A friend asked for a high school textbook recommendation, and it came to my attention she might not be the only one with a such a need.
My go-to textbook series for teens is the Midwest Theological Forum’s Didache Parish Edition series. I’ve looked through a handful of these, and am pleased to report they hit that perfect balance between approachable and readable, but scholarly and never, ever, dumbed-down.
I like the Parish Edition because it’s manageable for weekly one-hour get-togethers, but if you want a full high school textbook for credit towards graduation, their traditional Semester series is a more intense version of the same topics.
These texts are suitable for both teens and adults, so excellent for a mixed-generation group, or as an investment for both teen and adult faith-formation in a parish. The content challenges faithful Catholics to know their faith more deeply, but does not assume that all students in the group are currently on board with the fullness of the faith — great approach in, say, a confirmation or youth group setting, where some students are only there because Mom or Dad said so.
I’d consider them an excellent source for catechist training as well — if you can’t get through the Didache Parish Edition, you really have no business teaching the faith in the classroom. (Yes, I said that.) If you do get through them, which is not difficult, you’ll be well-equipped to teach accurately and thoroughly.
Can’t recommend these enough.*
*No, I don’t rep MTF. I had a few review copies of their various textbooks sent my way a couple years ago, and was so impressed I continue to turn to these as my top pick for high school and adult faith formation. Of all the books on my shelf that I periodically loan to friends, these are the ones that I hate to lend the most. Let me just say, friends, that if you are custodian of one of my MTF books, it’s a sign of true love.
Cover images courtesy of Midwest Theological Forum.
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