​​​​​​​Introduction

In "The Catholic Vision of Education ," Archbishop José H. Gomez describes the dynamic mission of Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese:  "Catholic education is the Church's future. It is also the key to our society's future. . . . Our Catholic vision always calls us to see deeper — and to give more of ourselves in love. Our Catholic vision always calls us to see with the loving eyes of Jesus; with the eyes of God." The Catholic school is unique because it is an academic community within a religious community. As a school it is a community of learners and teachers, administrators and parents/guardians, staff and resource people. At the same time, it is a faith community of young Christians and adults. where Christ the Teacher is present among them.  A Catholic school always has a twofold purpose: learning and believing. It is exemplary when the school blends these well. 

In the Archd iocese of Los Angeles , Catholic schools serve students from preschool through high school. Each local school is unique in its charism, foundation, and culture. All schools promote "knowledge of the faith, liturgical education, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, and missionary spirit." General Directory for Catechesis, 87 . All schools are committed to providing an academic education that integrates Catholic values across the curriculum. In light of the great gift and contribution of Catholic education, Archbishop Gomez has expressed his strong commitment to "make sure that our schools are open to every family and every child in our city. No matter who they are. No matter where they come from, or how they got here. No matter how much money they have." (The Catholic Vision of Education, Archbishop Gomez: August 23, 2013).   

Catholic School Communities

Catholic schools are communities of faith and faith formation. They are committed to developing faith-filled, morally aware, and academically strong individuals who are of service to the Church and society.

Catholic schools provide a Catholic education that illuminates academic teaching with Christian principles and prepares students to see Christ in others by the development of their talents. Catholic schools emphasize the importance of faith in the life of the individual and of morality as the life-giving principle that guides students to become self-giving, responsible citizens and leaders.

Jesus Christ gives a transcendent meaning to human existence and this spiritual dimension should inform the intellectual journey of the human person. 

With the support of the Department of Catholic Schools , faculty, parents/guardians, alumni, parishioners, consultative boards, and the community, Catholic schools:

·         Educate and form  the whole person spiritually, academically, socially, and physically

·         Promote the dialogue among faith, reason, and culture

·         Build community through the celebration of the Church's liturgical life

·         Defend the goodness, dignity, value, and freedom of each person

·         Foster awareness of moral and social concerns

·         Develop leaders for the community

Students from all faith traditions, cultures, and economic backgrounds are welcome and invited to collaborate in fulfilling the mission. All those who quest for truth contribute to and enhance the community. 

The goals of the religion program in the Catholic school are to provide an environment for students to encounter Jesus Christ, to form students in the Christian faith, and to provide students with the opportunity to learn about and experience the Church's teachings and practices in an academic setting. Since Christian education and formation is carried out in a community, the entire faculty and staff are responsible for carrying out this goal. Members from all school departments form a faith-based community with students, not only in the classroom and in other school activities but also in planning and implementing the school's various religious activities and events. In this area, the religion department and campus minister together with other faculty, staff and school administrators provide ministerial leadership and support.

Faith Formation

In a Catholic school all students have the privilege and the obligation to participate in religious instruction. Teachers have the privilege and responsibility to provide all students with an encounter with Christ and instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice.  This whole process calls for witness to the way of Christ as found in Scripture and Catholic Church teaching. As teachers promote knowledge of Scripture and sacred tradition, they seek to create an environment conducive to Christ on campus and in the classroom, and to impart what will form the students' foundational understanding of doctrine, moral decision-making, discernment of vocation, forms of worship and service, and involvement in the Christian community of faith. In elementary schools, teachers are required to become certified catechists.  Schools, especially junior high schools and high schools, may also designate certain members of the faculty to become more specialized religion teachers.

All students whether Catholic or non-Catholic are required to be enrolled in a religion course for a grade/credit each semester. As appropriate, schools may offer an introductory preparation class for students who have no experience with formal religious structures or vocabulary.  Students who are not Roman Catholic participate in liturgies and other sacramental programs in a manner that respects their religious traditions and recognizes that they are not Roman Catholic. Should students from a non-Catholic background or who have no formal religious background express an interest in joining the Roman Catholic faith, their parents/guardians must participate directly in the discussion and, as a general matter, any decision would be postponed until adulthood and after high school graduation.

The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (Lumen Gentium, 11). 

"The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324).

Liturgy celebrated properly in the school setting prepares students to participate in the liturgical life of their parish. The School Mass Guidelines and Planning Sheet for school liturgies aids campus ministers and students involved in liturgy preparation.

The administration, faculty, and students are to share in a school celebration of the Eucharist at least monthly. In addition, school communities are expected to offer the celebration of Mass as a school community on Holy Days of Obligation when those fall on a school day. To the extent possible, staff members are invited to participate in these celebrations. Liturgical preparation should involve cooperative planning by the celebrant and representatives of the school community. Faculty and students are to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation periodically and in particular during Advent and Lent. Although preparation for the sacrament of confirmation is specifically a parish program, the school is to make every effort to encourage and support students and their parents/guardians to participate in their parish confirmation program.

Additional Practices (Mass, Prayer, Other Liturgies)

"Community is at the heart of Christian Education not simply as a concept to be taught but as a reality to be lived" (To Teach as Jesus Did: A Pastoral Message on Catholic Education, 23).

Although the responsibility for spiritual and moral leadership rests with the principal and, where applicable, the president and/or head of school, these administrators must be able to rely on a unity of conviction and purpose in the entire faculty if a genuine community of faith is to be achieved. Religious activities at the elementary school level level are paramount in fostering this community climate in schools, in the gospel spirit of freedom and love.

Every elementary school designates a religion coordinator. The elementary school religion coordinator, appointed and supported by the principal, helps create, promote, and oversee multiple opportunities for prayer, liturgy, celebration of sacraments, retreats, peer ministry, and Christian service programs. The active involvement and cooperation of faculty and students support these endeavors. ​

Sacraments

Philosophy and Goals

Through forming a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, elementary school-age children build a strong foundation for lifelong discipleship.

It is essential that parish and school programs for elementary school-age children create a nurturing community for households to grow in faith, providing opportunities for conversion and formation not only for the child but also for the entire household.

As children mature, ongoing catechesis is needed to help them observe, explore, interpret, and judge their experiences; ascribe Christian meaning to their lives; and act according to the norms of faith and love. The truths of our faith should be presented at every age with age-appropriate methodology to allow for an ever deepening understanding and growth in lived faith.

Experiential learning in the Christian way of life includes participation in the life of the entire faith community as an important part of children's faith formation; households, parishes, schools, and the faith community all have essential roles in the catechesis of the young.

Preparing a Catechetical Program

Preparation is a necessary part of any catechetical model, whether in the Catholic parish or school. Models for catechesis should flow directly from the specific catechetical needs of the community and aim to achieve the tasks of catechesis.

Catechetical preparation for elementary school age children should include:

• Examining the social, cultural, ethnic, and religious situation of the parish, as these change over time
• Building awareness that liturgy is the source and summit of parish life
• "[Bringing] about a conversion to Christ that leads to a profession of faith in a Triune God and to a genuine personal surrender to him. It helps believers to become disciples and to discern the vocation in which God is calling them" (National Directory for Catechesis , 28.B)
• Focusing on the formation of the entire household

In designing a program based on the catechetical needs of a parish or school for elementary school age children, some possibilities include:

• Home-based catechesis
• Family nights
• Parent/guardian meetings
• Lectionary-based catechesis
• Intergenerational assemblies
• Sacramental preparation
• Retreats
• Community service opportunities
• Ritual celebrations of liturgical seasons
• Prayer services
• Special Mass celebrations
• Reconciliation services
• Vacation Bible school
• Bible study
• Small Christian communities

Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and the Eucharist

Sacramental preparation for baptized children assumes that the children have begun a journey of discipleship in their family life: coming to know, believe, and become the person of Jesus in the world. This relationship is strengthened by celebrating God's mercy and forgiveness and the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist with their faith community.

With a strong belief in lifelong faith formation, a minimum of two consecutive years of catechetical formation is required for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Although the reception of both sacraments usually occurs during elementary school-age faith formation in the parish of school, readiness, not chronological age or school grade, will determine a child's preparedness to encounter Christ in a sacramental celebration. This decision of readiness rests with the parents/guardians and the child in dialogue with the catechist, the pastor/administrator or his delegate, and the catechetical leadership of the parish. This process affirms the fact that the child celebrating the sacraments is involved communally as well as individually in their encounter with Christ.

Parents/guardians have a right and duty to be intimately involved in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. It is the role of the parish and the school to help parents/guardians grow in their understanding and appreciation of the sacraments in order to be able to participate readily in catechizing their children by their witness at home.

The Church must affirm the role of parents/guardians as primary religious educators (the domestic church) and include the whole parish and school community in the initiation of members into the fullness of the Catholic tradition. The Church must meet people where they are and provide opportunities for conversation and conversion and thus make connections between life and faith. All sacraments are parish-centered celebrations.

Preparation Specific to the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Christ's healing and reconciling ministry is carried on in the Church. God's unconditional love and mercy is offered though the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this Sacrament, the faithful express the desire to be at peace with God and with their brothers and sisters. "Catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to precede First Communion and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation" (National Directory for Catechesis, 36.B.2).

Catechesis for the first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation should help children to:

• Acknowledge God's unconditional love and mercy
• Turn to Christ and the Church for sacramental forgiveness and reconciliation at any time on their faith journey
• Recognize the presence of good and evil in the world, recognize  their personal capacity for both, and develop skill for the discernment of good moral choices
• Recognize their need for forgiveness, not only from parents/guardians and others close to them, but from God
• Explore the meaning of the symbols, gestures, prayers, and scriptures of the sacrament of reconciliation
• Understand how to celebrate the Sacrament
  
  "[P]arents and the parish catechetical leader, together with the pastor, are responsible for determining when children are ready to receive First Penance and Reconciliation. Readiness for reception of this sacrament includes knowledge of the person of Jesus and the Gospel message of forgiveness, knowledge of sin and its effect, and understanding and experience of sorrow, forgiveness and conversion….[P]arents should be involved in the preparation of their children for this sacrament so that they can affirm and reinforce frequent participation in the sacraments. They orient the child toward God and encourage continual growth in the understanding of God's mercy and love….Since conversion is a lifelong process, catechesis for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is ongoing. Children have a right to a fuller catechesis each year" (National Directory for Catechesis, 36.B.2).
  
  

Preparation Specific to the Sacrament of Eucharist

"Since the Eucharist is the 'source and summit of Christian life,' catechesis for the Eucharist recognizes it as the heart of Christian life for the whole Church, for the dioceses and parishes, and for each individual Christian." (National Directory for Catechesis, 36). Preparation for children to receive the Sacrament begins at home, because the family communicates the basic Christian and human values that help children understand the meaning of the Eucharist for themselves.

Catechesis in preparation for the first reception of the Eucharist should:

• Teach that the Eucharist is the living memorial of Christ's sacrifice for the salvation of all -- the commemoration of his last meal with his disciples and his living presence in the world
• Teach not only the truths of faith regarding the Eucharist but also how from First Communion on, they as full members of Christ's body can take part actively with the people of God in the Eucharist, sharing in the Lord's table and the community of their brothers and sisters
• Ensure that the baptized have been prepared, according to their capacity for the Sacrament of Penance prior to their first Communion
• Develop in children an understanding of the Father's love, their participation in the sacrifice of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit for their missionary activity
• Teach that essential signs of the Eucharistic sacrament are bread and wine, on which the power of the Holy Spirit is invoked and over which the priest pronounces the words of consecration spoken first by Jesus during the Last Supper
• Teach that the Holy Eucharist is the real body and blood of Christ and that what appear to be bread and wine are actually his living body
• Teach the difference between the Eucharist and ordinary bread
• Teach the meaning of reception of the Holy Eucharist under both species of bread and wine
• Help children to participate actively and consciously in the Mass to become witnesses of Christ
• Help children to receive Christ's body and blood in an informed and reverent manner

As with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, "Parents/guardians and the parish catechetical leader, together with the pastor/administrator, are responsible for determining when children have attained the age of reason and are ready to receive First Communion. . . . Parents have the right and duty to be involved in preparing their children for first Communion. The catechesis offered should help parents grow in their own understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and enable them to catechize their children more effectively" (National Directory for Catechesis, 36.A.3.3a).

Catechetical Materials and Resources for Elementary School-Age Children

Catechetical materials for elementary school-age children should be adapted to the stages of intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical development of the students. Properly sequenced programs present the Christian message and the history of the Church's response to it in a manner appropriate to each age level. Using appropriate media and methodology, these programs should give satisfactory emphasis to:

• Doctrine
• Moral content
• Efforts to develop community and multicultural awareness
• Worship
• Service of the faith community and society at large

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  approves textbooks for appropriate use of the catechism. Since the Catechism of the Catholic Church  was published in 1992, all publishers submit their materials for review by the Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism within the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Materials published since 1995 will contain a statement such as the following:

"The Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, has found this catechetical text to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church."

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Elementary Catechesis Division reviews textbooks (as requested by publishers) based on six categories: content, age appropriateness, process/activities, catechist formation/resources, layout/look of the book and cultural diversity.

If you have questions regarding materials for elementary school-age children, contact the Elementary Division of the Office of Religious Education and the Department of Catholic Schools.

Religious Curriculum

Canonical Authority of the Diocesan Bishop

In accordance with canon law, the archbishop exercises full authority over the religious instruction and formation programs in all Catholic schools of his archdiocese, including both schools of the archdiocese and schools in the archdiocese that are owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards. The authority of the bishop extends to but is not limited to the content of the religion curriculum, the hiring of teachers of religion, the visitation of schools, and the use of the title "Catholic school." The archbishop may exercise this authority in person or through designated delegates such as the superintendent(s) from the Department of Catholic Schools.

Textbooks, Teaching Materials, Resources, and Content of Instruction

Textbooks, other teaching materials, and resources are chosen on the basis of sound doctrine, attention to both cognitive and affective domains, continuity with the program of instruction, and adequacy in meeting the needs and capabilities of the students in the particular school.

All religion textbooks are to have the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop s Subcommittee on the Catechism. Other materials and resources used by teachers are to meet the same standards as textbooks with regard to sound doctrine and appropriateness for students.

The content of instruction must conform to the authentic teaching of the Church as summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic Church   and must clearly distinguish defined doctrine from personal opinion and theological interpretation. It will stress the relevance of religious truths and principles to the personal lives and daily concerns of the students.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age guides the written course outlines that must be developed and followed for each high school course. Course outlines are to be framework-based and not textbook-based.

Please see the foundational catechetical documents.

Western Catholic Educational Association Catholic Identity Standards

All schools, whether archdiocesan, parish, or those owned and operated by religious orders, institutes, or governing boards, are required to meet the following Catholic identity standards from the accrediting agency for archdiocesan elementary schools, the Western Catholic Educational Association (Improving Student Learning, 2012 ed., p. 41; Ensuring Educational E xcellence , 20 14  ed., p. 10 [click on 1-WCEA E3 2014 Protocol.pdf ]):

·         The school has a mission statement and philosophy statement that indicates the integration of the Catholic faith in all aspects of the school's life.

·         The school provides regular opportunities for the school community to experience prayer and the sacraments.

·         The school has a religion curriculum and instruction that is faithful to Catholic Church teachings and meets the requirements as set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

·         The local ordinary approves those who teach the Catholic faith (Canon 805) and there is ongoing formation for catechetical and instructional competence.

·         The school maintains an active partnership with parents/guardians whose fundamental concern is the spiritual and academic education of their children (Canon 796).

·         The school has a service-oriented outreach to the Church and civic community after the example of Jesus Christ, who said, "I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you" (Jn 13:15).

·         The school uses signs, sacramentals, traditions, and rituals of the Catholic Church.

·         All school personnel are actively engaged in bringing the good news of Jesus into the total educational experience.

Elementary School Curriculum

Implementing these standards and evaluating and setting goals is a yearly task of the elementary school in a manner that is consistent with the curriculum standards set by the Department of Catholic Schools.

Curriculum components include:

·         The Profession of Faith

·         The Celebration of the Christian Mystery/The Seven Sacraments of the Church

·         Life in Christ; Man's/Woman's Vocation: Life in the Spirit

·         Christian Prayer; Prayer in the Christian Life

These components are based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

High School Curriculum

All high school students are expected to enroll in a religion class each semester. The national core curriculum for teaching religion to high school students, approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 2007, guides the religious instruction within each archdiocesan, parish, and private high school within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles . All high schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are required to follow the United States  Conference of Catholic Bishops sequence of courses as stated below:  

Class time, assignments, and accountability for religion classes are comparable to that of all academic areas. Specifically, 

Campus Ministry

"Community is at the heart of Christian Education not simply as a concept to be taught but as a reality to be lived" (To Teach as Jesus Did: A Pastoral Message on Catholic Education, 23).

Although the responsibility for spiritual and moral leadership rests with the principal and, where applicable, the president and/or head of school, these administrators must be able to rely on a unity of conviction and purpose in the entire faculty if a genuine community of faith is to be achieved. Religious activities at the elementary school level and campus ministry at the high school level are paramount in fostering this community climate in schools, in the gospel spirit of freedom and love.

Every elementary school designates a religion coordinator. Every high school designates a campus minister who oversees a campus ministry program. The elementary school religion coordinator, high school campus minister , and high school campus ministry team, appointed and supported by the principal, help create, promote, and oversee multiple opportunities for prayer, liturgy, celebration of sacraments, retreats, peer ministry, and Christian service programs. The active involvement and cooperation of faculty and students support these endeavors. 

​

Retreat

The retreat experience is intended as an effective means of evangelization and spiritual development of both faculty and students. The principal, elementary school religion coordinator, or high school campus ministry team, as applicable, determines the type and number of retreat experiences that best meet the needs of the particular school community.

At least one full-day retreat for the faculty  is scheduled each year in a location conducive to prayer and reflection. Annual retreats for eighth graders are encouraged; all high school students are expected to participate in an annual retreat. Elementary schools may provide a variety of retreat experiences for all students.