in particular.  Finally, the course will explore the restoration of the catechumenate in the Second Vatican Council in light of the twentieth century catechetical renewal and the ancient catechumenate. 

3

CAT 305 Teaching Scripture in a Catechetical Framework

Has a two-fold objective. First, the course explains the four-fold framework for teaching Scripture to conversion and biblical catechesis: 1) A Theology of Revelation, the horizontal foundation; 2) A Divine Pedagogy of Salvation History, one side of the framework rising out of the foundations; 3) The Interpretation of the Senses of Scripture, the other vertical side of the framework; 4) Theologia (Mystery) and Oikonomia (Story) the capstone of the framework, the narratio" of biblical salvation history. Second, the course teaches the skills for teaching to conversion and biblical catechesis and exercises the student in these skills."

3

CAT 309 New Evangelization

This course will examine the origins, content and implications of the new evangelization based on Scripture, the Second Vatican Council, post-conciliar ecclesiastical documents, and contemporary theological commentaries. The pastoral dimensions of the new evangelization will be analyzed with a particular emphasis on the pedagogy of God, the process and limits of inculturation, the central role of the family, and the ‘new movements’ that buttress and support parish life. Students will focus on the spiritual life as the essential basis for proclaiming the Gospel with new ardor, methods, and expression. Finally, students will review the obstacles of the new evangelization, including universalism, various forms of relativism, and the false dichotomy between faith and reason.

3

CAT 310 Parish and Personal Evangelization

Will explore the dynamics of the Church’s mission of evangelization, particularly as it applies to every baptized Catholic on the personal level and to every Catholic parish in the lived expression of its community life. Students will gain an understanding of the central Gospel Message, the kerygma, “the Mystery of Christ,” and how it may be fruitfully shared with others. Strategies and best practices in parish evangelization will be explored, engaging questions of how a parish can nourish the faith of its members while also reaching out to those who are indifferent, searching, or “fallen away.” Anchoring ourselves on the vision of evangelization set forth by Saint Paul VI, Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, and the U.S. bishops, this course will help students develop a confidence in sharing the Gospel Message and the abilities necessary to help a parish embrace its missionary identity.

3

CAT 311 Foundations of Catholic Youth Ministry

Identifies the basic principles of ministering to youth (ages 12-18) as set forth by the National Conference of Catholic Bishop's document, Renewing the Vision." The class studies the history of the youth culture and youth ministry, especially as it pertains to the United States. Students in the class will learn about techniques for evangelizing teens, how to systematically catechize through youth ministry settings, and will review various national Catholic youth ministry programs."

3

CAT 312 Youth Ministry Methods

Provides students the opportunity to give numerous presentations and prepare actionable plans in the field of youth ministry. The class will study large and small group meetings, retreats, discussion groups, and volunteer development, as well as building a comprehensive, multi-year program for youth that would get them involved in service experiences and leadership opportunities.
3

Prerequisites

CAT 311

CAT 400 Catechetical Internship

Is a work-experience opportunity with the purpose of expanding education by applying accumulated knowledge in catechesis. The availability of internships is limited to upper-level students, normally seniors with a 3.0 quality point average. Students are approved individually by the academic department. A contract can be obtained from the Career Planning and Services Office in Starvaggi Hall. Internships count as general electives.

3

Prerequisites

For CAT majors only. Internships must be preapproved.

CAT 401 Catechetical Methods I: Teaching and Discipleship

Will introduce the methodological principles of evangelistic catechesis that fosters Christian discipleship. This course will build teaching proficiency by examining principles such as: Christian anthropology and human learning as applicable to faith development, the selection of methods suited to communicating content, fruitful use of memorization, the proper role of experience, and the methodological vision of St. John Bosco. Students will build essential teaching skills such as writing objectives, lesson planning, storytelling, and related techniques needed by the catechist. 

3

Prerequisites

CAT 301. For CAT majors only.

CAT 402 Catechetical Methods II: Beauty and Liturgy

Will build upon the methodological foundation established in CAT 401 by considering two essential elements of the Catholic worldview and their impact on how we teach: beauty as a way to God and the liturgy as the locus of maximum encounter with God. Students will prepare to teach the content of the Faith in ways that make manifest its beauty (most notably by employing art, music, literature, and film) and by drawing upon the ritual texts of the Church’s liturgy—both of which are essential to a Catholic way of teaching and making disciples. Students will continue to grow in proficiency in lesson planning, oral presentation skills, and in the thoughtful engagement of methodological trends prevalent in the Church today. 

3

Prerequisites

CAT 401. For CAT majors only.

CAT 405 Catechetical Ministries in the Church

Presents a survey of the elements and the content for each area of catechetical ministries in the Church, such as teaching in Catholic schools, RCIA, adult faith formation, parish catechetical programs, youth ministry, campus ministry, and others

3

Prerequisites

CAT 401. For CAT major only.

CAT 410 Professional Leadership in Youth Ministry

Is focused on preparing a student for full-time professional work in the field of youth ministry. In addition to developing deeper insight into ways of ministering to youth (based on the principles studied in Youth Ministry I Foundations of Catholic Youth Ministry ), this course also looks at recruiting and developing volunteers, dealing with teens in crisis situations, and the common challenges youth ministers face when working in parish and diocesan environments. Enrollment is restricted to students in the Youth Ministry Concentration.

3

Prerequisites

CAT 310 and CAT 311. For CAT majors in the Youth Ministry Concentration only.

CAT 412 Youth Ministry Internship

Is an opportunity for students to experience the many facets of full-time professional youth ministry and discern whether or not this ministry is right for them. Students are required to do a six-week internship at a Catholic parish that has a full-time youth minister and an active youth ministry program.

3

Prerequisites

For CAT majors only.

CAT 415 Management and Administration in the Parish and Diocese

Is designed to be proximate preparation for entry into the professional catechetical field. This course will be a survey of administrative, management, personal and public relations, leadership, policy, legal, and professional development topics from a Gospel perspective for the purpose of facilitating a successful transition to a parish or diocesan position within the Church.

3

Prerequisites

Senior status

CAT 420 Catechetics Practicum

Is designed to assist students in the proximate preparation for entrance into the professional catechetical field. This class meets once a week for discussion and practical application (doctrinal and pastoral) of the theoretical content and methods learned in the theology and catechetics courses. The majority of the credit hours are earned through the assigned catechetical fieldwork. This course will expose students to actual catechetical opportunities in local Catholic schools and parish based ministries such as PSR, junior high and high school youth group, RCIA and other adult education opportunities.

2

Prerequisites

CAT 401

CAT 430 Teaching Religion in a Catholic School

Will apply the principles of catechesis specifically to the high school classroom setting. Students will learn to teach for understanding of the Mystery of Christ and for conversion to the person of Christ through discussion and practical assignments related to the following topics: (1) The Church's vision of the mission of a Catholic school; (2) Crafting lesson plans, assignments, and tests, for students of varied abilities and learning styles; (3) Developing classroom management policies and procedures; (4) Navigating relationships with students, parents, faculty, administration and parish/diocese.

3

Prerequisites

CAT 401

CAT 434 Senior Thesis

Is the capstone experience for the CAT major. Students may choose between doing a scholarly thesis paper on a catechetical topic, or doing an in-depth catechetical presentation. This paper/presentation should be reflective of the particular field of catechetics in which the student would like to do ministry.

1

Prerequisites

CAT 401

CAT 435 Senior Seminar

Is the capstone experience for the CAT major. Students may choose between doing a scholarly thesis paper on a catechetical topic, or doing an in-depth catechetical presentation. This paper/presentation should be reflective of the particular field of catechetics in which the student would like to do ministry.

1

Prerequisites

CAT 401