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AN INTRODUCTION
Welcome to our program! We are blessed with both a dedicated group of catechists (some have been at this for DECADES!) who have both a great love for their Faith and the teens to which we minister. In addition we belong to a very dedicated parish which has both encouraged and supported our efforts. This has allowed us to produce not only a quality program but one that has been tested and tweaked for many years now.
Read the:
T2 Catechist's Guide (Draft)
Read the:
T2 Catechist's Guide (Draft)
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
After a mandate on content from the local bishop and a call from the pastor to initiate a high school level of religious ed to continue the instruction which had culminated in Confirmation at the end of eight grade, we started with a four year, class by class format. We followed the standard progressive subject texts, adjusting and enhancing as we went along. Throughout the year we would watch our numbers dwindle, and every year our numbers became less and less. Our diocese is in a minority-Catholic population area, only about 4% of the general population, which places many pressures on our teens. While our parish is large due to our urban setting, we seemed to be reaching less and less of the teens.
So, how to solve the problem? How could we keep the teen's attention, make learning a faith-filled experience and still manage to follow the Bishop's mandate for content? We tried different published programs, and we added student peer leaders, giving the teens a sense of entitlement and a chance to call and minister to their fellow teens. Still the numbers dropped and the pressure on the teen leaders became too great.
Then after an experience with the teens at the National Catholic Youth Convention and the call from John Paul II to come to World Youth Day the light came on. Teens, especially ones in our area, need to feel like they are part of a larger group. Once they began to experience the catholic nature of the Church they blossomed, became energized and excited about their faith and their Catholic identity.
The question then was how to translate that into our program? We wanted to make sure that the teens continued to have age-appropriate discussions on the subject matters of their faith. Well, why not just put the two together? We would lose a bit of the subject-to-age richness during the years, but within the four years we could continuously re-address basic subjects of the Faith, which would allow for repeated age-appropriate discussion of those topics. Hence Table Talk, or 'T-Squared' as we engineers call it, was born.
The nature of the program, the order of classes presented each year and the execution of each presentation are flexible. After many memorable failures what we have arrived at what seems to be a good format and series that is very popular with the teens. But the main focus is on the sharing of Faith, in an honest and trusting environment. This is what has led to the true success of this program over the past 15+ years; it is the dedication of the catechists and their sincerity which reaches the teens and makes God's love real. It is they for whom I give thanks to God in Jesus.
So, how to solve the problem? How could we keep the teen's attention, make learning a faith-filled experience and still manage to follow the Bishop's mandate for content? We tried different published programs, and we added student peer leaders, giving the teens a sense of entitlement and a chance to call and minister to their fellow teens. Still the numbers dropped and the pressure on the teen leaders became too great.
Then after an experience with the teens at the National Catholic Youth Convention and the call from John Paul II to come to World Youth Day the light came on. Teens, especially ones in our area, need to feel like they are part of a larger group. Once they began to experience the catholic nature of the Church they blossomed, became energized and excited about their faith and their Catholic identity.
The question then was how to translate that into our program? We wanted to make sure that the teens continued to have age-appropriate discussions on the subject matters of their faith. Well, why not just put the two together? We would lose a bit of the subject-to-age richness during the years, but within the four years we could continuously re-address basic subjects of the Faith, which would allow for repeated age-appropriate discussion of those topics. Hence Table Talk, or 'T-Squared' as we engineers call it, was born.
The nature of the program, the order of classes presented each year and the execution of each presentation are flexible. After many memorable failures what we have arrived at what seems to be a good format and series that is very popular with the teens. But the main focus is on the sharing of Faith, in an honest and trusting environment. This is what has led to the true success of this program over the past 15+ years; it is the dedication of the catechists and their sincerity which reaches the teens and makes God's love real. It is they for whom I give thanks to God in Jesus.
RATIONAL
RATIONAL
Teens love to talk, and need to express not only their opinions but also feel safe and comfortable to express both deep doubts and deep faith. To be effective, this needs to be done within an adult guided, Faith-filled forum. This four-year discussion-driven Sunday-only program is designed for parishes with any level of resources. The 'thirty class' year is designed to fit the normal school year with allowances for service and sacramental activities as well as time off for vacations and holidays and a break during the summer. The recommended class time is at least 1.5 hours to allow for presentation and sufficient discussion. We manage to accomplish this 'in between the Masses' due to the pastor shifting Mass times to allow more time.
Format
FORMAT
ADULTS
Adult catechists are the heart of T2. The design of this program is based around tables of 8-10 teens with two adults, one female and one male (for logistical and Safe Environment reasons, not married to one another). This allows for a both sides of the coin, tag-team catechetical approach, allowing the teens to also feel comfortable in discussing ideas especially ones they do not know how to voice. The most important and most effective aspect of this or any teen program is relationships. Dedication to a multi-year commitment is highly desirable in adult catechists. It is also good if possible to have some extra 'floaters'; adults who may be unable to make a full commitment but can be around enough to establish relationships and support catechists who need to travel or are sick or whatever the situation. These support catechists are invaluable and worth cultivating.
TEEN GROUPS
The format used for this program has a two-fold nature. First, is the communal, where the presentation is done in a large-group, allowing for everyone to hear the same presentation of the topic. Second is the age-appropriate discussion time, where teens of like-age (the default grouping being by school year -- freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors) are separated into groups of 8-10 (to allow for participation). We have found over time though, that the seniors tend to want to lump up, meaning that you still need an appropriate number of adult facilitators but only one 'table' (our seniors also often breakout into the separate youth room lounging on the couches and chairs as a 'perk'). Grade levels may need more than one table, as the prevalent wisdom is that groups over 10 can lead to teens being left out or that it causes them to refrain from the discussion which may easily be hijacked by one or two individuals. The final question of how to divide them into these table groups is left up to you, though some ice-breakers are good for this purpose. The warning is against letting the teens choose their own tables as it can make for lop-sided or unmanageable groups. If after the main presentation, the tables choose to break to smaller venues (like our seniors do), be mindful of Safe Environment rules and precautions, making sure this only happens when multiple adults are present and the side area has sufficient visual monitoring.
TEXTS
There are no student texts for this program. There are opportunities for some handouts and holy cards, but for the most part, it removes one more school-like pressure or atmosphere and the teens are not responsible for keeping track of or bringing a text. Our program provides Bibles (we recommend the Catholic Youth Bible or the Fireside -- NABR version) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) or the Youcat (Youth Catechism); there does not need to be one per student, but at least one of each per table. There is little or no 'homework', save for living their faith during the week. Prayer cards of saints are also useful handouts.
PRAYER
Prayer and learning to pray are also important parts of this program. While there are specific classes devoted to prayer, many styles should be explored and presented to the teens throughout the year. Ultimately it is the gathering prayer at the end which allows for the teens to share their lives and needs with one another, and allows for a powerful prayer experience. We try to have a variety of sources, but also encourage Scripture as a source of prayer.
ACTIVITIES
The year is peppered with large group and unspecified service activities. Most of these are 'fun' but thought provoking. Feel free to adapt, change, or add activities as you feel necessary. For the most part these should be planned to be relevant and to have the most effect for both the teens and the community, even something as simple as Christmas and Easter cards for shut-ins or active duty soldiers. Do not forget that off-campus activities require permission forms and driver forms and youth protection training for drivers...check with diocesan policy.
Adult catechists are the heart of T2. The design of this program is based around tables of 8-10 teens with two adults, one female and one male (for logistical and Safe Environment reasons, not married to one another). This allows for a both sides of the coin, tag-team catechetical approach, allowing the teens to also feel comfortable in discussing ideas especially ones they do not know how to voice. The most important and most effective aspect of this or any teen program is relationships. Dedication to a multi-year commitment is highly desirable in adult catechists. It is also good if possible to have some extra 'floaters'; adults who may be unable to make a full commitment but can be around enough to establish relationships and support catechists who need to travel or are sick or whatever the situation. These support catechists are invaluable and worth cultivating.
TEEN GROUPS
The format used for this program has a two-fold nature. First, is the communal, where the presentation is done in a large-group, allowing for everyone to hear the same presentation of the topic. Second is the age-appropriate discussion time, where teens of like-age (the default grouping being by school year -- freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors) are separated into groups of 8-10 (to allow for participation). We have found over time though, that the seniors tend to want to lump up, meaning that you still need an appropriate number of adult facilitators but only one 'table' (our seniors also often breakout into the separate youth room lounging on the couches and chairs as a 'perk'). Grade levels may need more than one table, as the prevalent wisdom is that groups over 10 can lead to teens being left out or that it causes them to refrain from the discussion which may easily be hijacked by one or two individuals. The final question of how to divide them into these table groups is left up to you, though some ice-breakers are good for this purpose. The warning is against letting the teens choose their own tables as it can make for lop-sided or unmanageable groups. If after the main presentation, the tables choose to break to smaller venues (like our seniors do), be mindful of Safe Environment rules and precautions, making sure this only happens when multiple adults are present and the side area has sufficient visual monitoring.
TEXTS
There are no student texts for this program. There are opportunities for some handouts and holy cards, but for the most part, it removes one more school-like pressure or atmosphere and the teens are not responsible for keeping track of or bringing a text. Our program provides Bibles (we recommend the Catholic Youth Bible or the Fireside -- NABR version) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) or the Youcat (Youth Catechism); there does not need to be one per student, but at least one of each per table. There is little or no 'homework', save for living their faith during the week. Prayer cards of saints are also useful handouts.
PRAYER
Prayer and learning to pray are also important parts of this program. While there are specific classes devoted to prayer, many styles should be explored and presented to the teens throughout the year. Ultimately it is the gathering prayer at the end which allows for the teens to share their lives and needs with one another, and allows for a powerful prayer experience. We try to have a variety of sources, but also encourage Scripture as a source of prayer.
ACTIVITIES
The year is peppered with large group and unspecified service activities. Most of these are 'fun' but thought provoking. Feel free to adapt, change, or add activities as you feel necessary. For the most part these should be planned to be relevant and to have the most effect for both the teens and the community, even something as simple as Christmas and Easter cards for shut-ins or active duty soldiers. Do not forget that off-campus activities require permission forms and driver forms and youth protection training for drivers...check with diocesan policy.
implementation
IMPLEMENTATION
FACILITIES
Having a large enough gathering space is important. If you have available 'breakout' areas or rooms this gives catechists options for places to discuss - often the main gathering space can get noisy! There are no rules here though. Sometimes the groups head outside if the weather is good. And for the teen's protection and your own, always follow your Safe Environment rules when separating from the larger group.
COORDINATORS
At least a single coordinator, some adult who is available to keep things running smoothly is essential. This adult manages the floor, if you will, making sure that catechists are prepared, have the resources they need, the room and tables are set up, and in my case brew coffee for them. Schedules, coordination of presenters, markers, poster board...all of these things are not what your catechists need to be worried about. Cultivating catechists and support catechists, providing encouragement and education resources for the catechists and being a liaison between the pastor/DRE and the program are just some of the duties. Feel free to imagine all of the other ones.
ADULTS
Having the correct ratio of adults to teens is very important because this program, like any other teen ministry, depends upon relationships. The core success of this program depends upon the relationships between the adults and the teens as well as those between the teens within the groups. This requires, first and foremost, trust. This means that all adults, for the protection of both themselves and their charges, must have some form of Safe Environment training, what we in this diocese call 'Youth Protection' training. The necessity of background checks and training are sad but true facts of today's youth ministry. While they may discourage some from ministry, they contain the added bonus of providing this first level of trust between the adults and the teens. Other training should and can be provided as necessary. Many good adult ed programs exist which can enhance and inform the catechist's ministry. At worst, the BACKGROUND section of each lesson seeks to give them enough information to discuss the subject, with sources for further understanding provided from Scripture and the CCC.
As the teens come to understand the level of concern and effort required by the adults, while they may not appreciate it, they will be able to 'lower their guard' knowing that someone is there who both understands and has their best interests at heart. The truths we want to convey, of a loving God who desires our return to Him and a powerful connection between Him and us in both the person of Jesus and the Church guided by the Spirit, will have a chance to be heard because of the establishment of these relationships. The value of a multi-year commitment from the adults can not be stressed enough. Not that the teens should spend every year with the same adults but that those adults are visible and available to them for multiple years. This long-term commitment to them is seen, even if it is often not appreciated!
Finally a word about parents. Parents are the first teachers of their teens, and studies show that teens still listen first to their parents even if they roll their eyes when they do it. If possible parents should be kept in the loop. While we have not had the best success with it, a parallel parent program would be a great addition to the program...where the parents discuss the same topic but at an adult level. Year three does contain three classes on sexuality with heavy suggestions for parallel parent classes (ours are coordinated with Family Honor). At least remember to keep your parents in mind and in the know though e-mails or letters.
Having a large enough gathering space is important. If you have available 'breakout' areas or rooms this gives catechists options for places to discuss - often the main gathering space can get noisy! There are no rules here though. Sometimes the groups head outside if the weather is good. And for the teen's protection and your own, always follow your Safe Environment rules when separating from the larger group.
COORDINATORS
At least a single coordinator, some adult who is available to keep things running smoothly is essential. This adult manages the floor, if you will, making sure that catechists are prepared, have the resources they need, the room and tables are set up, and in my case brew coffee for them. Schedules, coordination of presenters, markers, poster board...all of these things are not what your catechists need to be worried about. Cultivating catechists and support catechists, providing encouragement and education resources for the catechists and being a liaison between the pastor/DRE and the program are just some of the duties. Feel free to imagine all of the other ones.
ADULTS
Having the correct ratio of adults to teens is very important because this program, like any other teen ministry, depends upon relationships. The core success of this program depends upon the relationships between the adults and the teens as well as those between the teens within the groups. This requires, first and foremost, trust. This means that all adults, for the protection of both themselves and their charges, must have some form of Safe Environment training, what we in this diocese call 'Youth Protection' training. The necessity of background checks and training are sad but true facts of today's youth ministry. While they may discourage some from ministry, they contain the added bonus of providing this first level of trust between the adults and the teens. Other training should and can be provided as necessary. Many good adult ed programs exist which can enhance and inform the catechist's ministry. At worst, the BACKGROUND section of each lesson seeks to give them enough information to discuss the subject, with sources for further understanding provided from Scripture and the CCC.
As the teens come to understand the level of concern and effort required by the adults, while they may not appreciate it, they will be able to 'lower their guard' knowing that someone is there who both understands and has their best interests at heart. The truths we want to convey, of a loving God who desires our return to Him and a powerful connection between Him and us in both the person of Jesus and the Church guided by the Spirit, will have a chance to be heard because of the establishment of these relationships. The value of a multi-year commitment from the adults can not be stressed enough. Not that the teens should spend every year with the same adults but that those adults are visible and available to them for multiple years. This long-term commitment to them is seen, even if it is often not appreciated!
Finally a word about parents. Parents are the first teachers of their teens, and studies show that teens still listen first to their parents even if they roll their eyes when they do it. If possible parents should be kept in the loop. While we have not had the best success with it, a parallel parent program would be a great addition to the program...where the parents discuss the same topic but at an adult level. Year three does contain three classes on sexuality with heavy suggestions for parallel parent classes (ours are coordinated with Family Honor). At least remember to keep your parents in mind and in the know though e-mails or letters.
the program
YEAR 1 : Jesus 'n Me: Developing a relationship with God
Year 1 is an introduction to the 'who' of Faith. It focuses on personal piety and faith, challenging the individual to explore their personal relationship with God and to see it everyday in the situations in which they find themselves, the World around them, and their relationships.
YEAR 2 : The Economy of Salvation: Seeing how God is at work within our lives
Year 2 seeks to present the 'why' and 'how' of Faith. This focuses on the economy of salvation, moving 'historically', starting with scripture and interactively moving through time, ending with the sacraments and focusing on Church.
YEAR 3 : The Moral Life: The personal response to God
Year 3 looks to help teens understand the mechanics of the life in Christ. This year focuses on personal responsibility and morality, with a heavy emphasis on developing a pattern of thinking which puts God at the forefront of all of our actions. Probably the year the teens enjoy the most.
YEAR 4 : Social Justice: The work of the Church
Year 4 is the larger picture of the mission of the Church. This year challenges the teens to build upon personal morality and put themselves within the larger mission of the Church, of spreading the Gospel and fighting for social justice. It circles around to the need for a personal relationship with God.
Year 1 is an introduction to the 'who' of Faith. It focuses on personal piety and faith, challenging the individual to explore their personal relationship with God and to see it everyday in the situations in which they find themselves, the World around them, and their relationships.
YEAR 2 : The Economy of Salvation: Seeing how God is at work within our lives
Year 2 seeks to present the 'why' and 'how' of Faith. This focuses on the economy of salvation, moving 'historically', starting with scripture and interactively moving through time, ending with the sacraments and focusing on Church.
YEAR 3 : The Moral Life: The personal response to God
Year 3 looks to help teens understand the mechanics of the life in Christ. This year focuses on personal responsibility and morality, with a heavy emphasis on developing a pattern of thinking which puts God at the forefront of all of our actions. Probably the year the teens enjoy the most.
YEAR 4 : Social Justice: The work of the Church
Year 4 is the larger picture of the mission of the Church. This year challenges the teens to build upon personal morality and put themselves within the larger mission of the Church, of spreading the Gospel and fighting for social justice. It circles around to the need for a personal relationship with God.
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