MANUAL 

CONFRATERNITY 

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 
For priests, religious, seminarians and laity 

promoting Confraternity Activities 

Revised Edition Q 

i î W & v 

'The National Center of the 
CONFRATERNITY O F CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 

The National Catholic Welfare Conference 
• 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W. 

Washington, D. C. 

Additional copies of this Manual may be obtained 
from the above address or from the publisher. 

PRICE TEN CENTS 





MANUAL 
O F THE 

CONFRATERNITY 

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 
For priests, religious, seminarians and laity 

promoting Confraternity Activities 

Revised Edition 

The National Center of the 

C O N F R A T E R N I T Y O F C H R I S T I A N D O C T R I N E 

The National Catholic Welfare Conference 
1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N. W . 

Washington, D. C. 

Additional copies of this Manual may be obtained 
from the above address or from the publisher. 

O F 

PRICE TEN CENTS 



T H E E P I S C O P A L C O M M I T T E E O N T H E 

C O N F R A T E R N I T Y O F C H R I S T I A N D O C T R I N E 

MOST REV. J O H N T . MCNICHOLAS MOST REV. J O H N G . MURRAY 

MOST REV. EDWIN V . O ' H A R A , Chairman 

T H E N A T I O N A L C E N T E R OF THE 

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN D O C T R I N E 

T h e N a t i o n a l Catholic W e l f a r e C o n f e r e n c e 

1312 Massachusetts Ave., N . W . 

W a s h i n g t o n , D . C. 

VERY REV. F . A . W A L S H , Director MIRIAM MARKS, Secretary 

CHAIRMEN OF STANDING COMMITTEES 
Religious Discussion Clubs 

Adult, Rev. F. Gregory Smith 
Catecbetics in the Seminary 
Rev. Rudolph G. Bandas 

The Parent-Educator, Rev. Joseph McSorley 
Religious Vacation-School Manuals 

Primary, Rev. Leroy S. Callahan 
Elementary, Rev. Leon A. McNeill 

The Catholic Biblical Association, Rev. Edward P. Arbez, President 
Editorial Board, Douai-Rhe'tms Version New Testament 

Revision Rev. W . L. Newton, Secretary 

COPYRIGHT, 1 9 3 7 

BY THE NATIONAL CENTER 

OF THE 
C O N F R A T E R N I T Y O F C H R I S T I A N D O C T R I N E 

NATIONAL CATHOLIC W E L F A R E CONFERENCE 
WASHINGTON, D . C . 

P R I N T E D I N T H B U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A 

OoacfdKedi 



C O N T E N T S 

PAGE 

Preface » V 
Excerpt from an Address of Most Reverend Amleto Giovanni 

Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to the United S t a t e s . . . . VI 
Letter from Cardinal Serafini, Prefect of the Sacred Con-

gregation of the Council VII 
Confraternity Origins in Europe and the United States 1 
The National Center of the Confraternity of Christian 

Doctrine 7 
Spiritual Privileges Granted by the Holy See to the Con-

fraternity of Christian Doctrine 10 
Suggested Constitution of the Confraternity of Christian 

Doctrine for Parish Units 15 
Duties of Parish Officers 19 
Instructions for Lay Teachers 22 
Instructions for Fishers 28 
Instructions for Helpers • 33 
Suggestions for Leaders of Religious Discussion Clubs 37 
Suggestions for Preparation of Discussion-Club Texts 45 
Suggestions for Parent-Educator Groups 46 
Plan for Organizing Parish Units of the Confraternity 

of Christian Doctrine 49 
School-Year Religious Instruction — Elementary Grades. . . . 56 
The Religious Vacation School 62 
Religious Instruction of Catholics Attending Secular High Schools 69 
Religious Correspondence Courses 73 



Published by 

ST. A N T H O N Y : 

FRANCISCAN 
MONASTERY 

GUILD PRESS 

P A T E R S O N 
NEW JERSEY 

September, 1937 
Second Printing, October, 1937 

This and other literature issued by the National 

Center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 

N . C . W . C . , 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N . W., 

Washington, D. C., may be ordered direct from 

the publisher, St. Anthony's Guild, Franciscan 

Monastery, Paterson, New Jersey. 



P R E F A C E 

Since 1923, continuing committees have been engaged 
in the task of developing a constructive program of re-
ligious instruction for the large groups of children and 
adults who need the services of the Confraternity of Chris-
tian Doctrine. Suggestions made at the annual meetings 
of these committees have been put to the test of actual 
practice in many dioceses, in large cities, small towns and 
rural parishes. This edition of the Manual contains the 
latest revision of the program of the Confraternity as re-
ported by these national committees. 

The plan of organization of the parish Confraternity 
here presented has been found effective wherever it has 
been consistently tried, and will repay careful study on the 
part of anyone concerned with the Confraternity program. 
This Manual deals almost exclusively with the work of 
the parish Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, but it 
everywhere presupposes the supervision of the work by 
a Diocesan Director appointed by the Ordinary. 

•SB EDWIN V . O ' H A R A , 

Bishop of Great Falls; 

Chairman of the Episcopal Committee on 

the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 



EXCERPT FROM A N ADDRESS 

OF THE APOSTOLIC DELEGATE 

"The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 
which has for its object to impart catechetical in-
struction, was organized centuries ago. It operates 
under the guidance and direction of your bishops 
and parish priests. This Confraternity should be 
erected in every parish; in fact it should take pre-
cedence over all other parochial societies and so-
dalities. It is composed particularly of lay teachers 
who devote themselves to the teaching of the 
Catechism to children and to adults who other-
wise might be unable to acquire a knowledge of 
the Catholic religion. This teaching of the Cate-
chism by the laity is one of the noblest and most 
efficacious works of Catholic Action, for the end 

; and aim of Catholic Action is nothing less than 
the winning of souls to Christ. For those who 
cannot attend our Catholic schools, other means 
for the teaching of Christian Doctrine are found, 
such as vacation schools and instruction classes 
during the year, and study clubs, particularly for 
high-school and college students. Adults and non-
Catholics are provided for by means of study clubs 
and inquiry classes. . . . " 

)•& A M L E T O GIOVANNI CICOGNANI, 
Archbishop of Laodicea; 

Apostolic Delegate to the United States. 

October 30, 1935. 

VI 



LETTER FROM THE PREFECT 
OF THE SACRED CONGREGATION OF THE COUNCIL 

(Translation) 
Rome 

July 10, 1936 
Sacred Congregation of the Council 
Catechetical Office 

Your Excellency: 
Among the matters contained in the reports 

made recently to this Sacred Congregation of the 
Council by the Ordinaries of the United States of 
America, this Sacred Congregation has freely con-
sidered and weighed especially those things which 
have been done to foster more and more the re-
ligious instruction of the Christian people. 

Above everything else, it seems beyond doubt 
most useful for obtaining the desired end that the 
Committee of Bishops promoting the Confrater-
nities of Christian Doctrine with far-seeing wis-
dom, ordained and decreed that the Confraternity 
or Sodality of Christian Doctrine should be estab-
lished according to the circumstances of each place 
in every parish, as commanded by Canon 711:2 of 
the Code of Canon Law and the decree of this 
Sacred Congregation of January 12, 1935. 

These Confraternities, as may be known from 
the acts forwarded to this Sacred Congregation, 
aim principally at this function, namely, that they 
unite all those persons in each parish who are 
suited to teach and promote the Catechism, and 
who by diligent care and use of prescribed methods 

VII 



impart catechetical instruction to all children and 
young people. 

This Sacred Congregation also praises highly 
and approves the plan of instituting a revision of 
the Catechism of the Third Plenary Council of 
Baltimore, and by the work and help of men 
skilled in this matter of preparing a new text of 
Christian Doctrine better adapted to the present-
day needs of the people. For whatever effort and 
labor is spent in imparting and popularizing cate-
chetical education is clearly to the profit of souls, 
and hence contributes much to the moral and so-
cial advantage of the people. 

When, during an audience held on July 7 of 
the current year, I related these things to His Holi-
ness, Pope Pius XI, the Most Holy Father deigned 
to congratulate earnestly this Committee of the 
Bishops with regard to what has been done and 
what is proposed to be done; and further, to keep 
in his prayers this work, so that what has been so 
happily begun may continue to prosper. To this 
end, and in token of his benevolence toward the 
aforementioned Bishops and toward all who carry 
on the work of giving better care to and promot-
ing Christian Doctrine, he also deigned to impart 
the Apostolic Blessing. 

Fraternally, 
(signed) J . CARD. SERAFINI, Prefect 

J . B R U N O , Secretary 
H i s E X C E L L E N C Y 
T H E M O S T R E V . E D W I N O ' H A R A , 
Chairman of the Episcopal Committee 
on the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

VIII 



Confraternity Origins in Europe and the United States* 

1536 Castellino da Castello, a zealous priest, founded in 
Milan the School of Christian Doctrine in which, 
on Sundays and other feast days, children and un-
lettered persons were instructed in the elementary 
doctrines of Christianity. 

1545-63 The Council of Trent, recognizing the need of 
religious instruction for the young, issued the Cate-
chismus ad Parochos ("Catechism for Pastors"), 
and ordered that Christian Doctrine instructions 
be given on Sundays and festivals throughout the 
Church. 

1560 Cardinal Baronius wrote in his Annates that the 
Society of Christian Doctrine at Rome was founded 
by Marcus Sudi of Milan, a hat-maker, under the 
Pontificate of Pius IV (about 1560). This noble 
man united with zealous men in instructing children 
and adults. A Christian Doctrine Association was 
established which was joined by priests and laymen. 
The Association was greatly extended by Henri 
Pietra of Piacenza, who left his business, became a 
priest, and through the advice and assistance of 
St. Philip Neri, brought many to the service of God. 
As the Association developed, some members re-
solved to live in common and took the name of 

* From The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Rev. Raymond 
P r i n d i v i l l e , C . S . P . , AMERICAN ECCLESIASTICAL REVIEW, P h i l a d e l p h i a , 
1932. 

[ 1 ] -



Doctrinarians. The others remained in the world 
and formed the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

1562 Pope Pius IV made the Church of St. Apollinaris the 
center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

1571 Pope St. Pius V encouraged zeal for the work by 
- according members indulgences, and recommended 

to bishops the establishment of the Confraternity in 
every parish. 

1605 Pope Clement VIII gave the Confraternity a Pro-
tector in Cardinal de Medici, later Pope Leo XI. 

1607 Pope Paul V erected the Confraternity into an Arch-
confraternity, granted extensive indulgences and 
favors, and changed the center to St. Peter's at the 
Vatican. 

1610 The Sacred Congregation of Indulgences decreed 
that the Confraternity be erected in all parishes. 

1686 In an encyclical, Pope Innocent XI recommended 
the establishment of the Confraternity to all bishops. 

1740-58 Pope Benedict XIV assigned the present center 
of the Archconfraternity as Santa Maria del Pianto 
(St. Mary of Tears) in Rome. 

Other Advocates and Leaders of the Confraternity: 

St. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) established at 
Milan a seminary where catechists were trained 
under his guidance. At his death 740 Christian Doc-
trine Schools were conducted by 3,000 teachers. 

St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), at the request 
of Pope Clement VIII, prepared two Catechisms for 

[ 2 ] -



use in the Confraternity, one for catechists and the 
other for pupils. 
St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), as his first step 
after being consecrated Bishop of Geneva (1602), 
instituted catechetical instruction for the faithful, 
both young and old. 

From Rome the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
extended throughout Italy, France, Germany, other 
countries on the continent, and Ireland. 

1905 The Encyclical of Pope Pius X, Acer bo Nimis, on 
the teaching of Christian Doctrine, states under 
Uniformity of Practice and Teaching: 

"In each parish the Confraternity of Christian Doc-
trine is to be canonically instituted. Through this 
Confraternity the parish priests, especially in places 
where there is a scarcity of priests, will find valu-
able helpers for catechetical instruction in pious lay 
persons, who will lend their aid to this holy and 
salutary work, both from a zeal for the glory of 
God and as a means of gaining the numerous in-
dulgences granted by Sovereign Pontiffs. 

"In large towns, and especially in those which con-
tain universities, colleges and grammar schools, let 
religious classes be founded to instruct in the truths 
of faith and in the practice of Christian life the 
young people who frequent the public schools, from 
which all religious teaching is banned." 

1918 The New Code of Canon Law ordains that the 
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine be established 
in every parish. (Canon 711:2.) 

[ 3 ] -



*1903 The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine was or-
ganized in New York City by Archbishop John 
M. Farley. 

1908 The Pittsburgh Missionary Confraternity was estab-
lished in Pittsburgh to minister to the mining dis-
tricts of that diocese. 

1921 Most Reverend Thomas E. Molloy established the 
Confraternity in Brooklyn. 

1922 Establishment of parish units of the Confraternity 
of Christian Doctrine throughout the Archdiocese of 
Los Angeles by Most Rev. John J. Cantwell, with 
Reverend Robert E. Lucey as the first Director. 

1923 Motu Proprio of Pius XI, Orbem Catholicum. The 
Catechetical Office was established as a special de-
partment in the Sacred Congregation of the Council. 

1926 September 8: A letter from the Sacred Congregation 
of Seminaries sent to all Bishops, spoke of the prime 
importance of Catechetical Instruction for old and 
young, and the need of preparation in the semi-
naries for this duty. 

1929 December 31: The Encyclical of Pius XI on the 
Christian Education of Youth, Divini lllius Ma-
gistri, under Environment of Education, reads: "For 
the love of Our Saviour Jesus C h r i s t , . . . W e implore 
pastors of souls, by every means in their power, by 
instructions and Catechisms, by word of mouth and 
written articles widely distributed, to warn Christian 
parents of their grave obligations.... Parents, there-
fore, and all who take their place in the work of 
education, should be careful to make right use of 

* Manual of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 1906, p. 40. 
The Sunday Companion Publishing Company. 

iM 



the authority given them by God, Whose vicars in a 
true sense they are. This authority is not given for 
their own advantage, but for the proper upbringing 
of their children in a holy and filial 'fear of God, 
the beginning of wisdom,' on which foundation 
alone all respect for authority can rest securely; and 
without which, order, tranquillity and prosperity, 
whether in the family or in society, will be 
impossible." 

1934 The Archbishops and Bishops of the United States, 
at their annual meeting in November, appointed an 
Episcopal Committee of three members on the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine. The National 
Center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
was established as a bureau of the National Cath-
olic Welfare Conference, Washington, D . C. 

1935 January 12: The Decree of the Sacred Congregation 
of the Council on The Better Care and Promotion of 
Catechetical Education directs that: "In every parish 
. . . there shall be instituted and before all others, in 
accordance with Canon 711:2, a Confraternity of 
Christian Doctrine embracing in its membership all 
who are capable of teaching or promoting catecheti-
cal instruction, especially school teachers and those 
who are experienced in the training of children." 
April: A communication from the Apostolic Dele-
gate encouraged the employment of seminarians in 
religious vacation schools. 
October 30-31: The First National Catechetical 
Congress of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
convened in Rochester, New York, under the pat-
ronage of His Excellency the Most Reverend Arch-
bishop Edward Mooney, Bishop of Rochester. 

[ 5 ] 



1936 The Episcopal Committee on the Confraternity of 
Christian Doctrine, received a letter from the Cate-
chetical Office of the Sacred Congregation of the 
Council commending the accomplishments, encour-
aging further activity of the Committee of Bishops 
and imparting the Apostolic Blessing to all who 
carry on the work of promoting Christian Doctrine. 
October 3-6: The Second National Catechetical 
Congress of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
was held in New York under the patronage of His 
Eminence Patrick Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop of 
New York. 

1937 October 9-12: The Third National Catechetical 
Congress of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
held in St. Louis under the patronage of His Excel-
lency the Most Reverend John J. Glennon, Arch-
bishop of St. Louis. 

• 



T h e N a t i o n a l Center of the 
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

The Archbishops and Bishops of the United States, at 
their annual meeting in November, 1934, appointed an 
Episcopal Committee (of three members) on the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine, and established the Na-
tional Center of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
as a bureau of the National Catholic Welfare Conference. 
With a priest-director and a staff at Washington, it func-
tions as a clearing house for Confraternity information, 
which is made readily available to any diocese desiring it. 

Since each diocese is autonomous, the establishment, 
development and procedure of the Confraternity are di-
rected by diocesan authority, and not by the National 
Center. Each parish Confraternity carries out its own pro-
gram of religious instruction, as the Ordinary may direct. 

The National Center maintains a catechetical library 
of textbooks, charts and various visual materials useful in 
advancing the Confraternity objectives, and issues sugges-
tions and directions for promoting these objectives. It 
sponsors annually a National Catechetical Congress; pub-
lishes pamphlets on organization, and teachers' manuals 
of graded courses of study; supplies factual information; 
answers inquiries about Confraternity activities and pro-
grams. Upon the request of the Ordinary, it supplies the 
services of an experienced field secretary to assist the Dio-
cesan Director with organization procedure and the de-
velopment of Confraternity activities. 

[ 7 ] 



Diocesan Directors of the Confraternity have been 
officially appointed in the great majority of the dioceses 
of the United States. 

The National Center recognizes that the National 
Catholic Welfare Conference Department of Lay Organi-
zations is a valuable channel for Confraternity work, since 
it provides federating agencies through which diocesan 
and parish organizations may act in conformity with the 
mind of the hierarchy. Through the National Councils 
of Catholic Men and Women, efficient and orderly com-
munication is provided with organizations in the dioceses. 
The Councils encourage and assist societies in promoting 
the unified Confraternity program. The societies, in turn, 
present the diocesan program to their membership, and 
encourage participation. Upon request, the National 
Center supplies the societies with religious program sug-
gestions, exhibits, lists of texts and other aids. 

Publications Issued by the National Center of the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine: 

PRICE 

Revised Manual of the Confraternity of Christian 
Doctrine $ .10 

Confraternity Leaflets single copy .05 
Spiritual Privileges 
Constitution for Parish Units 
Duties of Parish Officers 
Instructions for Lay Teachers 
Instructions for Fishers 
Instructions for Helpers 
Suggestions for "Discussion-Club Leaders 
Suggestions for Parent-Educator Groups 
Plan for Organizing the Parish Units 
School-Year Religious Instruction 

i n -



Confraternity Leaflets single copy $ .05 
The Religious Vacation School 
Religious Instruction of Catholics Attending 

Secular High Schools 
Religious Correspondence Courses 
The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the 

College Newman Clubs (in preparation) 

School-Year Religious Instruction Manuals 
Grades I-IV 10 
Grades V-VIII . . 10 

Religious Vacation School Manuals 
Grades I-IV 10 
Grades V-VIII 10 

The New Testament Series (discussion-club outlines) .25 
Parts I and II: The Life of Christ 
Part III: The History of the Apostolic Church 

12 or more copies, each .17 

The Religious Discussion Club 05 

Proceedings of the National Catechetical Congress, 
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

Rochester, New York, 1935 paper edition $1.00 
New York, New York, 1936. . . " " 1.00 
St. Louis, Missouri, 1937 " " 1.00 

Discounts from 2 0 % to 6 0 % on quantity orders. 

[ 9 ] -



Spiritual Privileges 
Granted by the Holy See to 

T h e Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

I . INDULGENCES 

With the exception of that granted in the hour of 
death (Number 4, Plenary Indulgences), all the indul-
gences here listed are applicable to the souls in Purgatory. 

A. The first indulgence granted the Confraternity mem-
bers was forty days to all who, penitent, confessed 
their sins at the time set by law, and who engaged in 
the Confraternity work of giving or receiving Christian 
Doctrine instructions (Pius V, October 6, 1571). 

B. Plenary Indulgences (Pius V, Clement XII, Gregory 
XVII and Pius X, June 6, 1912) : 
1. To all the faithful on the day that, truly contrite 

and having confessed and received Holy Commun-
ion, they are received into the Archconfraternity; 

2. To all and each of the members on the principal 
feast of the (local) Confraternity; 

3. On the following feasts: Easter, Christmas, Pente-
cost, Epiphany, Ascension, Circumcision, Corpus 
Christi, Assumption and Immaculate Conception 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary; feast of Our Lady of 
the Seven Sorrows (January 14 — titular feast of 
the church of the Archconfraternity in Rome, Santa 
Maria del Pianto) ; feasts of St. Joseph; St. Peter 

[ 1 0 ] -



and St. Paul (June 29), All Saints, (November 1), 
St. Charles Borromeo (November 4 ) , St. Joseph 
Calasanctius (August 2 7 ) ; on March 2; 1932, 
Pius XI added St. Robert Bellarmine (May 13). 

4. To the members who, at the point of death, having 
confessed and communicated, or being contrite, in-
voke orally if they can, or at least in heart, the most 
Holy Name of Jesus, and accept death from the 
hands of God as the ransom from sin. 

C. Indulgences of the Stations of Rome, granted for days 
on which, in the Roman Missal, the Mass is noted for 
a Station. They can be gained by members who, on 
these days, teach or superintend the teaching of Chris-
tian Doctrine; these indulgences can also be gained by 
any of the faithful who assist at the explanation of 
the Catechism. (On certain days it was customary for 
the Pope to say Mass at certain Roman churches; these 
churches were then the Station Churches and the days 
are still noted in the Missal.) The indulgences of the 
Roman Stations are: 

Plenary Indulgence (under the usual conditions): 
1. To those who on the day of a Station devoutly visit 

the church and assist at functions morning or eve-
ning, according to the local custom or the instruc-
tions of the Pope; 

2. If there be no public service in the church, by saying 
before the Blessed Sacrament the Our Father, Hail 
Mary and Glory, five times, adding the Our Father, 
Hail Mary and Glory, three times, before any relics 
set out for veneration, and the Our Father, Hail 
Mary and Glory at least once for the intention of 
the Pope. 

[ 1 1 ] -



Partial Indulgence of ten years to all members who 
make a visit to the church and recite the prayers above. 
(Pius XI, April 12, 1932; cfr. Sacr. Poenit., February 
25, 1933.) 

D. Partial Indulgences (Pius X, June 6, 1912) : 

1. Ten years to members, if they leave the city to teach 
Christian Doctrine in the suburban towns or in 
the country; 

2. Seven years if they confess and receive Holy Com-
munion on the day and in the place where a Con-
fraternity is being established; the same once a 
month if they confess and receive Holy Com-
munion; 

3. Seven years if, being priests, they give a sermon or 
a religious instruction in a church or an oratory of 
the Confraternity; 

4. Seven years to members if they go about the city 
to bring men, women and children to religious in-
struction; 

5. Seven years if they accompany the Blessed Sacra-
ment when it is borne to the sick; 

6. Three years to those who accompany to the ceme-
tery or attend the funeral of deceased members, and 
pray devoutly for the souls of the departed; 

7. Two hundred days for those who visit sick mem-
bers; two hundred days for those who attend the 
pious exercises, reunions or processions of the Con-
fraternity, held with the approval of the Bishop; 

8. One hundred days for those who, in public or 
in private, explain the Catechism on other than 
feast days; 

[ 1 2 ] 



9. Forty days for members who confess their sins at 
the time set by law, and who engage in Confrater-
nity work, giving or receiving Catechism instruction. 

I I . O T H E R PRIVILEGES 

1. All priests who are members have the personal 
privilege of the privileged altar four days of the 
week for the soul of any of the faithful departed. 

2. When a Mass is said by any priest at any altar for 
the soul of a deceased member of the Confraternity, 
it has the same efficacy as Mass celebrated at a 
privileged altar (Pius X, June 6, 1912). 

3. Members of the Archconfraternity participate in 
the spiritual goods of many Religious Orders and 
Regular Clergy, by concession of their General Su-
periors (1817-25). 

I I I . INDULGENCES FOR A L L THE FAITHFUL 
W H O T E A C H OR STUDY CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 

These indulgences can be gained by members of the 
Confraternity and are applicable to the souls in Purgatory. 

1. Plenary Indulgence twice each month, on days to 
be selected according to their own choice, to all 
faithful Christians who for about a half hour, and 
not less than the third part of an hour, shall have 
done the work of teaching or studying (being 
taught) Christian Doctrine, provided that, repentent 
of their sins, and having gone to confession and 
received Holy Communion, they shall visit some 
church or public oratory and there pour forth the 
prayers for Our intention (i. e., that of the Roman 
Pontiff) ; 

[ 1 3 ] -



2. Partial Indulgence of one hundred days to these 
same faithful Christians as often as, during the 
aforesaid space of time (one month), they shall 
haye undertaken the work of teaching and learning 
Christian Doctrine; to be gained with a heart at 
least having contrition {Apostolic Letter, Pius XI, 
March 12, 1930); 

3. Partial Indulgences on every feast of the Blessed 
Virgin for all the faithful who are wont to assem-
ble in schools and churches to learn Christian Doc-
trine (Pius IX, July 18, 1877): seven years if they 
have gone to confession and Communion; three 
years if they have gone to confession on those days. 

[ 1 4 ] -



Suggested Constitution of the 
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

f o r Parish Units Affiliated 
with the Diocesan Confraternity 

"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid 
them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God" (Mark 
X, 14). 

Canon 711:2 of the Code of Canon Law, the Encycli-
cal Letter of Pius XI on The Christian Education of 
Youth, and the Decree of the Sacred Congregation of the 
Council, On the Better Care and Promotion of Catecheti-
cal Education, constitute the charter of the Confraternity 
of Christian Doctrine. 

ARTICLE I Name 

The name of this organization shall be the Confrater-
nity of Christian Doctrine of 
Parish 

ARTICLE II — Objectives 

The objectives of the parish Confraternity shall be: 
a. Religious education of elementary-school children not 

attending Catholic schools, in vacation school, instruc-
tion classes, and correspondence courses. 

b. Religious instruction of Catholic youth of high-school 
age not attending Catholic schools, in suitable discus-
sion clubs and by other successful methods. 

[ 1 5 ] -



c. Religious discussion clubs for adult groups (including 
students attending secular colleges and universities, 
and out-of-school youth); inquiry classes for non-
Catholics. 

d. Religious education of children by parents in the home. 
e. Participation as a society, and under the direction of 

the pastor, in sacred functions of public worship ac-
cording to the norms of Canon 709:1. Promotion of 
the annual celebration of the Feast of Christian Doc-
trine (Catechetical Day) in each parish, on the day 
prescribed by the Ordinary of the diocese. 

Where not cared for by other agencies, the following 
activities may be undertaken by the Confraternity: 
a. Retreats for children, clubs and classes for immigrant 

parents, religious instruction of Catholics in secular, 
charitable and penal institutions. 

b. A religious program in missions on Sundays and holy-
days of obligation, when a priest is not present to 
celebrate Mass. 

c. Distribution of Catholic literature, especially papers 
and magazines; maintenance, at the church or assem-
bly hall, of a book rack containing pamphlets on Cath-
lic doctrine and practice. 

ARTICLE III — Membership 

Section 1. Active Members. Men, women and youth 
of the parish who are willing to take an active part in 
the work of the Confraternity, by serving at least one hour 
a week or fifty hours annually, shall be enrolled in one or 
more of the following divisions: 
a. Teachers, who shall assist priests and religious in cate-

[ 1 6 ] -



chetical work, especially in religious vacation schools 
and in school year instruction classes. 

b. Fishers (home visitors), who shall make systematic 
surveys of the parish, to encourage attendance at in-
struction classes, membership in discussion clubs, and 
subscriptions to the diocesan paper. 

c. Helpers, who shall provide facilities for the conduct 
of classes and clubs, transport teachers and pupils, as-
sist with preparation of material for religious vacation 
schools and instruction classes, and perform other du-
ties as directed. 

d. Discussion-Club Leaders and- Members, who shall con-
duct or attend religious discussion clubs for adults and 
secular high-school students. 

e. Parent-Educators, who shall cooperate with the Parent-
Educator program of the Confraternity. 

Section 2. Associate Members. Members of the parish 
who cannot take an active part in the Confraternity pro-
gram of religious instruction, but who wish to make a con-
tribution toward its support, shall be admitted as associate 
members. They may be classified, according to their annual 
contribution, as contributing, special, supporting, or sus-
taining members. 

Section 3. Enrollment of active and associate members 
should be made early in September of each year. 

Section 4. Both active and associate members shall pray 
daily for the interests of the Confraternity. They shall 
receive Holy Communion at least once a month. 

ARTICLE IV — Officers and Organization 

Section 1. The Director shall be the pastor, or a priest 
appointed by him. 

[ 1 7 ] -



Section 2. Each September the Director shall appoint 
or shall arrange for the election of the following officers: 
president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and a chair-
man for each of the five divisions of active membership 
named in Article III, Sec. 1. 

Section 3. The Director, the officers and the chairmen 
of th'e five divisions of membership shall constitute the 
Executive Board of the Confraternity. 

ARTICLE V — Meetings 

Section 1. The Executive Board of the Confraternity 
shall meet once a month. 

Section 2. A minimum of six classes for the prepara-
tion of workers shall be held every year by each of the 
division chairmen, under the supervision of the Director. 

Section 3- General meetings of the entire Confrater-
nity membership shall be held at least semi-annually at 
the call of the Director. 

[ 1 8 ] -



Duties of Parish Officers 

The President: 

1. Presides at meetings of the parish Confraternity and 
of the Executive board (Constitution, Article V ) ; 

2. Under the guidance of the Director, furthers the 
development of the Confraternity activities within 
the parish and enlists workers in the five divisions 
of active membership; 

3. Explains the work to persons who might be inter-
ested, and invites them to attend regular or divisional 
meetings; makes known the spiritual benefits of 
membership; 

4. Provides officers and division chairmen with In-
structions supplied by the Diocesan Office; 

5. Where missions are attached to the parish, assists 
the Director in the development of Confraternity 
activities in the missions; brings the mission chair-
men of the five divisions of membership into con-
tact with the parish chairmen of these divisions, 
whc> will acquaint them with methods of procedure; 

6. Helps officers and chairmen to realize that their 
work is vitally important in furthering the religious 
life of the parish; 

7 Contacts the Diocesan Office to obtain information 
and literature and to report methods that have 
proved practical. 

[ 1 9 ] -



The Vice-President: 

1. Assists the president in promoting Confraternity 
activities in the parish; 

2. Takes the president's place in case of his absence 
or inability to function. 

The Secretary: 

1. Gives notice of general and board meetings of the 
Confraternity and keeps the minutes of these meet-
ings (Constitution, Article V ) ; 

2. Maintains an up-to-date classified membership rec-
ord of lay teachers, fishers, helpers, discussion-club 
leaders, parent-teachers and associate members; 

3. Attends to all correspondence as directed by the 
president; files copies of all letters and literature 
issued by the Diocesan Office, and all other corre-
spondence of the Confraternity; 

4. Prepares parish Confraternity news stories for the 
local or diocesan paper, when requested by the Di-
rector to do so. 

The Treasurer (Chairman of Finance Committee) ; 

1. Solicits associate members (Constitution, Article 
III, Sec. 2 ) , who are classified according to their 
annual contribution: 

Contributing members, $ 1.00 
Supporting members, 2.00 
Special members, 5.00 
Sustaining members, 10.00 

2. Plans, with the cooperation and approval of the 
Executive Board, for the raising of needed addi-

[ 2 0 ] -



tional funds, when those derived from associate 
members are insufficient.' (Each parish Confrater-
nity is self-supporting; funds raised by it remain 
in the parish to finance activities of the Confrater-
nity. Through the voluntary services of active mem-
bers, the expenses of the Confraternity may be kept 
to a minimum) ; 

3. Disburses funds as instructed by the Executive 
Board or in payment of bills approved by the Di-
rector or Executive Board; 

4. Keeps an exact record of all money received and 
expended and submits an annual financial report to 
the Executive Board. 

[ 2 1 ] -



Instructions f o r Lay Teachers 

The Chairman of Lay Teachers. W h e n impracticable 
for a priest or religious to be superintendent of school-
year religious instruction classes, the Chairman of Teach-
ers is superintendent under the priest's direction. 

The Chairman of Lay Teachers solicits the services of 
Catholic lay teachers: college and high-school graduates, 
Catholic public-school teachers, and persons who qualify 
to teach by attendance at demonstration lessons for lay 
teachers. (Only persons over high-school age should be 
placed in charge of classes.) High-school students are 
helpful to assist with recreation, recitation of prayers and 
project work. 

Lay teachers attend the regular meetings of the parish 
unit of the Confraternity in order to have a clear under-
standing of its purpose and organization. At the first divi-
sion meeting of teachers, read and discuss the "Confrater-
nity Constitution and Plan for Organizing Parish Units. 

Preparation of Lay Teachers. The most practical prep-
aration of teachers consists in holding weekly demonstra-
tion lessons in which prospective teachers are shown how 
to teach. The Chairman of Lay Teachers arranges for 
demonstration lessons to be given by persons who are 
qualified. Methods are demonstrated while giving lessons 
in Doctrine, recreation, dramatization and music. Where 
Sisters do not teach, lay teachers prepare to conduct Chris-
tian Doctrine classes under the supervision of the Director. 
Where there are local Sisters, their assistance should be 
sought. They often present demonstration lessons. 

[ 2 2 ] -



Each demonstration lesson should be limited to the 
time designated for the subject in the class schedule. It 
is well for all teachers, except the one giving the demon-
stration, to form the class. The entire class, as well as the 
instructor, should prepare the lessons carefully; therefore, 
each member of the class must have the text or outline in 
advance. A demonstration lesson can be given only when 
all prepare. It should be presented to the teachers as they 
are to present it to the children. The effective teacher talks 
little, but draws out the pupils. Each new lesson should 
be explained when it is assigned for study. 

Grading. Grading of classes follows general school 
grading. Grade grouping in small schools should follow 
the plan of the year-round small school grouping, rotating 
the courses of study within the group. 

Standard Program. Sometimes teachers or pupils call 
for new textbooks and new projects. A change is not de-
sirable unless a change of program is made through the 
Diocesan Office. The courses are planned to correspond 
to each school grade. The pupil, therefore, does not re-
peat work. Each teacher strives for mastery of the subjects 
to be presented and should make a conscientious effort to 
improve his or her methods of teaching. Teachers qualify 
for work by attendance at a minimum of six demonstra-
tion lessons each year, and the satisfactory completion of 
a definite course. For further information, write to the 
Diocesan Director of the Confraternity. 

SCHOOL-YEAR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION 

The lay catechist has an important place in the pro-
gram of religious instruction, as it is difficult to staff the 
instruction schools with an adequate number of religious. 
The services of the lay teacher, therefore, make it possible 

M 



to group the children according to the grades to which 
they normally belong and to adapt the program to their 
individual needs and interests. The standard which the 
Confraternity is endeavoring to establish for the school-
year instruction classes calls for a minimum of one and 
one-half hours of instruction, in one or two periods, each 
week for thirty -six weeks. In the Confraternity course of 
study, as embodied in the School-Year Religious In-
struction Manuals (Grades I-IV; Grades V-VIII), the 
lessons of the Catechism are enriched with picture study, 
sacred stories, liturgy and suitable applications to every-
day life. The goal of the catechist must be, not only to 
impart knowledge, but also to develop ideas, to instil 
ideals, to foster spiritual growth and to train in the prac-
tice of Christian virtue. Lay teachers who are privileged 
to take part in this apostolic work should study carefully 
the courses outlined and familiarize themselves with the 
textbooks and instructional materials designated by the 
Diocesan Office. 

VACATION SCHOOLS 

"The vacation school seeks to impress the message of 
religion through every faculty of the child capable of re-
ceiving it. Only one short period a day is devoted to the 
recitation of the Catechism. Teachers must be sought and 
trained to explain the simple prayers in a simple manner; 
to interpret sacred pictures to the children; to lead them 
in sacred music; to recount the Biblical stories and the 
lives of the saints in a way that will interest the children 
and at the same time point a message; to dramatize the 
Sacred History; to awaken the children to the beauty of 
the round of the Church's year; to develop an understand-
ing love for the Mass and reverence for the privilege of. 

[ 2 4 ] -



serving at Mass; to cultivate taste and capacity for the 
care of the Altar and the sacred vestments — all this in 
addition to explaining simply the lessons of the Cate-
chism; moreover, to promote and supervise recreation and 
games, which may not be neglected as a religious in-
fluence. There is unsuspected talent in many of these lines, 
even in the most remote places, and it will be the mark 
of a live Confraternity to capitalize on all the talent avail-
able. Remember that the training of teachers to do these 
things is adult religious instruction of the greatest im-
portance" (pastoral letter of the Most Rev. Edwin V. 
O'Hara, Bishop of Great Falls). 

A working knowledge of the Manuals of Religious 
Vacation Schools, Grades I-IV; Grades V-VIII, and of 
thé textbooks and materials listed therein, should be ac-
quired. If these materials have not been received, arrange 
with the Director to supply them. 

P R O J E C T BOOKS 

The Value of Making a Religious Project Book: 

1. The development of a project gives the child an 
excellent opportunity for creative activity. After 
two hours of instruction and recitation in the vaca-
tion school, the child finds joy in applying the infor-
mation he has acquired. He learns through doing. 

2. The child remembers his lesson longer through 
having written the text in his book. It is a con-
stant reminder and a review of the lessons. 

3. The project book is often referred to by the child's 
parents and proudly shown to friends who visit the 
home. A well-made project book recalls again and 
again the religious truths which it presents. 

[ 2 5 ] -



4. Pictures for the projects have been chosen for their 
teaching value, and since they are selected from 
masterpieces, they also cultivate an appreciation 
for religious art. 

Teacher's Model Project Book. It is essential that 
teachers develop in advance a model of the project book 
they are to use, not only to gain experience, but also to 
be able to present clearly to the pupils the work they are 
to undertake. 

General Plan. Children are classified according to 
school grades, so those having the same mental capacity 
will be grouped together. A project with accompanying 
instructions is provided for each class. Prayers, hymns, 
stories and projects all correlate with the day's religious 
instruction. 

Using the Project Book. Each book is designed for 
twenty lessons. The content of the project book is taught 
when the lesson is presented, because each child must be1 

instructed on the subject-matter he is putting in his book. 
If this plan is not carried out, the benefit of the project 
will be lost. Before the children put the day's lesson in 
the book, question them to see that they understand what 
they are doing. 

The day's work should be put on the blackboard 
When a board is not available, wrapping paper and 
crayolas make a fair substitute. Careful instruction should 
be given to the children before they begin work for the 
first time. Show them a completed book so they will know 
what they are to do. Help them to realize the kind of a 
book they are going to make, to take pride in it, and to 
do the very best they can, even though this best does not 
compare with the work done by the more talented mem-

[ 2 6 ] -



bers of the class. The first day, give them the necessary 
things: pencil, ruler and envelope containing the booklet 
to develop. W h e n children have been absent, it is best to 
have them develop the day's lesson and make up the back 
lesson at some other time. Some children write or print 
very slowly, and for these it is often necessary to shorten 
the lesson. Others, who are very quick, can be given 
crayolas to color and decorate the pages. 

Materials needed. Each child should have a booklet, 
pencil, eraser, ruler, crayolas, and an envelope in which 
to keep the work. Pictures, paste and patterns are sup-
plied as needed. 

Ruler — narrow strips of cardboard 6 inches in length 
may be used. Mark off 1 inch, one-half and one-fourth 
inch. 

Envelope — It has been found helpful to keep each 
child's complete work in a separate envelope. It is thus 
kept intact and clean. These envelopes can be made from 
wrapping paper or strong wall paper. Make them 2 inches 
longer than the project book so it can be slipped in and 
out easily. Write the child's name plainly in the upper 
right-hand corner. This will help in distributing the work. 

Patterns — A sheet of patterns usually accompanies 
each project. 

Pictures — If each child cannot be supplied with scis-
sors, it is a good plan to have all the pictures that will be 
needed for one lesson cut and trimmed. Keeping pictures 
of the same kind in a separate envelope or box will pre-
vent confusion in the distribution, and keep the pictures 
from getting mixed with others. 

For further information, local units apply to the Dio-
cesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

[ 2 7 ] -



Instructions f o r Fishers 

The classification of "Fishers" is derived from the 
words of Christ: "Come after Me, and I will make you 
to become fishers of men" (Mark I, 1 7 ) ; "Go out into 
the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, 
that My house may be filled" (Luke XIV, 2 3 ) . 

Fishers (home visitors) usually work in pairs. If the 
parish is large it may be divided into districts and two or 
more fishers assigned to work in each district. The pastor 
or the priest who has charge of the parish census will be 
able to direct and simplify the work of the fishers. A 
profitable check can be made by comparing the baptismal 
records of the past eighteen years with those of the pa-
rochial-school and of the public-school children attending 
instruction classes. Recheck this list with the superintend-
ent of the instruction classes. If you find new names, give 
them to the superintendent for his files. List all children 
according to streets or neighborhoods, and make the 
visits in a systematic manner. A special effort should be 
made to locate children of families who have recently 
come to the parish whose names do not appear on the 
parish or school records. 

Every home where one parent is a Catholic, or where 
children have a Catholic heritage, should be visited, for 
the children are ours by the bond of faith. W h e n other 
means fail with indifferent parents, they may sometimes 
be reached through their children. 

In explaining the purpose of your visit, say that you 
are a member of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

[ 2 8 ] -



Tell its object and state that you are interested to know if 
there are any children of grade or high-school age in the 
family. Take with you registration cards supplied by the 
Confraternity. The following form is suggested: 

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION REGISTRATION 

CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 
DIOCESE OF 

Parish of 
Town or City 

Date 
Name 
Address Telephone 
Age . . . School grade 
Baptism? Holy Communion? 
Confirmation?. Years at Catholic School 
Vacation School Instruction Class 
Father Religion 
Mother Religion 
(On back of this card list Catholic publications received) 

Keep a separate card for each child not attending a 
parochial school. List the initials, name, address and 
telephone number of all persons who wish to join a re-
ligious discussion club or who might be interested in 
doing so. List high-school students separately, giving 
their grades. 

If the pastor so directs, prudent and tactful inquiries 
should be made of the older people regarding attendance 
at Mass, marriages outside the Church, children not bap-
tized, reception of the Sacraments. Learn what you can 

[ 2 9 ] -



and report to the pastor only. In such cases information 
gained should be recorded separately, and the names of 
the children copied on the regular religious instruction 
cards. Cases needing material help should be referred to 
the proper authorities. 

Make your visit personal and kindly. Invite parents to 
send their children to religious instruction classes, and the 
adults of the household to join a discussion club. Have 
accurate information as to the hour of Masses, religious 
instruction classes, and the discussion clubs within your 
section. Occasionally, it is necessary to take children to 
the first or even to several classes. The same may be true 
of adults. When there are absentees, their homes should 
be visited before the next meeting. 

A careful survey should be made annually, and visits 
should be made periodically to locate new families and 
children. A kindly sympathetic attitude and a real, per-
sonal interest-will win both parents and children. Put 
yourself in the place of those you are visiting and always 
remember that your purpose is not primarily to gain infor-
mation, but to secure attendance at Mass, instruction 
classes and discussion clubs. 

If you cannot speak the language of those among 
whom visits are made, take along someone who speaks it 
to interpret for you. If a family is out, inquire of a neigh-
bor if there are children of school age, or ask prudently 
for the information desired and make your visit later. 

Distribution of Literature. Fishers also aid in the re-
distribution of Catholic literature. They should be pre-
pared to furnish information regarding the diocesan paper, 
encourage families to subscribe to it and develop the habit 
of reading it. List the names and addresses of persons 
who will provide Catholic literature for redistribution, so 

[ 3 0 ] -



that the Helpers may collect it. The Chairman of Helpers 
sho.uld be supplied with a duplicate list giving the names 
and addresses of such persons. Make a list of all persons 
who will receive it. Fishers can obtain literature from the 
Chairman of Helpers and distribute it personally as they 
make their visits. 

Fishing for Vacation School.• Before starting to enroll 
pupils for religious vacation-school or instruction classes, 
be sure to know the program and something of how it 
will be presented in the several classes. Take with you a 
few of the textbooks to be used and one or more devel-
oped projects to awaken interest. It is well to leave for 
each child a small card giving the place, day and hour of 
the opening of vacation school or the instruction classes. 
These are also aids in promoting attendance at instruction 
classes and discussion clubs. 

Follow-up visits are of the utmost importance, and 
many of them may be necessary while arranging for Bap-
tisms or for the rectification of marriages of Catholics 
originally married outside the Church; or while interesting 
high-school students in attending vacation school or in-
viting them to a discussion club. 

Fishing for Catechism Classes. "Fishing" the children 
for catechism classes is of utmost importance. There are 
many different ways of doing this, varying with local con-
ditions. N o means should be overlooked which will draw 
the indifferent child to the classes. 

As long as you give your best efforts, let nothing dis-
courage you. If you do not accomplish your purpose even 
after three or four visits, continue to call on the individ-
ual or family; as you gain their confidence, they will 
gradually become interested. You may meet rebuffs during 

11 



many visits; then, say your prayers and return again to 
urge and entreat with all patience and kindness. Your 
reward will come. 

The Confraternity is richly endowed with spiritual 
benefits. An indulgence of seven years may be gained on 
each visit by "fishers who shall seek people to attend the 
teaching of Christian Doctrine." 

For further information, local units should apply to 
the Diocesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian 
Doctrine. 

[ 3 2 ] -



Instructions f o r Helpers 

Helpers arrange for the transportation of teachers, 
workers and pupils to instruction classes during the school 
year or during religious vacation-school classes, when the-
center of instruction is beyond walking distance. During 
the vacation school, they work in close cooperation with 
the Chairman of Transportation. In large parishes it is 
well to have a permanent Chairman of Transportation 
within the helpers' division, arranging for members with 
cars to call for members without cars who live a great dis-
tance from the place of meeting or teaching. The helpers 
may do many other things during the year to make the 
instruction classes more efficient and attractive. 

Save and collect from all members of the parish for 
redistribution: Catholic papers, pamphlets, magazines, 
books and other available forms of Catholic literature, to 
distribute according to local need in hospitals, railroad 
and bus stations, hotels, charitable and penal institutions, 
and to remail to nominal Catholics. Fishers also distribute 
literature in making home visits; they also supply the 
Chairman of Helpers with names and addresses of persons 
from whom it can be collected. 

Salvage the following materials for use in the develop-
ment of religious projects — the Chairman of Helpers 
should designate a place where they may be sent — and 
ask all members of the parish to bring or send them: 

[ 3 3 ] -



1. Religious pictures, especially colored ones, from 
magazines; greeting cards; calendars, etc. 
Use: small pictures for projects, large pictures to 
develop visual materials for teachers. 

2. Paper — silver, gold, all colors, from envelope lin-
ings, wall paper, scraps from paper dealers, cards 
and booklet covers; used manila envelopes. 
Use: mounting pictures, making vestments, sacred 
vessels, booklet covers; manila envelopes are used 
to keep colored papers and patterns assorted. 

3. Cardboard, beaver and wall board. Request scraps 
from dealers. 
Use: plaque and picture mountings, miniature al-
tars, shrines, churches. 

SPECIAL W O R K FOR VACATION SCHOOLS • 

Assort salvaged materials, place them in separate 
boxes or large manila envelopes, and label each container. 

Prepare cardboard patterns and paper figures to be 
used in developing project books. Mimeographed sheets 
of these patterns and figures are supplied with each proj-
ect. Use cardboard Christmas and greeting cards in mak-
ing patterns. Obtain from the Chairman of Fishers the 
number of children enrolled in each class, then consult 
with the Chairman of Lay Teachers to make sure which 
projects are being developed and to obtain patterns and 
written instructions. Make extra patterns for each class; 
each child should have one, and a surplus should be pro-
vided, as enrollment is often greater than anticipated. 

Sew the number of undeveloped project books re-
quested for each class. 

[ 3 4 ] -



Pages of all books except the prayer books are to be 
numbered. Let the numbering be identical with the page 
numbering of the teacher's model. Copies may be obtained 
from the Chairman of Teachers. 

Note: The following may be found useful in proj-
ect work. 

Paste: 2 cups flour; 1 tablespoon alum to each cup 
of flour. Add enough cold water to make a smooth paste. 
Stir constantly while pouring enough boiling water on 
paste to make it like thick cream. Boil 20 minutes on 
slow fire stirring constantly from the bottom to prevent 
burning and lumping. Remove from fire and beat well. 
Add one-half teaspoon of any scented extract, such as oil 
of cloves, wintergreen or peppermint. 

Another type of paste may be made by securing pow-
dered paste from a paper-hanging store. This is very in-
expensive — 10 cents a pound. Just mix with a small 
amount of water. This must be mixed fresh each day. 

Papier Mâché: Tear sheets of newspaper (including 
the funny sheets or any kind of colored tissue paper 
wrappings) into shreds and soak in water (hot water if 
convenient) until very soft. Wring as nearly dry as possible 
and mix with paste (see recipe above), kneading thor-
oughly. If any water remains, squeeze through a cloth. 
Be sure there is enough paste to hold the paper together, 
but not so much that you can see it on the paper. Mix 
until soft like clay. Model and let dry in the sun if possible. 

Note: If a large group is making shrines, soak paper 
all night in laundry tub and wring through the wringer. 
To keep sweet, add a few drops of oil of cloves or winter-
green. 

Casein Glue: Powdered in bulk. Dissolve 20 to 30 
minutes in cold water. Good for any kind of woodcraft. 

[ 3 5 ] -



Salt and Flour for Modeling: IV2 cups flour; IV2 cups 
salt. Mix flour in water to consistency of thick cream. 
Stir in the salt. Boil in double boiler for one minute. 

Sawdust and Plaster of Paris: To 3 or 4 cups of plaster 
of Paris add 1 cup of sawdust well dampened and % cup 
of thin casein glue. Spread thin casein glue on wood first, 
then apply mixture of plaster of Paris and sawdust. When 
dry this can be colored with calcimine. 

[ 3 6 ] -



Suggestions for Leaders of 
Religious Discussion Clubs 

"Study Clubs, by whatever name they may be known, 
can help to prepare laymen for Catholic Action. It is be-
coming urgently necessary to prepare laymen who, under 
the guidance of the bishops and priests, will speak for the 
Church." Archbishop Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to 
the United States. 

Purpose of Religious Discussion Clubs: 

To inform the laity, particularly on religious subjects, 
and to develop the power of self-expression on the part of 
all members. Leadership among the laity is a great need 
of our day; through the discussion club, latent talent is 
often discovered, and recognized talent is developed. 

The discussion club offers all members an opportunity 
to obtain useful knowledge of the subject studied, without 
very great expenditure of time. 

The discussion club is not merely for exceptional lay-
men, experts and college graduates, but for all persons 
of high-school years and over, quite regardless of their 
degree of formal education. It is for busy men and women 
who come together to obtain exact information, a readi-
ness in expressing it, and an opportunity to translate it 
into action. 

The Discussion Method is preferable to the lecture 
or stereotyped question-and-answer method. Little or no 
thought is required to listen to a lecture, and how much 
of it can the average listener reproduce when he has an 

[ 3 7 ] -



opportunity to do so to advantage? Discussion encourages 
individual thought and expression, stimulates quick 
thinking and extemporaneous speaking, fosters toleration 
for the opinions of others and trains leaders in thought 
and action. 

Small groups are informal, and therefore promote 
freer expression from all members. The discussion club 
ordinarily has a membership of eight to twelve persons. 

Organization: 
Primarily within all societies of the parish, as they 

supply both leaders and members. Non-members and non-
Catholic parties of mixed marriages are invited to join. 
This has resulted in increased membership in many so-
cieties, and in a number of converts. 

A Parish Chairman of Discussion Clubs: 
A man or a woman (or co-chairmen, a man and a 

woman) is appointed in each parish who, under the guid-
ance of the pastor: 
a. Assists in the organization of clubs, and obtains the 

names, addresses and telephone numbers of the lead-
ers, secretaries and members of each discussion club 
in the parish, together with the day of the week, hour 
and place of meeting; 

b. Obtains materials and information and disseminates 
them to all clubs within the parish; 

c. Visits clubs and stimulates interest in the formation of 
new ones; 

d. Arranges for the holding of leaders' preparatory 
classes. The parish director, the parish chairman 
of discussion clubs or the person best qualified for the 
task leads thé lesson from the text which the leaders 
are to direct in théir specific groups, within the en-

[ 3 8 ] -



suing week or weeks. This not only provides an op-
portunity to suggest methods, but does so practically 
by demonstrating them in the presentation of a specific 
lesson. These classes develop confidence and assur-
ance, in addition to presenting methods and advanta-
geous use of materials. Many parish groups conduct 
the leadership course for four or six weeks before the 
opening of the regular semester. The weekly prepara-
tion of a specific lesson within the regular semester is 
sometimes more practical. 

e. Prepares a written report of all discussion-club work 
in the parish immediately after the close of each dis-
cussion-club session. 
Junior Groups: In very large parishes, it is advantage-
ous to appoint a chairman to organize junior groups: 
high-school and college students. 

Officers: 

The Parish Director, a priest under whose guidance 
discussion clubs are promoted and to whom questions that 
arise are submitted for decision. 

A Leader who is also a learner. The leader directs 
the discussion, and therefore acquires a clear knowledge 
of the subject matter and should hold the discussion to 
the topic assigned. H e should use to advantage the out-
line of suggestions and questions in conducting the discus-
sion. Every member should be given an opportunity to 
take part, and his or her opinion on the subject should be 
considered and respected. A tactful leader can keep the 
discussion free from personalities. If the leader is called 
upon to render a decision which he is unprepared to make, 
he should say so frankly and endeavor to obtain a decision 
by the next meeting. Parish directors are an unfailing aid 

[ 3 9 ] -



in such instances. If unrelated matters are introduced, the 
leader requests that discussion of them wait until' the 
conclusion of the meeting. Leading is a drawing-out not 
a filling-in process. A good leader does very little talking. 

A Secretary calls the roll, gives a brief summary of 
the previous assignment and records briefly points that are 
not agreed upon by the group and refers them in writing 
to the parish director for a decision. 

Members: 
The individuals in a discussion club should realize that 

success depends largely upon the responsiveness of each 
member. Every member should obtain the textbook 
adopted as it supplies accurate information for discussion. 
Where discussion-club aids appear in the diocesan weekly 
they should be used regularly. Each member finds it ad-
vantageous to read and to prepare to discuss each lesson; 
however, this is not essential for active membership. All 
should feel personally responsible to attend each meeting; 
one gets returns in proportion to his personal effort and 
participation. As the objective is learning to think about 
and to discuss religious subjects, every member should 
consider the subject matter and express his thoughts, not 
leaving discussion to the few. 

Dues and Expenses: 
N o dues are collected. Each member purchases his own 

text, which becomes his property (the cost is usually from 
5 to 25 cents). The leader's outline, and inexpensive ma-
terials for general use, may be taken care of by the group 
or organization sponsoring the club, or the leader may 
purchase these and own them personally. All members are 
asked to collect and bring to meetings materials that will 
enrich study: charts, maps, pictures, magazine articles, 
poetry, and any other related material. 

[ 4 0 ] -



Where there is a local public library, see what books 
relating to the subject being studied are available; ask the 
librarian to obtain listed references not in the library. If 
there are sufficient calls for a book, it is usually ordered; 
ask members to call for the books listed. 

Meetings: 

Where Held: Meetings may be held in private 
homes, the church hall, or any centrally located, suitable 
place. It is well to draw membership from an area in 
which regular attendance is not made difficult by great 
distance from the place of meeting. In rural sections the 
parents and high-school students of two or three families 
form a club. Families too remote from neighbors study 
within the family group. 

How Often: Weekly meetings of an hour or an hour 
and a half should be held for a period of eight or ten 
weeks. Meetings should begin on time, even though only 
a few are present. When all members know that the 
lesson will begin promptly at the hour designated, they 
will endeavor to be on time. Beginning and closing the 
meeting as scheduled contributes to the success of any 
club; members can then plan for other appointments 
more satisfactorily. 

Order of Meeting: 

1. Begin promptly. 
2. Open with prayer. 
3. Roll call and brief review of previous lesson by 

secretary. 
4. Leader opens discussion and keeps it within bounds 

of assignment, giving all members an opportunity 
to express themselves. 

[ 4 1 ] -



5. Assignment of subject matter for following meet-
ing. If the meetings are held at different homes or 
places, the place of the next meeting is announced. 

6. Adjourn on time, closing with prayer. 
Note: Benefit is derived from writing papers, but as-

signment of them sometimes deters members from joining 
the study club, and discussion clubs may be profitably 
held without papers. Study assignments, papers, essays, 
reports on related topics, etc., are additions to the discus-
sion method which may result tragically except in groups 
of outstanding zeal or scholarship. 

Joint [Meetings: 

At the close of each autumn and spring discussion-
club session, all clubs within an area of easy access may 
assemble jointly. Brief reports may be given by parish 
chairmen of discussion clubs. An appropriate program 
relating to the subject of study may be presented: ad-
dresses, dramatizations, tableaux. Materials used to en-
rich study may be exhibited. Difficulties and points of 
unusual interest may be discussed. The parish or district 
meeting sometimes takes the form of a joint review of 
the semester's work. 

Report Forms: 

(Order from the Diocesan Office or have them pre-
pared in the-parish by a volunteer.) 

1. Discussion-club leader's semester report. 
2. Semester report of parish discussion-club chairman. 
For additional information see The Religious Discus-

sion Club, a practical reference for leaders, $.05. St. An-
thony's Guild, Paterson, N . J. 

[ 4 2 ] -



DISCUSSION-CLUB LEADER'S 
SEMESTER REPORT 

( W r i t e spring, or autumn) 

Date 
Text used 

Pastor 
Town 
Leader 
Address 
No. of members. 1 Lessons finished.... 
Average attendance No. of meetings. . 
Materials used besides text 

Chief interests 

Difficulties 

Will your same group continue study during the next 
Diocesan discussion-club session? 

Adult 
Name of club Junior 

(check here) 
Signed 

Secretary 
Address 

Kindly fill in this form and give it to your Parish 
Chairman of Discussion Clubs the week your course 

is completed. 

The above is a suggested form. Cppies may be ordered from the 
Diocesan Office or prepared by a volunteer in the parish. 

[ 4 3 ] -



SEMESTER REPORT OF PARISH 
DISCUSSION-CLUB CHAIRMAN 

Parish 

Number of groups to continue study during the next 
Diocesan discussion-club session 
Please list all Discussion-Club Leaders below: 

Lessons Average 
Name Address finished attendance 

Date ' 
Signed 

Parish Chairman of Discussion Clubs 
Address 
Countersigned by Pastor 

Kindly fill in this form and send it to the Diocesan 
Office of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 
within ten days after the closing date of the present 

discussion-club session. 

The above is a suggested form. Copies may be ordered from the 
Diocesan Office or prepared by a volunteer in the parish. 

[ 4 4 ] -



/ 
Suggestions for Preparation of 

Discussion-Club Texts 

The National Center of the Confraternity will list, as 
texts for discussion clubs, publications which conform to 
its general programs of study. For the guidance of those 
preparing materials for discussion clubs, the following 
suggestions are made: 

1. Select topics of general interest. 
2. Divide the subject-matter into sixteen to eighteen 

lessons, arranged for two semesters. 
3. Limit each lesson to a maximum of 1,500 words. 
4. Adapt the treatment to the knowledge and experi-

ence of the average lay group. 
5. Make a definite application of the material to every-

day Christian life. At the end of each chapter, list 
suggested religious practices based on the subject-
matter. 

6. After each chapter place a discussion outline based 
exclusively on the content of the chapter. 

7. Do not ask for papers or verbal reports which re-
quire additional research. 

8. The price per copy to the individual member should 
not exceed fifty cents postpaid with liberal discount 
on quantity orders. 

9. Suitable discussion-club texts for Catholic students 
attending secular colleges are urgently needed. 
These texts should conform to the suggestions given 
above, but the treatment of topics should definitely 
be adapted to the general level of college texts. 

[ 4 5 ] -

| 



Suggestions f o r Parent-Educator G r o u p s 

Under the auspices of the National Center of the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine, Parent-Educator groups 
are being formed by Confraternity Directors in a number 
of dioceses. Practical Catholic fathers and mothers, quali-
fied by religious education and practice, are being invited 
to form small groups to consider means of preparing par-
ents for the religious education of their children. These 
fathers and mothers discuss problems that confront them 
in making religion vital in the lives of their children. 

Parents are grouped according to their qualifications 
and interests, to consider the religious education of their 
children on three age levels: preschool, elementary school, 
and high school. 

Each age level group considers: 
1. Actual experiences in the family with children of 

the age the group is considering; 
2. Practical materials and subject-matter; 
3. The presentation appropriate .for the years of the 

child. 
Each of the three groups, of ten or twelve parents, 

meets weekly for eight weeks or more. The entire group 
meets with the Spiritual Director (a priest appointed by 
the Ordinary) monthly. At these general meetings a 
written report from each age group is presented and dis-
cussed. This report is made from the secretary's minutes 
of the weekly meetings. A copy is given to the Spiritual 
Director before the monthly meeting. 

[ 4 6 ] -



Each year a topic for study is designated by the 
National Center. 

Topic for Study, 1938—Prayer (both private and public): 
1. Teaching the preschool child to pray; 
2. Teaching the elementary-school child to pray; 
3. Teaching the high-school child to pray. 
Parents in each age group outline their experiences in 

teaching their children to pray at the particular age level, 
difficulties encountered and how they were met. These 
outlines are discussed at the group meetings. 

Topic for Study, 1939 — Obedience to religious, civil, and 
parental authority. 

Designate one person in each group to list all books, 
pamphlets, prayers and materials suitable for children of 
the age considered. 

Members of each group: 
1. review books and report on them; 
2. try out in practice suggestions offered and report 

results. 
Each group has: 
1. a Chairman, a member of the group who leads the 

discussions; 
2. a Secretary, a member who keeps the record of 

discussions; 
3. a Librarian, a member who lists practical materials 

acquired by the group. 
A priest appointed by the Ordinary is Spiritual Direc-

tor for the three groups. 
The results of this group study by practical Catholics, 

who are sending their children to Catholic schools and 
fostering religious life in the home, are to be made avail-

[ 4 7 ] -



able in leaflets and pamphlets, by the National Center of 
the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. The principal 
annual publication will be The Parent-Educator (new 
series). These publications are not only for Catholics en-
joying a religious environment, but also for those living 
in the 10,000 parishes or missions in the United States 
that are without parochial schools; moreover, for homes 
where Catholic parents have had limited religious instruc-
tion — frequently through no fault of their own. 

The study of the Parent-Educator Committee is con-
cerned solely with what parents can and should do toward 
the religious education of their children; and not at all 
with what the pastor or Catholic school can or should do. 
This committee must make a contribution in its own field. 

[ 4 8 ] -



Plan for Organizing the Parish Unit of 
the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine 

I. When a Confraternity is organized in autumn or 
winter, its initial work is usually the development 
of religious discussion clubs or the organization of 
school-year religious instruction classes. When or-
ganized in the spring the religious vacation school 
is usually the initial work. The preparation of dis-
cussion leaders and teachers of religion is neces-
sarily an important part of the organization plan. 

The following organization procedure has been found 
practical: 

1. Read the Constitution for Parish Units of the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine, on which this plan 
is based. 

2. Each Confraternity unit shall be designated by the 
name of the patron of the parish in which it exists. 

3. The Confraternity is not to be identified with any 
other society in the parish. 

4. The cooperation of all the men's, women's and 
young people's societies of the parish should be 
sought by the Confraternity in carrying out its uni-
fied program of religious instruction under the di-
rection of the pastor. Further information as to 
how the religious departments of existing societies 
can develop the diocesan program authorized by 
the Bishop will be supplied on request by the Dio-
cesan Office. 

[ 4 9 ] -



II. The Director of the parish Confraternity secures 
from the Diocesan Office a complete set of instruc-
tions for officers and chairmen of a parish Con-
fraternity. 

III. The Director 
1. Appoints or arranges for the election of the officers 

and chairmen of the divisions of active member-
ship; both men and women are eligible; 

2. Calls a meeting of the officers and division chair-
men, who, with him form the Executive Board of 
the Confraternity, to discuss the literature and in-
structions, and to plan the program for the or-
ganization meeting of the parish Confraternity. 

This program should include: 
a. A presentation of the Confraternity program for 

a parish unit — how it i s organized and the 
work of each of the five divisions of active 
membership; 

b. An open discussion with questions answered by 
the organizer — the pastor or president; 

c. Enrollment of members. (Enrollment forms are 
usually supplied by the Diocesan Office) ; 

d. Announcement of the place, day and hour of 
the first meeting of each division of the active 
membership, and the next general meeting of 
the Confraternity. 

IV. Parish Organization Meeting 
1. The Director calls a parish meeting for the organi-

zation of the ' Confraternity. All parishioners of 
high-school years and over should be invited and 
urged to attend, in order that they may have a clear 

[ 5 0 ] -



understanding of the program. N o financial obli-
gation is assumed by attendance at this meeting, and 
those who join as active members pay no dues. 
Good publicity should be given to the meeting well 
in advance, from the altar, through the press, post-
ers, telephone, etc. The program (III, 2, above) is 
presented. 

2. Where missions are attached to a parish, a local 
section of the Confraternity should be organized 
and the five division chairmen should be appointed 
at each mission. 

V. Initial Work 
1. The immediate work of the Confraternity will be a 

careful survey of the parish or mission to locate 
those in need of instruction and to secure informa-
tion to be used in planning the Confraternity pro-
gram of religious discussion clubs, school-year in-
struction classes or religious vacation schools. (Ob-
tain from the Diocesan Director the program for 
initial work.) 

A Suggested Survey 

a. W h a t is the approximate number of Catholic 
public-school children in the parish? 

b. W h a t provision is there for the religious instruc-
tion of children who attend the public schools? 

c. W h a t proportion of these children are at present 
receiving religious instruction? 

d. Are there sections within the parish where the 
distance from church makes it difficult for the 
children to attend instruction classes? 

[ 5 1 ] -



e. Could suitable places near the public school be 
found in which to assemble the children for 
weekday instruction? 

f. Is there any systematic plan of visiting the homes 
of children whose parents are indifferent? 

g. W h a t plans could be made to bring children of 
indifferent parents to Mass? 

2. The Chairman of Fishers should supply members 
of the division with Instructions for Fishers, obtain-
able at the Diocesan Office. After a minimum of 
three preparatory meetings held under the super-
vision of the Director, fishers should begin system-
atic visiting. 

3. The Chairman of Helpers should supply members 
of the division with Instructions for Helpers, and 
arrange for preparatory meetings. 

4. A minimum of three demonstration classes should 
be held for the preparation of: 
a. Discussion-club leaders prior to each discussion-

club semester. The Chairman of Discussion 
Clubs should supply leaders with copies of Sug-
gestions for Discussion-Club Leaders. 

b. Teachers, before the opening of each vacation 
school or series of instruction classes. The Chair-
man of Teachers should supply members of the 
division with Instructions for Teachers. 
Teachers qualify for work by attendance at a 
minimum of six demonstration classes, and by 
the satisfactory completion of a definite course 
outlined by the Diocesan Director of the Con-
fraternity. 

[ 5 2 ] -



The initial project of the Confraternity deter-
mines whether discussion-club leaders' or teach-
ers' classes or both will begin immediately after 
the organization meeting. For other meetings, 
see Constitution, Article V. 

5. During the school year Confraternity members will 
cooperate with the pastor: 
a. In the conduct of instruction classes for children; 

plans for these classes should be made at least 
one month before the opening of the school 
year. The School-Year Religious Instruction 
Manuals (Grades I-IV, Grades V-VIII), issued 
by the National Center, are guides for the prep-
aration of teachers. 

b. In the organization of discussion clubs for high-
school students and adults. 

6. Careful plans are to be made by the Confraternity 
for the religious vacation school to be held each 
summer for children attending secular schools. The 
Manuals of Religious Vacation School (Grades I-
IV, V-VIII) are guides in classes for the prepara-
tion of teachers and helpers. 

7. Each Confraternity should build up a library of 
selected teachers' references and should make addi-
tions annually. (Each diocese determines the texts 
and materials it will adopt for use.) A nucleus for 
this library — a minimum of references for effec-
tive work — costs about five dollars. A suggested 
list may be found in the Vacation School and 
School-Year Religious Instruction Manuals. 

VI. The following is a suggestion for "a religious pro-
gram in missions on Sundays and holydays of ob-

[ 5 3 ] -



ligation when the priest is not present to celebrate 
Mass": 

1. Recitation of Rosary and Litany; 
2. Congregational singing of hymns; 
3. Devotions proper to feast, season or month; 
4. Reading of the Epistle and Gospel for the day, and 

the explanation, e. g., Goffine's Instructions; 
5. Catechetical instruction for children; 
6. Religious discussion clubs for high-school students 

and for adults (usually at same time as 5, above). 

VII. Canonical Erection 
1. When the Ordinary has authorized the establish-

ment of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 
minimum parish requirements are: 
a. Registration of members in a parish register of 

the Confraternity; 
b. Meetings at specified times under the supervision 

of the Parish Director. 
2. The members of the local parish unit then become 

entitled to the numerous indulgences granted to 
the Archconfraternity. 

VIII. Catechetical Day — commended by the Sacred Con-
gregation of the Council in the decree on The 
Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Educa-
tion, January 12, 1935: 

"In order that the mind of the Christian people may 
be directed to religious instruction, let a Catechetical Day 
be established in each parish, if this has not already been 
done. On this day, let the Feast of Christian Doctrine be 
celebrated with as much solemnity as possible. On this 
occasion: 

[ 5 4 ] -



"a. Let the faithful be called together in a parish 
church and having received the Holy Eucharist 
pray to obtain greater fruit of divine teaching, 

"b. Let a special sermon be preached to the people 
on the necessity of catechetical education, in 
which parents will be warned that they should 
teach their children and send them to the pa-
rochial Catechism classes; remembering the Di-
vine command: 'And the words which I com-
mand thee this day, shall be in thy heart, and 
thou shalt tell them to thy children' (Deut. 
6:6). 

"c. Let books, pamphlets, leaflets and other things 
of this kind suitable for the purpose be. dis-
tributed among the people, 

"d. Let a collection be made for the promotion 
of catechetical works." 

For further information, local units apply to the Dio-
cesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 
(If there is no Diocesan Director, the National Center 
will supply forms, information, etc.) 

[ 5 5 ] -



School-Year Religious Instruction—Elementary Grades 

Standard school-year religious instruction classes are 
organized religion classes conducted during the 36 weeks 
of the school year. These classes are for children who do 
not attend a Catholic school. 

Goal. The goal of the Confraternity is "Every Catholic 
child in a Catholic school"; yet while striving to attain 
this end, it endeavors to instruct those deprived of the 
privilege. 

Pupils. 1. Children in parishes without schools; 2. 
Children in sections of parishes remote from their schools; 
3. Children who, though they are within reach of a Cath-
olic school, for a variety of reasons do not attend. 

Where Held. "Each class of religious instruction 
should be conducted in a place where the atmosphere and 
the order of a classroom are possible. Several classes in 
one room or in the church, where the accumulated sounds 
of voices become a bedlam, or where the classes are near 
enough to become a distraction to each other, is a condi-
tion that will nullify the efforts of the most skillful 
teacher. Why not use the parish school rooms? If there is 
no parish school, why not use the church, the sacristy, the 
parish hall, the rooms of the rectory? Anything to avoid 
the failure of a most important work. 

"There should be at least two sessions of the class in 
religious instruction a week, three if possible. With a full 
appreciation of the difficulties involved in carrying out 

[ 5 6 ] -



this suggestion, I earnestly urge it. I am firmly convinced 
that a class once a week will never really engage the mind 
and heart of the child." 

Most Rev. Emmet Walsh, D. D., 
Bishop of Charleston, 

Rochester Proceedings, 1935. 

In some states classes may be conducted in the public-
school building by securing the permission of the local 
school board. The priest, religious or lay teacher gives 
instruction during a regular period of school hours, or 
the pupils are dismissed from the public school during 
school hours to attend instruction classes at a parish build-
ing, vacant store or private home near the public school. 

Classes held immediately after the closing hour of the 
public school may prove unsatisfactory, as children are 
often detained after school. Where this is the most prac-
tical time, consult with the public-school authorities as 
to the days of the week on which after-school activities 
occur least often. Classes for primary grades, dismissed 
early, are often held before the intermediate and upper 
grades are out. Consider carefully the place, day and hour 
that the best attendance can be secured. Classes should 
be arranged also for the convenience of children employed 
after school hours. 

Schedule. The standard schedule during the school 
year will call for a minimum of one and one-half hours 
of religious instruction, preferably in two separate periods 
each week, during 36 weeks. School-year religious instruc-
tion classes are not a substitute for the religious vacation 
school. Even when both are well organized and con-
ducted annually, they are not the equivalent of a Catholic 
school education. 

[ 5 7 ] -



Manuals. Two separate teachers' Manuals are pub-
lished by the National Center of the Confraternity • of 
Christian Doctrine. Each outlines the instruction program 
for four grades and contains the following matter: 

1. Suggestions for conducting religious instruction 
classes; 

2. General and specific objectives; 
3. Outline of curricular content; 
4. Suggestions for best procedure and most effective 

teaching method; 
5. Designation of pupil textbooks, projects and sup-

plementary references; 
6. List of textbooks, references and instructional mate-

rials for the teachers. 

Catechisms. A series of graded Catechisms is con-
sidered basic to the course, and the program is developed 
as an enrichment of the concise and comprehensive con-
tent of the Catechism. 

Weekly periodicals graded for school-year religious 
instruction classes will appear under the name of The Con-
fraternity Messenger. These periodicals will parallel the 
Messenger series issued for Catholic schools. The Confra-
ternity Messenger for the primary grades will appear in 
the fall of 1937. The subscription price will be 35c for 32 
issues. Address, George A. Pflaum, Publisher, Dayton, 
Ohio, for further information. 

Program. The program provides for religious instruc-
tion in each of the eight grades. Thus there is systematic 
progress in the development of religious knowledge and 
practice. It is best if each grade can be taught separately. 
Grade grouping, when necessary, should conform to the 
best educational standards. Promotions should be made 

[ 5 8 ] -



from grade to grade and pupils should be graduated from 
the elementary-school classes in religion. 

Teachers. The Sacred Congregation of the Council in 
the Decree on the Better Care and Promotion of Cate-
chetical Education, quotes the law of the Church: "Let the 
pastor employ the help of other clerics in his parish, and if 
need be, also of pious lay people, especially of those who 
are enrolled in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

"In places where on account of the scarcity of priests 
the clergy themselves cannot sufficiently perform the work 
of teaching Christian Doctrine, let the Ordinaries take ac-
tive steps to supply capable catechists of both sexes to 
help the pastors. Let them teach religion in the parochial 
or in the public school, even in the most remote parts of 
the parish. Let a leading part in these matters be taken 
by those who are enrolled in associations of Catholic 
Action." 

Grading. Children should be classified according to 
their school grade. When there is a great difference in 
religious backgrounds, older children will need special in-
struction and extra religious reading. A conscious effort 
should be made to bring each child's religious-education 
level up to that of his secular education. Grading and 
grade grouping should conform to the best educational 
standards. 

See the Plan for Organizing Parish Units of the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine. The organization of the 
school-year religious instruction classes is preceded by the 
development of these plans. (Where no Confraternity is 
organized, this program may be adapted to local needs.) 

Preparation of Lay Teachers, Fishers, Helpers. A mini-
mum of six classes will be held for the preparation of lay 

[ 5 9 ] -



teachers, fishers (home visitors) and helpers before the 
opening of classes. Weekly classes usually prove most 
satisfactory. See Confraternity Instructions for lay teach-
ers, fishers and helpers, supplied by the Diocesan Office. 
Under the guidance of the pastor, the Chairman of Lay 
Teachers arranges for demonstration lessons. Where there 
are local Sisters, they often present these lessons. It is 
generally advisable to ask their assistance. The Chairmen 
of Fishers and Helpers arrange for meetings of their divi-
sions and proceed according to the Instructions. 

Teachers' Reference Library. A library of selected 
teachers' references should be built up for each school and 
additions made annually consisting of textbooks, projects 
and visual aids. The teachers become thoroughly familiar 
with the content and the most advantageous use of these 
materials at the demonstration lessons given for teachers 
Numerous excellent textbooks are listed in the School-
Year Religious Instruction Manuals. A few well-selected 
materials permit effective work when teachers are prepared 
to use them to the best advantage. (The Diocesan Office 
usually supplies or lists materials adopted for use.) 

Class Procedure;: 
1. After the opening prayers, give a brief review of 

the preceding lesson. 
2. Explain the doctrine contained in the lesson to be 

learned. When possible, begin the explanation with 
a picture study and the related sacred story, which 
should vividly illustrate the doctrine taught. 

3. During the explanation, frequently put questions 
to the children to determine whether or not the 
class is following the story. 

4. When the explanation is finished, question the 
children again. 

[ 6 0 ] -



5. During and after the explanation, encourage the 
children to ask questions concerning the lesson. 

6. Finally, make the application to the daily lives of 
the children by recommending a religious practice 
for the day, the week or the month. 

Promoting Attendance: 

Attendance may be stimulated: 
1. By presenting attendance cards after each class. 

(This also assures the parents of the child's pres-
ence at the religious instruction class) ; 

2. By posting an attendance chart at the church en-
trance; 

3. By report cards signed monthly by the parents; 
4. By awards for perfect attendance at the end of 

each semester; 
5. By interesting the children to bring others to class. 
Special checking of attendance at Sunday Mass and 

the reception of the Sacraments should be made in a way 
that will encourage both. 

For further information write the Diocesan Director 
of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

[ 6 1 ] -



The Religious Vacation School 

A standard religious vacation school is an organized 
school of religion conducted for three hours during the 
forenoon, five days a week, for four weeks during the 
public-school summer vacation. It is for children who 
do not attend a Catholic school through the regular 
school year. 

GoaL The goal of the Confraternity is "Every Cath-
olic child in a Catholic school"; yet while striving to at-
tain this end, it aspires to instruct those deprived of the 
privilege. 

PupMs- 1. Children in parishes without schools; 2. 
Children in sections of parishes remote from their schools; 
3. Children who, though they are within reach of a Cath-
olic school, for a variety of reasons do not attend. 

Where Held. The place where the school will be held 
will depend upon local circumstances and the potential 
enrollment. The most practical place available should be 
used. It may be in rooms connected with the church or a 
nearby building. A school building is most desirable, for 
it provides separate classrooms, desks and blackboards In 
many places, the public-school building can be obtained by 
applying to the school board; non-Catholic groups have 
long used these buildings for their summer Bible schools 
The school being public property, there is usually no ex-
pense in such cases except for janitor service. Where there 
is a parochial school, there is an advantage in using it as 
public-school children thus learn about it at first hand. 

[ 6 2 ] -



Statistics show that when a well-organized religious vaca-
tion school is held in a parochial school, invariably a num-
ber of pupils attending it enroll the following autumn at 
the parochial school. 

Teachers. Except in far-flung missions, where semi-
narians do most effective work, two teaching Sisters are 
usually in charge of a vacation school. Seminarians teach 
in large centers also. Several lay teachers complete the 
staff in a well-organized school, conducting religious 
dramatization, picture study and project classes correlated 
with the Christian Doctrine taught by the Sisters or semi-
narians. If religious are not available, lay teachers teach 
Christian Doctrine under the supervision of the pas-
tor. Where the number of lay teachers is in excess of 
local requirements, they may be asked to volunteer their 
services in missions where instructors are needed. Lay 
teachers are usually in charge of the recreation and proj-
ect classes. 

Grading. Children should be classified according to 
their school grade. When there is a great difference in 
religious backgrounds, older children will need special 
instruction and extra religious reading. A conscious effort 
should be made to bring each child's religious-education 
level up to that of his secular education. Grading and 
grade grouping should conform to the best educational 
standards. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR ORGANIZING 
THE RELIGIOUS VACATION SCHOOL 

See the Plan for Organizing Parish Units of the Con-
fraternity of Christian Doctrine. The organization of the 
religious vacation school is preceded by the development 
of these plans. (Where no Confraternity is organized, this 
program may be adapted to local needs.) 

[ 6 3 ] -



Teachers — Religious. Application from pastors for 
teaching Sisters or seminarians who are within the diocese 
is made through the Diocesan Office. Where there is a 
preference for a Community, or for particular teachers, 
this is stated. When pastors apply to Communities out-
side the diocese, they are asked to notify the Diocesan 
Office of a favorable reply at once. 

Preparation of Lay Teachers, Fishers, Helpers. A 
minimum of six classes will be held for the preparation 
of lay teachers, fishers (home visitors) and helpers before 
the opening of school. Weekly classes usually prove most 
satisfactory. See Confraternity Instructions for lay teachers, 
fishers and helpers, supplied by the Diocesan Office. Under 
the guidance of the pastor, the Chairman of Lay Teachers 
arranges for demonstration lessons. Where there are 
local Sisters, they often present these lessons. It is gen-
erally advisable to ask their assistance. The Chairmen of 
Fishers and Helpers arrange for meetings of their divi-
sions and proceed according to the Instructions. 

Teachers' Reference Library. A library of selected 
teachers' references should be built up for each school 
and additions made annually: Textbooks, projects and 
visual aids. The teachers become thoroughly familiar with 
the content and the most advantageous use of these mate-
rials at the demonstration lessons given for teachers. Nu-
merous excellent textbooks are listed in the Religious Va-
cation School and School-Year Religious Instruction Man-
uals. A few well-selected materials permit effective work 
when teachers are prepared to use them to the best advan-
tage. (The Diocesan Office usually supplies or lists mate-
rials adopted for use.) 

[ 6 4 ] -



CHAIRMEN W H O BEGIN F U N C T I O N I N G O N E 
TO T H R E E M O N T H S BEFORE SCHOOL O P E N S 

/These chairmen often select their own committees.) 

Arrangements. To assist the Director and officers in 
preparing for the school, and provide for room and board 
for instructors not living where the school is held. Re-
ligious should be fittingly lodged and privacy and inde-
pendence should be assured. Each locality works out its 
own plan, and arranges for the place where the school 
will be held. Generally, one of the Confraternity of 
Christian Doctrine officers assumes this responsibility. 

Finance. The treasurer is chairman of the finance com-
mittee. The expense of the vacation school should be borne 
by the local parish or mission, except in very poor mis-
sions. The committee plans for the raising of such funds. 

Immediate use of funds: Textbooks and project sup-
plies for pupils (these are usually paid for by the chil-
dren) , board and lodging for instructors, unless otherwise 
provided for. 

Later use of funds: Offering for the Sisters or semi-
narians, usually five dollars a week besides room, board 
and transportation. Lay teachers generally contribute their 
services without remuneration. 

CHAIRMEN W H O BEGIN F U N C T I O N I N G 
A M O N T H BEFORE SCHOOL O P E N S 

Publicity. 

1. Present the plan to the Director, who supervises or 
approves all publicity. Newspaper articles — gen-
eral information the first and second week, specific, 
the following two weeks. 

[ 6 5 ] -



2. Posters at church and public school. 
3. Latter half of school session, invite parents to visit 

on a specific day. Announce closing exercises and 
exhibit. 

Transportation. Members of this committee may be 
drawn from the enrolled helpers of the Confraternity. 
They request persons to volunteer the use of their cars 
one or more days a week for transportation of instructors 
or children living beyond walking distance of the school. 
Families living near one another in the country are re-
quested each to arrange to bring all the children of the 
locality on alternate days, or every third or fourth day; 
often a truck is used and families pay the gas bill jointly. 
Plan in advance to assure daily attendance and lessen cost 
of gas and trips for drivers. 

Properties. Have on hand before opening day: black-
board, chalk, erasers, paste, scissors, project materials 
(texts for instructors are usually procured when the Con-
fraternity is organized) ; texts to be purchased by the chil-
dren, religious articles to be used as awards. Submit list 
of articles to be ordered to the Confraternity president or 
Director for an OK, then to the secretary to order. State 
quantities needed — this will be determined by the home 
visitors' registration list for each class. Order well in 
advance. 

Registration. To function on opening day. Where the 
school enrollment exceeds fifty, there should be five mem-
bers on this committee so the work can be finished in a 
short time. The home, visitors submit filled-in cards before 
the opening day. Additional enrollment blanks are usually 
supplied by the Diocesan Office. Instruct the committee 

[ 6 6 ] -



as to methods several days before school opens so as to 
avoid duplication. 

Closing Exercise and Exhibit. If possible, a Com-
munion breakfast. A short program, to which the parents 
are invited. It may consist of dramatizations, songs, etc., 
learned during school. At the opening of school, request 
that all projects be retained until after they are exhibited 
at the closing exercises. 

In very small communities, one person may be chair-
man of two or more committees, but there is an advantage 
in distributing duties in larger places: few are asked to 
expend rftuch time and more persons are gaining an under-
standing of the work. 

Confraternity presidents are asked to consider persons 
(men or women) for the foregoing chairmanships. Con-
sult with the Director and request him to appoint the per-
son he desires to fill each office. 

A list of religious vacation-school materials to be sup-
plied children in each grade will be sent from the Diocesan 
Office. Each child may be asked to pay for his materials 
and to bring his own pencil, scissors and paste, unless 
scissors and paste are supplied in the school. 

The daily schedule is adapted to local circumstances. 
Where teachers are particularly qualified to present a spe-
cial subject, departmental work is desirable. Time is saved 
and order maintained when teachers rotate and children 
remain in the same classroom. The Manual of Religious 
Vacation Schools supplies full information regarding 
courses of study for all grades, elementary and high school. 

[ 6 7 ] -



Suggested Daily Schedule 

8:15 — Mass (See inexpensive Mass books listed in 
Religious Vacation School Manuals) 

9:00 — Opening prayers and hymn 
9:10 — Picture study and sacred stories 
9:30 — Christian Doctrine 

10:00 — Conduct and religious practice 
10:10 — Recess with supervised recreation 
10:30 — Singing 
10:45 —Liturgy 
11:00 — Project work 
11:50 — Closing prayers 
12:00 —Dismissal 

For further information, write the Diocesan Director 
(if the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

[ 6 8 ] -



Religious Instruction of Catholics 
Attending Secular High Schools 

"Need of Instruction. Religious training must keep 
pace with secular training or the whole development of 
the child is thrown out of balance. N o one can reasonably 
expect to cope with the problems, the difficulties and the 
temptations which arise within the field of higher educa-
tion if he is equipped merely with a rudimentary religious 
k n o w l e d g e . . . . 

"Curriculum. W e should be on guard against a mere 
repetition of the subjects already treated in the elementary 
grades. There should be a definite progress in religious 
knowledge and a practical correlation of the subject-mat-
ter with problems of human conduct and Christian atti-
tudes of life. 

"Class Hours. The best arrangement is that in which 
the pastor or the religious teacher can have access directly 
to the public school during the regular class period. Where 
this is not possible under existing legislation or school 
policy, the dismissal of the children from attendance at 
the public schools during the regular school period for the 
purpose of attending religious instruction in some parish 
building, namely church or auditorium, is considered next 
best. In the event that the cooperation of public-school 
authorities cannot be obtained to effect these arrange-
ments, then the judgment of the majority seems to favor 
an early evening hour, namely 6:30 to 7:30 or 7:00 to 
8:00. The hours immediately after the close of the public 
school have been found least desirable, both because of 

[ 6 9 ] -



the interference with other school activities and because 
of the fatigue of the students themselves. . . . While 
some priests have attempted to conduct high-school classes 
between the Masses on Sunday, yet general experience 
seems to indicate that this is the least desirable arrange-
ment both for the priest and for the students themselves. 

"Frequency of Classes. Whether classes should be held 
more than once each week is to be determined, not so 
much by the requirements- of the curriculum or subject-
matter, as by the possibility of securing adequate attend-
ance. To place too great a burden upon the student will 
interfere with regular attendance and help to break down 
the morale which is a necessary element both in attend-
ance and in uniform progress among all members of the 
class. While two periods a week would be desirable, 
nevertheless w e may find that we have to content ourselves 
with one weekly session with a longer class period. 

"Teacher Training. The encyclical letters of the Popes 
and the recent decree of the Congregation of the Council 
all presume that the priest or pastor of the parish is the 
principal teacher of religion, and that if he himself does 
not exercise the office, the work must be under his super-
vision and direction. Where the priest does not personally 
teach the class, it is expected that he will call upon the 
religious of his diocese or upon well-qualified laymen or 
I a y w o m e n . . . . Where lay people are called upon to assist, 
it is highly desirable that they themselves" follow a pre-
liminary course of religious study before undertaking the 
duty of teaching. Furthermore, the Code itself requires 
that they be approved by the Ordinary of the diocese, and 
this approval can be best expressed in the issuance of 
teaching certificates, given only to qualified teachers." 

Most Reverend Karl J. Alter, D. D., Bishop of Toledo, 
Rochester Proceedings, 1935. 

m 



Grading. Except where the number of students is too 
few to form more than one group, classes should follow 
the usual high-school divisions, namely, freshman, sopho-
more, junior and senior. If grouping is necessary the fresh-
men and sophomores should form one class and the juniors 
and seniors another. 

Schedule. The standard schedule during the school 
year calls for a minimum of one hour of instruction 
weekly for 36 weeks. Two semesters of 18 weeks each 
should be scheduled between September and June. 

Course of Study. A course of study is being outlined 
according to the following plan: 

Class Text Subject 
First 

Semester 
Second 

Semester 

Freshman - New 
Testament 

Life of 
Christ 

Nativity to 
Feast of 

Tabernacles 

Feast of 
Tabernacles 

to Ascension 
Sophomore Church 

History 
Apostolic 

Church 
Subsequent 

Church 
Junior Liturgy The 

Sacraments 
The Mass 

Senior Ethics Moral 
Questions 

Social 
Problems 

Outlines based on the New Testament have been pub-
lished for both semesters of the freshman year and for 
the first semester of the sophomore year. Outlines for 
the remaining two and one-half years are being prepared. 

In presenting The Place of the New Testament in 
Religious Instruction, at the Catechetical Congress in New 
York, 1936, Reverend William L. Newton, D. S. Scrip., 
said: "The New Testament is itself a guide to religious 
development for all those who read it with devotion. It 
therefore finds its true place in our religious instructions 
only when we have taught our pupils to appreciate its 
worth and to read it with understanding." 

[ 7 1 ] -



Inform the students that in 1898 Pope Leo XIII 
granted "to all the faithful of both sexes who piously and 
devoutly read for a quarter of an hour each day the Holy 
Gospel, the edition whereof is recognized and approved 
by legitimate authority, an indulgence of 300 days for each 
reading thereof." 

Method of Presentation. The procedure of the religious 
discussion club has awakened general interest in the teach-
ings and practices of the Church among high-school stu-
dents. Each student should have a copy of the text. H e 
refers to it freely in order to participate intelligently in 
the discussion. Two leaflets issued by the National Center 
give practical information for promoting discussion: Sug-
gestions for Discussion-Club Leaders and The Religious 
Discussion Club (5c each; discounts on quantity orders). 

The final fifteen minutes of the meeting are often de-
voted to answering questions relating to the Church that 
arise especially in the history, literature and science 
classes in a secular high school. W h e n a priest cannot 
be present, and the instructor has not authorized refer-
ences for the desired information, the questions are re-
ferred in writing to the priest supervising the class. 

A syllabus of questions of common occurrence is be-
ing prepared.-

Social Activities. The religious instruction hour is often 
followed by a social feature. Generally the responsibility 
for a recreational program is left to the group under the 
guidance of the instructor. A Chairman of Social Activi-
ties may be appointed from within the membership. When 
attendance at recreation depends upon attendance at the 
religion class, both meetings develop more satisfactorily. 

For further information, local units apply to the Dio-
cesan Director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

[ 7 2 ] -



Religious Correspondence Courses 

The religious correspondence course provides a means 
of instruction for children and adults who cannot other-
wise be reached or assembled for effective religious in-
struction. It consists of a series of weekly lessons which 
are mailed directly to the pupil, with accompanying test 
exercises which are returned to the central office for 
correction. 

Central Office. A successful correspondence school may 
be organized in the local parish for children who live far 
from the church or in distant missions. The pastor may 
conduct the course himself or he may assign this work to 
members of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. 

A Diocesan center, however, will serve many pupils 
who do not enjoy this advantage locally. The Diocesan 
Confraternity office is in a position to make use of the 
very best experience of the national field, and can assure 
regular and efficient service to the pupils. An excellent 
plan is to assign the mailing of lessons and the correction 
of papers to a Sister, preferably a former teacher. Such 
a Sister will welcome this outlet for her missionary zeal, 
and will give devoted personal attention to her under-
privileged little ones out on the frontier. 

Time. The period from October 1 to April 1 will 
usually prove to be the most favorable time for religious 
instruction by correspondence. Several weeks are required 
for enrollment of pupils before the first lesson is mailed, 
out, and the closing of rural schools and work On the 

[ 7 3 ] -



farm after April 1 would interfere with the final lesson of 
the course. 

Pupil Enrollment.' Enrollment of pupils may be made 
through local pastors or parish Confraternities. If there 
is a diocesan paper, the course may be advertised in its 
columns and parents invited to enroll their children. Con-
tact in person or by correspbndence may be made with 
former pupils, or with parents whose names have been 
secured through some other enterprise, e. g., remailing of 
Catholic periodicals. Such information as name, age, 
grade, religion of parents and reception of sacraments 
will enable the instructor to serve the specific needs of 
the pupils more effectively. 

Material. Material for one year of correspondence in-
struction should consist of from 18 to 21 lessons, cover-
ing a section of the Catechism, e. g., The Apostles' Creed, 
or treating some special topic, e. g., The Mass. 

Procedure. One instruction with test exercise is mailed 
to the pupil each week. It is well to inclose an envelope 
addressed to the teacher for the convenience of the pupil 
in returning the test exercise for correction. The corrected 
exercise, with perhaps a personal note of direction or en-
couragement, is sent back to the pupil with one of the 
succeeding lessons. Another plan is to forward the pupil, 
at the beginning of the course, a bound volume containing 
the entire series of instructions, and to follow up with a 
weekly test exercise until the completion of the lessons. 
The advantage of this method is that it provides a per-
manent book of religious instruction for the home library. 

An accurate record of each pupil's progress is kept at 
the central office. Diplomas are awarded to those who 
finish the course at the required standard, and prizes may 
be given to outstanding pupils. 

[ 7 4 ] -



W h e n notes of encouragement are written on the cor-
rected exercises, parents are quick to perceive that the 
instructor is taking a genuine interest in their children. 
They in turn frequently write personal letters in which 
they seek advice about problems at home. Thus is opened 
up an avenue by which helpful counsel and spiritual direc-
tion may be given to families who are deprived of many 
of the normal consolations of religion. 

Expense. The entire expense of conducting correspond-
ence courses will range from $1.25 to $2.00 per pupil, 
depending upon such factors as the price of instructional 
materials, the number of lessons and the amount of per-
sonal correspondence which develops. If a pupil fee is 
levied, it should not be so high as to discourage enroll-
ment of pupils. A fee of $1.00 per pupil, with liberal dis-
count for additional pupils of the same family, has proved 
both reasonable and practical. It should also be made 
clear that the course will be conducted free of charge for 
those who are unable to pay the enrollment fee. The bal-
ance of the expense is covered by subsidy or by voluntary 
offerings of individuals and societies. 

Parental Interest. Parents invariably take a keen in-
terest in the correspondence study of their children. Often 
they make use of the weekly lessons in giving personal 
religious instruction to their offspring, especially to the 
younger children. Sometimes an informal study circle is 
organized in the home, so that all members of the family 
may benefit by the course. 

Courses Available. Religious correspondence courses 
on the Sacraments ( T h e Means of Grace) and on the 
Commandments (The Way of Life), are available from 
the St. Anthony Guild Press, Paterson, New Jersey. A 

[ 7 5 ] -



third course on the Apostles' Creed will appear in the 
near future under the title, The Word of God. Rt. Rev. 
Msgr. Victor Day of Helena, Montana, has a series of 
four courses, First Holy Communion, The Apostles' Creed, 
The Sacraments and The Commandments, which have 
been widely used. 

For further information, write to the National Center, 
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 1312 Massachusetts 
Avenue, N . W., Washington, D. C. 

[ 7 6 ] -