Most programmes of adult Christian learning today expect students to engage in theological reflection. The theoretical underpinning for this is often drawn from secular models of reflective practice, made "theological" by the subject matter for reflection. This article aims to establish an explicitly theological basis for the use of the metaphor…

Depicts the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a model for Christian spirituality and the primary initiation structure of the Church. Describes catechesis, community, liturgy, and service as the foundations required to live in the Spirit's presence. (VWC)

Drawing on insights from group dynamics and group therapy as well as the Christian faith, this book asserts the strategic importance of small groups for making the church more relevant to contemporary life. It gives specific guidelines, examples, and several case studies for the development and clearly structured activity of sharing groups. Such…

Asserts that desire for the holy and a faith that helps make sense of life are youths' quests. Gives adults who minister youths strategies to impart knowledge and the quest for it among peers and adults. (VWC)

The church school teacher has the ability to strengthen or weaken the overall effectiveness of the church school program. In many cases, loss of interest, church school dropout, and the decline of the church school result from poor teaching. A model is proposed that can address the problem of the declining church school through a teaching and…

This book provides a series of conceptual guidelines and models, predicated on Catholic tradition and law, for all those responsible for educational governance in Catholic elementary and secondary schools and in the various forms of parish religious education programs. Chapter 1, "Education and Governance," discusses Catholic educational…