KINDERGARTEN

The children are called to focus their natural curiosity, energy, and wonder on the exploration of creation, with special attention being paid to people, created in God's image. Stories, discussion, and activities introduce the children to faith concepts such as the Person of Jesus, belonging to the Church, the Scriptures, and prayer; all of which is age appropriate.

GRADE 1

The First Graders will come to know Jesus and to celebrate the kingdom of God. They will grow in understanding of key faith concepts such as God's love, the life and teachings of Jesus, and belonging to the Church. Activities, prayers, and practices foster Catholic identity and help the children to follow Jesus every day.

GRADE 2

The Second Graders will be preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. The children are called to enter into a sacramental relationship with Jesus and the Christian community. Activities, prayers, and practices help the children grow in faith.

GRADE 3

The Third Graders are invited to accept Jesus' call to a life of love lived within the faith community of the Church. The mission and structure of the Church are presented, with emphasis on the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. Saints and Christian heroes offer role models. Activities, prayers, and practices stress the universal nature of the Church as a sign of God's kingdom.

GRADE 4

The Fourth Graders will examine the foundations of Christian morality; The Law of Love, the Beatitudes, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Ten Commandments, and the precepts of the Church. Activities, prayers, and practices help the children turn to the Church for guidance in following Jesus.

GRADE 5

The Fifth Graders faith is enriched by an in-depth presentation of the Creed and the Sacraments, Scripture, Church history, and the lives of the saints highlight our heritage of belief, belonging, healing, and service. Activities, prayers, and practices help the children work for the kingdom of God.

GRADE 6

The Sixth Graders will begin a journey exploring and deepening their understanding of the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is the Book of the Church, our family story of faith. They will learn to understand the place of the Word of God in our lives, with special emphasis on our Old Testament roots. Activities, prayers, and practices help the children to "hear the Word, and live it."

GRADE 7

The Seventh Graders will review and re-commit to their journey toward God's Kingdom, in the context of their relationship with Jesus Christ. They will discover more about Jesus, the Messiah through Scripture, the Church's teachings, and the witness of faithful disciples. Activities, prayers, and practices will help the children to apply the message of Jesus to their own lives, hopes, and struggles.

GRADE 8

The Eighth Graders will deepen their understanding of and participation in the Church as the visible, living sign of God's kingdom in history. The issues and questions of a young teen's universe are explored from the perspective of the Church's collective experience, wisdom, and mission. Activities, prayers, and practices help the students take a fuller, more active role in the Church's life.

CONFIRMATION I & CONFIRMATION II (GRADES 9 & 10)

Confirmation Preparation Program - This is a two-year preparation program for the reception of the Sacrament. Most students begin in the 9th grade and they are confirmed in the spring of the 10th grade.

The text used is "Confirmed in a Faithful Community," which is solidly grounded program on all levels. It is rooted in sound theology, is based on a complete understanding of adolescents and their needs, and reflects a commitment to a learning process that has proven to be effective with young people.

The process of Confirmation is divided into four sections that reflect and adapted from the RCIA: Invitation, Formation, Reflection, and Mission.

SPECIAL SESSIONS: Rite of Welcoming; Advent Prayer Service; Day of Recollection

CHRISTIAN SERVICE: Community Service is an important part of our program and students participate in many projects within the community such as wheeling patients to Mass at the Veterans' Chapel at the VA Hospital on Sunday morning. We also reach out to our extended community, going into Boston once a month to the Pine Street Inn where we serve the evening meal to the needy.

SPECIAL SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS:

Pro Life Education Presentation: Life Before Birth;

Father Daniel O'Connell, Office of Spiritual Development

Eileen Snow, M.Div., M.B.A. "The Reality of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation," "The Rite of Confirmation: Tools to Treasure the Day"