Welcome to Religious Education for Grades 1-8
Religious Education classes (Levels 1-8) and the Sacramental Preparation classes (Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation) will be conducted on-site from September, 2022 through April, 2023. Levels 1-8 classes will be held the first three Tuesdays of the month (unless specified otherwise) from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Sacramental preparation classes for First Reconciliation/Holy Communion will take place on the second Sunday of the month from 9:00 am – Noon and includes attendance at Holy Mass. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two year program and takes place in Levels 7 and 8 during Tuesday evening classes. Students will also be participating in experiential activities on specified dates. Check the 2022-2023 Religious Education calendar for exact dates for your child’s classes.
Curriculum*
Be My Disciples, 1-6 — RCL Benziger
Be My Disciples uses a Christ-centered and balanced approach to catechesis with doctrine, Scripture, tradition and spirituality. Leads children and their families to grow in their relationship with Christ, accept the demands of discipleship, decide each day to choose life in Christ, and live as active members of the Catholic Church. The program emphasizes learning and practicing the skills, habits, virtues and spiritual gifts that lead young disciples to higher levels of moral thinking and a deeper initiation into a life of prayer and sacramental celebration.
Be My Disciples, 7-8
Students in Levels 7 and 8 are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation which will be conferred upon them in Level 8. In addition an experiential program will be directed by the Deacon couple, Jim and Rose Ernst for those students in Level 8.
The Be My Disciples process encourages young people to explore all the rich elements of the Catholic faith; to discover Catholic beliefs and teachings; and to decide to follow Jesus through the choices they may. Vital church history and Catholic social teaching are integrated into every unit.
Signs of Grace – Augustine Institute
“Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven” prepares children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time by revealing that God is indeed “rich in mercy”. While the curriculum is focused on the child, it also recognizes that it is in the Christian family that the Faith is learned and is most effectively understood and lived out. A Family Take Home page is provided with each session to engage parents and the entire family in this journey of Faith.
“Signs of Grace; You are Loved” prepares children to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time by revealing the intimate love that God has for use. While the curriculum is focused on the child, it also recognizes that it is in the Christian family that the Faith is learned and is most effectively understood and lived out. A Family Take Home page is provided with each session to engage parents and the entire family in this journey of Faith.
Activities, Scripture, videos, and stories are provided to engage both the mind and the heart so that the child can come to fully understand the gift of grace of mercy offered through the Sacraments.
Scripture
Sunday reading for the weekend Masses are incorporated into every lesson to assist the students in active and meaningful participation in the liturgical celebration.
Music
Each level text is supplemented with a DVD with appropriate songs to be used during the class worship service.