Catholics (Only Please, as Nobody Else Can Answer This) Need Your Guidance?

Question by TattooMom AFA: Catholics (only please, as nobody else can answer this) need your guidance?
Alright, dropping the snark for a minute here — I need your advice/links/ideas.

Does anyone know a of good — make that stellar — program for instruction in being a qualified CCD teacher? We often have discussions here about the “lack” in CCD-education. Well, a position opened up in my parish for Teen Youth Group part-time director. I figured I should put my knowledge to work instead of griping about it on YA — in other words, God presented me an opportunity to “put up or shut up.”

I was wondering if you have any idea where to start on Teen Catholic Education programs? I have spent some time working with teens that came in with their families in RCIA, and really enjoyed that. However, that was helping non-Catholic teens and a rudimentary, basic education.

So two things, CCD programs for those who want to be teachers, and CCD instruction for teens that isn’t “simplified” (you know what I mean).
Darth — thanks for the compliment!! Here I was just focusing on making a Children’s Picture Missal and prayer guide for the Latin Mass. LOL!
I think they will probably have a specific program they are used to using in the Parish already, and before I make presumptions I should see what it is.

Honestly, a problem with Life Teen and other Teen CCD programs is two-fold:

1) They are trying too hard to be “cool – and – carefree” like Protestant Youth Groups, leaving out huge chunks of information during the classes, including basic knowledge on Sacred Tradition and the “why we do the things we do” much less the history of our Church.

Which leads to 2) kids are being Confirmed with no real knowledge of what that means. The commitment involved, etc.

We have some extremely intelligent and well-Catechized teens here at Y!A. We also get dozens of questions from kids asking us to do their CCD homework for them. My own teen and I got into a fight over his CCD Youth Group (old parish) because he didn’t believe me that it was required for Conf. When he asked the director — the guy denied it! Aye yi yi. He hated that class.

Best answer:

Answer by Dogma (puppy due July 25th)
I would check with your diocese to find out if there is a training program “Train the trainer” they have for CCD instructors. You may have to do some traveling, but the Church is diligent about making sure the correct information is being delivered to young parishioners.

If not, you could research some different CCD programs and instruction guides, and take a generic “train the trainer” class at a local business training school. Adult Learning Centers often offer these types of classes.

Answer by One small candle
The previous poster had good advice. I would also google the churches in your area (any denominations) and check their websites for their CCD and Youth organization leaders. Contact them and I’m sure they’d be willing to give you some tips.

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