Grade 1
The Sadlier program“We Believe” helps our children appreciate God’s love for us through creation, the Blessed Trinity, Baptism, the Mass, and church community with emphasis on the seasons of the church year. It is a neighborhood program with options for parents to teach their own children or share teaching responsibilities with 5 or 6 other parents. There will be several large group activities through the year.

Grade 2
“We Believe” reveals God’s love for us through the Ten Commandments & forgiveness of sin. The program also helps our children grow in moral development by characterizing the church as a community of ongoing conversion to the God who loves them and seeks them out. During January through March, our second graders prepare to receive the sacrament of Penance.

Grade 3
The “We Believe” program helps each child achieve an understanding and appreciation of our Catholic heritage, including lessons on prayer, community, covenant, and sacraments. These lessons are integrated into the preparation and reception of the sacrament of Eucharist

Grade 4
The program, at this level, explains how we are called to live as Catholic Christians and accept Jesus’ call to discipleship through observing the commandments, understanding the Beatitudes, and partaking of the sacrament of Penance.

Grade 5
The fifth grade text teaches the children how Jesus has blessed our lives throught the sacraments of initiation, healing and service. Also emphasized are the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Grade 6
The grade six text introduces sixth graders to the Old Testament of the bible by presenting the books of the Bible, the meaning and types of literary forms used, and God’s covenant with His People.

Grade 7 & 8
The program develops critical thinking skills that enable young people to solve moral dilemmas. The lessons emphasize justice and service, and challenge young teens to recognize the needs or other people in their world. The 7th grade utilizes post-confirmation students in a peer ministry environment.

Grade 9 & 10
"Giver of Life" and "Moving in the Spirit" is a two year program grounded in contemporary initiation theology, rooted in the life of an evangelizing community of believers and focused on initiating young people in the ongoing faith development within the church.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

First Penance:
"Catechesis for First Penance is to be conducted separately from catechesis for First Eucharist since each sacrament deserves its own concentrated preparation. Catechesis for Penance is to precede First Eucharist and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation."

In keeping with the above directives, handed down from the Diocese of Providence, we offer the immediate preparation for the reception of Reconciliation (Penance) in the second half of the second grade year. Parochial school children participate in the preparation at this time. The program is presented through the use of the Sadlier “First Reconciliation” text. There is an emphasis on parental involvement, as well as celebration of liturgy and group sessions.

First Eucharist:
We present our program of Eucharist preparation in the third grade. The parochial school children of our parish join us on a once-a-month basis. We utilize Sadlier’s “First Eucharist” text. There is parent participation, group and home sessions with the children, and liturgical celebrations once a month and various special activities for the children. This is a full year’s program, culminating in the reception of the sacrament by group or individual family celebrations in May.

Confirmation:
Confirmation preparation is a separate catechetical preparation for an individual seeking full membership in the Catholic community. Opportunities are provided for the candidates to explore their own faith through retreats, liturgies and the study and participation in various forms of prayer. The program extends over a two-year period. Service projects constitute a vital part of the program. Parental involvement and support is vital in building a realistic parish community for youth to prepare to enter after being initiated through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Satisfactory attendance at all Religious Education classes (grades1-8) is a prerequisite for participation.

Download Confirmation forms and information sheets.

PROGRAM POLICIES

Students are expected to be present and on time for all instruction, special celebrations and related activites prepared for them. If an absence is necessitated for some serious or unusual reason (i.e. illness), either the teacher or the coordinator must have prior notice from the parents or guardians. NOTE: Necessary absence is not one occasioned by participation in another regular activity. Normally, no more than three absences are allowed. An absence problem will be considered in class placement the next year.

Parents or Guardians are expected to participate fully in the meetings and related activities prepared for their benefit. If at all possible, both parents or guardians should be in attendance. If they are unable to participate in scheduled activities, it is their responsibility to contact the coordinator in charge for other arrangements. Parents are responsible for teaching their children the lessons that they have missed and notifying the teacher when the child will be absent from a class.

Catechists shall attend all teacher meetings and related activities indicated in preparation to teach their class. Teachers should notify parents and coordinator of any cancellation of class as soon as possible.

DISCIPLINE

No catechist shall be required to retain in his/her class any child whose attitude or mannerisms are disruptive and noncooperative. These children shall be referred to the coordinator, who shall contact the parents. If the behavior persists, the child shall be removed from the class and placed on a “parent teach own” program. The problem will be considered in determining class placement for the following year.