Notes on Catechetical instruction

Title

Creator

Badang, Catalino

Language

English

Source

The Little Apostle of the Mountain Province XIX (9) May 1950

Year

1950

Subject

Catholic catechisms

Christianity and culture

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

NOTES ON CATECHETICAL INSTRUCTION I sneaked into a smatl barrio not far from the high school to check up on the catechetical instruction of the little children by two high school girls. I was able to hear the first prayers, the "Mamatiac". This was followed by the "Amami", the "Ave Maria", the "Agbabawiac" and the acts of faith, hope and charity, followed by two or three songs and the learning of the catechism proper. When one of the catechists began relating a "lesson story", I felt glad because the work was progressing by Catalino Badang according to plan. The lesson-story, I thought to myself, would be followed by some games, the community recitation of the Holy Rosary, and the closing prayers. I decided, this would be the time for me to leave for the next barrio. I arrived at the next barrio rather late, for the lessons had progressed into the "lesson story" . I knew the two boys assigned to this barrio; so I decided to make my appearance unnoticed. I entered a nearby house via the back door and immediately took to my notes. I was rather curious about the presence of some older folks among the children. And then it came; a grown-up man was inter-10pelating the catechists. I heard him say in part, "But the Bible says that Jesus had brothers. That means, there were other children born of Mary besides Himself" . I put away my notes and joined the group. One of the catechists was already taking up the challenge. The grown-up man was in earnest. He continued, "And the Bible also says that Christ was of the House of David, and it was Joseph who belonged to the line of David". The same catechist dramatically announced, "Pass the collection plate". I intervened by requesting the older folks to join me in another place, and told the student catechists fo resume the instruction of the children. Once with the older people, I took pains to explain that the Bible is like a book of law which only competent judges can interpret; that in like manner, only the Church can interpret the Bible. All in all, my talk seemed to convince them. When finally, I turned my steps homeward, I was having VISUAL INSTRUCTION IS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND THE BEST PHOTO AUGUSTIJNS some misg1vmgs. "So this is it", I said to myself. Some proselyting work even among catechumens. ''Oh well", I said, "anyway our little apostles are gallantly doing their assigned tasks, and as long as they keep to it, they can win." If only, our student catechists had rosaries and more catechisms in the vernacular to distribute to the children, the instructions would be easier and better, much better .. . . .. . -@Tomnn· was a staunch Catholic. Johnny ~·as a staunch Protestant. Johnny came home one day all black and blue ... ''But son," the mother inquired. "who has giYen you such a bad beating?" "Oh, lUommv, Tommy did it. I only said someth"ing abo.it the Pope." "But, don't you know Tommy is a Catholic?" ' ' "I do, lUom, but how was I to know the Pope is a Catholic too?" -11

pages

10-11

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