Aberdeen Catholic School System Religion Curriculum
Aberdeen Catholic School System Religion Philosophy and Belief Statement Instilling Catholic values and promoting academic excellence by nurturing mind, body and soul is the foundation of the Aberdeen Catholic School s mission. Roncalli supports parents as the primary educators of their child s faith formation by encouraging participation in opportunities provided by the parishes and schools. Roncalli provides a faith filled climate for learning and practicing the teachings of the Catholic Church. Essential components of the Aberdeen Catholic Schools include praying, worshipping, witnessing, community building, and Christian service. We believe that Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are the foundation in the formation of our faith. We believe our school environment helps children build a relationship with Jesus as they discern their vocation. We believe that public and private prayer are an integral part of daily living. We believe that our schools nurture children as they integrate the teachings of Jesus into every aspect of their lives. We believe our faith lives are expressed through witnessing and serving others. We believe all are called to holiness by loving as Jesus loves.
Religion Summaries Preschool children will come to know that God is father who knows and loves us. Students will learn that God made all people and things. They will also learn that Jesus is God s Son who teaches about the Kingdom. Mary is his mother and Joseph is his foster father. Children will learn about prayer, beginning scripture, and sacred images. Kindergarten children will come to know God as a loving Father and learn that all things created by God are good. They will also learn about Jesus and that Jesus came to show us the love of the Father. They will be introduced to the saints, Bible stories and church symbols. They will learn the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Angel of God. The children will have many liturgical and devotional experiences such as Mass, Advent services, and blessing of throats. First grade students will learn that God is our Creator and the Father of Jesus, that Jesus is our Savior and Mary is our mother, and that we join God s family in Baptism. They will understand that Jesus chose His apostles and we are today s apostles. Students will learn that Jesus gives us His spirit and that prayer is our way of talking to Jesus. Children will study Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Second grade students will prepare for and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. They will learn that Jesus lives in His church through the sacraments where He also promises the gift of Himself. They will understand the parts of the Mass and that we are one in the Church. Third grade students realize that they are called to belong to a faith community, the Church. Students will learn how the scriptures relate to our lives and reveal God s message and His promises. They develop a clearer, deeper faith in their study of God as revealed in creation, His dealings with the chosen people, and the life and teachings of Christ. Students will learn different types of prayers including the rosary and the special role of Mary in the Church. Fourth grade students will focus on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, which were given to us by our loving God, who intends for us to be happy in this life and the next. Students are motivated to respond to God with faith and love and to show their faith and love by observing God s commands. Fifth grade students focus on the seven sacraments and parts of the Mass, especially the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Church calendar. Students will realize that we are sent forth to live out the Mass through loving acts of prayer, service, and sacrifice. They will learn God s love and forgiveness are offered in the sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Students will understand that vocations can lead us to God. The Corporal Works of Mercy help us live and serve as followers of Christ. Sixth grade students will study stories from the Old Testament and become familiar with the stories of creation, Abraham and his family, the journey of the Israelites, Moses and the Ten Commandments as well as major and minor prophets and kings. Students will find connections between the Old and New Testaments, identify the fulfillment of God s promise through Jesus, and study the lives of many of the saints. Students will begin to remember the books of the bible and what each set of books represents. Students will also grow in their spiritual life through community celebrations, memorized prayers, personal prayer, scripture study, and community service.
Seventh grade students will have the opportunity to develop and nurture their own personal faith as they grow in their relationship with Jesus. Through the study of the mystery of the Incarnation and Jesus life, students will see how to live a spiritual life on earth, determine their role as a Christian in this world, and be able to face pain and suffering with joy. Along with a focus on Jesus life, there are also units of Mass, Advent, and Lent. Christian Service is also an important component of the 7 th grade Religion class. Eighth grade students will focus on three primary topics during the school year. First, students will study the mystery of the Church. They will identify what makes the Church holy, the work of the Holy Spirit, the Church founded by the Apostles and being a people of prayer. Second, students will study the history of the Church. Students will learn of the first disciples, examine the importance of the martyrs, missionaries, and apologists, and review the Middle Ages. In addition, attention will be given to the Church in the world today. Third, students will study the witness of the Church. Focus will given to virtuous living and recognizing God s call for each of us. The way of faith and holiness will guide the learning in being a witness. To enhance spiritual growth and development, other activities are incorporated into class. Christian service, liturgical planning and participation, special projects, Catholic Social Teaching Principles, and other learning opportunities are part of class. Freshman Overview of Catholicism Survey of Salvation History: Old Testament Sophomore Confirmation Preparation New Testament Survey of Church History Junior Liturgy and Sacraments Morality Senior The Creed Faith & Spirituality Catholic Social Teaching Friendship, Dating, Marriage Christian Service is an element in all high school religion classes
Religious Practices K-12 Practice Kindergarten Morning/afternoon prayer Prayers Be saint like Sing Jesus Songs Field trip to Church-baptismal font, tabernacle, sanctuary Read/act out Bible stories Murals of God s creation Valentine cards for ill Christmas carol at nursing home Cards for parents - holidays Bring food for needy Mittens for mitten tree Videos about Jesus/saints Art projects 1 st Grade Pray for Sisters Vocations Kit Priest Game Religion station during guided reading Saint of the day read/color Role play Bible stories Read at mass intentions Cards for people in need Religious videos Sing Bible songs Worksheets Advent Art Lent/Holy Week projects Daily Prayer for clergy 2 nd Grade Daily Prayer for Deacons
Confession booklets Act out Baptism 7 Sacrament Game Reconciliation Game Use pretend chalice/patent Vocation Kit Retreat Circle of Grace Pray Rosary daily Catholic Brain Quest Parts of Mass Write Act of Contrition Compliment cards Draw Last Supper K-2 Practices Daily staff and children s prayer Celebrate Blessed Mary s Birthday Grandparents Day Adoration first Fridays Pray Memorare each morning Living Rosary Food Pantry Collection for Social Justice Relationship Building Letters Advent Service Feast of St. Nicholas Advent Service Projects Vocation Awareness Valentines for Vets Stations of the Cross Circle of Grace Thanksgiving Food Drive Priest Visits weekly All Schools Mass Projects Mass weekly 3 rd Grade Make cards for 3 year olds as relationship building. Living Faith
Advent unit Immaculate conception Lent unit Mardi Gras celebration Pray the rosary Sponsor Advent Baby Shower Christian videos Veggie Tales Davy and Goliath Animated Bible Series Study Corporal/Spiritual Works Say Rosary October/May Communicate with St. Mary s shut ins Cards/letters to seminarians Visit Mother Joseph Manor Operation Christmas Child Christmas dinner/gifts for a family at Christmas Prayer Buddies Thank You support staff Collections for Project Shoe Box for soldiers 5 th Grade Presentation sisters visits Collect money for Presentation missions Cards to sisters during Holidays We create name of the Lord banners for the hallways All in God s Plan Prayer Buddies 6 th grade St. Wax Museum Skit for the stories of creation We read other stories of creation from other cultures Collect money to raise for the needy at Christmas time Advent study and service Peace booklet Lent study and service 3-6 Practices Daily Staff Prayer Daily Classroom Prayer
Adoration/Benediction First Friday Priest visits to Classroom weekly Mass weekly Service Projects Grandparents Mass Plan and participate in Mass Pray Chaplet of Divine Mercy for Life Pray Rosary as a school Make cards for Pastor Appreciation Advent Prayer Service Reconciliation Advent Service Projects Vocation Awareness Priest Appreciation Cards Thank You Stations of the Cross Circle of Grace Retreat May Crowning of Mary 7 th 12 th grade unit on the Mass Christian Service hours Catholic Social Teaching - written reflection on service Spiritually Adopt an unborn baby non-traditional rosary for life Adoration History of Lent Circle of Grace Chapel time 15 minutes weekly Retreats/Preparation for Retreats Mass Planning Weekly Classroom Advent Services Advent projects for the needy Reconciliation two times per year Lenten fasting And prayer Extended prayer before class/journal
Collections Thanksgiving Food Baskets Christian Service and Reflection Rosary/Chaplet Retreat Planning Evaluations & Thank You Testimonials Students serve lunch 3 times per month at Salvation Army Projects with the elderly Student Eucharistic Ministers Campus Ministry Advisory Board Mentoring Read at Mass Spirit and Song Mass Music Plan All Schools Mass/Homecoming Mass/Commissioning Mass, and Graduation Mass Parent letters to students during Advent Grandparents Mass