Assessment

Classroom participation 10% + Short Reflections on required reading 20% + Final Essay 70%

Module Aims

To introduce learners to the foundation, aims, and concepts of religious education, catechesis, and Catholic Education in furtherance of their education in pastoral ministry. The module will provide learners with a knowledge of the life and work of Irish primary schools under Catholic Patronage, while assisting the students in understanding the spirituality of the child. This will be augmented with an understanding of the primary school religious education programme and how this integrates into the work of a chaplain, in particular the prayer-life and sacramental preparation and celebration of the class.

Outline/ Indicative Syllabus

• Spirituality of the Child
• Religious Education & Catechesis
• Catholic Education
• Religious Education Curriculum and Programme
• Religious Education ad Special education Needs
• Prayer and Liturgical formation in the Classroom
• Sacrament and Sacramental Formation

Learning Outcomes

• — LO 1: explain how the concepts of Catholic Education, religious education, and catechesis have developed since the Second Vatican Council.
• — LO 2: critique the place of religious education in the contemporary Irish school and its implications for chaplaincy.
• — LO 3: explore the underlying theology of the Grow in Love programme and demonstrate understanding of its methodology, content, and approach.
• — LO 4: critically appraise the challenges and opportunities in the relationship between home, school, and parish as partners in religious education and suggest ways in which this relationship could be strengthened.
• — LO 5: tease out possibilities for developing chaplaincy in primary schools, identifying particular approaches that support the work of faith development and naming areas of challenge.
• — LO 6: demonstrate knowledge of the current themes and theories in the spirituality of the child and show how these apply in a practical way to their ministry as school chaplains/youth ministers.

Bibliography

• — • Groome, Thomas H, Will There be Faith? Depends on Every Christian, Dublin: Veritas, 2011.
• — • O’Higgins Norman, James, ed., Education Matters – Readings in Pastoral Care for School Chaplains, Guidance Counsellors and Teachers, Dublin: Veritas, 2011.
• — • Lane, Dermot A. Challenges Facing Religious Education in Contemporary Ireland, Dublin: Veritas, 2008.
• — • Harmon, M. and Mahon, E. Prayer Assemblies for Primary Schools. Dublin: Veritas, 2012.
• — • Irish Episcopal Conference, Grow in Love Resources. Dublin: Veritas, 2015-2017.
• — • Mahon, E. The Bridge: Enabling Parents to Share Faith with their Children. Dublin: Veritas, 2013.
• — • Mahon, M. and Delaney, M. Do This In Memory. Dublin: Veritas, 2009.
• — • Mahon, M. You Shall Be My Witnesses. Dublin: Veritas, 2009.