Seven catechetical theorists and practitioners (Alfred McBride, Berard L. Marthaler, Dan Keller, Mary Ann Johnston, Eileen Loughran, Matt Hayes, and Mike Carotta) discuss the significance of the new "Cathechism of the Catholic Church," which replaces the "Cathechism of the Council of Trent" -- the official catechism of the…

Presents evidence connecting community service and religiousness in American youth. These data from nationally representative samples strengthen the case that the many contemporary youth who take religion seriously are vibrantly engaged in their schooling, in the betterment of communities, and the development of identities that presage healthy…

This article points out the importance of involving every member of a church congregation in the education of the young. (JD)

Young pastors are beginning to use experiences as a way of teaching in their parishes. Interest in experiential education grew out of frustration with conventional theological education based on classroom lecture and textbooks, which failed to equip the minister-in-training to deal with day-to-day life of the parish, hospital, or campus. (JHZ)

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)

Examines three forms of religious involvement in relation to ego strengths, ideological and ethnic forms of identity, general self esteem, and school self esteem for African American (n=62) and European American (n=63) students in 11th grade. Ego strengths of hope, will, purpose, fidelity, love, and care were associated with various forms of…

Historically, the Black church has played an important role in the social and economic life of the Black community. Currently, the church, often in partnership with the federal government, provides both moral and economic impetus for the economic redevelopment of urban areas. (GC)

This resource packet includes information relating to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Christian church. The first article, "Changing Attitudes, Creating Awareness," highlights several critical areas where churches can begin to understand the barriers of exclusion to people with disabilities. The following article, "Victim…

This document reports on a conference that addressed the involvement of the National Council of Churches of Christ/USA in literacy education in North America, at which literacy program participants, national leaders in literacy education, church leaders, and international literacy delegates described their successes and struggles. The first…

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)

Changes in the churches and in higher education today are leading to new kinds of roles in campus ministry for laypersons and professional staff. Traditionally, the campus minister has been a direct service provider, with parish clergy and laypersons functioning in secondary back-up roles. These traditional roles are currently being challenged by…

Historical causes of rural poverty and general recommendations for work among rural youth in India, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are presented in this summary of national reports given before the Rural Youth Study Group in 1976. In addition to study papers on each country, the volume contains an introduction on rural youth and…

Historically, religion and spirituality have been major influences in the social, cultural, and political lives of African Americans. Spirituality is deeply embedded into their rich cultural heritage, and it is intertwined into all aspects of their life, including beliefs about health and illness. For African Americans, health and illness are a…

This volume contains the proceedings of a conference of social scientists and ministers on "Religion and Social Change" held at the North Carolina State University (Raleigh). Five seminars were held on the topics of (1) economic progress; (2) the distribution of income, status, and power; (3) the local community decision-making process;…