At Baptism, every parent accepts the responsibility of training their child in the practice of the faith. To as-sist parents with that responsibility, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church offers a Faith Formation pro-gram that has been prepared for the youth of our parish. We are very blessed that you have decided to allow us to be co-workers in the vineyard with you. As partners on this journey of sharing our faith with your chil-dren, our prayer for you is that your family will experience calm moments of peace in the presence of God. Your family is very important to us and we look forward to spending time with you this year.

May God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine on you, may God be kind to you and give you peace!

Faith Formation Staff

Father David Petron Pastor

320-859-2390 ext. 103 djpetron@gmail.com

Jennifer Wolbeck Director Preschool - grade 6

Youth Minister 320-248-0155

320-859-2390 ext. 113 iccreyouth@gmail.com

Greta Petrich Director grades 7-12

320-491-1289 320-859-2390 ext. 116

wordgirlre@gmail.com

Welcome to Faith Formation!

St. Agnes Office

Mrs. Pat Pospisil St. Agnes Principal

320-859-2130 ext. 102

Mrs. Sharon Marthaler St. Agnes / Parish Bookkeeper

320-859-2130 ext. 101

To Parents: You model your faith for your children daily. What your child will learn from Faith Formation class depends on your support and reinforcement at home, attending Sunday Mass as a family, and family prayer. Your interest and encouragement let your child know you value what is being done in the Faith Formation class. Learning prayers and the Catholic faith can not be done only during class time.

What is expected from the Parents: 1. Provide good example for our children / youth 2. Communicate Christian values and attitudes 3. Provide opportunities to share in the sacramental life of the Church 4. Provide for prayer opportunities for our children / youth 5. Ensure the regular attendance (of our children / youth) at class 6. Understand and accept the regulations set forth in the Faith Formation Handbook 7. Attend the Children’s Masses (Faith Formation and St. Agnes); even if your child / children are not helping

with a part at the Mass _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Before all others parents are bound to form their children by word and example, in faith and in Christian living. (Canon 774 #2)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please help maintain a safe environment for our children & youth: 1. Elementary Faith Formation parents / adults must come to the church to pick up their children from classes

on Wednesday afternoons by 4:30pm. Your child / children will not be released until you / your designated per-son are in the building to pick them up.

2. Complete the form for release from class for the Elementary children included on the registration form. This is to ensure that each child goes home with the correct people and if they are walkers, we are aware that they can be released to walk home.

3. USE CAUTION when around the church property as there may be kids crossing the streets to get to their vehicles (especially grades 7-11)

Elementary Children Pick-up Policy: Parents are to come into the church basement / Main body of the church to pick up their children after classes are finished on Wednesday afternoons. For those who have special circumstances and need to make other ar-rangements, such as a child walking home or having an older sibling, grandparent, family friend picking them up, etc. we are willing to work with you. If you have a situation where you are not able to leave your car and come into the church, please contact Jen to make special arrangements. If this is not done, there will be no excep-tions to this and you will have to come inside to pick up your child. Please note that if the pick-up plan changes, a parent should either send a text message to Jen (320) 248-0155 before class on Wednesday or send a note with your child(ren) to be given to Jen at the beginning of class.

Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes. It is the parent’s responsibility to have a copy of the schedule to follow (one is provided on this website). As soon as you know that your child will be gone on a certain day, YOU MUST NOTIFY their teacher or the Director (Elementary—Jen & High School—Greta). This will help us to ensure the safety of all our youth.

Mass Participation: Masses will be scheduled throughout the year that will involve the children / youth of our parish to hold the Ministry roles. This is a great way to show the parish who our young people are and to give them to experience to share their gifts.

*K-6 (both Faith Formation and St. Agnes) will hold 2 Masses for the year. 2nd grade will have two of their very own (First Reconciliation / Retreat day & First Communion)

*7-11 will be determined by what is happening in class. Grade 10 will have a Mass said in the parish that is for the Rite of Calling (starting Confirmation process) and Grade 11 will have a Mass said in the parish that is for the Rite of Sending (before Confirmation Sacrament).

Altar Servers: Encourage your children to become Altar Servers. This ministry is open to youth who are a mature 4th grade or older. Permission forms will be available from Jennifer before Christmas and training will take place during Faith Formation Class times in January. Responsibilities: Altar Servers assist around the Altar, adding to the ceremony by carrying candles, in-cense, or the cross to help set up the altar for the liturgy. Servers are to arrive at least 15 minutes before their schedule time at Mass. Mass Servers are scheduled about 1-2 times per schedule rotation and are re-sponsible to find their own replacement if they are unable to make their scheduled time.

Bad Weather Policy: If school is let out early or is cancelled for the day (on a Wednesday) - there is automatically NO CLASS that day for either session of Faith Formation. If school doesn’t let out early or isn’t cancelled for the day (on a Wednesday), but we as directors feel it to be unsafe for the students to come to class due to the bad weather, the following procedure will take place:

1. The Parish Website home page will have notification. Go to www.immaculateconceptionosakis.org. 2. An email and / or text message will be sent to all parents letting you know of the cancellation. (this

is why it is important we have current registrations each year). 3. Both KIKV (100.7) and KXRA (100.3) will be notified of the cancellation of classes to be broadcast on

their stations. 4. The school offices will be notified as well so both the students can get the announcement before the

end of the day of school and the transportation department is made aware of this update. If we proceed to have classes on a bad weather day and you either feel it is unsafe for you / your child or youth to attend classes, please NOTIFY one of the directors and we will gladly excuse the absence.

Discipline Policy: Our Faith Formation Program relies on and is blessed with VOLUNTEER Catechists, who through their gener-ous gift of Time and desire to share their Catholic Faith with our children and youth, is what allows our pro-gram to exist. Our Catechists are under NO obligation to keep a student in their classroom if they are keeping others from learning and becoming a difficult burden for them. Parents will be notified as needed and all disci-pline issues will be handled in a confidential manner.

Christmas Program (K-6): It has been a tradition over the past few years that our Elementary Faith Formation students put on a Christmas Program for their Parents, Family and Friends. The students act out the Christmas Story as it is told in the Bible. Each student has a part in this program whether it be an actor or a reader. This program will take place the Last day of class in December at 4:00pm. (if weather has us cancelling that class, the pro-gram will then be held the 1st Wednesday back in January). More details will come at the beginning of Decem-ber and it is also listed on the Faith Formation Calendar.

Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday is a very important day for our church and for our Faith as it is the beginning of Lent. This is also a day that we remind ourselves of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. After school Faith Formation stu-dents will have a Communion Service or Mass during their class time. Details will be on the Faith Formation Calendar and will be sent home to you after Christmas. Evening Faith Formation students will have a Commun-ion Service or Mass during their class time. Details will be on the Faith Formation Calendar.

Reconciliation: We will have a service during the Lenten Season for both Elementary and High School Faith Formation. During this time, parents are also invited to join us for this sacrament. The evening service begins at 6:30pm and the parish is invited to attend along with our High School youth.

Family Activity Day: During the Weeks of Lent, there will be a Family Activity Day where you can come to the basement of the church after classes and work on Self-Guided Stations with your child to prepare for Easter. This day is marked on the Faith Formation Calendar and is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that you participate. There will be snacks and drinks available as well for this event. If you, as a parent, are not able to attend with your child—please feel free to send another adult with them to participate in the activities. It is important for you to demonstrate a positive Faith Foundation for your child / children and this is one tool that you can use to help you with that.

Little Hearts for Jesus (LH4J): This is a program that is offered EVERY SUNDAY during Mass for our children ages 3 to grade 3. This is to give our little ones the opportunity to hear the Gospel message at their level and to have a craft and song for them to learn with also.

Vacation Bible School (VBS): This is for children age 4 (by July 31) - going into grade 5 that fall. This takes place in August of each year at the church and is mostly run by youth and adults of the parish. The week long activity is themed and teach-es our young ones how to love Jesus and how much Jesus loves us. If youth in grades 6 and older or parents are interested in helping with this event, please contact Jennifer.

The theme for the summer of 2019 is SONRISE NATIONAL PARK.

Sacraments: Parents are an important element to preparing their child for receiving the Sacraments. They children will learn the importance of Reconciliation and receiving the Body & Blood of Christ. They will learn the differ-ent parts of the Mass as well has needing to know the 10 Commandments and the Act of Contrition (see their prayer sheets in the back of this booklet). There will be a REQUIRED PARENT MEETING for those receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Communion on the First Wednesday of Class. We will meet for about 30 minutes in the main part of the church to go over the expectations of your child and family for the 2nd grade year. First Reconciliation: First Reconciliation is celebrated in 2nd grade. This day begins with the 2nd grade students attending a re-treat where they will learn the importance of the Sacrament and what it means to ask for forgiveness and to be forgiven. The students then receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 2:00pm at church where they are joined with their parents. We then attend the 4:00pm Mass together and after Mass, we are served a supper in the church basement. More details will be provided at the meeting on the first day of class as well as after Christmas. First Communion: First Communion is celebrated in 2nd grade. This Sacrament takes place during a Sunday Mass in the Easter Season (sometime in April or May). Students receive Jesus for the First time on this day. Students also par-ticipate in the Liturgical Ministries of the Mass as well. This is a very important day for them. More details are provided at the day of the Reconciliation Retreat Confirmation: The Confirmation preparation process in the Diocese of St. Cloud seeks to foster and strengthen the faith of the candidates through the relationships of family, peers, sponsors, and faith community, knowing that it is through witness and relationship that they can come to know and love God. We celebrate this Sacrament for our young people in their junior year of high school. This sacrament is celebrated at St. Mary’s in Alexandria with other area parishes and the date of this sacrament is ALWAYS determined by the Bishop’s office—we have no control over when this occurs, so we ask you to work with us on this one. There are 5 elements to the guidelines for preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Element #1: Reflective Dialogue- There will be a scheduled time set up for initial dialogue that will occur with parish team members and parent(s)/guardian(s) and candidate. Element #2: Learning Centers– Learning Centers will be used to help foster an intentional share learning envi-ronment for parent(s)/guardian(s) and candidate. Element #3: Sponsor Process– Sponsors MUST MEET Specific Guidelines Element #4: Retreat– a retreat experience will be used to foster the candidate’s relationship with God within a community of peers Element #5: Liturgical Celebration Rituals– Celebrations may include the following 1. Rite of Calling to Confirmation 2. Rite of Sending to Confirmation 3. The Sacrament of Confirmation 4. Rite of Recognition of the Newly Confirmed

Youth Ministry (What we do here): Youth Group Nights: These were formed by a group of students who came together and wanted to have some place to be during the summer months and hopefully during the school year as well—outside of Faith Formation Classes. During the summer months, we meet once a week and just hang out and have fun together. Diocesan Youth Council (DYC): The DYC are teens in grades 9-12 that meet 5-6 times a year in St. Cloud to help plan the prayer and games of the Youth Rallies that are held each year. There is an application process that takes place for this and if you are interested in being on this council and to obtain an application, please see Jennifer. To learn more about what you do on the council, talk to someone you know from our parish that has been on the DYC. Past and cur-rent members from Osakis are: current is Adam Petrich, past are Miranda Petrich, Ana Chisholm, Bella Hiltner, Beth Hiltner, Austin Kulzer, Alissa Wolbeck

Youth Ministry (Diocese Offerings): Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC): This is a NEW opportunity being offered by the St. Cloud Diocese to “replace” the Sr. High Youth Rally. This event is being held up a the Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes. This event is open to youth in grades 9-12. There is a wonderful Keynote speaker that is usually brought in by the Dio-cese, games, Mass with Bishop, food and entertainment. A great opportunity for fun and fellowship with youth from all over our Diocese. More info coming soon! Jr. High Youth Rally: This is usually held in January and will take place at St. Cloud Cathedral High School. This event is sponsored by the Diocese of St. Cloud and is open to youth in grades 6-8. More info will come soon! Castaway Retreat: Castaway is held in March at the Castaway Club on Pelican Lake. This event is sponsored by the Diocese of St. Cloud and begins on a Friday afternoon and goes through Sunday afternoon. Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to attend. Adults and High School graduates from our parish are always welcome to attend this as your help is needed for either chaperones (age 21 or older) or work crew (High School graduate or older). More info will come after Christmas. National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC): The NCYC event is held during the odd numbered years (2017, 2019) and is currently held in Indianapolis, IN. This event takes place in November & registration take place a year before the event within the parish. This trip comes with fundraising opportunities and is open to stu-dents in grades 9-12 the year of the event. For more information, please contact Jennifer. Together Encountering Christ (TEC): TEC is a three-day retreat weekend based on the Paschal Mystery: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The TEC center is located just outside of Little Falls in Central MN. Participants experience the message of Christ through participation in music, discussions, talks, prayer, Scrip-ture, liturgy and celebration. TEC is open to everyone age 16 and older. For further information, see the web-site at www.cmtec.org or contact Jennifer or Greta.

Prayer and Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God and the Gathering of the Catholic Commu-nity. A. Participate in weekly Sunday liturgy through song, gestures, responses & listening B. Identify prayer as listening and talking to God C. Know that Advent, Christmas, Lent & Easter are Church seasons D. Memorize designated prayers (Sign of the Cross, Prayer before meals, Prayer after meals) Sign of the Cross In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Prayer before meals Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer after meals We give thee thanks, for the benefits we have received from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. Catholic Social Thought A. identify what “family” means and explain that we are all a part of God’s family B. Know that we become members of the Church’s family through baptism C. Understand that we can share God’s love by being friends and treating others fairly D. Describe characteristics of God’s kingdom Scripture—God’s Word to Us A. Reflect on the creation story and relate the story to how God has blessed each of us B. Identify the Bible as the Word of God, most sacred of all books, and explain that it contains stories about

God and Jesus Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual A. Know that God wants us to respect our parents and ourselves B. Know that God wants us to respect others and all things God has created C. Know that God loves us even when our choices are not good Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church A. List ways that he / she is a unique child of God B. Know that Jesus, Mary and Joseph are members of the Holy Family C. Know that God loves us and Jesus is with us always D. Name some of the gifts God has given them E. List creations of God F. Identify self as one of God’s greatest creations

Kindergarten Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer and Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God and the Gathering of the Catholic Commu-nity. A. Participate in liturgy by preparing a Mass with classmates B. Experience a variety of prayer forms (spontaneous, rosary, memorized) C. Celebrate the Liturgical seasons of the Church (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary

Time) D. Introduce the Rosary E. Understand that through Baptism, we become members of God’s family F. Experience prayer using Gospel stories G. Identify Mass as a celebration H. Recognize the readings as coming from the Bible I. Memorize designated prayers (Hail Mary, Our Father) Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen. Catholic Social Thought A. Participate in a service project of the parish, family or community B. Show respect for others and self (The Great Commandment / Golden Rule) Scripture—God’s Word to Us A. Listen to thematic & liturgical seasonal Bible stories - birth / Christmas, death & resurrection / Easter B. Retell a favorite Bible story through words, pictures & actions C. Recognize that the Bible is divided into 2 sections, Old and New Testaments D. Recognize the Gospel as stories of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual A. Know that God made everyone and we are members of God’s family B. Know that God asks us to do the right thing (make good choices) C. Know that we should love God, ourselves, and show God’s love to others D. Know that when we are sorry, God forgives us & we must forgive those who hurt us Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church A. Identify the Trinity—Father the Creator, Jesus as Teacher & Holy Spirit as Guide B. Recognize Mary, as the mother of Jesus C. Introduce the holy men and women of the church (Saints)

1st Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

2nd Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer & Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God & the Gathering of the Catholic Community. A. Know parts of the Mass (Liturgy of the Word & Liturgy of the Eucharist) & know Mass parts B. Prepare & participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation & understand it is a sign of God’s forgiveness & love &

to know that God calls us to forgive others through reconciliation C. Participate, prepare for & celebrate the Sacrament of Eucharist & understand that it unites us with Jesus &

the entire Church around the world D. Understand the role of the priest in Eucharist & Reconciliation E. Be comfortable with both formal & informal prayers F. Identify the Liturgical Calendar of the Church & the meanings of Advent, Christmas, Lent & Easter G. Memorize designated Prayers (Act of Contrition, Confiteor, 10 Commandments) Act of Contrition My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart, in choosing to do wrong, & in failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend with your help to do Penance, to sin no more & to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen. Confiteor I confess to almighty God & to you, my brothers & sisters that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts & in my words, in what I have done & in what I have failed to do. Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels & Saints, & you, my brothers & sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. 10 Commandments 1. I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange gods before me 2. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain 3. Keep Holy the Lord’s Day 4. Honor your Father and Mother 5. You shall not kill 6. You shall not commit adultery 7. You shall not steal 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor 9. You shall not covet your neighbors wife 10. You shall not covet your neighbors goods Catholic Social Thought: Understand that as followers of Jesus, we have the responsibility to help others within our communities (church, school, town & world); Develop a respect for all people and cultures as a Christian response; Recognize the gifts that God has given us and to use those gifts wisely; Participate in a service project to heighten an awareness of those in need both locally and globally; Recognize that we show love for God’s world by taking care of it Scripture—God’s Word to Us: Know that God asks us to follow the 10 Commandments; Understand the Law of Love (the Great Commandment); Know that God gives us the free will to make choices Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual: Know that God asks us to follow the Ten Commandments; Un-derstand the Law of Love (the Great Commandment); Know that gives us the free will to make choices; Understand how sin is choosing to do what is wrong and that God calls us to live a life that is holy Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church: Know that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ; Understand the sacraments are signs of the loving presence of Jesus; Recognize the “People of God” are the church

3rd Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer & Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God & the Gathering of the Catholic Community. A. Know parts of the Mass and review the parts of the Mass B. Experience prayer forms and other types of devotions C. Research and discuss the lives of saints as role models for us today D. Know that the Church year celebrates the life and teachings of Jesus E. Describe the parish and what makes it a Catholic Community F. Know the 7 sacraments and those sacraments are signs of God’s love G. Memorize designated Prayers (Hail Holy Queen & Apostles Creed) Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen. Apostles Creed Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen. Catholic Social Thought Respect the rights of others and honor the human dignity of all; Understand the meanings of the terms Peace & Justice and relate these principles in the world; Appreciate the diversity of people, customs and situations in the world; Differentiate between needs and wants; Recognize that all people have basic human rights Scripture—God’s Word to Us Locate a given book in the Bible; Read and discuss “The Kingdom of God” by using stories from the Gospels; Dis-cuss what the church community and discipleship look like using stories from Acts and the New Testament let-ters; Apply Bible lessons and values to everyday life; Explain that the Gospel tells them who Jesus is and who they are call to be as His Disciple; Recognize that the message of God’s love as reveled by Jesus in His teach-ings, ministry, miracles & parables Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual Respect and value all forms of life; Understand that my choices not only affect me, but others as well; Practice forgiveness and reconciliation in daily life; Define conscience Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church Know that the Creed is the summary of the beliefs of the Catholic Church; Know that the Catholic Church has a devotion to Mary, the Mother of God; Know that the Catholic Church is a reconciling and Eucharistic communi-ty; Introduce the marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic; Know that the Church began on Pente-cost; Begin to understand the organizational structure of the Church (Pope, Bishop, etc)

4th Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer & Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God & the Gathering of the Catholic Community. A. Participate in liturgy, sacraments and prayer services B. Experience different forms of prayer within the liturgical community C. Help plan and lead the assembly in a prayer service or liturgy D. Recognize the changes in the liturgical seasons E. Explain the connection between Passover and the Eucharist F. Describe the Mass as a community prayer G. Memorize designated Prayers (Rosary, Mysteries of the Rosary) Mysteries of the Rosary Joyful Mysteries: The Annunciation; The Visitation; The Nativity; The Presentation; Finding of Jesus in the Temple Sorrowful Mysteries: The Agony in the Garden; The Scourging at the Pillar; The Crowning of Thorns; The Carrying of the Cross; The Crucifixion Luminous Mysteries: The Baptism of Jesus; The Wedding at Cana; The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God; The Trans-figuration; The Institution of the Holy Eucharist Glorious Mysteries: The Resurrection; The Ascension; The Decent of the Holy Spirit; The Assumption of the Blessed Vir-gin Mary; Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven Rosary Sign of the Cross / Apostle’s Creed / Our Father / 3 Hail Mary’s; 1st Mystery / Our Father / 10 Hail Mary’s / Glory Be / Fatima prayer / 2nd Mystery / Our Father / 10 Hail Mary’s / Glory Be / Fatima prayer / 3rd Mystery / Our Father / 10 Hail Mary’s / Glory Be / Fatima prayer / 4th Mystery / Our Father / 10 Hail Mary’s / Glory Be / Fatima prayer / 5th Mystery / Our Father / 10 Hail Mary’s / Glory Be / Fatima prayer / Hail Holy Queen / Sign of the Cross Catholic Social Thought Realize that the rights and dignity of others at all stages of life must be respected; Relate how respect for one’s self is a loving response to God’s great gift of life; Participate in parish and community service and mission opportunities; Discuss what was gained and what was shared from participating in service and mission opportu-nities Scripture—God’s Word to Us Find and read scripture passages related to the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes, Our Father and the Sac-raments; Retell liturgical seasonal bible stories—birth / Christmas, death & resurrection / Easter, etc.; Relate scriptural passages to everyday life Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual Recite the 10 Commandments and explain how they can relate to everyday life; Demonstrate an understanding of the Church’s moral principles (the Great Commandment, the 10 Commandments, Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Beatitudes); Relate how our call to the Disciples of Jesus is carried out in our everyday life; Know the Two Great Commandments Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church Know that the 10 Commandments are signs of God’s love; Understand that we belong to a Church that is cath-olic so that everyone is included and that the Mass is a celebration of unity worldwide; Identify One God and dif-ferentiate the three distinct Persons within the Blessed Trinity; Recognize the Sign of the Cross as an expres-sion of their belief in the Blessed Trinity; Know that grace is a sharing in God’s life

5th Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer & Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God & the Gathering of the Catholic Community. A. Understand the liturgical year with emphasis as it relates to the Paschal Mystery B. Practice and / or lead various prayer forms C. Plan and lead others in prayer services and Eucharistic liturgies D. Identify main areas, books, vessels, vestments, and furniture used for worship E. Recognize the difference between formal and informal prayer F. Memorize designated Prayers (Nicene Creed) Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, [At the words that follow up to and including "and became man," all bow.] and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pon-tius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He as-cended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Fa-ther and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I be-lieve in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen . Catholic Social Thought Experience opportunities to be effective witnesses to the faith on earth; Participate in service projects & re-flect on the impact of the project on others and the students; Discuss and define the Catholic Social Teaching; Promote the common good through personal action through stewardship Scripture—God’s Word to Us Locate passages in the Bible when given a particular book, chapter & verse; Read and discuss the passages in the Bible related to the institution of the sacraments; Show the familiarity with the Gospels; Read and discuss the story of the Pentecost; Identify images of the Holy Spirit in Scripture Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual Discuss & apply many ways God guides our moral choices (10 Commandments, the Beatitudes, Bible, etc); Deter-mine the difference between personal sin and social sin (injustice); Understand that all life is sacred and a gift from God; Understand and respect our own bodies and that of others as we go through puberty changes; Know that our sexual identity is a gift from God; Know that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church Define the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing & Service (Vocation); Describe the Catholic Church’s teaching about the purpose of each sacrament while exploring the symbols, words, & actions used with them; Define God’s Grace as a free, undeserved gift from God; Explain how the sacraments are God’s presents to us; Explore further the mystery of the Holy Trinity and our call to live out the Trinitarian image; Define the Church’s mis-sion as building the Reign of God; Tell how Jesus is present in the Eucharist and how the Mass is a celebration of Unity; Know what RCIA stands for (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and understand that it’s a pro-cess to bring adults into the Church

6th Grade Standards: Students will be able to:

Prayer & Celebration: Expressions of our Communication with God & the Gathering of the Catholic Community. A. Recall the mystery of Christ through the Liturgical Calendar B. Explain the Liturgical Colors and their significance in the Liturgical year C. Participate in and lead various prayer forms (ex. Rosary, adoration, Stations of the Cross, Novenas, other memorized

prayers, meditation & spontaneous prayers) D. Memorize designated Prayers (Memorare, Magnificat, Prayer of St. Michael) Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen Magnificat My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Prayer of St. Michael St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen Catholic Social Thought Introduce a sense of personal & social responsibility concerning the consequences of their choices, actions, or inactions be-cause of the sacredness of life, the equality of all people, races, ethnic groups and Jesus’ preferential option for the poor; Demonstrate actions that uphold the sacredness of life, the equality of all people, races, ethnic groups, and Jesus’ prefer-ential option for the poor and marginalized; Work with others in a service or mission project and explain whether / how its impact can lead to long term change for both the students and others involved; Identify forces of violence, oppression, and injustice in today’s world; Demonstrate respect for persons of other religions; Critique modern culture in the light of the message of the prophet’s call to peace & justice Scripture—God’s Word to Us Discuss how the Bible is a collection of books inspired by God; Recognize the genres, content and variety of authors in the Old and New Testaments; Identify the ancestors of our faith from the Old Testament and connect our Jewish heritage; Trace the development of the Covenant relationship in salvation history; Discuss the prophets & tell what their messag-es were and are for the people then and us today; Explain the significance of the Exodus story; Examine how God is re-vealed not only in Scripture, but also through tradition; Discuss the roles of Priest, Prophet & King in the Old Testament Mortality—the Moral Formation of the Individual Evaluate various moral choices made by people in the Bible; Utilize a real life decision making process based on the 10 Com-mandments & Beatitudes to evaluate moral choices; Explain why the morality behind the 10 Commandments & Beatitudes is a significant way of life for a disciple of Christ; Understand and take responsibility for our own actions and attitudes; Respect the uniqueness of each person; each person has been given an unique set of gifts from God that he / she is to share with the world Beliefs—What we hold true to the Catholic Church Explain the Catholic interpretation of Scripture and how God’s revelation is handed down and how God’s self is made known to us in Scripture; Define the incarnation & salvation as Jesus coming to earth as God’s Son and dying for our sins; Discuss the role of Mary, as Jesus’ mother, and the special calling she had from God; Tell how the Church began at Pente-cost

7th & 8th Grade Curriculum:

We are working on the Chosen series from Ascension Press. You can check out the Ascension Press website at www.ascensionpress.com to see what they all have to offer. There are also videos to view on the website as well that you can take advantage of. In 7th grade, we will begin the series with videos, discussion and learning a little more about our Catholic Faith each week. In 8th grade, we will continue where we left off in the past spring and will continue to grow deeper in our Catholic Faith. We also will incorporate our Catholic Faith in doing Service for others through special projects / Special Friend Visits at the Nursing Home. More details for this will come home after the Christmas Holidays.

9th Grade & Confirmation Curriculum:

We will be covering material in the Theology of the Body for Middle Schoolers series. This series will talk about how we can live as good Christian Catholic youth in today’s society without giving in to the pressures of the outside world.

In our Confirmation Program of 10th & 11th Grade, we will work with the Deci-sion Point book and videos from Dynamic Catholic. We have found that this pro-

gram challenges our young people to answer the deep questions about our

faith and why we believe what we be-lieve. To learn more about Decision

Point, check out the Dynamic Catholic website or contact Greta Petrich.