Elementary Age Children's Faith Formation Overview
We serve God by serving the children and having them encounter and build a relationship with Jesus. While each grade level learns prayers, grows in faith by developing a stronger relationship with Jesus, develops friendships and a sense of community with one another, and learns to understand the beauty and richness of our Catholic faith, there is a focus at each grade level.
Grade Level Focus
PreK & Kindergarten focus on Jesus loving them and Creation of the World.
First Grade continue to focus on God loving us with lessons introducing formal prayers, the Trinity, the 10 Commandments, the Mass and Sacraments.
Second Grade is a milestone year in the Children’s faith journey. The first semester focuses on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the second semester prepares the children to make their First Holy Communion.
Third Grade, the children concentrate on the Mass, especially the Gospels each week. The children receive their own Missal for Mass and will begin to learn the Mysteries of the Rosary.
Fourth Grade, the children grow closer to the Virgin Mary through Marian devotion, discussing Novenas, continuing to study the Mysteries of the Rosary. They also gain greater understanding and knowledge of the Saints.
Fifth Grade, the children study the Old & New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs of the Bible. Each child receives their own Bible with the hope that this gift will be something they will use and treasure the rest of their lives.
Sacramental Preparation
Second Grade is typically when the children receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. During their course of study, we seek to lead the children to a fuller understanding of the practice of the Sacraments through learning together, celebrating the Sacraments with the parish, and living out their Catholic faith at home and in the community.
If your child is beyond the second grade and has not yet received these Sacraments, please contact Patricia Evans pevans@charlestondiocese.org 803-729-4625 (No text) and know that every effort will be made to help your child receive these Sacraments.
The Children and the Parents are required to attend a One Day Reconciliation Retreat for first semester and First Holy Communion Retreat in the Spring.
If you are new to the parish and/or have not previously provided your child’s Sacramental Certificate(s), please provide a copy to the Parish Office. A Baptismal Form must be on file for a child to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion.
Reconciliation
The Father's Divine Mercy invites us, through the urging of his Holy Spirit, to admit our sins, express our sorrow, and encounter the forgiving love of Christ. To prepare, the children study the Ten Commandments, Examination of Conscience, and learn the Act of Contrition.
First Holy Communion
Through Jesus's sacrifice of love made present by the Spirit, the children encounter the Real Presence of Christ in his Word and in his Body. The Eucharist draws us into intimacy with Jesus and strengthens us to live as missionary disciples.
