Children are introduced to age appropriate Bible stories and Saints based on cultural and liturgical seasons of the Church. They read a book, watch a short video, and do a special craft. Children are introduced to spontaneous prayer and they do Grace before Meals.

Children learn about individual Bible characters, the character traits they possess, the life of Jesus, and other common Biblical topics, which provides a strong education in the Bible and Christian character. Catholic traditions, practices, and Saints are woven throughout the year into the curriculum as well. Children are introduced to spontaneous prayer as well traditional prayers, which include the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Grace before Meals, and Angel of God.

The first grade program will lay the foundation for the children’s spiritual growth and development by enhancing their knowledge of the Catholic faith. This level teaches important faith concepts, including salvation, love, Baptism, the Holy Trinity, and the importance of Scripture. Children practice fundamental prayers, including the Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Our Father, Hail Mary, Angel of God, and The Way of the Cross.

The structure and meaning of the Mass are emphasized throughout the year as students prepare for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. The catechesis helps children respond joyfully to God’s call to give themselves in love to God and others. This level also introduces children to the Church as the body of Christ and to Mary as Mother of the Church. Prayers include Morning Offering; Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love (short forms); Act of Contrition; Meal Prayers; Come, Holy Spirit (short form).

At this level children learn the main truths that Catholics believe and express in the Apostles’ Creed. Children are called to the faith community and learn the ways Jesus is present to us during the Mass. The study and re-telling of Bible stories, especially those related to the mysteries of the rosary, continue. Children grow in their understanding of vocation, healing, and our response to God. Prayers include Morning Offering; Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love (short forms); Apostles’ Creed; Rosary; and Act of Contrition.

Children are introduced to the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as guides for living. Catechists teach children that, as followers of Jesus, we must know these teachings and live them. This level also focuses on kinds of prayer, parts of the Bible, reconciliation, and the communion of saints. Prayers include Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love; Angelus; Hail, Holy Queen; Come, Holy Spirit; and The Way of the Cross.

Students deepen their understanding of celebration and worship through the Eucharistic liturgy. The Eucharist is presented as a gift from God through which to share divine life. Lessons include liturgical prayer and guide children to respond to God’s presence through prayer and loving service to others. The text focuses on the sacramental system and the paschal mystery. Prayers include Come, Holy Spirit; Queen of Heaven; prayers of the Mass; and Psalms.

Students learn about God’s saving love as revealed in sacred Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament. This study of salvation history helps students gain a deeper appreciation of the person of Jesus Christ and his continued presence in the Church. Lessons also explore the book of Psalms, the concept of “sacred,” roots of the sacraments, symbols, and the perfection of God. New prayers include psalms and the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Students learn about the teachings and mission of Jesus. They gain deeper understanding of the paschal mystery and ways to live the message of the Gospels. Students will see Christ as our way to the Father and grow in understanding and love of Jesus. This level, which explores journaling, also discusses respect for justice and the RCIA program. Prayers include Prayer to St. Michael, Act of Contrition (Rite of Reconciliation), Acts of Faith, Hope and Love, Prayer of St. Francis, and the Nicene Creed.

Students study the history of the Church with an emphasis on the Images, Models and Marks of the Church, and grow in an awareness of the mystery of the Church and its mission. Students are invited to value their union with Christ in the Church and to live according to Christ’s teachings. Lessons focus on the Liturgy of the Hours, reflective prayer, respect for life, the life of the Church, and the presence and action of the Holy Spirit.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture

Students learn general knowledge and appreciation of the Sacred Scriptures. Through their study of the Bible they come to encounter the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. They will learn about the Bible, authored by God through Inspiration, and its value to people throughout the world. They will learn how to read the Bible and will become familiar with the major sections of the Bible and the books included in each section. The students pay particular attention to the Gospels, where they may grow to know and love Jesus Christ more personally.

Who is Jesus Christ?

Students study the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Students will understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Revelation to us from God. In learning about who he is, the students will also learn who he calls them to be.

The Mission of Jesus Christ

Students learn all that God has done for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Students learn that for all eternity, God has planned for us to share eternal happiness with him, which is accomplished through the redemption Christ won for us. Students learn that they share in this redemption only in and through Jesus Christ. They are introduced to what it means to be a disciple of Christ and what life as a disciple entails.

Jesus Christ's Mission Continues in the Church

Students learn that in and through the Church they encounter the living Jesus Christ. They are introduced to the fact that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him through the Holy Spirit. The students come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today. This Body has both divine and human elements. Students learn about the sacred nature of the Church.

Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ

Students learn that they can encounter Christ today in a full and real way in and through the sacraments, and especially through the Eucharist. Students examine each of the sacraments in detail so as to learn how they may encounter Christ throughout life.

Life in Jesus Christ

Students learn to understand that it is only through Christ that they can fully live out God’s plans for their lives. Students learn the moral concepts and precepts that govern the lives of Christ’s disciples.

Living as a Disciple of Christ in Society

Students study the Church’s social teaching. Students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission.

Ecumenical and Interreligious Issues

Students learn to understand the manner in which the Catholic Church relates to non-Catholic Christians as well as to other religions of the world. Building on the foundational truth that Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church and entrusted to her the fullness of God’s Revelation, students recognize the ways in which important spiritual truths can also be found in non-Catholic Christian churches and ecclesial communities as well as in non-Christian religions. It is also intended to help them to recognize the ways in which other systems of belief and practice differ from the Catholic faith.

History of the Catholic Church

Students study a catechesis of the Church and the Body of Christ in history: its nature and meaning, images, marks, life and ministry, guide to moral life, and the role of prayer. Students will grow in their general knowledge of the Church's history from apostolic times to the present. They will learn that the Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and is sustained by him throughout history through the Holy Spirit. Students will come to know that the Church is the living Body of Christ today and will learn about the Church's 2,000 years of history and how the Church is led and governed by the successors of the Apostles.