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ElizaPA Forum Newbie
Joined: Oct 20 2005
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Posted: Oct 13 2006 at 6:51pm | IP Logged
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We are using catechismclass.com and will have to use the CCD text. The DRE is very enthusiastic about it (Faith First series) and though very supportive of my decision to take responsibility for catechism, expressed her concern that catechism class relied on the Baltimore Catechism. Admittedly, I am not well versed in the differences between the new Catechism and The Baltimore Catechism. Honestly, I've been very happy with the format of catechismclass.com. Without being rude and telling her how boring I find their CCD texts, how can I defend my choice to supplement our natural family living of the faith with cc.com, even though it relies on the Baltimore catechism. Can someone explain the difference to me in a nutshell?
__________________ Mom of dd8, ds7, dd5 and ds3
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rivendellmom Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 15 2005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Oct 14 2006 at 6:52am | IP Logged
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Our DRE also does not like the Baltimore Cat. She says that the pictures are too "scary" for young children. In the end she let us do our own thing, but we are now switching to a new Parish where the DRE is more accepting of hpmeschoolers and where they use Faith and Life in their CCD.
Jen
__________________ Jen in suburban Chicagoland Mom to Connor(91), Garrett(93), Reilly (95), Mary Katherine (98), Declan (05), Ronan in ^i^ 6/28/08
visit our new blog: http://recreationalscholar.blogspot.com/
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ElizaPA Forum Newbie
Joined: Oct 20 2005
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Posted: Oct 14 2006 at 7:45am | IP Logged
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Jen,
Thanks for your reply. Do you know if there's another reason that she would object to the Baltimore Catechism? Her statement when she asked which catechism it relied on was "well, that might be a problem" and "we've really been trying to move away from the old catechism". I am showing my ignorance here, but am I doing something wrong by including the Baltimore Catechism lessons?
Does anyone else know?
Beth
__________________ Mom of dd8, ds7, dd5 and ds3
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rm4mrfrus Forum Pro
Joined: March 27 2006
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Posted: Oct 14 2006 at 8:59am | IP Logged
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I am watching this topic also as my sister used to be a DRE in NJ and at one time she expressed "concern" too when she heard I was using the Baltimore Catechism. When I asked her why she just said something along the lines of "you have to be careful with the older stuff because it is not what we are teaching now" or something like that. We don't see eye to eye on several things so I just chalked it up to that and didn't ask anymore.
At our parish now, they also use Faith First. Since there are no other homeschoolers who are opting out of the CCD program besides us, they kind of don't know what to do with us so are allowing us to do our own thing. Our pastor knows us very well so we are banking on him stepping in if need be.
Our DRE may be leaving (her dh has been offered a job in another state) and dh is thinking he would like to apply if that does happen! Another reason I am watching this thread closely!
In Our Lord and Lady,
Hollee
__________________ Hollee married to dh in 94,
ds(96), dd(97), ds(00), ds(02), ds(03) and dd(05)
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ALmom Forum All-Star
Joined: May 18 2005
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Posted: Oct 14 2006 at 2:11pm | IP Logged
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Our approach has been to use what we see fit (which does include the Baltimore catechism). We always approach Father first (when our children are ready) and not the DRE. Father generally sends us to the DRE eventually - but then we already basically have his Ok so you don't get as many tangles to untangle.
We always create a list of texts used in some way. On this list, we generally have the text the parish uses. I refer to it for ideas - but generally do not like it as well as what I am using. It does give me a heads up for some of the things the DRE might emphasize in their "interview". I generally use whatever lives of Saints they have, any differences in language (ie we learn the old listing of the Gifts of the Spirit - but the parish uses the new one - so I make sure my children know that this Gift is the same as this one). I also know the parish likes to see a retreat, etc. so I make sure that something we do could fit the bill (and there is always something). The Baltimore catechism is included on our list as well as CCC (which is not used directly with children but my reference when I think something might have changed). Every once in a while there is a problem - ie the command about not participating in non-catholic worship (we are now permitted to join with non-Catholics in prayer though not joint communion and should use prudence in this), the length of time for fasting (now 1 hour). When these come up in the Baltimore catechism, we go to a more current source for the information of current rules. Another concern parishes generally have is in teaching children how to receive since the church now allows two ways in the U.S. We have always taught both (unlike the parish that only teaches the children how to receive on the hand) and note this somewhere.
We've never had a problem with this approach - though it varies from parish to parish and diocese to diocese. The universal church gives the pastor the responsibility to make sure that children are prepared for Sacraments. They are not allowed to deny the Sacraments otherwise - so not participating in the parishes program is an unacceptable reason to deny the Sacraments (which has been fought and won). Now, we cooperate as much as we are in conscience able and will use books in some way or another, will attend Confirmation classes at the pastor's request (as long as they are not harmful to our dc), but we do know our rights as well without flaunting them - so we are not pressured to do anything we find harmful.
Janet
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ElizaPA Forum Newbie
Joined: Oct 20 2005
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Posted: Oct 14 2006 at 7:39pm | IP Logged
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Janet, thank you for taking the time for such a thoughtful and informative response. That really helps. I am curious as to how many peole experience this-meaning a resistance to what we do at home. It's slightly annoying that I am expected to present the children for unit quizzes. But I do feel better proceeding with what we have been doing.
__________________ Mom of dd8, ds7, dd5 and ds3
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kingvozzo Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005 Location: Maine
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Posted: Oct 15 2006 at 12:11am | IP Logged
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Thought you might find this link helpful. It addresses some of the criticisms leveled at the Baltimore Catechism.
__________________ Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
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ElizaPA Forum Newbie
Joined: Oct 20 2005
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Posted: Oct 15 2006 at 5:29am | IP Logged
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Thank you for the link. It does help and I feel more prepared if she raises it as a concern in the future. I knew I'd get some help here.
__________________ Mom of dd8, ds7, dd5 and ds3
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