Kenny's first CCD class was this evening.

My biggest concern was regarding the textbook publisher. In this case, it's Sadlier.

I haven't any experience with Sadlier. I am relieved that it is no longer Catholics United For the Faith because that series, based in Steubenville, is anti-Semitic. And my brother attended school at Franciscan U., so I know.

"Cult," Rick called it. Long story there. Ancient history, I hope.

The textbook's development team included Passionist Father Donald Senior who served as the workbook's Scriptural consultant. Also, it was noteworthy to me that the Mariologist was a sister from UD. I would have to guess that I recognize the name of Dr. Carole Eipers from so many East Coast Conferences for Rel. Ed. in Washington in the 1990's.

In short, then, the workbook looks solid, agreeable, with plenty of Scripture (Gospels) in each weekly lesson.

When the Catechism came out ten years ago, so many publishers dropped Scripture from their religious education textbooks in favor of it.

It was as if Scripture were merely filling a void left by the defunct Baltimore Catechism. The absolute absence of Scripture from those early catechism-based workbooks demoralized me as a teacher. I used RCL's Scripture workbook Our Catholic Identity (at my own expense for each student) to supplement. I wasn't thrilled with it because every exercise came from Luke's Gospel. I wanted a little more variety but it was better than nothing.

Since then, the incorporation of Scripture seems to have returned to religious education workbooks in a healthy balance. I am pleased to see that. Alright, enough about the materials! On to more personal matters ...

I was concerned that Kenny would not know anyone in his CCD class because he doesn't go to public school. Fortunately, a boy from his school is also in his CCD class. And he may know others from summer camp. The teacher hasn't much experience, just a year plus a few as an aide, but she seems nice.

Kenny asked me whether CCD would be like VBS and I told him probably not.