Review of What About the Children:
Keep on Teaching 2002-2003
By Daniel S. Mulhall
Assistant Secretary for Catechesis and Inculturation
Diamonds don't often find their way to my desk, but one did in the
new Keep on Teaching booklet for 2002-2003 produced by the Office
of African American Catholic Ministries of the Archdiocese of Baltimore
under the guidance of Mrs. Therese Wilson Favors, an experienced catechist
and director of the Baltimore office. Developed for the eleventh consecutive
year by the Naimah Ministry of the archdiocese, this resource is designed
particularly to assist catechists and youth ministers who serve in the
African American Catholic Community. But to think that this resource
would be of interest to African Americans only would be a critical mistake
for it is a gift to the entire Catholic community.
The theme for this year's booklet is What About the Children
chosen "because of the pivotal role that a baby, child, or youth
plays in salvation history." Presented in this 31 page, 8 ½
by 11 booklet are sections on the Sunday Gospel readings for the catechetical
year, an article on "Childhood in Biblical Times," a section
reflecting on twelve Scripture passages where children or youths play
an essential role, a list of saints for youths, and a series of articles,
most from the African American perspective.
My two favorite sections are the Sunday Gospel readings and the section
that looks at children and youths in the Bible. What I like about the
Sunday Gospel readings is that each one briefly summarizes the reading
for the day, and then adds an African proverb to help in its understanding.
For example, the reading for November 3rd (Mt. 23:1-12) is summarized
"Jesus speaks about the scribes and Pharisees 'All their works
are performed to be seen.'" The African proverb is "If the
tiger sits, do not think it is out of respect." The reflections
on the youth in the Bible provides the basic elements on the story,
an Africentric understanding of the story, reflections for personal
liberation, and additional African proverbs and stories.
Copies of What About the Children can be purchased for $8.00
from the Office of African American Catholic Ministries, Archdiocese
of Baltimore, 320 cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-4421 (phone:
410-625-8472/ fax:410-625-8485/ email: AACM@archbalt.org).
Limited copies are available, so act quickly. You don't want to miss
out on this particular jewel.
Reprinted with permission from ©Daniel S. Mulhall
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