Religious Education Office
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Religious Ed.Office
Our office is always in need of volunteers to make our program work. We need catechists and office helpers and much more. Please print and review these forms, then fill them out to give to our office.
Thank you for considering volunteering within our Religious Education program!
VolunteerForm
Volunteer Release Form
Elementary Ministry provides for the religious formation of the parish youngsters. Pre-school (age four) meets on Sunday mornings in the Lower Level. Sacramental preparation is provided for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation (Confession).
Classes are facilitated by catechists, generally, in their homes. We offer two classes for each grade in the building for families with 3 or more children in the program, single parent household and special circumstances.
Each grade level has a large group event held at the church throughout the year.
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Catechist Resources:
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Parent Info:
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Peggy Idstein
Director of Religious Education
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Religious Education Program
Registration Forms 2010 – 2011
Please fill out the forms promptly and return to the Religious Education office.
Completed registration form and registration fee is due by May 24.
Download the necessary forms below, print and complete the forms.
Return them to the RE office by May 24, 2010.
Tuition, sacrament and retreat fees are due at the time of registration. Payment plans, if needed, may be arranged by contacting the RE Office. No child will be denied Religious Education due to inability to pay. Please contact us at 630-416-1992.
Tuition, sacrament and retreat fees are due when the class lists are mailed out, usually the end of July.
Checks can be made payable to St. Elizabeth Seton Parish.
If you have any questions, please call us at
630-416-1992.
Please feel free to refer to these documents at any time:
This was how our RE year began in 2009:
- All Elementary Catechist Meeting Monday, August 24th at 7:00 PM.
- First time Catechist Orientation either September 1 at 9:00 AM or September 3 at 7:00 PM.
- Classes began the week of September 13
- Opening Mass for Elementary Religious Ed – Sunday, September 20 at 11:30 AM Catechetical Sunday
Junior High students at SES have experienced these activities to promote vocation awareness:
- The showing of the vocations video ‘Fishers of Men’
- ‘07 and ‘08 Adoration prayer services for vocations on Vocations Sunday
- ‘07 A presentation from our own seminarian (Fr. Dindo) and about our own Missionary of Charity (Sr. Joshua Marie)
- April ‘09 Retreats entitled God’s Call
- ‘08 A Cluster event entitiled God’s Game Plan where representatoives from seminaries and convents spoke to the teens
- July ‘09 First ever Jr Hi YLC with seminarians, religious
- Sep ‘09 An elective Diocesan Vocations event entitled Jump For Joy
The goal of Elementary Religious Education is to present to our children the beliefs and practices of the Catholic tradition. They will read Scripture, develop an ability to pray formally, communally and personally, explore their call by God to life and membership in the Church and develop skills of Christian living. Classes meet for one hour and fifteen minutes following the respective grade level calendar.
First Grade
Finding God, published by Loyola Press
Our Response to God’s Gifts 1
- Explore the fact that God the Father created us, loves us and wants nothing but the best for us.
- Develop an understanding of belonging to the Catholic Church where all are welcome.
- Acquire an understanding of the Trinity; the Holy Spirit is God’s presence among us.
- Comprehend that Jesus, God’s Son was born in Bethlehem, lived among us, taught us how to pray, and died and rose to save us. Nativity story is studied and the First Graders create Nativity posters to enhance the Narthex.
- Recognize that we meet Jesus in our every day lives in the sacraments, in celebrating Mass and when we pray.
- First graders are taught how to live like Jesus. They gather for a Large Group experience, “A Day in the Life of Jesus” where they will rotate through different stations experiencing what the child Jesus might have experienced.
- Learn the Hail Mary and review the Sign of the Cross, and the Our Father.
Second Grade
Finding God, published by Loyola Press
Our Response to God’s Gifts 2
- Second graders will review Baptism and discuss being members of the Church where all are welcome.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is studied. God’s forgiveness in the sacrament is explained and the notion of sin and its effect on others is discussed. Children and parents will gather for a Reconciliation Retreat to grow in awareness of this sacrament.
- The Sacrament of the Eucharist is explored and the fact that Jesus is really present in the bread and wine is presented. The children and parents come together for a First Communion Retreat to help them prepare for the sacrament.
- Mass is studied and Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist are discussed. Mass responses are reviewed and practiced.
- Children will receive Reconciliation and Eucharist this year and the new prayer they will learn is the Act of Contrition.
Third Grade
Finding God published by Loyola Press
Our Response to God’s Gifts 3
- Third graders learn that Jesus gave us His Church and He called the Apostles to carry on His mission.
- A deeper understanding of the saints is sought. Children research one saint and make a Saint Shield to be displayed.
- Children will understand that our parish Church helps us live the way of Jesus. The children come to Church for a Large Group “I Spy Event” where they tour and learn more about St. Elizabeth Seton parish.
- Third grade children will learn the four marks of the church (one, holy, Catholic, apostolic). They will study some of the core beliefs of the Catholic Church through their examination of the Apostles Creed.
- We meet Jesus in the sacraments and we are shown ways to live like Jesus.
- Learn the Apostles Creed and review previous prayers
Fourth Grade
Finding God published by Loyola Press
Our Response to God’s Gifts 4
- Fourth graders will focus on the study of morality. The Ten Commandments are studied and discussed.
- Beatitudes are learned as the way to live.
- The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are presented as important ways to live out life.
- The student will learn that the Holy Spirit is given to us to gift and guide us in times of temptation.
- Fourth graders come together for a Retreat Day to experience and reinforce the notion of being part of the Body of Christ and the responsibility that means.
- Know all the prior prayers and the Ten Commandments.
Fifth Grade
Finding God, published by Loyola Press
Our Response to God’s Gifts 5
- Fifth graders will concentrate on studying the seven sacraments of the Church which are presented as sacred signs as well as celebrations.
- The Church carries on Jesus’ mission on earth.
- In Fifth grade, morality is studied more in depth as students look at how to be a follower of Jesus and steps in making a moral choice and living a moral life.
- Different liturgical seasons are studied and the students will gather for a dramatization of the Stations of the Cross for the parish. Fifth graders also have the opportunity to attend Cathedral Days at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois.
- Previous learned prayers are to be reviewed and children should learn and understand the seven sacraments.
9th Grade Objectives
- To support faith development by offering experiences of prayer, devotional practices, sacraments, retreat, and small group faith sharing.
- To advance their knowledge and provoke further thought about commonly misunderstood Catholic teachings.
- To help students understand the Sacrament of Confirmation and the roles of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the baptized and in the Church.
- To encourage students to serve the needy and to explore ministries/outreach opportunities – so that they will continue in ministry after Confirmation.
Overview of 9th Grade Program
Religious Education students will typically have two classes per month – some classes will take place in the home (Home Meetings) of their catechist and others at the Church (Confirmation Large Group). In addition there will be periodic service experiences, a retreat, and special events.
9th Grade Textbooks & Resources
Life Teen /Life Night materials, Life Teen, Inc. (Mesa, AZ)
These lessons explain Catholic doctrine on such topics as salvation, heaven/hell/purgatory, abortion/euthanasia, the meaning of suffering, and “real presence”.
Did Jesus Have A Last Name by Matthew Pinto & Jason Evert, Ascension Press
This text offers answers to 199 questions on faith/religion/morality from Catholic teenagers.
FAQs About Confirmation: What You Want to Know by Christina Bigatel Durback, Pflaum Publishing Group. This text is a good summary of Confirmation catechesis.
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10th Grade Objectives
- To support faith development by offering experiences of prayer, devotional practices, sacraments, retreat, and small group faith sharing.
- To further expose students to the wisdom and value of studying Sacred Scripture.
- To encourage further reflection on the Sacrament of Confirmation and ownership of their faith and religion.
Overview of 10th Grade Program
Although we will have mid-year Confirmation, our R.E. program will continue for the whole school year. During the first semester Religious Education students will typically have two classes per month – some classes will take place in the home (Home Meetings) of their catechist and others at the Church (Confirmation Large Group). In addition there will be periodic service experiences, a retreat, and special events. Confirmation candidates will be asked to write a letter to the Bishop requesting Confirmation and a one page report on their Confirmation saint. During the second semester (post Confirmation), students will be asked to meet once a month at the Church for a Post Confirmation Large Group Meeting.
10th Grade Text Book
FAQs About Confirmation: What You Want to Know by Christina Bigatel Durback, Pflaum Publishing Group. This text is a good summary of Confirmation catechesis.
NOTE TO STUDENTS ATTENDING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Catholic High School students preparing for Confirmation can choose a modified program of preparation that involves the same basic program elements in 9th & 10th grade except that they will only have one class per month, i.e., the Confirmation Large Group meeting. Students desiring this modified program must communicate this desire to the Religious Education Office at registration. Classes of all Catholic High School students will be gathered together – assuming that catechists step forward to lead these classes.
Sixth Grade:
Christ Jesus the Way, Published by Benziger/ Mc Graw -Hill
- Find the roots of their faith in the study of the Hebrew Scriptures.
- Become aware of the deep involvement of God, our Creator, in every aspect of our lives. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant; one who proclaims the coming of the kingdom and who brings the New Covenant.
- Visit a Synagogue and discuss Jewish customs and traditions. Attend a follow up presentation to relate those traditions to the roots of our faith.
- Participate in several Large Group activities and service projects.
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Year One: The Mass, Our Relationship with Jesus
The EDGE – Catholic Middle School Ministry by Kevin McGloin, Lifeteen resources, additional approved textbook resources.
- Review general facts about the Catholic Faith
- Study the History and Parts of the Mass.
- Review Sacrament of Reconciliation, decision making.
- Know the Stations of the Cross. Practice leadership in prayer.
- Attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Mary’s role in the church and praying with Mary and the Saints.
- Discuss issues pertaining to Junior high age students
- Participate in a variety of service projects.
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Year Two: Morality, Discipleship
The EDGE – Catholic Middle School Ministry by Kevin McGloin, Lifeteen resources, additional approved textbook resources
- Morality – discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church on major topics relating to morality.
- Study the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes.
- Review the Sacraments of Healing and Vocation.
- Discuss issues pertaining to junior high age students.
- Faith in Action, Service projects i.e. Harvest Sunday.
8th Grade only -TEENQUEST service projects, Retreat.
Seventh Grade (home school or special in-home grouping)
Christ Jesus the Way, Publisher Benzinger/ McGraw-Hill
- Learn about the life of Jesus.
- Develop an awareness of Jesus as Sacrament in the Holy Eucharist.
- Look into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
- Know the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Study the teaching authority of the Church, decision making and moral choices and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Review the Sacraments of Vocation.
- Discuss how the Church serves others and how we are called to work for peace and Justice out of love for Christ.
- Become familiar with the various forms of public and private prayer.
- Know the Stations of the Cross. Practice leadership in prayer.
- Participate in a variety of service projects.
Eighth Grade (home school or special in-home grouping)
Christ Jesus the Way, Publisher Benziger/Mc Graw-Hill
- Learn that by our Baptism we are set apart and called to serve.
- Know the language of our faith as it pertains to the Sacraments and the rites.
- Discuss our relationships with God and others. Seek to emulate the saints.
- Study the growth of the Church.
- Investigate the forms of personal prayer and the prayers of the church
- Develop an awareness of their mission to make a difference in the world.
- Harvest Sunday and TEENQUEST- service projects
- Participate in a grade level retreat.
Preschool
Discovering God series, published by Wm. Sadlier
Discovering God’s World
- Develop a strong, positive feeling of God’s love for them.
- Learn how God made them special with many gifts to help others: with feelings, senses, imagination.
- Understand that special days are given religious significance: Easter, Christmas, All Saint’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day.
- Develop an appreciation of the celebration of God’s goodness through Scripture, music and prayer.
- Learn the Sign of the Cross and Grace Before Meals.
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