Adolescent Catechesis

The Diocese of Buffalo is pleased to provide to parishes and Catholic high schools current Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis. This document replaces all previous versions of the Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis of the Diocese of Buffalo.

This diocesan curriculum, designed for use in both parish programs and Catholic high schools, is a resource for the implementation of a comprehensive and systematic approach to adolescent catechesis.

In 2011, the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework of the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (USCCB, 2008) and the Adaptation of the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework of the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age (USCCB, 2010) were applied to the diocesan curriculum so that our formation standards are more closely aligned with the standards of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

The Department of Lifelong Faith Formation and the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry are available to assist each parish and high school in the development of a comprehensive outreach to adolescents. Session development and catechist/teacher training is available from either department, contact us to discuss. 

Please review each of the documents provided below - simply click on the title to download. Please contact us should you have any questions or need assistance.

The curriculum for Confirmation preparation is separate.  Please review our standard using this link.

The Curriculum Guidelines for Adolescent Catechesis by Topic

CORE Curriculum (Priority topics recommended by the USCCB)

 I.  Jesus and the New Testament
II.  Who Is Jesus?
III. The Mission of Christ and the Church
IV. Sacraments and Prayer
V.  Morality

Elective Topics (Secondary topics recommended by the USCCB)

VI.   Sacred Scripture
VII.  Church History
VIII. Christian Lifestyles
IX.   Catholic Social Teaching
X.    Ecumenism & Interreligious Issues