"Jiena nemmen" : an evaluation of the 5th year catechetical program

Abstract

The fifth year catechetical book "Jiena Nemmen" was introduced last year to compliment the catechetical program established in 2008 for the preparation of children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. My task is to evaluate this book which deals primarily with our Christian belief and our faith as Christians. I am going to discuss what catechesis is all about and how catechists should act to carry out their ministry. Catechesis has an essential role to play in the handing on the faith. The "Catechism" is the basic text book of faith and morals, a manual of Christian doctrine. In this evaluation I will provide some information about catechesis, about the fifth year catechetical program itself and also provide some background regarding the psychology and religious development of 6 to 12 year old children. Then there will be an evaluation of the anthropological, theological and ecclesiological aspects of the program both from the theological and from the pedagogical point of view. The conclusions will rest on the analysis carried out. They will also focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the program which is currently in its initial stage.