Religious Education Curriculum

Key Element I | Elemento Clave I

Knowledge of Faith - What We Believe

Understand, believe and proclaim the Triune and redeeming God as revealed in creation and human experience, in Apostolic Tradition and Sacred Scripture, and as entrusted to the teaching office of the Church. (NDC nos. 16C, 25-26)

CREED: Understand, believe and proclaim the Triune and redeeming God as revealed in creation and human experience, in Apostolic Tradition and Sacred Scripture, and as entrusted to the teaching office of the Church. (NDC nos. 16C, 25-26)

SACRED SCRIPTURE: Read, comprehend and articulate salvation history as conveyed in God's revelation through Sacred Scripture. (NDC nos.18, 24)

Key Element II | Elemento Clave II

Liturgy and Sacraments - How We Celebrate

SACRAMENTS: Understand and participate in the sacraments of the
Church as effective signs of God's grace, instituted by Christ and
entrusted to the Church. (GDC 85, NDC nos.35-36)

LITURGY: Understand and celebrate the liturgical rites of the Church as expressed in the Church Year and celebrated in the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life. (NDC nos. 32-34, 37-39)

Key Element III | Elemento Clave III

Morality - How We Live

CONSCIENCE: Develop a moral conscience informed by Church
teachings.( NDC nos. 20.3, 36B.1-2, 42)

CHRISTIAN LIVING: Understand and live the moral teachings of the Church through a life of discipleship in Jesus Christ expressed in love for God, conversion, positive self-image, personal integrity, social justice, the dignity of the human person and love of neighbor. (NDC nos. 42.44,45,46)

Key Element IV | Elemento Clave IV

Prayer - How We Pray

PRAYER: Know and participate in the Catholic tradition of prayer and acknowledge prayer as the primary way we deepen our knowledge of God in the community. (NDC nos. 20, 34,38)

Key Element V | Elemento Clave V

Education for Living in the Christian Community - How We Live in the Community, the Church

CATHOLIC CHURCH: Understand and appreciate the mystery of the Church, the Body of Christ, the community of believers, as expressed in the Church's origin, mission of evangelization, hierarchical structure, marks, charisms, members and the communion of saints. (NDC nos. 25D, 28, 29)

ECUMENISM: Understand and participate in the call of the Church to be a sign of unity in the world through knowledge of and collaboration with other Catholic (Eastern), Orthodox, and Christian churches. (NDC no. 51.A-C)

CATHOLIC PRINCIPLES AND RELATIONSHIPS: Apply Catholic principles to interpersonal relations. (NDC nos. 25H, 29, 41-45)

VOCATION: Understand and undertake discipleship in Christ, responding in faith by participating in the mission of the Church through living a specific call in the life of the Church (GDC nos. 27, 56, 228, 229, 230, 255, 261; NDC nos. 29C-H, pp. 100-101, 104)

Key Element VI | Elemento Clave VI

Evangelization and Apostolic Life - How We, as Individuals and Community, Live in Service to the World

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING: Know, critique and apply social justice and stewardship principles to societal situations in a way that acknowledges and affirms the dignity of the human person and community. (NDC nos. 25H, 29A-C,H, 41-46)

INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: Understand and participate in the call of the Church to be a sign of unity in the world through knowledge of and collaboration with Jews, Muslims, and all faith traditions. (NDC nos. 51D-E.52)

MISSIONARY VOCATION: Demonstrate an appreciation for Catholic missionary and evangelization efforts through our parish community, its culture, worship, sacramental life, and service. (NDC nos. 25H,I, 29A-C,G-H, 41-46)

Appendices:

Appendix #1:
"General Schedule For Teaching/Learning Key Biblical Texts, Practices And Prayers For Catholics" and

Appendix #2:
"Key Biblical Texts, Practices And Prayers For Catholics"

Archdiocese of Washington

Secretariat of Education
Office for Religious Education
Catholic Schools Office