Together at One Altar is the first web-based resource for RE in Australia.
A team of writers from Catholic Education Offices in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sale and Brisbane was commissioned by the National Catholic Education Commission to develop material to support student formation in the Eucharist and assist their full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy.
The design and construction of the website is by Fraynework Multimedia, a work of the Sisters of Mercy. Fraynework also developed Become one Body one Spirit in Christ, the DVD produced to assist parishes with the implementation of the revised Missal, so the resources have a similar look and style.
Together at One Altar is a dynamic resource which hosts a variety of teaching tools and learning activities. There are reflection and discussion questions and a great number of reliable and trustworthy references and web links.
The material is organised into four year levels – Foundation to Year 3, Year 4 to Year 6, Year 7 to Year 10, Years 11 and 12. The Years 11 and 12 material is eminently suitable for use by adults.
The material at each level is grouped according to four themes – Explore, Craft, Celebrate, Live.
Explore: What is the background to the Mass? Teaching materials in this section are designed to enable users to explore stories about Jesus and find out about the history of the Mass. There are excellent support resources on the scriptural, historical and theological foundations of the Eucharist, including short movie clips about participation, Vatican II and understanding the Pascal Mystery.
Craft: How do we prepare to celebrate Mass? This section provides a range of opportunities to explore and learn more about the signs, symbols and settings for Eucharist. Here, users can work with on-line tools to investigate seasons and colours and liturgical ministries.
Celebrate: What takes place during the Mass? Activities in this component help users to learn about the parts of the Mass, examine what changed with the new English translation and see how the Word of God is proclaimed.
Live: How should I live out the meaning of Mass? This section provides ideas and strategies for reflecting on and responding to the challenge to live a eucharistic life. Themes of social justice and charity can be explored using web 2 tools and video links.
While Together at One Altar was designed for use in RE lessons in Catholic primary and secondary schools, it is very useful for many other purposes. Since the resource is openly available on the web, it can be accessed by parents. Other audiences include Children’s Liturgy of the Word ministers, those who want to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, and catechists who contribute to the faith formation of adult candidates for initiation and of parents and children in parish sacramental programs.
People of all ages wanting to learn more about the liturgy, the Eucharist, liturgical ministry, the history of Catholic worship, etc. will find this very comprehensive and well presented resource interesting and instructive.
