Does your lesson plan incorporate the four dimensions of the faith? You may ask what are the four dimensions? They are: The Faith Professed, The Faith Celebrated, the Faith Lived and the Faith Prayed. It is important when speaking about these four dimensions that they are seen as a unity, as a whole and not merely four individual aspect of the faith. When these four dimensions are mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (2:42) they are seen as what the faithful devoted themselves to in response to the birth of the Church and being followers of “The Way”.
All four dimensions should be included in each lesson. For example, if the topic is the Sacrament of Baptism, which is most especially under “The Faith Celebrated”, it should also include an understanding that God have revealed Himself and made us partakers in his divine life (the Holy Trinity). In addition our response to the Sacrament of Baptism is the Faith lived in union with Christ and seeking Him continually as we “pray” for a deeper union in Him. Therefore all catechetical lessons should keep in mind each of these dimensions in order that the faith may be seen as an organic unity.
Thank you for this simple, straightforward post. It is exactly what I needed. I am teaching 8th grade this year and feeling incredibly challenged by the kids (not in a good way). I have two behavioural issues in the class, they are good kids just not quiet in control of themselves… Using the four dimensions might help them take things a little more seriously. My Catholic faith is incredibly important to me and I want to impart that to or lead the kids to a greater appreciation of God’s actions in their lives. I think tying the four dimensions in will help. Thank you again.