Religious Education

Grades Pre K - 6


MISSION STATEMENT: The goals of Religious Education, whether in a parochial school setting or in a parish program, are the same: "To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to teach our young people how to live out the Gospel message in their lives". This is done by the following very specific means:

1. By catechists who are facilitators of small groups sharing their Christian faith experience with the students.
2. By the teaching of basic doctrines such as the Sacraments, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Beatitudes through a text and through scripture.
3. By the teaching, modeling, and actual experience of prayer both in the classroom and as part of liturgical participation.
4. By Christian interaction within the classroom.
5. By providing service opportunities and experiences for children in all grades.

Our program has approximately 400 students from preschool through Grade 6, all of whom benefit from the above mentioned goals and strategies. This is accomplished by our teachers working in conjunction with parents who are the primary educators of our young people.

Program Overview


Students in grades Pre K - 6 will use the "Christ Out Life" series published by Loyola Press.

Pre-Kindergarten: "God made the world." The children learn that they are very special persons and that they are to love God and one another.
First Grade: "God is Good." This first year provides children with the foundation for spiritual growth and development by enhancing their knowledge of the Catholic faith. They learn about God, Jesus, and the church in their goodness and holiness.
Grade Two: "God Cares for Us." The children are prepared for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The structure and meaning of the Mass are emphasized throughout the year.
Grade Three: "We Believe." Children learn the main truths that Catholics believe and that are expressed in the Apostles' Creed. Children learn the ways Jesus is present to us during the Mass.
Grade Four: "God Guides Us." Children are introduced to the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as guides for living. Children learn to live these teachings as followers of Christ.
Grade Five: "We Worship." Children learn celebration and worship through the Eucharistic liturgy. The Eucharist is presented as a gift from God through which we share divine life. Liturgical prayer is introduced and children are taught to respond to God's presence by prayer and loving service to others.
Grade Six: "God Calls a People." The children study God's saving love as revealed in sacred Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament. This study of salvation history helps children gain a deeper appreciation of the person of Jesus Christ and his continued presence in the Church.

Prayer and Worship: Parents should assist their children with the memorization of the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, and the Apostles' Creed. Students are expected to attend Mass on a regular basis with their family.