New Catechesis Classes

The Augustine Institute is pleased to announce new classes for its Evangelization and Catechesis concentration. 

These new Catechesis and Leadership courses will begin to be implemented in the fall semester 2011 on-campus and in the following years for distance education.

Course Descriptions

CATE 601: Augustine and the Renewal of Catechesis (2 credit hrs)

St. Augustine is one of the foremost catechists in the history of the Church. His life, writings, and ministry embody both the content and methods necessary for successful catechesis. This course will cover the major events of Augustine’s life, the general points of his theology, and his methodology for catechesis. It will also examine modern catechesis, particularly in the way in which it is at variance with Augustinian catechesis and the way in which St. Augustine may assist in a renewal of catechesis today.

CATE 604: The Baptismal Catechumenate and Parish Ministries (2 credit hrs)

The General Directory for Catechesis states that the baptismal catechumenate is the model for all catechesis. This course will examine the structure and content of the ancient baptismal catechumenate, its decline, and modern revival. It will also examine the particular ways the baptismal catechumenate relates to various parish ministries and methods for integrating it more fully in catechesis as a whole.

CATE 606: The Divine Pedagogy and Catechetical Methodologies (2 credit hrs)

The General Directory for Catechesis makes clear that catechesis needs its own particular mode of teaching, namely a pedagogy of faith. This pedagogy is both related to and distinct from general pedagogical methods. Most importantly is modeled on God’s own teaching, the Divine Pedagogy. This course will study the Divine Pedagogy, general theories of pedagogy, and methods for catechists to implement the pedagogy of faith in their own catechesis.

CATE 607: Magisterial Principles and Catechetical Curriculum (2 credit hrs)

The primary responsibility for catechesis resides in the Magisterium of the Church, with whom the laity cooperate in their catechetical service. This course examines the most important magisterial documents on evangelization and catechesis and how they provide guidance in selecting and implementing a catechetical curriculum.

CATE 609: Leadership, Culture, and the New Evangelization (2 credit hrs)

This course examines leadership for the new evangelization, particularly in relation to modern culture. It presents the dispositions and skills needed for effective leadership. It also examines the nature of culture, the New Evangelization, and how the two are related. Spiritual, educational, and pastoral approaches are studied in order to equip leaders for the New Evangelization. The course concludes with a consideration of methods to build a Christian culture.