Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators
Hitik: International Journal of Catechists and Religious Educators is the official international journal publication of the Religious Educators Association of the Philippines (REAP), Inc. It is an open access journal that publishes research journal articles semi-annually. Articles published in this journal undergo a double-blind peer review process and typically come from the research papers presented at the annual National Conference on Catechesis and Religious Education organized by DLSU and REAP inc. and submissions from catechists, theologians, and religious educators of different faith traditions. The journal considers the diversity of faith traditions in the Asian region and the world in general. In response to this plural condition, we welcome interdisciplinary studies and critical essays to advance understanding of the relevant and emerging issues in catechesis and religious education.
Religious Educators Association of the Philippines, Inc.
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Nine Grains of Rice and the Messianic Society: A Religio-Cultural Analysis of Karen Rice–Merit Networks in Northern Thailand
This study examines how the Karen Rice–Merit Networks (RMNs) in Northern Thailand express a lived religio-cultural solidarity grounded in the indigenous philosophy of the Nine Grains of Rice. Rooted in the Theology of Rice, this worldview sacralizes agriculture by linking rice’s life cycle to Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Using a qualitative design, the research draws on semi-structured interviews with 10 Karen priests, 2 organic intellectuals, and 3 RMN coordinators, supported by textual analysis of Church documents, participant observation of RMN’s zonal meeting, and diocesan records. Findings reveal that the RMNs embody three interrelated dimensions: (1) self and family welfare, fostering food security and moral formation; (2) community welfare, promoting mutual aid and social justice; and (3) spiritual welfare, integrating Eucharistic symbolism with Karen identity. These practices sustain a counter-capitalist ethos rooted in reciprocity and sufficiency. The study concludes that the Nine Grains of Rice provides a religio-cultural developmental model for constructing a Messianic Society, and it recommends deeper youth engagement, ecological formation, and contextual catechesis to ensure the continuity of the missiological economy of grace.
Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Bistis, SCJ (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Understanding Human Suffering among Black Nazarene Devotees: A Qualitative Study through the Lens of Edward Schillebeeckx
This study analyzes how devotees of the Black Nazarene perceive human suffering using Edward Schillebeeckx’s theology of the method of correlation.The approach of Schillebeeckx has two aspects, namely, negative dialectics and positive sphere of meaning. Through these two moments, the study identifies similarities and differences in the devotees’ perception of human suffering. This study employs qualitative research, particularly content analysis. Furthermore, purposive sampling serves as a tool for conducting in-depth interviews with selected devotees, taking into account the duration of their devotion, to gather data. This aims to explore the perception of devotees regarding how they understand and make sense of suffering in the context of faith in God. The results show that devotees perceive suffering as a means of taking part in God's kingdom. Their awareness of other people's suffering, their belief that suffering is a common human experience, and the association of their own suffering with Jesus the Black Nazarene – all of these demonstrate their involvement in the devotion. Devotees find spiritual consolation. This understanding emphasizes the spiritual resilience of the devotees, portraying suffering not simply as an experience but, as Schillebeeckx believes, as a way toward greater spiritual development and a positive moment. It enables individuals to relate their suffering to a broader, divine purpose, developing empathetic and nurturing faith within the community.
Copyright (c) 2025 John Patrick C. Toledo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
‘Maganda’ in the Fifth Argument of Quinque Viae of St. Thomas Aquinas
God created everything as “maganda.” However, human interference with creation has led to its degradation. In the fifth argument of the Quinque Viae, Saint Thomas Aquinas introduced the idea that the universe was created with order and purpose, or simply “very good” (Genesis 1:31), governed by a wise Sustainer. Dr. Jose de Mesa argued that “The universe created by God is “maganda” [in Hebrew, tôb; in English, beautiful], and humanity is “magandang-maganda” [very beautiful] because they reflect the graciousness of the Creator.” Yet, in the present time, can we still perceive the will of the Creator in how humanity interacts with and manages the beauty of creation? This paper will utilize the concept of cultural contextualization of the “mabathalang atas” [divine mandate] (Genesis 1:26, 28) using the Suri-Nilay-Kilos [See-Discern-Act] approach. This reflection seeks to demonstrate that the Filipino concept of maganda [understood as ethical beauty] corresponds to the form of governance implied in the quinta via of the Quinque Viae. It further aims to inspire a deeper commitment to the care and preservation of the ganda (beauty and goodness) of creation, grounded in the kagandahang-loob [gracious will; love] of the Creator.
Copyright (c) 2025 Joenel Buencibello, Paulo Antonio Aton (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Zoomers as Contemporary Adherents: Faith Expressions of Filipino Catholic Gen Zs
In the past decade, contentions and critiques about young people’s religious life and faith formation have burgeoned in religious scholarship. The objective of this research is to explore the lived experiences of Filipino Gen Z as contemporary adherents of the Catholic religion, particularly how they express their faith. A total of 357 individuals participated in the quantitative survey, and four participants proceeded to the interview for the qualitative phase. By employing explanatory sequential mixed methods, three key findings were drawn from both quantitative and qualitative data: (1) faith expression remains performative; (2) faith expression is rooted in the family; and (3) faith expression is reflecting on life’s meaning and doing good. This study concludes that young people remain faithful adherents, but they have diverse ways in expressing their faith, which are secular and/or supplemental to the doctrinal practices of the church. Further studies should explore how non-Catholic youth and those with low engagement in religious practices express their faith.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marc Lorenz Rivera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Unveiling the Relevance of Reading the Bible among Generation Z College Students
This qualitative study explores the perceptions, barriers, and motivations surrounding Bible reading among Generation Z college students at Holy Angel University, a Catholic institution in Angeles City, Pampanga. Using a narrative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten Catholic students aged 18 and above. Findings revealed that while students recognize the Bible as a meaningful source of inspiration, guidance, and spiritual growth, consistent engagement remains limited. Academic demands, poor time management, and the Bible’s complex language were identified as primary barriers to regular reading. Despite these challenges, students still turn to the Bible during personal struggles or when invited through academic or religious settings. Their engagement with Scripture positively influences personal values, emotional comfort, and decision-making. The study underscores the need for more accessible and relatable Bible reading strategies for youth and highlights the importance of supporting spiritual development alongside academic growth. These findings can inform educators, pastoral workers, and campus ministries in designing relevant faith-based programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jonald De Leon, Angelo Adriano, Dan Christopher Culala, Monina Manalang, Cristina Samia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Video App Usability and Creative Empowerment of Selected Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Learners
This study investigates how video editing tool usability relates to the creative potential of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) learners creating digital stories in Religious Education (RE). The research utilized a rigorous qualitative-methods design, integrating the Gestural Think-Aloud Protocol (GTAP) with Nielsen’s Usability Heuristics. This approach systematically evaluated the performance of DHH learners using CapCut and Canva, while concurrently measuring their creativity using established cognitive models. Findings demonstrated that CapCut had a significantly superior usability rating compared to Canva. Although DHH learners' creative expression was in the “Developing” stage (46.5%–54.8%), the results confirm that tool accessibility is the dominant factor influencing creative achievement. The study also observed the manifestation of virtues, notably collaboration and honesty, during the project. This research concludes there is an urgent need for accessibility improvements in mainstream video editing applications, primarily focusing on automated captioning and navigation features, to ensure equitable learning experiences. This outcome validates digital storytelling as a transformative practice that cultivates creative, problem-solving, and collaboration skills while supporting RE outcomes.
Social Justice and Community Empowerment
Copyright (c) 2025 Chanda Eleanor Blanco, Sr. Auria U. Arabit, SdP, PhD (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Earth Rights in Religious Education: An Eco-Missiological Mandate Toward a Catechetical Reform
This theological discourse addresses the problem of how religious education can respond to the ecological emergency and moral crises arising from humanity’s exploitative interpretation of the biblical command to “subdue the earth.” It examines how religious education can foster ecological awareness, moral responsibility, and solidarity with both creation and marginalized communities. Using the See–Judge/Discern–Act method, the study observes current ecological realities, interprets them in light of Christian teaching, and proposes practical educational and pastoral responses. The findings reveal that misinterpretations of Scripture have contributed to the rise of consumerism, throwaway culture, and anthropocentrism while a renewed theological and pedagogical approach can reframe ‘to subdue’ and ‘to have dominion’ as care for creation, that is the central meaning of Christian stewardship in the Genesis accounts. The study concludes that integrating ecological consciousness into religious education strengthens both spiritual formation and social transformation, positioning care for the breathing Earth as a vital expression of Christian discipleship and the promotion of the culture to life.
Exploring the Role of the Kariton Klasrum Project as a Service-Learning Strategy in Values Formation
As education moves towards further development, many meaningful ways to strengthen learners’ values formation have emerged. One of these is the service-learning method, known for having positive results in terms of character. Similarly, in the Philippine context, the Kariton Klasrum Project (KKP) serves as a service-learning strategy with a lot of potential in values education. However, despite utilizing KKP, no research has captured implementers’ perspectives, leaving no recorded evidence regarding the specific moral outcomes to them. KKP was originally introduced by the Dynamic Teen Company, and with their consent, was adapted and implemented starting in 2011 by Elizabeth Seton School-South, a private basic education institution in Imus, Cavite. The KKP engages the grade 10 learners in an outreach work with the children from Riverside, Imus, a community assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The engagement’s preparation spanned for five months and culminated in a one-day service-learning session that involved teaching the basics of reading and writing, feeding session, and providing medical assistance. In this study, the researcher explored the role of KKP as an initiative that supports values formation among executors. Using the Qualitative Descriptive Research method, the perceptions of 10 participants from grade 10 revealed that KKP contributed to their development of responsibility, compassion, motivation, collaboration, and reflection. The findings add to the limited body of literature on KKP as a service-learning strategy in the Philippine basic education and highlight an emerging strategy for nurturing compassionate, socially responsible learners prepared to make a difference.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mikko Niño Rufin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Children’s Gaze on Benedictine Monks: Insights from San Beda University Students
The primary purpose of this descriptive qualitative design study is to understand how Bedan pupils perceive Benedictine life and its influence on their faith formation. This study gathered insights from fifty (50) pupils (Grades 4-6) at San Beda University - IBED using an open-ended questionnaire, with data processed through thematic analysis. Findings indicated that pupils mostly view Benedictine monks as "prayerful," "disciplined," and "faithful," often using terms like “holy” and “devoted.” While pupils recognized the sacrifice and conversion required, they also expressed curiosity about the monks' daily routines and vocational discernment. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing the Benedictine Spirituality curriculum, increasing the visibility of monks on campus, expanding the range of respondents, and organizing experiential activities, such as abbey tours and vocational talks. These insights may guide classroom strategies and resources to enhance pupils’ understanding of Benedictine spirituality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Romnick David (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Faith-Based Organizations as New Frontiers of Religious Education: Program Initiatives and Engagements Strategies
Faith-based organizations have emerged as significant actors in promoting active engagement in pressing social issues within Asia, particularly in the Philippines, encompassing interfaith dialogue, human rights, and ecological concerns. Despite the increasing global recognition of this 20th-century phenomenon, their specific roles within diverse contexts remain underexplored. This study posits that as FBOs address societal challenges, they inherently contribute to shaping the faith and convictions of their stakeholders, a process closely aligned with religious education typically conducted in formal educational settings. Through parallel case studies of SILSILAH, Rise Up, and the PMPI, this research aims to demonstrate that FBOs are evolving into innovative and vital spaces for religious education, transcending traditional methods and institutions. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study utilizes content analysis of the organizations’ Facebook pages to glean relevant data shared with members and the public. The findings suggest that the FBOs under study demonstrate significant potential of FBOs as bridging institutions that enhance and extend RE beyond traditional boundaries. Furthermore, the three FBOs demonstrate the capacity to merge faith-based values with social action, converting principles of peace, justice, and stewardship into tangible projects and initiatives that tackle societal problems. The analysis indicates that when RE is situated within the operational frameworks of FBOs, it transitions from traditional didactic methods to a more comprehensive and relational approach to faith formation. RE can enrich the evangelical mission of FBOs, and vice versa, infusing faith with vitality and inspiring action within individuals and communities.
Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated
Copyright (c) 2025 Ronaldo Celestial (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Level of Awareness of Youth on Sacramentals and its Implication
This study aimed to assess the awareness of Senior High School (SHS) students on sacramentals at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite. The research included 204 students in Grades 11 and 12 who were enrolled in the Christian Life Formation subject for the Academic Year 2021–2022. This addresses the declining religiosity among youth by evaluating their understanding of sacramentals. The study employed a descriptive quantitative survey design, utilizing stratified purposive sampling and statistical tools such as the t-test and F-test to examine significant differences in students' awareness of sacramentals and their demographic profiles. Most respondents are young students, with a higher number of females than males and an equal distribution across Grades 11 and 12. Many participants attended Catholic schools and reported being fully aware of sacramentals, although most were not affiliated with any religious organization. While students demonstrated strong awareness overall, with the highest levels being for holy water, the Sign of the Cross, and prayer before and after meals, lower awareness was noted for scapulars, images and icons, and medals. No significant differences were found in awareness levels across demographic profiles. The findings have implications for the Christian Life Formation subject, which plays a vital role in nurturing students’ Catholic identity and understanding of sacramentals. This study may serve as a reference for future research involving larger samples from public and non-sectarian schools. Providing CLF teachers with training focused on spirituality and sacramentals, along with implementing the proposed Sacramentals Module, could further enhance respondents' awareness of sacramentals.
Holistic Education: Implementing St. Josemaria’s Philosophy of Education in the Philippines
This paper recommends and applies the Philosophy of Education of St. Josemaria Escriva as an enhancing addition for basic education in the Philippines in line with the current reforms of DepEd MATATAG and the K-12 reform. The proposal is not a replacement for the current system but aims to address key implementation gaps in moral formation, teacher readiness, and parent-school collaboration. Integral to St. Josemaria Escriva’s Philosophy are the principles of Formation, Freedom, and Families, which coalesce into an advocacy for holistic student development, which is not just concerned with academic development but includes moral formation as well. Using philosophical analysis and critical evaluation, this paper argues for a new emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration, recognition of parents as primary educators, and comprehensive teacher formation to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical applications of reforms. Moreover, this paper recommends integrating moral formation across all subjects and not just in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP) to enhance the effectiveness of values education. Finally, this paper concludes with the transformative potential of St. Josemaria Escriva’s Philosophy of Education in promoting a morally and spiritually enriched educational system that can potentially address challenges faced in Filipino society.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cyrill Paolo Silva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Attitudes towards Religion among Gen Y and Gen Z: Implications to Religious Education
Generational studies have emerged as a field of research examining traits distinct to each generation, particularly among Millennials (Gen Y) and Centennials (Gen Z). In terms of attitudes and perceptions, Gen Y and Gen Z differ in varied degrees. Will there also be divergences in attitudes towards religion between the two generations? The study investigated the intricacies between Gen Y and Gen Z, specifically, their perceptions and attitudes towards religion and religiosity. The research employed a descriptive quantitative research method utilizing 200 respondents (100= Gen Y, and 100= Gen Z) from a Catholic university in Pampanga using purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered through the Filipino Students’ Attitudes Towards Religion [FSAR] Scale (Baring et al., 2018) and subjected to statistical treatment using mean percentages, standard deviation, and t-tests to determine disparities in their attitudes and perceptions. The results revealed no significant difference (P value= 0.73) in the overall mean responses between Gen Y and Gen Z informants regarding their attitudes towards religion. Despite being characterized as less religious, Filipino Gen Z, unlike their Western counterparts, still exhibit positive attitudes towards religion and religiosity. However, a high computed standard deviation (SD) of 1.13 for item 2: "A spiritual person is one who loves religion" indicated dispersed responses among Gen Z, showing a misperception between the terms 'religious' and 'spiritual.' With the increasing incidence of indifference towards religion among late Gen Z and the advent of the highly digitized Alpha generation, what significant challenges do religious educators face in addressing this concern?
Copyright (c) 2025 Bonnadelbert Antonio (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Walking Together: Participation of Persons with Vulnerabilities in the Synodal Process of the Catholic Church in Vietnam
“Synodal Church” has become a keyword in the Church’s gatherings and celebrations, global as well as local, since 2021 when the late Pope Francis launched his vision of XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Living out the spirit of communion – participation – mission together with the Universal Church, the People of God in Vietnam embarked on a journey of listening and discernment between the pastors and the faithful. The Church in Vietnam is making a great effort to extend to the margins and become more inclusive. She invites, encourages and facilitates the participation of all members. This paper presents a critical reflection on how the local Church believes and appreciates the engagement of persons with vulnerabilities: the poor, people with contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, orphaned children and people with disabilities, in the life of the Church in Vietnam. In numerous forms and to various extents, these groups of people actively participate in their local parishes around Vietnam. Many of such experiences have been recorded by Diocesan Caritas Organizations and published on their websites. To provide a snapshot, this paper limits itself to reviewing only some examples in Vietnamese published literature and Caritas websites of different dioceses in Vietnam. It provides insights and personal reflections of some participants about the meaning of their contributions in the Church’s activities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ngoc Van Anh Nguyen, Thi Bich Thuy Pham (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Study on the Interplay Between Social Media Attitudes and Spirituality in Higher Education
Social media has become a significant part of modern life, prompting concerns about its effects on young people's psychological and spiritual well-being. This study examined the relationship between college students’ attitudes toward social media and their level of spirituality within the framework of theology and student formation. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 372 students across various departments of a Catholic university in Pampanga, selected through stratified random sampling. Two standardized instruments were utilized: the Social Media Attitude Scale (Otrar & Argin, 2013) and the Spirituality Questionnaire (Hardt et al., 2011). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation due to non-normal distribution. Results revealed a statistically significant but modest relationship between social media attitudes and spirituality, indicating that while social media may influence aspects such as mindfulness or the search for meaning, it is not a primary determinant of spiritual life. The findings highlight the complex, multifaceted nature of spirituality, shaped more by personal, cultural, and relational factors than digital behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jonald De Leon (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Connecting the Dots: Understanding Volunteer Motivations through the Lens of John Paul II’s Message
This study explores the motivations driving individuals to engage in volunteer activities, inspired by John Paul II’s message for the UN Year of Volunteer Work (2001). Using structured and open-ended questionnaires, the research examines respondents’ reasons for volunteering across six themes: Compassion and Empathy, Sense of Duty, Positive Impact and Fulfillment, Personal Growth and Awareness, Interconnectedness, and Spirituality and Faith. Thematic analysis (Aronson) categorizes responses, revealing that Altruistic Purpose and Collective Well-being are the primary motivators. Participants express a strong desire to positively impact others’ lives and contribute to societal good. Satisfaction with volunteering is assessed through Satisfaction Rate Calculations (SmartSurvey™, 2021), which yield a high overall Satisfaction Rate of 85.33%, reflecting the rewarding nature of such activities. By linking motivations to actions, the study provides valuable insights for fostering sustained volunteer engagement. These findings can guide organizations in creating effective programs that inspire long-term commitment to volunteer work, ensuring that volunteerism continues to thrive as a powerful force for societal benefit.
Copyright (c) 2024 Antonio Levy Ingles Jr (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Ang Mabathalang Pag-aaral sa Awiting “Dakilang Maylikha” ayon sa Bersyon ng “Ama Namin” ng Doctrina Cristiana
Ayon kay Dr. De Mesa, ang bersyon ng Ama Namin sa 1593 Doctrina Cristiana ay nagpapakita ng pangunahing prinsipyo ng pagsasakultura ng teolohiya dahil sa pakikipag-dayalogo ng Hudyo-Kristiyanong Pamana ng Pananampalataya at kulturang Pilipino sa aktuwal na mga salitang ginamit sa dasal na ito. Gamit ang parehas na pamamaraan, ang pag-aaral na ito ay naglalayong basahin ang awiting katha ni Gary Granada na pinamagatang “Dakilang Maylikha” sa lente ng pagsasakultura gamit ang dulog sa mabathalang pag-aaral. Ito rin ay naglalayong bigyan ng sariwang pananaw ang dasal na Ama Namin at ang kagandahang-loob ng Maykapal upang bigyang katuturan ang karanasan, damdamin, at loob ng karaniwang Pilipino. (According to Dr. De Mesa, the 1593 Doctrina Cristiana version of the Our Father prayer highlights the foundational principle of inculturation theology, as it reflects a dialogue between the Judeo-Christian heritage of faith and Filipino culture through the actual words used in this prayer. Following the same approach, this study aims to analyze Gary Granada’s song Dakilang Maylikha through the lens of inculturation using a culturally sensitive theological study (mabathalang pag-aaral) approach. It also seeks to offer a fresh perspective on the Our Father prayer and the benevolence of the Creator, providing more profound meaning to the experiences, emotions, and inner self of the common Filipino.)
Copyright (c) 2024 Joenel Buencibello (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Senior High School Students’ Perceptions on Teacher Accompaniment in the Post-Pandemic: Philippine Setting
The post-pandemic era has introduced challenges and opportunities that influence the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship. Using the phenomenological approach, this paper aims to examine 1,449 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students of DLSU-SHS on their perceptions of their teachers’ accompaniment from the subject Christian Living and Values Education Area (CLVE) in the post-pandemic situation. Following the scholarly consensus on how teacher support is essential for student outcomes, the researchers explore the Teacher Accompaniment Scale (TAS), a tool developed by Baring et al. (2020) to measure the quality of support in terms of four dimensions: emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal. TAS is a novel approach to college education, particularly in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, where no equivalent assessment has been attempted. It is also of interest to researchers to apply the tool in a post-pandemic setting and further correlate the results to different tracks, namely, HUMSS, STEM, ADT, ABM, and SpT. The descriptive results generated by the Jamovi software presented a positive correlation across all strands/tracks. A further qualitative inquiry also had positive results about students’ teachers’ accompaniment experiences and ways of accompaniment. This study suggested possible interventions in the dimensions that need improvement.
Copyright (c) 2024 Teresa Camarines, Simon Peter Balanquit, Joenel Buencibillo, Mia Eballo, Elmgay Valeriano (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Inter-faith Understanding in Catechetical Ministry: Lessons from Silsilah’s Madaris-Gurus and Catechists Formation Program
This paper explores the lessons learned by Roman Catholic Catechists through interactions with Islamic Faith Teachers (Madaris-Gurus) in Silsilah’s Madaris-Gurus and Catechists Formation Program in Zamboanga City, Basilan, and Jolo. It addresses a gap in literature regarding the perceived effects of these interactions on catechetical practices in this ecclesiastical area of Mindanao. Using a descriptive qualitative design, supported by documentary review and textual analysis, the study focuses on the experiences of catechists who participated from 2008 to 2019. Data sources include program proceedings, reflection papers, and semi-structured interviews with two catechists from each area. The findings highlight how interfaith engagement enriches catechetical ministry, fosters understanding, and adapts pastoral practices to religiously diverse environments.
Copyright (c) 2024 Benson Rance (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Environmental Faith Commitment and Religious Attitudes: Reviewing Differences in College Student Perspectives
Catholic education shares in the evangelizing mission of the Church through the faith formation of young students. The Framework for Student Faith Formation in Catholic Schools sees the need for faith to dialogue with life issues like ecology often articulated in developmental views. Religious communities and the academe are only beginning to make sense of the impact of ecological crises lately. Hence, there is a need to bring ecological discussions that account for college-level appreciation of the environment from a faith perspective. The study sought how students differ in perspectives according to age, gender preference, religious affiliation, and academic program based on perceived Environmental Faith Commitments (EFC) among selected students in a tertiary school in Central Luzon. Secondly, it wants to know how their perceptions differ for religious attitudes in terms of age, gender preference, religious affiliation, and college academic programs. This descriptive quantitative survey will have college students selected through random sampling from various academic programs in a Catholic tertiary school. To analyze data, we checked first for internal consistency of EFC and FSAR by checking for the inter-item correlations of the items and correlations between EFC and FSAR. One-Way ANOVA was used to determine the effects of age, gender, religious affiliation, and academic program towards perceived faith-inspired environmental responses (EFC), and religious attitudes. The results offer insights into the characteristics of college students’ perceptions of faith to the environment. Further, the implications of the results were discussed concerning current efforts of the school to adopt gender and ecologically- sensitive academic programs.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ana Cacal, Teresita Dumlao, Carlota Aquino, Alvin Joseph Caseja, Rito Baring (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessing the Digital Well-Being of Student-Catechists: Pathways to Effective Cyber-Evangelization
In today's digital era, catechists play an increasingly important role in utilizing digital platforms for evangelization and maintaining their overall digital well-being. Student-catechists can engage with their peers and younger generations through various digital platforms, enhancing their role in cyber-evangelization. This allows them to communicate the good news of salvation while collaborating with communities to interact with others; however, it is essential to ensure that their physical, mental, spiritual, social, intellectual, privacy, and safety are safeguarded while utilizing digital technology. This study aimed to assess the digital well-being of 15 student-catechists at the Notre Dame Center for Catechesis (NDCFC) in Cotabato City, Philippines during the academic year 2024-25. A descriptive quantitative research design was used, and the primary data-gathering tool was an adopted survey questionnaire. The student-respondents' assessments of their digital well-being were quantified using numerical values. The results showed that the student-catechists generally made positive assessments of their digital well-being, but identified areas that require improvement, particularly in the physical-digital well-being domain. It was recommended that student-catechists maintain a healthy digital identity and possess the necessary skills to navigate digital hazards. A digital well-being framework was proposed for implementation by NDCFC and other catechetical centers. Keywords: assessment, cotabato philippines, cyber-evangelization, digital well-being, student-catechist
Copyright (c) 2024 Mary Ann Rhudy, Ronnie Torres (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Instruction and Student Involvement in the Manifestation of Graduate Attributes in the Workplace
Research indicates that developing graduate attributes is crucial for maintaining high educational standards. Universities have sought to prioritize and develop these attributes in their students. However, studies have also shown that there is often a gap between the knowledge graduates acquire and their ability to apply it in practice consistently (Arteaga, et al. 2024; LeHeron & Sligo 2005). The call to consistently live out the graduate attributes anchored on the institution’s philosophy, vision, mission, and objectives beyond academic years is paramount. In this study, a sequential explanatory mixed-method research design was employed. Quantitative data was collected to assess the extent to which graduates have learned the necessary skills and attributes from their education and whether they can apply them in their workplace. After this, qualitative data was collected to validate the results. The study indicated that two specific variables, the instruction through spiritual life formation and involvement in volunteer groups manifested through the orientation to serve, enabled graduates to adapt the graduate attributes and thrive in the workplace. By strengthening the link between graduate attributes and practical application, the university can embark on a new journey to prepare graduates for a fulfilling future.
Philosophy, Vision - Mission, Objectives (PVMO)
Copyright (c) 2024 Milver Legitimas, Jojit Foronda, Jake Barcenas, Loreto Pancho, Beverly Antonio, Jesse Susada, Peb Villacrucis, Maria Antonette Dandan, Dwight Ypanto, Josefina Ranara, Noel Arsolon, Jessica Magallon-Avenido (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Deepening Reflection: The Role of Reflective Music in Enhancing “Lectio Divina”
Today, the world is increasingly characterized by advancements in science and technology, while the concept of the Divine and the essence of religiosity are being ignored. With this reality, Christendom, like the Catholic Church, is vigorous in her efforts to rekindle interest in God and deepen spiritual connections through various spiritual exercises. A prime example of such endeavors is among Catholic educational institutions, particularly those that emphasize the role of “Lectio Divina,” a known spiritual practice designed to foster a deeper understanding and relationship with God through reading and contemplating the Gospels in silence. This study explores the role of reflective music in improving the “Lectio Divina” experience of the students, pointing out that music significantly contributes to developing higher-order thinking skills such as reflection and meditation on the Gospel. Through a phenomenological approach, insights were gathered from six students, revealing that reflective and instrumental music plays a vital role in facilitating a deeper connection with the Divine. The findings highlight five thematic reflections that underscore the transformative power of music in spiritual exercises, ultimately affirming “Lectio Divina” as a viable tool for catechesis and holistic development.
Copyright (c) 2024 Billy Jan Puerta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Karl M. Gaspar: Panimulang Paglalapat ng Paniping Pagsusuri sa Teolohiyang Pilipino
Isang landas na maaaring suungin sa pagpapayabong ng Araling Kapantasan ng anumang disiplina ay ang pagpaparami ng umiiral na eksposisyon ukol sa kaisipan ng mga pantas ng disiplinang iyon. Totoo rin ito sa kaso ng Teolohiyang Pilipino. Sa pagsasagawa ng eksposisyon, isang pamamaraang maaaring kasangkapin ay ang paniping pagsusuri. Malaki ang potensyal ng pamamaraang ito upang matasa ang katanggapan/saysay ng kapantasan ng pantas sa konteksto ng kanyang akademikong komunidad. Upang ipamalas ang bisa nito bilang metodo sa Teolohiyang Pilipino, inilapat ito sa kapantasan ni Karl Gaspar, na maituturing na isa sa pinakaprominenteng Pilipinong teologo at antropologo. Gamit ang Google Scholar, siniyasat ang padron ng mga sumusunod: bilang ng pagsipi, akdang sinisipi, ideyang sinisipi, may-akdang sumisipi, paksang pinagsisipian, paraan ng pagkakasipi, at larangang pinagsisipian. Sa pamamagitan nito ay natuklasan ang mga sumusunod: pinakasinisipi si Gaspar sa paksa ng simbahan at katutubo; sa larangan ng agham pampulitika, antropolohiya, pilosopiya, at araling pangrelihiyon siya pinakamadalas sipiin; mayorya ng sumisipi sa kanya ay nasa Pilipinas, partikular sa Luzon, bagaman marami-rami rin ang pagsipi sa Mindanao; at pinakamadalas siyang sipiin para sa pagsuporta sa sariling argumento ng mga sumisipi, at bilang pagpupugay sa kanya bilang naunang pantas. (One way of enriching Araling Kapantasan of any discipline is to increase existing expositions on the thoughts of that field’s intellectuals. The same is true for Filipino Theology. One method that can be used is citation analysis. This method has enormous potential in analyzing the reception/impact of intellectual’s scholarship in the context of his/her academic community. To show its efficiency as a method in Filipino Theology, it is applied to Karl Gaspar’s scholarship, who can be regarded as the most prominent Filipino theologian and anthropologist. By using Google Scholar, the following patterns are analyzed: citation count, works cited, ideas cited, authors who cite Gaspar, topics where he is cited, how he is cited, and fields where he is cited. Through this, the following are discovered: Gaspar is mostly cited in the topic of church and IPs; he is cited most in the fields of political science, anthropology, philosophy, and religious studies; majority of those who cite him resides in the Philippines, particularly in Luzon, though his citations in Mindanao has significant number; and the major reason why he is cited is to use his writings to support their own arguments, as well as to honor him as a pioneer intellectual.)
Copyright (c) 2024 Mark Joseph Santos (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0