Five Ways Psychology Can Inform Catechesis by Dr. Joseph White

Science and Religion: A Manufactured Conflict "A legitimate conflict between science and religion cannot exist. Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." - Albert Einstein "Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish… We need each other to be what we must be, what we are called to be." - Pope John Paul II #1: Attention and the Brain

• Takes place in the frontal lobe; specifically in the prefrontal cortex • Prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions • Prefrontal cortex develops more slowly in children with ADHD • Prefrontal cortex is not finished developing until early twenties

The hard truth about Attention Span

• Research shows that attention span is about equal to age in minutes up to the early 20s

• New data suggests attention spans are declining in the United States. This seems to be related to multiple factors, including:

• New technologies • Changes in early childhood education • Using hands-on, multisensory approaches can help to “reset” the attention clock,

especially when we are working with children. #2: Why can’t we get families engaged?

• Some challenges of working with families today o Hectic schedules and divided attention

§ University of Michigan study – in recent decades 33% decrease in families eating dinner together, 28% drop in family vacations. 100% increase in time children spend in structured sports, and 500% increase in passive spectator leisure time.

§ Recent study by Annenberg Center for the Digital Future at the University of Southern California showed that 28% of Americans say they are spending less time with their families than in the previous year and this rise appears to be related to more time on digital media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Internet websites.

o Increasing secularization of modern society

o Many adults poorly formed in their own faith, and some have little attachment to their faith. (53% of US adults have left the faith of their childhood at some point; 9% leave and return).

o People Have Fewer Close Connections than Ever Where we lose the family

• The developmental stages of family life • Children change everything • The one time we have them: What research says about sacramental preparation

How to turn the tide

• Extend baptismal prep sessions with parenting classes (e.g. Happiest Baby, Happiest Toddler).

• Bridge the gap after baptism. Establish regular communication between the parish and family.

• Invest in early childhood faith formation. • Host activities and events for families of young children.

#3: The Right Topic and the Right Time: Developmental Windows of Opportunity

• Lev Vygotsky – Zones of Proximal Development • Bruce Perry – Neurosequential Model of Devt. • Windows of Opportunity (Dr. Pam Schiller)

Early Childhood Faith Formation (Pre-K and Kindergarten)

• The “God Gene” (VMAT2: Dean Hamer vs. Carl Zimmer) • Attachment: An alternative explanation • Preschool years: An introduction to Christ and the Church

The First Grade Child

• First graders are beginning to move into a cognitive stage of rule-based thinking, so this is a great opportunity to provide them with the basic teachings of the faith.

• Because this is the beginning of formal religious education for many children, and because the aim of catechesis is “communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ” (GDC, 80), it is logical to focus first grade catechesis around the person of Jesus.

• First graders are just beginning to move beyond the developmental self-focus of the preschool years, so an introduction to relationship with Jesus and the Church community is appropriate.

The Second Grade Child

• Children this age are in the Piagetian cognitive stage of “concrete operations.” They understand cause and effect and know the world works according to rules. Therefore, this is a great time to introduce God’s rules and guidelines for living.

• Because they have reached the age of reason, second graders are better able to understand that the Eucharist is not ordinary bread and wine, because Jesus said it was His Body and Blood.

• Second graders are concrete thinkers and need many hands-on activities and practical explanations. Our approach to teaching the sacraments should be step-by-step and very concrete. This is a good time to learn the steps of the rites, parts of the Mass, and basics of what the Church teachers about the sacraments.

The Third Grade Child

• Children this age have entered what social/developmental theorist Harry Stack Sullivan called the “chumship stage,” when same-age peers become very important and children often have “best friends.” For this reason, it is an ideal time to focus on the parish community.

• Third graders are more aware of the larger world, so this is a good time to talk about the larger worldwide Church and how it is organized.

The Fourth Grade Child

• Fourth graders are beginning to internalize standards of behavior. Their consciences are growing quickly, and they are gaining a sense of “right” and “wrong” that goes beyond just what might bring them punishments or rewards. This is a great time to work with them on what it means to be disciples of Jesus.

• Fourth graders are good at using their reasoning skills, but they still don’t have a firm grasp on hypothetical reasoning. This means they have difficulty imagining things or situations they haven’t experienced. Acting out making good choices in a moral dilemma will be especially effective, since all of us are more likely to do the things we practice.

The Fifth Grade Child

• Fifth graders are growing in their ability to understand symbols and signs. This makes 5th grade an ideal time to take an in-depth look at the sacraments and rites of the Church.

• Fifth graders are also in a stage of identity development in which they begin to seriously consider who they will be when they are older. This makes this age an important time for learning about vocation and the Sacraments at the Service of Holy Communion.

The Sixth Grade Child

• Children in sixth grade are growing in their abstract thinking ability and have made grade strides in reading and writing ability. This makes sixth grade a great time to study Sacred Scripture and begin to connect the events of salvation history.

• Children in sixth grade are also becoming young adolescents, so this is an important time to strengthen Catholic identity through study of our faith ancestors and basic doctrines.

Seventh Grade • The physical growth and change of the middle school years leads to questions and

concerns about identity. It is an excellent time to talk about discipleship – following Jesus, as he offers us a pattern for living, showing us what it looks like to be fully human

• Seventh graders are often preoccupied with their own identity. Encourage them to think of their future goals, and discuss choices together as a group.

Eighth Grade

• Eighth graders have grown in their abstract reasoning ability. They can imagine hypothetical situations and better understand symbols and signs. This can help seventh and eighth graders dive deeper into their faith and learn the meaning behind some of the things they have previously learned.

• Eighth graders want to belong. Peers are very important at this age. Their experience of Church should be one of inclusion and welcome.

High School

• Asking questions/Making the faith their own • Second window of opportunity re: future selves

#4: Helping Teens Choose the Right Path…and Avoid Risky Ones The Family Meal – Practical Benefits

• Columbia University study in 2012 found children and teens who regularly eat with their families (5-7x per week vs. 2 or fewer)

o have lower levels of tension and stress at home o are happier and have better peer relationships o get better grades in school o are more likely to confide in their parents o have healthier eating habits o have a lower risk of suicide o have a much lower risk of substance abuse.

• Catechists and leaders can serve an important role by helping families appreciate the value of the family meal, its connection to our faith, and the ways in which it can draw us closer together.

Risky Behaviors: Some interesting research…

• A highly publicized study by Jemmott, Jemmott, & Fong from University of Pennsylvania and University of Waterloo in Ontario (2010) helps us understand how to better steer adolescents away from risky behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, and sex.

• Jemmott and colleagues demonstrated that programs for prevention of risky behaviors should not be fear-based, but are more effective when they are goal-focused, encourage critical thinking, and allow group discussion of the issues involved.

#5: Social science research on children’s choice of role models

Children look up to other children who are slightly older This is why older kids are used in commercials For kids and teens, highlight young saints, such as:

• St. Dominic Savio • St. Clare of Assisi • Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio • St. Therese of Lisieux • Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto

Questions for Reflection

• How can what we know about human development, behavior, and family functioning help us be more effective in ministry?

• What unanswered questions remain that might be answered, at least in part, through the integration of psychology and catechesis?