El Padre J.C. Aguirre

“Truth Gives Freedom”

What is it?
“Truth Gives Freedom” is a program developed by Fr. Juan Carlos Aguirre to offer an integral formation for adult catechists, leaders, and other adults who may consider a position of service in the Catholic Church.

Why do we need this program?
In order to have a better grasp of our faith, it is important that leaders, teachers and anyone involved in the service of God’s people, have a basic comprehension of the life and true teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Tucson requires all teachers and catechists to fulfill 52 credit hours on different areas of Catholic education. “Truth Gives Freedom” fulfills the requirements needed to work towards a certification by the Diocese of Tucson.

This program is suggested to all members of lay groups and adults (18 years and older), who are seeking to know more about their Catholic Faith and / or would like to teach others about their faith.

What is the aim of this program?
“Truth Gives Freedom” is a course of basic catechism for adults. However, the program structure follows the specifications given by the Holy Father in his Apostolic Exhortation Catechesi Tradendae. In light of this exhortation, catechism must move beyond the concept to knowledge and memorization of particular doctrines. Pope John Paul II teaches us that, “Catechesis aims therefore, at developing understanding of the mystery of Christ in the light of God’s word, so that the whole of a person’s humanity is impregnated by that word. Changed by the working of grace into a new creature, the Christian thus sets himself to follow Christ and learns more and more within the Church to think like Him, to judge like Him, to act in conformity with His commandments, and to hope as he invites us to” (CT 20).

In other words, the program is not limited to teaching the doctrines of the faith at the level of reason, but it is aimed at assisting the laity in finding ways in which to integrate the Mysterium Fidei into their personal, spiritual, intellectual and social areas of their lives.

For this reason, even when the program is divided by areas of learning, the method of teaching will not exclude one area of study from its relevance to others. Moreover, the program will aim at integrating a sound and systematical program of catechesis as outlines in Catechesi Tradendae #21 and at the same time assisting at the life experience of the faith. In this way, we can show how relevant are the doctrines of the Church to life experience and the faithful.

How is the program structured?
“Truth Gives Freedom” is structured in 2 Basic Levels of formation, with the possibility of a third level. Each Level of formation consists of two Trimesters of courses, and either a course of methodology or a retreat per Trimester. There will be a vacation period between Trimesters.

What are the required textbooks?
For levels 1A and 1B we only require a New American Bible and The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). If you read the program on-line, you should have a CCC at hand to review the corresponding paragraphs.

When and where are classes going to be taught?
Check this website for schedule updates or contact St. Helen of the Cross at www.sthelenchurch.com

How long are the classes?
We will spend 2 hours per session. This time will include prayer, instruction on the assign topic, group discussion, question and answer period, and a 10-minute break.

How about assignment?
At the beginning of each Trimester, Fr Juan Carlos Aguirre will distribute a syllabus including the reading assignment for each class. The material must be read prior to the class and participants are challenged to write down any comments or questions that come up during the reading.

When absent, make-up mandatory courses can be taken by reading the particular chapter on this website and listening to the audio. To receive credit for the class a written summary of the chapter (in your own words) will be required.

How about tests and grades?
In order to give certification the person must prove a learning experience. The classes will be graded on a Past/Fail basis. In order to attain a Pass grade, individuals must show participation in class and present either a 20-minute oral exam with Fr. Aguirre or their notebook with evidence that the individual is taking notes during his or her personal reading and during class.

Who is the instructor?
Fr. Juan Carlos Aguirre

How much is the program?
We are asking for a donation of $25 per trimester. This is to help cover the materials used for classes: class notes, handouts, and other expenses like coffee and refreshments. Books are sold separatly.

© 2000-2008 Juan Carlos Aguirre Borchardt