Regulation 6161.11 Approved Religion Textbooks

Regulation 6161.11

INSTRUCTION

Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-6) and Junior High (grades 7-8) Textbook Series

Beginning in the 2023-2024 program year parish youth faith formation programs (PSR) and Catholic elementary schools shall use one of the religion book series listed below. The approved series are:

Word of Life (K-8) – Ignatius Press – ©2022 (7^th and 8^th grade forthcoming)
Faith and Life (1-8) – Ignatius Press – ©2011
Finding God (K-8) – Loyola Press – ©2021
Alive in Christ: Discovering and Sharing the Kerygma (1-8) – Our Sunday Visitor – ©2023
Blest Are We Faith In Action (K-8) – RCL Benzinger – K-6 ©2018; 7-8 ©2019
Christ In Us (K-8) – Sadlier – ©2020
Spirit of Truth (K-8) – Sophia Institute – ©2022

If there is a need for a parish or school to continue using a text that is not on the above list, they may do so for one year (2023-2024) and shall report
what they are using on the annual catechetical report which will be completed in September and October. The approval/endorsement of more
texts (e.g. for Pre-K, Baptismal Prep., 1^st Communion Prep., etc.) is anticipated.

High School Textbook Series

Parishes and schools are currently free to continue using their current text. The adoption of an approved text for Parish high school level catechesis is not expected until the 2024-2025 program year. Parishes and schools will not be mandated to adopt particular textbooks before August of 2024.

Education in Human Sexuality Textbook Series

Parishes and schools shall use one of the approved texts for education in human sexuality. The approved series are:

Recommended for elementary level students:

Family Life Series – RCL Benziger - ©2011
Growing in Love – Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum - ©2001

Human Sexuality Texts Continued:

Recommended for junior high and high school level students:

You: Life Love and the Theology of the Body – Ascension Press – ©2016
Theology of the Body for Teens – Ascension Press – ©2011

Immediate Preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist and Reconciliation

The following texts continue to be approved for preparation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and an update to the list is anticipated by fall of 2024. The approved texts are:

Call to Celebrate: Eucharist – Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum – S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Call to Celebrate: Reconciliation – Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum – S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Call to Celebration: Reconciliation and Eucharist (intermediate) - Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum – S/P&TM/CM ©2007
Celebrating Our Faith: Reconciliation and Eucharist - Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum – S/P&TM ©2011
Celebrating Our Faith: Reconciliation and Eucharist (intermediate) - Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum - S/P&TM ©2011
God’s Gift – Eucharist – Loyola Press - S/P&TM/CM ©2009
God’s Gift – Reconciliation – Loyola Press - S/P&TM/CM ©2009
We Believe and Celebrate First Communion – William H. Sadlier, Inc. – S/P&TM/CM ©2006
We Believe and Celebrate First Penance – William H. Sadlier, Inc. – S/P&TM/CM ©2006
Eucharist – RCL Benziger – S/P&TM ©2003
Reconciliation – RCL Benziger – S/P&TM ©2003

Parishes and schools may also use texts included on the parish and school K-8 text list as a supplemental 1^st Reconciliation and 1^st Communion preparation text, or a primary text if it is designed to be used that way.

Immediate Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Beginning August 2022, parishes and schools shall use one of the approved texts for immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The approved series are:

Series

Supplemental Resources

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible

Confirmation preparation texts continued:

3. New American Bible
4. Catechism of the Catholic Church

Parishes and schools may also use texts included on the parish and school K-8 text list as a supplemental Confirmation preparation text or a primary text if it is designed to be used in that way.

Family centered catechetical program approved series (parishes only):

Parishes may also use texts included on the parish and school K-8 text list as a supplemental family catechetical text or a primary text if it is designed to be used in that way.

Approved: June 5, 2012
Revised: June 9, 2023

Office of Education
Diocese of Belleville