Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis - Diocese of Buffalo (rev. 2011)

The Diocese of Buffalo is pleased to provide to parishes and Catholic high schools current Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis.  This document replaces all previous versions of the Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis of the Diocese of Buffalo.

This diocesan curriculum, designed for use in both parish programs and Catholic high schools, is a resource for the implementation of a comprehensive and systematic approach to adolescent catechesis.  It contains topic outlines, suggested activities and resources to assist catechetical leaders/principals in this process.

Both the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework of the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (USCCB, 2008) and the Adaptation of the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework of the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (USCCB, 2010) were applied to the diocesan curriculum so that our formation standards are now closely aligned with the standards of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

The Department of Lifelong Faith Formation, in addition to the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, are resources available to assist each parish and high school in the development of a comprehensive outreach to adolescents.   Session development and catechist/teacher training is available through either department.

Please review each of the documents provided below - simply click on the title to download.  Please contact us should you have any questions or need assistance.

Foundational Documents :

#1 - Introduction & Program Models

#2 - Tasks of Catechesis & Outcomes

#3 - Family and Faith Formation

#4 - Catholic High Schools

#5 - Resources (print and on-line)

#6 - USCCB's Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (2008) 

#7 - USCCB's ADAPTATION of the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework of the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age for Use in Parish and Youth Ministry Programs (2010)

The Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis by topic:

CORE Curriculum (priority topics recommended by the USCCB; click on title to download):

I. Jesus and the New Testament
II. Who Is Jesus?
III. The Mission of Christ and the Church
IV. Sacraments and Prayer
V. Morality

Elective Topics (secondary topics recommended by the USCCB):

VI. Sacred Scripture
VII. Church History
VIII. Christian Lifestyles
IX. Catholic Social Teaching
X. Ecumenical Relationships 

Sample Lesson Plans developed by members of the Diocesan Adolescent Catechesis Task Force:

1. Faith & Identity (PDF)
2. Church History (PDF)
3. Christian Lifestyles (PDF)
4. World Religions (PDF)
5. Jesus & The New Testament (PDF)
6. Morality (PDF)
7. Catholic School Teaching (PDF)
8. Sacraments & Prayer (PDF)
9. Old Testament (PDF)
10. Confirmation (PDF)
     

 Additional Resources: 

Service ideas from Catholic Charities.

Activity Ideas for Care of Creation.