Catechism Program for Christian Education Teachers in Schools

June 15, 2004. Currently 13 teachers from the Catholic schools in Jerusalem are receiving training in Christian Education through Bethlehem University. The initiative came from the schools themselves especially Fréres School, Jerusalem.

In August 2003, Father Peter DuBrul and Father Jamal Khader of the Bethlehem University Religious Studies Department met H.B. Patriarch Sabbah, Latin Patriarch of the Holy Land, and Father Abdul-Masih Faheem, Secretary of the Schools, and representatives of Catholic schools in Jerusalem. The Patriarch gave his approval to the program, which, over the course of two years, will offer 24 credit hours of teacher training. Bethlehem University will issue a transcript and the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land will join in issuing a certificate.

Next Fall, Bethlehem University is hoping to start a similar program in Ramallah, South of Jerusalem. This Ramallah catechism upgrading program will be in addition to the training already taking place in Jerusalem; Amman, Jordan; and in Bethlehem University itself.

These upgrading programs are a good example of the cooperation between the Catechism Office of the Latin Patriarchate, the Secretary of the Christian Schools, Bethlehem University, and the Principals of Christian schools.