In order to best complement our new PreK-8 Catechetical Standards, Bishop Morlino has identified four series of catechetical textbooks that will best assist our teachers and catechists in their generous efforts to hand on the faith to our K-8 students. The following constitute the approved list of textbook series for K-8 students in the Diocese of Madison. When your school or parish religious education program is purchasing new texts, please select from this list of textbook series. These selections remain the only full, basal text series authorized for purchase for our K-8 students in parishes and schools. As new materials are published by other companies and authors in the coming years, this list has the potential to change. A more detailed comparison between the textbook series can be found here.
All parishes and schools are expected to conform by Fall 2015.
Middle school and high school texts that are not in a K-8 program have not yet been reviewed and will be reviewed in this upcoming year. The recommendation of the OEC is to use the middle school books from the above list or wait to purchase (using what you have currently) until the middle school and high school texts have been reviewed by the OEC.
Some companies produce only middle school and high school textbooks. These textbooks have not yet been reviewed but will be in this upcoming year. The recommendation of the OEC is to use middle school books from the above list or to wait to purchase (using what you have currently) until the middle school and high school texts have been reviewed to choose a new program.
During the textbook approval process, we did not choose or avoid books based on the press company to which they belong. We simply looked at the texts themselves and matched them to our new Catechetical Standards as they are written for grade school children. We acknowledge the value of the many materials offered by these different companies for different parish ministries and recognize the advantage of continuing to utilize such resources. We encourage parishes to continue utilizing the best materials for evangelization and catechesis that they can find, regardless of the publisher.
Absolutely. The books that were chosen are the basal catechetical text series that best complement our catechetical/religious education standards for grade school students. We understand and support the utilization of other solid supplemental and monograph materials to strengthen our catechetical outcomes.
At this time, the Diocese of Madison is not limiting/approving texts for first reconciliation, first communion, RCIA, confirmation, high school, or adult programs. If you are considering a basal text series for high school students, please select from the USCCB's list of catechetical texts at this time. If you are considering supplementary materials, please use your best judgment by paying close attention to whether or not the materials under consideration have an Imprimatur.
1. Which junior high and high school textbook series can be used in our parish programs?
Some companies produce only middle school and high school textbooks. These textbooks have not yet been reviewed but will be in this upcoming year. The recommendation of the OEC is to use middle school books from the above list or to wait to purchase (using what you have currently) until the middle school and high school texts have been reviewed to choose a new program.
2. I notice you do not have Our Sunday Visitor, Loyola Press, and many other companies on the list. Is there a reason you did not choose those companies?
During the textbook approval process, we did not choose or avoid books based on the press company to which they belong. We simply looked at the texts themselves and matched them to our new Catechetical Standards as they are written for grade school children. We acknolwedge the value of the many materials offered by these different companies for different parish ministries and recognize the advantage of continuing to utilize such resources. We encourage parishes to continue utilizing the best materials for evangelization and catechesis that they can find, regardless of the publisher.
3. Can parishes use other materials and press companies as supplements to the primary texts on the approved diocesan list?
Absolutely. The books that were chosen are the basal catechetical text series that best complement our catechetical/religious education standards for grade school students. We understand and support the utilization of other solid supplemental and monograph materials to strengthen our catechetical outcomes.
4. What materials can be used for sacramental prep, high school, and adult programs?
At this time, the Diocese of Madison is not limiting/approving texts for first reconciliation, first communion, RCIA, confirmation, high school, or adult programs. If you are considering a basal text series for high school students, please select from the USCCB's list of catechetical texts at this time. If you are considering supplementary materials, please use your best judgment by paying close attention to whether or not the materials under consideration have an Imprimatur.