BASIC FORMATION PROGRAM FOR VOLUNTEER CATECHISTS AND LAY

MISSIONARIES OF SINGLES FOR CHRIST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed for volunteer catechists and lay missionaries of Singles
for Christ who already experience Catholic faith and are engaged in the challenging
work of communicating and transmitting this faith to various people, children, young
and adults. The course aims to provide them with the knowledge of the basic doctrines
of the Catholic faith. This course on Doctrine discusses all the saving truths of the
Catholic Christian Faith brought forth in the 12 Articles of the Apostles Creed. The
Creed is Trinitarian, in that by which one confesses his faith in God the Father, and the
Son and the Holy Spirit as One God of three equal distinct Persons. The Creed is not a
mere statement of religious theory in abstract form but a breathtaking confession of
faith in a living and loving God breaking through history in His continuing act of
salvation so all may be sharers in His divine life now and in the fullness of time.

The course expound on the Christocentric nature of the Catholic faith presented
objectively through its dimensions in Doctrine integrated with Morals and Worship; and
subjectively as center and centering to Catholic Christian spirituality. The 12 Articles of
the Creed in a coherent and organic unity is to be discussed employing scriptural basis,
Church teachings and faith experiences pointing to God’s benevolent offer of salvation
so all may be in communion under the Reign of God on heaven & earth.

By understanding the CREED, we are led to think more deeply of our own
understanding of the basic and core of the Catholic Christian beliefs, have our faith
deepened, our worship life enriched and our way of life a committed discipleship. As
bearers, preachers and witnesses of the Good News, one should be ready to give an
explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. (cf. 1 Peter 3:15)
 CONTEXT

As the Church strives to proclaim the Gospel to all men (AG1), we, as members of the
Church are also called to respond in her missionary activity (AG6). The missionary
activity is being carried on by various communities and institutions who also aspires and
responds to the call of the Church.

Since the demand to sustain God’s work is high, the emergence of catechist and
missionary workers came about. This helped in better sustaining the mission in the
areas as well as growing and inspiring others to spread the knowledge of truth and His
work in new mission areas. The role of our catechists and missionaries is to fulfill the
day to day demand of our mission.

Catechists and Missionaries vary in age ranging from 21-35 years old; gender, most are
females, while few are males; in civil status, they can be single, married or widowed;
are powerful speakers and sharers, living a life as witness of the love of God. They are
excellent even organizers, very creative in presenting the gospel message through
music, dance, art, video and internet.

With these characteristics it is not enough to proclaim the gospel, “…the future
missionary is to be prepared by a special spiritual and moral training…” (AG 25) Proper
training and study is called to as to respond to the need of the Church faithfully.
Weaknesses such as they have no formal catechetical, theological and scriptural
education. Though every determined and committed, many are new in the field of
mission work and catechists. They generally lack adequate preparation for catechetical
work, especially in knowledge, as well as in skills community faith to their student, and
those around them.
Course Objective: This program aims to help the Catechists:

Doctrine : To have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the core beliefs of the
Catholic Faith.

Moral : To become active witnesses of their faith in deepening their commitment

to their work of service and teaching.

Worship : To have a deeper appreciation of the liturgy and sacraments

COURSE OUTLINE:

TOPICS:

I. INTRODUCTION: (2-3 hours per topic)

This course expounds on the Filipinos’ long heritage of Christian Faith. We

are rich in religious rituals and devotional practices which play a key role in the life
of Filipino. Filipinos are spirit-oriented but we lack in the clear understanding and
maturity of faith. There seems to be a gap between the Christian doctrines as
taught and lived in their daily life experiences. It also discusses the history of the
Creeds.

A. Context of Filipino Catholic ( CFC 218-219 )

B. History of the Creed (CFC 223-227, I cor.15:1-5)
 Function of the Creed (CFC 232-239, 1Tim4:6;6:20, 2
Tim1:13f;4:3 )

II. WE BELIEVE IN GOD: THE FATHER AND CREATOR ( 2-3 hours per topic)

1. God as Our Father

This subject leads the catechist- students to the true and right Christian image
of God: Father Almighty and Creator. Other attributes of God are presented are
also presented from the perspective of salvation history, this course is a study of
Creation, Sin and the Promise of Redemption.

 Jesus “Abba” Relationship (CFC 280-282, Mt.11:25-27/Mt6:9-14)

 Almighty (CFC 283-293, Eph1:19-22 )
 2. Creator of Heaven and earth
 God the Creator (CFC 315-324, 1 cor.8:6;2, Jn1:1-3, Gen1:1-26)
 Man as Crown of Creation (CFC334, Gen. 1:27-31 )
 Our Human Fall ( CFC 372-374, Gen. 3:1-13 )
 God Promised a Savior ( CFC 413-440, Is.42:1-4)

III. WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST ( 2-3 hours per topic)

This course is Christological. It presents the life of Jesus Christ, Son Of God
and Savior of humankind, who came and proclaim the Kingdom of God. It is a
reflection on the mysteries of the Son of God, His passion, Death and resurrection.
Following the Apostles Creed, this course also presents Mary, Mother of Jesus -
Mother of God.

3. Jesus Christ, as Only Son, and our Lord

 Person of Jesus ( CFC 500-507, Mt. 17:1-5)

4. Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary
 Jesus conceived by the Holy Spirit (CFC 502-503, Lk. 1:26-38 )
 Mary, Mother of Jesus ( CFC 513, 519; Lk. 1:39-55 )

5. Passion and Death

 Ministry of Jesus (CFC 475-479; Lk.4:18-21 )
 The Cross Symbol of saving love ( CFC557-559 ; 1Cor. 15:13; Jn.
10:17-18 )
 Christ has died for us (CFC 558-613 ; Lk. 23:18-35)

6. Christ Resurrection and Ascension

 Christ is Risen (CFC623-630; 1608,1606 ; Lk. 24:1-12)
 The Resurrection as Kerygma
 The Resurrection as Jesus Presence ( CFC 626; Rom.10:9)
 The Resurrection and the Empty Tomb ( CFC626 ; Jn 20:1-10 )
 Christ Ascension ( CFC 648 ; Lk. 24:50-53 )

7. Judgment ( CFC 653-658; Mt 16:27-28 )

IV. WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (2-3 hours per topic)

The Third person of the Blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit is studied in this
course. From His place in the Trinity, His role in salvation history is next
discussed. Then He is presented with His gifts to the Church. This course
discusses the forgiveness of sins and the” last things,” namely the Resurrection
of the dead and the life eternal.

8. Holy Spirit, the Giver of life

 Holy Spirit’s Identity ( CFC 1322-25; Jn. 4:24 )
 The Holy Spirit as the bond of love between the Father and the Son
( CFC 1326-27,1314; Jn. 14:15-17, 15:12-13 )
 The Blessed Trinity ( CFC 1326-1331; Jn. 17:21-22 )
 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (CFC1339; Gal. 5:22; Is. 11:1-2 )

9. Holy Catholic Church/ The communion of Saints

 One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church (CFC1391-1414);
 The Church in the Acts of the apostles ( CFC 1427 ; Acts 2:42-47 )
 Communion of Saints ( CFC1428-1429; 2 Mac. 12:43-45 )

10. Forgiveness of Sins ( CFC 2186-2187; Mt 18:23-35 )

11. Resurrection of the Body (CFC 2052, 2066-67, Rom.8:11 )

12. Life Everlasting ( CFC 2059- 2075 ; Rom. 6:23 ; 1Jn3:2 )