FAITH FORMATION FOR STUDENTS
GRADES 1 – 8: “Truth in Christ”
The Our Lady of Hope Religious Education programs, “Truth in Christ” are focused on nurturing our faith as well as sharing knowledge about God. We feel very strongly that parents are the primary educators of their children; therefore, our program is designed to enhance the foundation that you as parents are already giving to your children.
Our four basic objectives are interwoven into the curriculum of each grade:
- To bring every student closer to Jesus through the message of the Gospels.
- To guide our children in forming values and a moral code in harmony with our Christian beliefs.
- To develop and encourage lives of prayer and worship through the Liturgy and tradition; and
- To encourage and foster a spirit of service to others in our own community and beyond.
We are preparing children for discipleship and citizenship. It is our hope that the parents and parish of Our Lady of Hope can work together in partnership to give children the knowledge and example they need to become people who give witness to their Catholic Christian faith. Participation in weekly Mass and prayer in the home are integral to the spiritual growth of children and adults. We hope that the information and teaching they receive from our program supplements what they see and do within the family.
This is our mission, and it is an awesome responsibility. Please pray that together we can accomplish our objectives. The parish is the center of faith formation for Catholics. Every person in the pews, every Catholic in your parish community…child or adult…is on their own journey toward Christ and a life of discipleship.
Grades 1-5: “Living God’s Story”
Grades 1-5 follow a preparatory program to introduce children to Catholic principles and values in ways that are age appropriate and fun. “Living God’s Story” is a Bible based program based on the Discover! curriculum. Each week, the lessons begin with a Bible passage which is broken down and related to the world the children are living in. We use various components such as these catechist textbooks, Bible readings, games, activities, acts of service and general discussions to promote a close relationship with Jesus and explore their Catholic faith in more detail. There will be family Masses throughout the year that the children can participate in to help deepen the knowledge of the Mass itself and the Sacred Eucharist.
Classes are offered on Sunday mornings 10-11 am. We follow a specific First Penance and First Communion preparation during their grade 2 year with grade 1 also preparing them for these special sacraments. Each year builds on the one before, creating a strong foundation of Catholic values. Our goal is for the children to explore their faith, connect with each other and the teachers, and truly learn to know Jesus in their hearts.
For those not able to attend in person, home-study materials can be provided to families that would like to teach their child at home, or to catch up on missed lessons.
Grades 6, 7, 8: “Come Holy Spirit”
Our 6-8th grade students will be meeting once a week to participate in our Edge Middle School and Confirmation prep program, “Come Holy Spirit”. Students meet to explore their faith with community among their peers and fellowship within the parish. With engaging activities, pertinent lectures and faith-based lessons, the students will grow in their Catholic faith as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of their 8th grade year. We plan to offer a few youth Masses throughout the year.
Classes are offered on Sunday nights from 6 to 7:30pm in the Church Hall.
Youth Program: “Rise Up!”
For the first time, we’re also offering High School students (grades 9-12) an opportunity to gather with their peers in a faith-based setting to explore their faith, ask questions and receive guidance to the many issues facing our youth today. We will offer movie nights, guest speakers and outings and acts of service to help reinforce their faith and help them to develop an even stronger bond with Jesus Christ.
OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
We are offering an OCIA program for adults that would like to become members of the Catholic Church. Through this program, students will learn the catechism of the Catholic faith and discern whether to become a Catholic Christian. Meetings will be held from fall-spring culminating in an unbaptized adult receiving baptism at the Easter Vigil or someone who may have been baptized a Catholic, receiving their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Volunteers
Our Lady of Hope is blessed with many positive role models - faith witnesses who serve as examples of what it truly means to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. We ask you to step forward to share your faith journey through any of our Religious Education Programs. We have rewarding volunteer opportunities as teachers or co-teachers, and substitutes. On-going teacher training and support is always offered.
All volunteers must complete a “CORI” form and take a one-time, mandatory “Protecting God’s Children” workshop.
Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement to this Ministry and to Our Lady of Hope Parish.
Sincerely in Christ,
Kristen Monahan, DRE & Living God’s Story Program Coordinator (Gr. 1-5)
Debra Brown, Come Holy Spirit, EDGE Program Coordinator (Gr. 6-8)
John Cusolito, OCIA Coordinator
