Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through High School

Each year the children and youth are drawn to a deeper relationship with God and increased understanding of Church teachings. They also learn about the lives of saints, study Scripture & the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and how to develop a good prayer life drawing them deeper in love with God and their neighbors. Religious Education is also known as Faith Formation or CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine). Texts and materials provided are for young people to keep. Emphasis by grade is as follows:

PK & Kindergarten: We emphasize God made everything including us, and He loves us as His children. Children learn God is the source of all love and all that is good. We explain to children how our families are modeled after God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Holy Scripture is introduced through children’s bible stories. Children learn we are all members of God’s family and to praise and thank God for everything.

Grade1: Children learn more about Jesus, that He established the Church and that as members of His family, we follow Him. Children learn to pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be and many songs too. The children also learn about saints and how they served God and their neighbors.

Grade 2: We focus on preparing children for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Children learn the 10 Commandments, the need for obedience, how to examine their conscience, make a good confession, and receive God’s forgiveness. Children also learn of their need to forgive others and to obey those in authority over them, especially parents and teachers. They make their 1st Confession during Lent. Additionally, they learn about Mass, why God made us, and how He saves us. They learn Jesus loves us so much He sacrificed Himself that we might have eternal life. In May these children receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.

Grade 3: We build on the children’s understanding of the Mass and their understanding of Church as family. That we are members of one body of Christ. The children receive rosaries and learn to pray the Rosary. We discuss authority and teach various ways, we as members of the body of Christ, are called to love God above all else and our neighbors as ourselves. Children learn about virtues and how the saints are good examples of living virtuously as they served God and neighbors.

Grade 4 & 5: The children add to their foundational understanding of Catholic Faith by drawing more on the experience of Sunday Mass, Holy Scripture, and appropriate age level catechesis. We focus much attention on the 7 Sacraments and 10 Commandments. The children receive a hard cover bible to keep. The bible will be used throughout the remainder of their religious education.

Grade 6: We provide an overview of the bible from Genesis to Jesus and through the Acts of the Apostles. This provides youth a big picture understanding of salvation history. We also introduce youth to Theology of the Body instilling an understanding that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Youth learn to deeply respect others also and are inspired to conduct themselves with modesty and chastity. During this year students should develop a deeper love and appreciation for Jesus, a strong desire to participate in Mass and receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Youth will begin to consider their own vocation and to live out their faith in their daily lives.

Grade 7 & 8: We prepare the youth for Confirmation by studying the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; Creed (what we believe), Sacraments and Liturgy, Morality, and Prayer. We use the Dynamic Catholic Decision Point and Ascension Press Chosen programs to help youth learn to live according to Christ’s teachings and become the person God wants them to be. Youth learn the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and, through service projects, actively bear the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Youth develop a more thorough knowledge of Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and how to apply the teachings of Christ to their daily lives. Making a daily habit of performing works of mercy. Youth become disciples of Christ, able to articulate the Deposit of Faith handed down from the Apostles through Scripture and Sacred Oral Tradition.

High School: The youth learn more about living out their faith as disciples of Christ in their daily lives, using their gifts to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They deepen their relationship with God and become more effective communicating their faith with others. Youth are also invited to participate in various service activities and urged to practice works of mercy daily.

Parish Library of Catholic Movies, Books, and Educational Programs: Through our subscription to Formed at www.formed.org all members of our parish have access to a revolutionary online platform featuring excellent Catholic videos, audio talks, eBooks, and movies from trusted partners like Augustine Institute, St. Paul Center, Marian Fathers, Lighthouse Catholic Media, Ignatius Press, and Word on Fire. The Catechism and Personal Faith Formation are at the fingertips of every parishioner. You can acquire a password and set up your own login to this library by calling the Faith Formation Director at 727-360-1147 x201 or email fboyle@sjvcc.org.