Fifty years of De La Salle catechetical program: Restrospect and prospect

• Main Author: Hudtohan, Emiliano T.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2005
• Subjects: Catechisms; Christian education; Catholic Church > Catechisms; Religious Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/104; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etd_doctoral/article/1103/viewcontent/CDTG003986_P.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The vision/mission of De La Salle Catechetical Center (BAMCREF) has been linked with the work of the Christian Brothers in the Philippines when they founded De La Salle University in 1911. Teaching catechism in the public school was a consequence of the mission of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, which in the 1724 Bull of Approbation clearly stated their educational service for the poor. In 1941, the De La Salle Sodality members were organized to teach in a public elementary school at Fort McKinley, Taguig. In 1952, De La Salle College sponsored high school and college Student Catholic Action students to teach in public schools, utilizing the release time for catechism lesson. In 1957, Brother A. Manuel Castillo, FSC hired full-time catechists to replace student catechists. His innovative staggered schedule in teaching catechism opened the doors of many public schools and allowed the parishes to help finance the salary of the catechists. The management of the Center has always been in the hands of De La Salle presidents and the Centers directors. The president has been an ex officio chair of the De La Salle Catechetical Committee until 1983. When it became a foundation (Brother Andelino Manual Castillo, FSC Religious Education Foundation, Inc.) in 1983, the president became an ex officio chair of the board of trustees of BAMCREF. In 2002, BAMCREF on its golden anniversary (1952-2002) was accredited as a non-government organization certified and accredited to receive tax-free donations. Based on the Ecclesiastical Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) basic content of formation program, the content of De La Salle curriculum for religious instruction in public schools conformed to the required topics for the elementary schools. Survey and class observation showed that public elementary pupils (Grade IV and Grade VI) are capable of making critical judgments on issues requiring Christian principles. Using ECCCEs accreditation tool, the catechists found their training and development in catechetics adequate. However, they felt there is need to improve their knowledge and skill in the area of ecumenism, inter-faith dialogue and inculturation. Grade VI Doña Donato Awardees who excelled in catechism achievement test, character and conduct and academics identified their preference for bible study, personal prayer and leadership training and outreach activities. Bible related study has been a concern of pupils and parents in the 1992 BAMCREF study of Institutional Testing and Evaluation Office (ITEO) of De La Salle University. A comparative study between the Modyul ng Katesismo curriculum and the Basic Education Curriculum of DepEd is highly recommended to pinpoint key inculturation areas to be addressed by the catechists. Bible study, personal prayer, and leadership seminars may be conducted in coordination with the parish youth organizations and the Basic Ecclesial Community. After 50 years of catechism in the public schools, there is an indication that the teaching of doctrine and sacraments needs to be supplemented and complemented with training for personal, spiritual relationship through bible study and prayer sessions. The structured evocative approach in the classroom will have to give way to the ultimate evocative approach in bible study where a participant shares an experience evoked by the Word of God. The Brothers have multiplied their presence and service to the poor in the person of the De La Salle professional catechists who continue the educational mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the evangelical mission of the Catholic Church.