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Christian Initiation Diocese of Charleston |
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In most areas of the diocese, parish programs for
young people focus on preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which typically involves eighth and ninth grade
students. Most parishes require a two-year program. Because of that, upper middle school and first-year high school
students often are enrolled in religious education programs focused on preparation for the sacrament. Many parishes
offer junior high and senior high youth programs in lieu of regular catechetical classes. Youth ministry offers
spiritual, social, service, leadership training, and other opportunities. Faith formation in youth ministry includes
the study of Scripture, examination of Catholic moral and social teaching, and special programs in the theology of the body.
Some parishes offer religious education for adolescents biweekly or monthly in longer sessions with a more formal curriculum.
The type, content, and duration of parish programs is determined by pastoral assessment of needs and the numbers of young
people likely to enroll and attend.
In July 2008, the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops released “Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young
People of High School Age.” During 2008-2009, meetings with high school principals, religion department heads, and the
faculties of the four Catholic high schools in the diocese delved into these guidelines. It was clear that the semester
course offerings in existence at Bishop England High School on Daniel Island, Cardinal Newman High School in Columbia,
St. Francis Xavier High School in Sumter, and St. Joseph School in Greenville are already in compliance with the courses
on Jesus in Sacred Scripture, the Church, Sacraments, and the Catholic moral tradition presented in the USCCB framework.
Teachers from the four schools have committed themselves to adapting and designing courses on Christ (Christology) and
Jesus’ Mission and the Paschal Mystery to cover the materials in two additional courses. The USCCB curriculum also allows
for a number of electives, many of which are already offered at our Catholic high schools.
A general finding for the Catholic high schools is that
a vibrant campus ministry program is a vital asset to the faith development of youth.
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Copyright © 2009 The Diocese of Charleston