K-5 Kindergarten Kindergartners are reminded to follow the example of the teachings of Jesus in their daily interactions with each other. They learn about Jesus’ life on earth as a baby, born to Mary, and his life growing up in The Holy Family. Jesus becomes a friend as students’ knowledge flourishes into a more meaningful understanding of God’s word. The lives of the saints are celebrated, not only on All Saints Day, but throughout the year. Our Kindergartners have the opportunity to utilize their religion text, hands on crafts, Bible stories, and conversations and prayers with their teachers and brothers and sisters in Christ to further develop in their Catholic faith.  Grade 1 First graders grow as a disciple of Jesus by learning about God the Father’s love for all people. Students pray to the Blessed Trinity, and they come to understand what Jesus taught us about loving God, ourselves, and others through The Great Commandment. First Graders also learn that Jesus died and rose to bring us new life, and they recognize that the Pope and bishops lead the Church in caring for and serving others. The Sacrament of Baptism is an important Unit of Study in first grade, and students are asked to act as “children of the light” by showing Christ to others. Finally, first graders, in preparation for their First Holy Communion in second grade, learn about the Last Supper and the Mass. Throughout the year, students pray to the Saints and try to follow their example, and they work toward being good stewards of God’s creation.  Grade 2 The primary focus of second grade religion is preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students learn all the parts of the Mass and how to follow the priest during Mass. Students review that Jesus is the Son of God, that God loves us, and that we are welcomed into the Church through the sacraments of initiation. In preparation for the Sacrament of Penance, students learn of God’s message of love through the Bible, the covenants and laws that God gave to His people, and how we can examine our conscience based on those laws. Second grade students sit toward the front of the church during school Masses so they can deepen their understanding of the parts of the Mass, the Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Sending Forth reminds us to love and serve others through service, worship and prayer. Finally, second graders study the saints and how to model them. We too, become disciples of the Lord by showing our love for Jesus through prayer and following his life by sharing the gospels.  Grade 3 The focus of third grade religion is “We Are the Church.” Students begin the year by learning about Jesus’ life, from the Annunciation until his death. They also briefly explore the formation of the early Church. Next, the students are introduced to our Church today, and they especially concentrate on the four marks of the Church. Throughout the year, students review the centrality of the Mass and its importance to our faith, and the seven sacraments are explored in detail. Finally, students are reminded about their call called to be disciples of Jesus, especially looking to the saints of the church and how they lived their faith. Grade 4 Students in grade four focus on how to be good disciples of Jesus. They do this through in-depth study of the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Students discuss and take part in real-world experiences that allow them to share their faith and live out the teachings of Jesus. There is also a focus on the parts of the Mass and the Liturgical Year. Students participate in a Mass that is planned by homeroom, and they present the Passion Play to the school community during Lent. These activities allow them to truly know what it is to be a part of the Body of Christ and how to be good disciples of Jesus.  Grade 5 Students in grade 5 study core Catholic beliefs, practices, and principles so all students can truly live out their faith. In our We Believe textbook, students “Meet Jesus in the Sacraments” by learning about Jesus’ mission and how He shares God’s life with us. Each of the Sacraments is then explained in relationship to our life with God. 5th Graders prepare the school mass twice each year and present a living Stations of the Cross during Holy Week.