What is the right age to receive Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confirmation?
- According to The Code of Canon Law First Holy Communion can be given to a child at the age of discretion. This is what The Code of Canon Law says: “A minor before the completion of the seventh year is called an infant and is considered not responsible for oneself (non sui compos). With the completion of the seventh year, however, a minor is presumed to have the use of reason” (CCL, 97 §2).
Historically this is based on the Decree of the Sacred Congregation of the Discipline of the Sacraments on First Communion, (which was approved and published under the title of “Quam Singulari” by Pope Pius X – in the 1910) which sets out that the age of discretion should be considered to be around seven years of age (Ref. Quam Singulari no. 2).
In the Archdiocese of Delhi, the appropriate age for confirmation is 13 years of age or above (Cf. Pastoral Guidelines and Regulations for the Life and Ministry of the Diocesan Priets-2005, Archdiocese of Delhi, p. 13).
But in danger of death sacraments of initiation will be administered on request even before they attain the age of reason.
What is the use of Communion / Confirmation certificates in future?
There is no official First Holy Communion or Confirmation Certificates. The certificates that are given on the day of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are only for ceremonial purposes. After the Confirmation, information is sent to the place of baptism of the candidates so that the confirmation date can be entered in the baptism register. Later whenever the candidate goes to receive the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders, he or she will be asked to bring the baptism certificate in which there will be mention of Confirmation date.
After receiving Sacrament of Holy Communion in class 5, children attend classes occasionally in the subsequent academic years.
This is not a common issue. This is found only in 10-15 % of the catechism children. Catechesis is an education in the faith of children with a view to initiating them into the fullness of Christian life (cf. CCC 5). If this awareness is given to the parents and children appropriately the problem can be controlled slowly.
What is the duration of Catechetical Year (for catechism classes)?
It is decided by the respective diocese. In the Archdiocese of Delhi, the catechetical year for the Parishes begins in the month of July and ends with Annual Catechetical Day Celebrations the following year (in April). In the Catholic Schools it is from the month of April to July of the following year.
Who is a catechism teacher?
A catechism teacher can be a lay person, priest, religious, deacon or a seminarian. He or she represents the Church and helps the parents in educating their children in Catholic faith and practices. They do not substitute the parents but only help them in their duty.
Who can become a catechism teacher?
Practicing Catholics who have the basic knowledge of Christian faith and practices, and have the willingness and commitment to impart the same to the younger generation can become the catechism teachers.
How to become a catechism teacher?
Whoever wishes to become a catechism teacher must inform their desire to the respective Parish Priest. The Parish Priest will appoint them according to the need in his parish.
What training or formation is needed to become a catechism teacher?
Catechism teachers must attend the seminars and the training programs organized by the diocese.
What is the catechism syllabus?
In the archdiocese of Delhi, we follow: The Light of Truth School Catechism Book Series (Book 1 – 12) and The Light of Faith Parish Catechism Book Series (Book 1-12).
Where do we get the catechism books?
In the Archdiocese of Delhi, the catechism books are available at Clergy Home C/o Archbishop’s House, 1 Ashok Place, New Delhi – 110001.
What is the role of the parents in faith formation?
Parents are the means by which God brought children to this world and they are the first teachers of faith. It is from them the children learn the fundaments of faith and learn how to pray from infancy. “The first and most important place for passing on the faith is the home, through the quiet daily life example of parents who love our Lord and trust in his word” (Pope Francis Aug. 25, 2018, Ireland).
What is the right age to enroll child for the catechism classes?
Preferably when the child is admitted in Class 1 for academic study in the school.
What is the need for catechism classes, when my child is already taking catechism classes in school?
Catechism refers to the teaching or explanation of the four pillars of our faith (Ten Commandments, Profession of Faith (the Creed), Seven Sacraments and Prayer (Our Lord’s Prayer and Liturgy). It takes place both in the parishes and in Catholic schools. In school catechism it is called religious instruction and, in the Parish, it is called catechesis. They are two distinct yet complementary perspective of faith education. The content of faith education in the schools and parishes are divided according to objectives of faith education. The objective of Parish catechism is growth in the life of faith and the objective of School catechism is education in the knowledge of faith. Keeping these objectives in mind, the school catechism deals with the explanation of the Ten Commandments and the Profession of Faith (the Creed). In the parish the emphasis is on the Seven Sacraments, Prayer (Our Lord’s Prayer) and Liturgy. Therefore, if a child attends catechism only in the parish or in school, then his faith education is incomplete. He or she needs to attend catechism classes both in the school and parishes.
Why to give importance to catechism, when my child has to attend tutorials?
Created in God’s image and called to know and love Him, desire for God is written in human heart and only in God man will find the truth and happiness (cf. CCC 31). Catechism is the foremost means to know God. Tutorials are needed for living but it will not fulfill his desire to find the truth i.e. God nor do they impart moral, ethical values for a meaningful life.
Why don't children have Bible classes instead of catechism as they don’t know anything about the Bible?
Bible is the basis or foundation of every catechism lesson. There is not a single lesson which is not based on the bible. Besides reading, reflecting on the bible passages, the catechism lessons also include instructions on or explanations of our beliefs, traditions, devotions, religious practices and the moral conduct.
What methodology teachers use in classroom? Why not practical work?
In the sharing of faith, the church does not have a particular method or any single method. But it is recommended that any method that is employed in faith education has to be faithful to God (content) on the one hand, and faithful to man (meaningfulness to the learner) on the other.
The methodology used in the Archdiocese of Delhi is Luminous Method with an Anthropological Approach, that is child-centered approach. Suitable or age appropriate enhancement activities are part and parcel of every catechism lesson that we have developed.
Why are catechism classes so boring?
The catechetical curriculum is constructed keeping the child, its development and capacities in mind. If a teacher fails to teach the lesson keeping the child in mind or disregards the age-appropriate activities which are to be conducted, or leaves out some steps (in the development of the lessons), then catechism classes become teacher centered, exam-centered and in other words, boring. To make each class interesting and experience based, the teacher has to come prepared, follow each step and should also inspire the children to come prepared and take active part.
Why are catechism books in school different from catechism books at the parishes for the same class?
The school catechism books deal with the Ten Commandments and Creed in order to impart the knowledge of faith. On the other hand, the parish catechism books deal with the Seven Sacrament, Our Lords’ Prayer and Liturgy and the stress is on growth in the life of faith.
How to inculcate importance of catechism class if my child has negative attitude towards everything?
Have a personal conversation with the child, parents and if possible, visit the family. Without knowing the child’s developmental limits, the parent’s socio-cultural and religio-economic situation, it is difficult to inculcate interest in the children. In other words, as one cannot sow a seed without knowing the nature of the soil, in the same way, he or she cannot teach faith without knowing the person’s situations of life, difficulties they face and the crisis they go through.
What training do catechism teachers receive to teach catechism?
Various types of trainings are available to the catechism teachers at the diocesan level. Some of the topics dealt with are: Content of Faith Education; Learning and Teaching Methods; Criteria for the Presentation of the Content; Interactive Teaching Techniques; Assumptions and Attitudes of Catechism Teachers etc. Training is given by Vishwas-Kiran Catechetical Centre, Archdiocese of Delhi.
Why does catechism book not tell about life story of saints especially relevant to India?
Catechism books have lessons on the life of many saints like St. Francis Xavier, St. Thomas, St. Monica etc. but not many. Each parish or school is encouraged to teach the life of their patron saints.
Why not include a chapter on responsible use of media, technology and addictions?
This is already done in the schools in various ways. In the years to come, when we revise the catechism books again, these topics will be included in the catechism lessons.