Religious Education and Faith Formation
Mission Statement:
As a part of Our Lady of the Lake Community, the children's catechesis program is designed to help all children learn and understand the Gospel message as proclaimed and taught by the Catholic Church. This enables children to celebrate the message within the community, and to translate that message into service.
Religious Education Classes - General Information:
We offer a variety of Religious Education classes for children and youth that are 3 years old through 12th grade to help parents fulfill their responsibility of training them in the practice of faith and keeping God’s commandments. It is the expectation of the Church that we continue to grow in faith throughout our lives. We offer a quality program at various times, see below, to best meet your family’s needs.
Class Times:
|
Day |
Time |
Grades |
Location |
Coordinator |
|
Sunday |
9a.m. and 11a.m. |
3yr-K |
Our Lady of the Lake |
Debbie Kraus |
|
Sunday |
6:30-8:00 p.m. |
6th-12th |
Our Lady of the Lake |
Sue Dill |
|
Tuesday |
6:30-8:00 p.m. |
1st-5th |
Our Lady of the Lake |
Debbie Kraus |
|
Wednesday |
4:30-6:00 p.m. |
3yr-5th |
Our Lady of the Lake |
Mary Ann Hensley |
|
Wednesday |
6:30-8:00 p.m. |
3yr-12th |
Corpus Christi Center |
Debbie Kraus/Sue Dill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Curriculim Overview
Preschool - 3 year olds
Lively Bible Lessons for Preschoolers combines lively learning and colorful art projects. The children
begin to learn about themselves, others, their faith, and celebrations using their senses of hearing,
seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling.
Preschool - 4 year olds
Our Bible Story program includes a rich and fascinating collection of Old Testament stories specially
adapted for the young child. These stories help children understand that God’s gift of love was with our
faith ancestors just as it is with us today. Through Our Bible Story, children come to know God, a God
in whom they can put their trust and with whom they can grow in love and friendship.
Kindergarten
The Worship Center approach merges worship education and the more traditional Sunday school curriculum.
We approach God with reverence and wonder. We hear His Word proclaimed and respond in praise. Then
we go forth in peace and love to serve in God’s name.
Grades 1-5
Grades 1-5 at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, St. Francis de Sales Parish, and Corpus Christi Catholic School
use the Coming to Faith curriculum by Sadlier. Grade 1: Coming to God, Grade 2: Coming to Jesus, Grade
3: Coming to the Church, Grade 4: Coming to God’s Love, Grade 5: Coming to God’s Life. For specific
information and home activities go to www.ComingToFaith.com.
Grades 6 & 7
Younger teens need a religious education program that addresses real-life teen issues and different learning
styles. In addition to lessons on current liturgical seasons and participation in two service projects and
the liturgy of the Mass, The Discovering Program by Zanzig, is taught. This comprehensive set of 6-session
mini-courses focuses on relationship building, active student participation, and sound religious principles.
Grade 6 courses are: Exploring the Bible, Exploring the Story of Israel, Being Catholic, and Celebrating the
Eucharist. Grade 7 courses are: Meeting Jesus, Seeking Justice, Praying, and Making Decisions.
Grades 8 & 9
Confirmed in a Faithful Community by Zanzig, is a comprehensive program with a solid grounding in the
initiation theology of the RCIA with age-appropriate goals and content and a deep commitment to active learning.
Topics covered are Catholic tradition and its remarkably rich beliefs and practices, “the basics” of Catholic
Christianity and how Catholics understand and celebrate those basics, the Bible, prayer, and key church
teachings.
Grade 10
The R.O.C. (Rite of Confirmation) Confirmation Series, by LifeTeen, is a comprehensive Catholic model of
preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. R.O.C. helps teens grow closer to Christ and His Church, draws
them into a deeper faith, and provides young people with a life changing experience that will keep them involved
in their faith community long after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Grades 11 & 12
Students in 11th and 12th grades may register and attend one or both of the following classes.
Closer Look into the Bible (Wednesday only)--
This Lectionary based Bible study will guide observations, understanding, and determination of the main teaching
of the Scriptures to be proclaimed in the weekend liturgies. After study of the readings and hearing them again
during the Mass, the teens will discover that Christ Himself becomes present in a special way. Teens will
gradually put on the mind of Christ so that they will be able to find answers for our time and world that reflect
God’s creative and saving will for all people.
Closer Look into the Catholic Faith (Sunday only)--
Teens will enjoy this program that exposes them to relevant, real-world topics, adolescent issues, and an in-depth
study of our faith. Topics include History of the Church, Prayer & Worship, Scripture, and Christian Living.
