The author uses clear, concise and fluid prose to provide an outstanding summary of the "General directory for catechesis". His text goes straight to the heart of each passage and serves as a key to opening the riches contained there. The brief study guide in the front of this book will help readers ask thoughtful questions and focus on key points as they review the text. Catechists, teachers, principals, DREs and parish leaders will find here an indispensable aid for studying the GDC -- and a book that is enjoyable and informative in itself

Popular author Bill Huebsch gives an overview of whole community catechesis and what it means. He then offers concrete suggestions for a step-by-step process (the nuts-and-bolts) for implementing this catechetical model. The appendices provide sample hand-outs, outlines for prayer and meetings, and organizational tools.

An introduction and interactive process for parish-based catechist formation.

The author, a national leader of the WCC movement and a popular speaker, encourages pastors to embrace whole community catechesis as a way to involve their parishioners more fully in adult faith formation and active participation in the liturgy. Also shows the solid basis for this approach in Church documents and recent movements within the Church.

Are you looking for a fresh approach to a life-changing catechesis that involves all the members of your parish family? Have you heard of whole community catechesis but don't know how to implement it in your parish? In part one of this essential resource, Bill Huebsch provides both the principles and the nuts and bolts for making whole community catechesis a reality in your parish. He explores seven principles for catechesis and then suggests nine ways to make adult catechesis the norm in your community. Many of the pages throughout this user-friendly book are reproducible to use for presentation, teaching, and discussion. Here you have truly a "handbook for success"! Book jacket.

Whole church, for the sake of the world. A church informs about its faith through all that it is, says and does. This threefold way of telling determines what the recipient hears. Therefore, if a church wants to be true to its mission it must constantly ask itself two questions: What is the church's calling, and what is the message it sends? How do our churches deal with this challenge? The Church is not for its own sake, but for the world, one of the analyzed documents says. It is called to be an instrument for our loving God ́s plan to heal a broken world. The basic pattern is found in the Holy Scriptures, but in every time and every cultural context the Church must seek relevant ways and forms. And why not do this in conversation and with open ears to the experiences of others, and with the courage to change, if necessary? The first part of the book is the result of such a listening. Perhaps it surprises someone that I turned to three American Catholics to listen to their experiences. Inspired by the radical message of the Second Vatican Council, they challenge their own church to a radical paradigm shift on the way of being a trustworthy church. Using the model they developed as a base, I turned to my own church, the Uniting Church in Sweden, by asking the same question battery, and the same to an ecumenical document, The Church: Towards a Common Vision. And the result? Yet another reminder that every church that wants to be part of God's mission for the sake of the world must constantly test itself in the face of the critical questions of how it faithfully can pass on its message of joys and hope to the world.

Here Bill Huebsch offers a blueprint for how to bring the dreams and visions for a GREAT parish to fruition. He shows parish leaders and ministers how to move in the direction of lifelong faith formation by offering adults in the parish powerful conversion experiences (particularly through parish-based retreats and intergenerational Faith Gatherings). He also offers a clear and consistent plan for step-by-step growth, with special emphasis on excellent liturgies, strong and effective catechist and teacher formation, and developing households of faith. In this definitive guide, he not only shows parishes how to get started but also how to keep going until lifelong faith formation is a reality.

"Whole Community Catechesis offers a vision of church that is both exciting and challenging. The vision is this: that one day the church, all the people of God, will fully, consciously, and actively participate, not only in the celebration of the liturgy, but in all aspects of parish life, and this life will draw them into a deeper relationship with Christ who sends them forth to love and serve others. ..... [from back cover]

Prayer, especially prayer as a faith community, is essential to any kind of ministry. This is perhaps even more true for catechists and religion teachers, who are called to be ministers of the word. 30 Rituals and Prayer Services for Catechist and Teacher Meetings provides deeply moving and meaningful ways for catechists and teachers to celebrate their ministry. These beautifully prepared rituals and services, rich in Scripture and liturgy, can lead participants into a profound encounter with God and with one another. Themes include liturgical seasons, aspects of the catechetical ministry, the beatitudes, the sacraments, and more. One form of prayer used in these services is lectio divina, an ancient method for praying the Scriptures. Also unique to this book are rituals based on the rites of the liturgy, including those used in the RCIA process. These services can easily be adapted to the needs of your group. Each service is a complete prayer experience suitable for meetings as well as for days of prayer and reflection. For catechetical leaders, Catholic school principals, catechists, and religion teachers, 30 Rituals and Prayer Services for Catechist and Teacher Meetings is a must-have resource. Book jacket.