This connection between the RCIA and Confirmation preparation of baptised youth is not new or original. Some authors, most notably Thomas Zanzig (through St Mary’s Press), have already published entire Confirmation programs incorporating these insights. I myself have used Zanzig’s material, namely, the Confirmed in a Faithful Community (CFC) series quite extensively.

Yet CFC, while very well presented and comprehensive, is not without its problems.

Firstly, it is addressed to an American audience and the language used could be quite difficult for youth for whom English is not a first language.

Secondly, the program is costly. There is a lot to buy and on top of this, the publishers sometimes produce new editions and phase out older ones.

Thirdly, in some instances, Zanzig mentions theological opinion that goes beyond magisterial teaching. The danger is that readers (especially easily-influenced teenagers), may take contested theological opinion as defined doctrine. Theological opinion has its place, but it is not in a catechetical text.¹

The Office for the Catechism of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publishes a helpful listing² of catechetical texts and programs judged to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). This listing, while useful, only provides an assurance that the content of the program is in conformity with the CCC. As noted on the USCCB website, “It makes no judgment regarding methodology. Therefore, the conformity approval given to catechetical materials does not constitute an overall endorsement of any specific series by the bishop’s Conference.”³ It also relies on publishers to submit their texts or programs for review. While the USCCB list is a useful starting point in evaluating programs for adoption, it should not be taken as the final word. More sharing and exchanges with other dioceses across the English-speaking world may help uncover other excellent programs which we could either adapt or adopt.

What to do?

So a lot of work remains to be done. First of all, parishes must make a prayerful discernment together on whether or not to adopt a four year program. It would be reckless to insist that every parish adopt the program without first ensuring it is suitably equipped with resources. And we’re not just talking about money, rooms and equipment, but far more importantly, about having people truly committed to the ministry of catechesis.

Then, we⁴ need to draft a well-thought-out program that local parishes can use no matter which program duration they choose. It should really address the needs of our young people and continually updated to keep pace with the changing needs of our culture and our society. This need not mean completely eschewing the use of imported programs, but could include a list of recommended resources from a variety of sources.

Of course, this would imply additional programs to vastly improve the training of catechists (it will be necessary to take their formation to a deeper level, going beyond teaching methodologies, to the conversion of hearts and minds) and to educate married couples, especially parents, to see themselves as leaders of the domestic church so that the catechesis of Sunday School will not just stop when the classes end.

It all seems like common sense really. If, in our secular education system, we are willing to make the sacrifices and put up with a whole slew of changes, why aren’t we prepared to do the same with regards to the faith formation of our children? If we really regard our Catholic faith as the greatest treasure we can pass on to our children by having them baptised as infants, then we must see that this treasure is not tarnished by neglect and indifference during their formative years.

What do you think of Chris Ow’s article? Send your e-mails to theprompt@catholic.org

This article originally appeared in The Threshold of Hope, a blog for young, thinking Catholics.

Christopher Ow is a teacher by profession and has been involved in ministry with and to young people for as long as he can remember. A catechist since 1998, he firmly believes that education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children, and that sound catechesis is truly the gift of a(n eternal) lifetime.