2023-2024 Religious Education Programs

The 3-6-year-old child is particularly capable of receiving and enjoying the most essential elements of our faith—the announcement of God’s love especially experienced through Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who died and is risen.  Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him.

The 3-6 year old child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His Resurrection.

Your child will, ideally, spend 3 years within the level 1 atrium.  Although the atrium is designed for 3 year-olds, you should evaluate if your child is ready to be separated from you while they attend the atrium.  A child might be able to better ponder the materials presented if they enter the atrium at 4 years old.

Other details to consider:  If you child is not able to use the bathroom on their own, a parent must remain in the basement area in order to assist them should the need arise.   The Catechist or assistants are not able to accompany the child into the restroom.  A parent should also remain in the basement if their child is not able to remain in the atrium for the full session length.  If a child needs time to regroup, the parent will be asked to sit with them outside of the atrium until they are able to return.

The elementary age child (6-9 years old) is captured by the image of the True Vine. “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The proclamation responds to the deep need of these children to better know his or her relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community.  Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan.  The elementary children see the parts of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion—as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion through a series of communion meditations focusing on their relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this formation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist.

The 6-9 year old child has raised their view from a personal relationship with the Good Shepherd and are now looking to see how they fit on the True Vine.  This greater awareness awakens in them a desire to view their place in time, and their specific role in the Kingdom of God.  They can contemplate greater works such as the Bible, Creation and the Sacraments.  Moral formation is introduced though Maxims, the teachings of Jesus and through specific parables.

Although Sacramental preparation actually begins in Level 1 with an awareness of the articles and gestures of the Mass, specific meditations designed for this purpose are given during the second year of Level 2.  This can be thought of as the final polish given to a years-long project.  The Sacrament of Confession and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist are received during March and May respectively.

When considering placement for a 6-year old child between Level 1 and Level 2, it is always encouraged for a child to receive at least one year in the Level 1.  However, reading ability and outward focus can be helpful indicators if the child has developmentally moved past the Level 1.  The Level 2 child is given opportunity to read much of the material on their own so emerging readers are able to access the materials more readily.  The children are given the opportunity to read aloud but are not required to do so.  They also have the opportunity to choose copy work.  The Level 2 child also tends toward social activities so there are opportunities for small groups to work together.

The history of salvation (focusing on the plan of God as a plan of communion which links all people together through God’s love) delights the older child. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and recognition of the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts and seeing oneself as a collaborator with God. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a cosmic query which lays the foundations for a lifelong commitment in relationship with God.  Materials on the Prophets of the Old Testament, the Gifts of God, the Miracles of Jesus, and expanded presentations on Liturgy and Scripture can be found in the Level III Atrium.

Level 3 children, ages 9-12, are ready to contemplate much deeper and broader messages.  They look closely at certain themes in the Bible using the method of typology:  studying an Old Testament event, seeing it fulfilled or reflected in the New Testament and then looking to see how it pertains to us today.   These themes are Creation, Sin, the Flood, Abraham and Moses.  The children look closely at the history of the chosen people of Israel and see how it is a shared history with the Catholic Church.  They learn how the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and also the Liturgy of the Word, find their roots in Jewish events but are perfected by Jesus and entrusted to the Church.  The children are ready to find connections within the materials they have pondered since their early days in Level 1.  Moral formation is expanded to include additional Maxims as well as a study on Virtues.

The children expand their study of the Sacraments and look closely at the Rites of the sacraments.  This is also a launching of the child into their preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation.