Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION AS A RESEARCH CATEGORY IN CONTEMPORARY CATECHIZATION.
Summary
Preparing young people for the sacrament of Confirmationhasrecentlybecomeasubjectof numerous analyses and discussions. Therefore it seemed useful in this article to search for an answer to the question: in what ways are these problems dealt with in Polish catechetical literature. To answer the question the article first submits for analysis a matter of the essence and the importance of the catechesis which prepare young people for the sacrament of Confirmation. Afterwards a composite formulation of stages and forms of parish preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation and pluralism is presented, as well as a variety of suggested catechetical literature.
Finally the article points to questions which require further detailed studies and empirical verification.The above statements have allowed a better understanding of contemporary studies on parish catechization of candidates for Confirmation.This is also an inspiration for further analysis and empirical researche.
Keywords: catechesi of youth, catechetical instruction, Confirmation, parish catechesis

THE TEACHING OF RELIGION IN SCHOOLS AS PREPARATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONSTRUCTIVELY SOLVE PROBLEMS IN THEIR FUTURE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY.
Summary
Religious education faces various educational tasks at school. The tasks focus on teaching and integral upbringing. They involve further and closer preparation of the youth to married and family life. Conflicts in married and family life and developing appropriate skills seem an essential thematic category for religious education. This article is aimed at finding answers to the following questions: how are the problems related to conflicts in married and family life dealt with in religious education classes at school and how is the task of the preparation of the youth to constructive conflict solving in married and family life carried out. While answering these questions, the religious curriculum at upper secondary school, lower secondary school, and at professional schools are referred to. In order to better understand the issue and to show it in the context of social science, first conflicts in married and family life are presented from a psychological and pedagogical perspective. Next, religious education matters are shown. The analyses carried out here are of theoretical nature only. They are based on religious curriculums at various types of comprehensive, secondary and professional schools.

THE PERCEPTION OF A PRIEST AMONG SELECTED GROUPS OF CATECHIZED YOUTH (COMPARATIVE STUDY).
Summary
In the Year for Priests, it is the person of a priest that arouses the interest of theologians, sociologists and publicists. The following article aims to present the opinions of catechized youth from two randomly selected secondary schools (in Olsztyn and in Wodzisław Śląski). The data collected in diagnostic research have a preliminary diagnostic value since they only describe the tendencies related to the youth’s perception of the priest and attitudes to the tasks and function performed by the priest not only in the Church but also in teenagers’ lives. It was noted that opinions of respondents from Olsztyn and Wodzisław Śląski were fairly similar. Occasionally, different attitudes were observed but only in the case of some specific categories. The students’ answers were in line with the teachings of the Church. An influence of social opinion was also noticed.
The views on religious education proved surprising. Negative opinions prevailed; many students stressed that religious education did not reflect the truth about priestly vocation. Apart from that, regardless of the school type and place of residence, the students suggested that more discussions on priesthood be introduced, alongside with organizing meetings with priests and presenting audiovisual materials depicting priests devoted to God and man. Moreover, they expected testimony of faith on the part of priests and their readiness to serve and help other people.

REGIONAL STUDIES AS PART OF TEACHING RELIGION TO POLISH YOUTHS IN SCHOOLS. Prospects, limitations and challenge
Summary
The aim of this paper is to illustrate prospects, limitations and challenges connected with providing the Polish youth with regional education as part of religious education. The conducted research focuses on: supporting the young in discovering the regional community and the regional cultural heritage, and preparing them for Christian involvement in socio-cultural activities in the region. The following issues have been presented: the nature of regional education in Polish schools, the role and place of regional education in teaching religious education, the practice of providing regional education in religion lessons in secondary schools. All the abovementioned issues have been discussed in the light of the Polish pedagogical and catechetical literature and only with reference to the young. They have shown the complexity and the variety of aspects of regional education in teaching religion to the young. In the closing section, some conclusions and catechetic postulates have been presented.

THE TRANSMISSION OF THE ESSENCE OF FAITH AS AN AREA OF RELIGION TEACHER’S WORK IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Summary
The transmission of the essence of faith takes an important place in teaching religion. It is directly connected with the task of developing the knowledge of faith on every level of children’s and teenagers’ education. People involved in teaching and catechetical education, also religion teachers, are responsible for accomplishing this task. Today, after twenty two years of teaching religion at school, the transmission of the essence of faith is being critically discussed in school environment. The objections concern difficulties and limitations relating to the transmission of the essence of faith in school environment. Catechists and religion teachers unanimously claim that the transmission of the essence of faith is not possible without the grace of God in sacraments. They seldom pay attention to the teacher’s role in the process of transmitting the essence of faith.
The author of this article makes an attempt to show the tasks that a religion teacher should fulfill as far as transmitting the essence of faith in school environment is concerned. Not only strategies of development and experiencing faith but also limitations and difficulties relating to it were mentioned. At first, the term „transmission of faith” was explained. Next, a short characterization of teaching religion at school was made. The basic tasks of religion teachers in transmitting the essence of faith were depicted in this context. Apart from catechetical activities directed at pupils, the attention was also paid to teaching staff, school staff and parents. This is because a religion teacher is qualified to have influence on all members of catechetical interaction in school environment. Finally, the most important, crucial to religion teaching and parish catechesis, open issues were described. They require further theoretical research and empirical verification. Searching the new model of catechetical priesthood is also essential.
Keywords: faith, religion teacher’s, school environment, the transmission of the essence

PEDAGOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL CHANGES
Summary
The changes that have been taking place in the Polish education system oblige teachers of religious education to raise their qualifications and pedagogical competences. Up-todate knowledge and pedagogical skills are essential for diligent teaching, upbringing and caretaking work.
This article attempts to present the aims, tasks and different forms of pedagogical development of religious education teachers which result from educational changes in Polish schools. In the analyses undertaken, the mission of the religious education teacher in the school environment has been taken into consideration. The paper also points to the dynamic character of the permanent formation. It has been clearly noted that the pedagogical development of Polish religious education teachers is among the priorities as far as formative activities are concerned. It has been suggested that empirical research be undertaken among various groups of religious education teachers.

Physical activity as a way of spending past time in a Christian family
Summary
The changes, taking place in the life of the Christian family today, include a variety of areas. These include free time. At this time, the Christian family can make different kinds of activities. Among them physical activity is noteworthy. It can be walking, morning gymnastics, playing together and team games perfomed outdoor as well as in sports and recreation facilities. Besides, summer sports are worth mentioning (eg. cycling, playing football, sailing, swimming, participation in canoeing) and also winter ones (eg. skiing, sledding, ice skating). The selection of a particular form of activity depends on personal tastes and interests of family members, available financial resources, organizational capacity, the fashion for a healthy lifestyle. Each of these forms is conducive to family integration, prevents diseases of civilization, gives pleasure, shapes the character and helps in acquiring virtues. Direct contact with nature can help discover Beauty, Wisdom and Love of the Creator. Therefore, physical activity in a Christian family, as shown in the article complies with educational and religious functions, but may not lead to the disappearance of religious practice.
In conclusions, the Catholic Church must take pedagogical and pastoral initiatives in this area. One can mention here, for example, sports, games and activities for families organized in the parishes and retreat centers. Also, family rallies, bicycle pilgrimages, kayaking and sports festivals addressed to the families of the parish and the diocese are worth considering.

Educational value of music in the teaching of religion (a contribution to the discussion)
Summary
Music occupies an important place in the teaching of religion. It is a the source of content, a carrier of universal values and an effective means of teaching that multilaterally activates children and youth. Apart from the functions of teaching, music performs educational and therapeutic functions. It therefore seems equitable use of music in religious education and to motivate students to direct contact with musical works. This involves supporting the catechized in the experience and understanding of the values that are carried by music. They van be served by various forms of activation of students, such as eg. listening and analyzing pieces of music, making reflection and prayer on the canvas of music, painting a song, singing, creating text and melody, gestures and dance steps to music. Thanks to them there is revealed the educational value of music in the teaching of religion.
With this in mind, it is worth to shape musical culture of religion teachers and their competence in the field of music education. This requires appropriate forms of education during the studies and training in the permanent formation. To achieve pedagogical innovations in the use of music in religion classes it may be helpful to gather the opinions of students and teachers of religion. It seems worth therefore taking empirical research on this topic. This will provide new and interesting ways, activating students multilaterally, to use music in teaching religion.

Religious education in the context of the reform of the educational system
Summary
Current changes in the Polish education system give rise to new challenges as well as to teaching and educational dilemmas. They also affect religious education in schools, necessitating discussions and catechetical analyses. This paper focuses on the need to develop new core curriculum for religious education, as well as new syllabuses, textbooks and teaching aids for religious instruction in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. It indicates the need to specify the stage of school education at which students should be prepared for First Confession and First Holy Communion and for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is considered important to support teachers of religion in developing competence required to undertake tasks resulting from the reform of the education system. The challenges identified in this way require in-depth and multifaceted reflection and discussion, involvement of competent catechists and religious instructors in solving dilemmas and designing innovative didactic and educational solutions. Teamwork directed towards supporting children and youth in their integral development and education in faith, enhanced with interdisciplinary correlation, can result in bringing forward valuable proposals for religious education in schools.