RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Catholic School forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education in the faith (The Catholic School 9). “Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply” (1 Peter 3:15). While recognizing the importance of witness of life by which the Gospel is proclaimed (EN 21), explicit proclamation also has an important place those who should hear it (EN 22). Thus Catholic Faith Education must be imparted in the school curriculum.
The Religious Education (RE) curriculum of Paulinian education offers a systematic and organic catechesis that is programmed with a definite goal of leading the Paulinians “to awaken, nourish and develop their life of faith” (CT 21). It is Christo-centric, kerygmatic, and experiential in its approach, meaning it selects and organizes the essentials of the Catholic Faith, giving due emphasis to the centrality of the mystery of Christ. The scope and sequence of each course endeavors to go beyond intellectual assent to the truths of our Faith, and hopes to form Christians who are totally committed to the Person of Jesus Christ.
It employs the renewed catechetical methodology suggested in the National Catechetical Directory for the Philippines 2007 (NCDP) with its key concepts: Integration, Inculturation, and Interpersonal Community-Forming. The Program recognizes the tripartite dimensions of our Catholic Faith (Doctrine, Morals and Worship) and presents them in an integrative way. In addition, the Religious Education curriculum encourages skills such as interpreting the Scriptures, critical thinking and reflection, and moral decision-making and valuing. These skills are necessary in educating the Paulinians for life.
Classroom experience is not enough. The students have to be initiated into community involvement, liturgical celebrations, prayer and other religious activities. Integrated in each Religious Education subject is the Community Extension Services (CES) Exposure Program that is developmental and so tailored as to accompany the subject matter in the classroom with community involvement. On the other hand, to nurture their worship and prayer life the Paulinians undergo annual retreat, hold regular class Masses and Confession in addition to the Eucharistic celebrations to highlights school events and Church feast.
The underlying objectives to realize the goal of the Religious Education Program include the following:
- Understanding and appreciation of the sources of our Catholic Faith: Sacred Scriptures, Tradition, Church Teaching and Human Experience according to the level of the Paulinians;
- Basic knowledge of the truths of the Catholic Faith pronounced in the Creed;
- Understanding of the basic principles and practices of Catholic morality;
- Interest in prayer and active participation in the Church’s liturgy and Sacraments;
- Sense of belonging and meaningful involvement in the life of the Church;
- Translating Gospel truths, moral principles, and spiritual attitudes into concrete acts in ordinary daily life.
CONTACT INFORMATION
MRS. JESSIEVIC PICO
Head, Religious Education
St. Paul University Philippines
Mabini Street, Tuguegarao City, 3500
Cagayan, Philippines
Telephone Number: (078) 396-1987 to 1997
E-mail: jpico@spup.edu.ph