Teaching in the Light of the New Evangelization: Lived Experiences of Educators

doi.org/10.70228/CBJ2021003

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ABSTRACT

This is a lived experience exploration of educators on teaching in the light of New Evangelization. Teaching in this manner is a fundamental change in emphasis. Data were gathered using unstructured in depth phenomenological interviews that were recorded, transcribed,validated and analyzed, and interpreted using generic qualitative Lichtman’s approach. The participants of the study consisted of five Christian Living and five Religious Studies educators. It explored six themes. The first theme was on the Joys and Challenges: Witnessing, Lessons, Technology, Understanding the Lesson, and Education. The second theme was on motivations of teaching, with the sub-themes: Faith, New Evangelization, and Deepening our Faith. The third theme was on the images of the participants on how they would describe themselves in their work: Shepherd, Potter, Sower, a tour guide, and an architect. The fourth theme was on their eucharistic, Marian, and personal devotion to Saints. The fifth theme was on the meaning, impact, and insights that have emerged from this experience. The sub-themes were namely: 1) Teaching in the light of New Evangelization bringing fulfillment, meaning, and happiness, 2) Living like Jesus everyday and in every way, and 3) Christian Educators as the Instruments of Christ. The last theme was on their messages to their fellow educators and all the contemporary agents of New Evangelization, with 4 sub-themes identified: 1) On Witnessing, 2) On Prayer Life, 3) On Spirituality, and 4) On Communion in Mission. Combining all the themes could provide a program of New Evangelization.

Keywords: teaching, new evangelization, catholic faith, witnessing, prayer life