Catechism in preparation for Holy Communion : an evaluation and a proposal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is twofold in its nature: to evaluate the catechism textbook, presently used in Maltese parishes and to propose an activity booklet which is user friendly and involves the pupils more in their learning experience. The method of investigation is mainly conducted through an accurate research in archives, libraries, in cyberspace, and also by means of a questionnaire about the book in question. This paper is divided in an introduction, five chapters and an appendix. The introduction is a description of the subject matter treated in the paper. The first chapter is a description of the present situation with regards to the preparation of the children receiving The First Holy Communion. The second chapter is an evaluation of the textbook currently used by catechists; 'Hekk Habbna l-Missier'. The third chapter suggests a step by step method to be followed by the catechist as a guide in teaching the children certain doctrines and mysteries. The fourth chapter deals with the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist. The fifth chapter is the actual activity book proposed in this paper. The appendix includes the questionnaire given to ten catechists of different parishes in Malta. A select bibliography of the sources consulted in writing this paper is given in the end. In my point of view, through the research conducted in this field and through my experience, as infant teacher, I can declare that children learn more through play and hands-on experiences than by just listening and repeating what the catechist says. Notwithstanding the importance of the latter, my suggestion is to introduce a completely different approach in teaching catechism to our little ones, and that is by introducing more activities and discussions in their catechism lessons.