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.
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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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.