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Lower Elementary Religion
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KINDERGARTEN:
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, is a Montessori-based religious formation program for 3-6 year olds, originally developed in Rome by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi over 50 years ago. It seeks to create a sacred, “hands-on” space for children called an atrium, in which both the children and the catechists (teacher) can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed in the scriptures and the liturgy.
The environment is specially prepared to help create a very peaceful and quiet place where the children will experience wonder and awe which is guided by the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. We dim the lights and use our quiet voices to enable the children to draw near to the Lord by songs, scripture readings and various presentations. Creating this environment allows the child’s religious potential to come alive on their own... the capacity to love and be loved.
The children will hear the Parable of the Good Shepherd and are deeply affected by the boundless love of the shepherd for his sheep described in the scriptures. They come to realize that He knows his sheep, calls them by name, searches for a lost sheep and celebrates the found sheep.
The children use materials and hear presentations on the life of Christ and His teachings which help to make the great mystery of who God is more understandable for the child. They are introduced to the geography of Israel, words of the prophets and infancy narratives. They become familiar with the articles of the Eucharist and Baptism using miniature articles. They understand the liturgical colors and their meaning along with the church calendar. We end our session in prayer and song.1ST GRADE:
- Demonstrate active participation in daily prayer
- Demonstrate active participation in the celebration of the Eucharist
- Demonstrate knowledge of prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Sign of the Cross, Grace Before Meals, Morning Offering, Angelus, Regina Caeli Rosary)
- Demonstrate respect for others in the classroom
- Retell, act out, and/or illustrate Biblical stories
- Demonstrate knowledge of Patron Saint and other Saints
- Demonstrate respect and proper behavior while at Mass
- Discuss and participate in seasonal events of the Church year
- Apply Church teachings to daily life
2ND GRADE:
- Demonstrate an awareness of God and appreciation for His creation
- Recognize God as Creator and Father
- Identify and explain moral responsibility and respect as members of the family of God
- Identify the parts of the Mass as well as articles and vestments used during Mass
- Explain concepts related to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (sin vs. accident, sorrow and contrition, confession, absolution, penance, grace, forgiveness, examination of conscience)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the relation between Reconciliation to healing and forgiveness
- Participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Express an understanding of Eucharist in terms of a meal and a sacrifice, and experience the Real Presence of Jesus
- Read, listen to, and summarize various scripture stories related to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
- Demonstrate an awareness of God and an appreciation for His creation
- Active participation in daily prayer
- Demonstrate knowledge of prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Sign of the Cross, Grace Before and After Meals, Morning Offering, Memorare, Angelus, Regina Caeli Rosary, and Act of Contrition)
- Demonstrate respect for others in the classroom
- Retell, act out, and/or illustrate Biblical stories (Lost Sheep, Prodigal Son, Last Supper, Road to Emmaus, and Loaves and Fishes)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Ten Commandments
- Demonstrate respect and proper behavior while at Mass
- Demonstrate Knowledge of Patron Saint and other Saints
- Discuss and participate in seasonal events of the Church year
- Recognize different Church celebrations
- Apply Church teachings to daily life
3RD GRADE:
- Recognize God as the Creator and Father
- Demonstrate knowledge that we honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus, Our God, and a special intercessor for us
- Identify and explain moral responsibility and respect as members of the family of God.
- Identify the parts of the Mass and the articles and vestments used during Mass
- Explain the concepts related to the resurrection and eternal life
- Participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Express an understanding of Eucharist in terms of mean and a sacrifice, and experience the Real Presence of Jesus
- Demonstrate knowledge of the two main parts of the Bible, and how to find a given scripture passage
- Demonstrate an awareness of God and an appreciation for His creation
- Active participation in daily prayer
- Demonstrate knowledge of prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Sign of the Cross, Grace Before and After Meals, Morning Offering, Memorare, Angelus, Regina Caeli Rosary, and Act of Contrition)
- Demonstrate respect for others in the classroom
- Retell, act out, and/or illustrate Biblical stories
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Ten Commandments
- Demonstrate respect and proper behavior while at Mass
- Discuss and participate in seasonal events of the Church year and Holy days
- Recognize different Church celebrations
- Demonstrate knowledge of Patron Saint and other Saints
- Apply Church teachings to daily life