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Diocese debuts online religious education program – The Way
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“Education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul.” — St. Augustine of Hippo
Our diocesan offices have been hard at work to create safe and engaging ways for all to continue their faith formation and education.
THE WAY
“We wanted something that was flexible, for both parishes and parents, was not time-consuming and was not overwhelming,” states Jamin Herold, executive director of the diocesan Parish Life and Lay Leadership when discussing how he, along with his team, developed the religious education program The Way. Herold explains that he and his team listened to directors of religious education and parents and sought to build a program that would meet their needs through a simple and easy-to-navigate online program.
Recognizing that many parents would be responsible for teaching religious education at home this school year, the diocesan staff wanted to offer a resource that went beyond the typical goals of religious education. “What we realized is we ultimately wanted to help every household in the diocese to be able to live the Catholic faith. Our parameters changed from ‘how do we provide theological information’ to ‘how do we help families learn and embrace the faith?’”
The Way is designed to provide an innovative solution for any family to learn, pray and live the faith. The program teaches The Way of Jesus Christ through the three pillars of learn, pray and live. There are 25 online lessons per grade level that can be used throughout the year that align with the typical religious education lessons and schedules. These simple education lessons, when combined with the other two pillars of pray and live, encourage family prayer and discussion on how to live out The Way.
The learn section includes a 10-minute video, a 5- to 10-minute script, discussion questions and simple activities. Parents do not need to do any further research of their own; however, additional information is provided if the child or parent would like to learn more on a certain subject.
The additional pray and live sections provide simple ways to incorporate the faith into everyday life. At the Herold household, once a week during dinner the family of nine will read the Gospel and discuss the provided follow-up questions. After dinner, “While the kids are doing dishes and their chores I play the video on the saint.”
The Way is offered free of charge and is available for anyone at diokzoo.org/theway.
DIOCESAN RESOURCES
The Way as well as each of the following opportunities are made possible by generous gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal:
Institute of Missionary Discipleship — The Institute of Missionary Discipleship offers free courses through Franciscan University Catechetical Institute. Through conferences, online courses, personal support and new catechetical resources, the Catechetical Institute makes the riches of the Catholic faith more available and accessible. The Institute of Missionary Discipleship also offers day trainings such as “Discernment of Spirits” and “Art of Accompaniment.” Learn more at imdisciple.com.
Sunday Experience — Through various resources, including prayers, reflections, education guides and activities, Sunday Experience offers ways to keep faith a priority every Sunday. Check out these resources at diokzoo.org/sundayexperience.
Virtual Bible Study — Each week, virtual Bible studies are hosted via Zoom. All adults are invited to join the discussion and explore the coming Sunday’s Gospel reading every Tuesday at 7 p.m. A Teen Bible study is hosted every Monday at 7 p.m., all high school students are invited to join. Register at diokzoo.org/diocesanofferings.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Formed — Formed supports thousands of movies, children’s programs, ebooks, parish programs and studies. Formed is offered free of charge through many parishes — check with your local parish to see if they are a member. See all they offer at formed.org.
Ascension — Ascension Press offers free videos, podcasts and articles to strengthen faith, answer tough questions, and delve into the rich mysteries of the Catholic Church. Check out these resources at ascensionpress.com.
Sophia Institute — The Sophia Institute offers free monthly and liturgical lesson plans, artwork and more. Find all they have to offer at sophiainstitute.com.
