From the makers of the YOUCAT series
Faith course: Understanding what it means to be a Christian is a recent addition to the YOUCAT series of books, written by Bernhard Meuser and translated into English. Its style is similar to the YOUCAT: bright yellow cover, useful notations, quotes and questions in the margins, and good use of images. Older teenagers and young adults will find the book suited to their demographic. However, there is no reason why it couldn’t be used as a tool in RCIA ministry settings.
The first chapter suggests that the course can be “done alone”, but that it might be better to use it within a group. I agree. I attempted to read it through like a novel, but found that the questions in the margins kept catching my attention. Also, some of the quotes needed reflecting upon. To my mind, this book is a resource to be used within the context of an accompaniment model. The topics covered need teasing out as well as having some free flowing conversation to allow further exploration of the material.
To assist the accompaniment process, a free Study Guide is available for download (www.youcat.org). This would help the teacher, catechist or youth group leader to skilfully lead a small group through the material.
The resource has 26 chapters, focusing on issues pertinent to this age group, for example:
Given our current restrictions around meeting in groups physically, I can see how this little book might lend itself to teleconference discussions. You could easily pick out one of the chapters and break open the contents over 40 minutes, bookending the session with prayer and fellowship. Certainly, another very useful resource from the makers of the YOUCAT series.
Imprimatur: Very Reverend Joseph Caddy AM, Vicar General, Melbourne
Publisher: Freedom Publishing Books
Author: Bernhard Meuser, the author of YOUCAT
Date: 21 April 2020
ISBN: 9780648725145
Price: $27.95
Available from: Freedom Publishing (click here)
