The four pillars of faith presented in the Catechism offer a model for presenting the Catholic faith logically and meaningfully to students, but student books should also include a basic study of Scripture and the liturgical year. Choose a series with age-appropriate textbooks that students can use as a sourcebook of faith. The activities in a lesson should present real-life opportunities to respond to the content, rather than artificial and contrived examples or situations. The textbook should be seen as one piece of a comprehensive religious education program. Adopt a series that helps students grow in their knowledge of what it means to be a person of faith.
Faith involves a change of heart.
It is a lifelong process. Texts should respect the students' ability to learn and offer them concrete challenges to live their faith in their families, school, and community. Texts should also offer a variety of activities that appeal to different learning styles. This motivates students to learn, helps them participate more actively in class, and affirms their unique gifts and talents. Make certain that the moral teachings of our faith, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Great Commandment, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and the Church's commitment to social justice are presented frequently across grade levels.