Children involved in L.I.F.E. programs will be introduced to life in the Catholic Church and be encouraged to grow in four areas.  They consist of Prayer, Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and Liturgy.  Below, these tasks are broken down to reflect how 5th graders will address each of the areas.

General Focus

Strengthened in sacramental life of the Church, we are better able to live like Jesus in making choices for God and others.  We enter into a new way of life when we celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation.  Through the sacraments we live more fully in the Holy Spirit as members of the Church, united in diversity under the magisterium.  The fullness of our life in Jesus Christ will find completion at the Last Judgment when we face our Savior.  

Prayer

• Sign of the Cross        
• Apostle’s Creed          
• Lord’s Prayer       
• Act of Contrition  

Scripture

Children will be introduced to our Biblical ancestors through the Old Testament.  They will continue to hear how God speaks to us through the Bible.  Areas of focus will include:

• Incarnation                                 
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Passover                                    
• Assumption 

Catholic Social Teaching

Children will learn more about the teaching that all life is sacred and must be treated with dignity.  They will continue to explore their responsibility to help the poor and vulnerable while identifying their role in their families, communities, and Church.   

Liturgy

The overarching theme of the Mass and sacraments continue to be taught.  Areas of focus will include:

              Sanctifying Grace                     Stations of the Cross

              Domestic Church                     Liturgical Year

              Real Presence                          Transubstantiation

              Sacraments of Healing 

Mass Notes

New this year, Mass Notes are a tool to help children focus on Mass while answering questions as well as asking a few of their own.  These forms can be picked up and returned in the coat room.  

Children in 5th grade will need to complete a minimum of 18 Mass notes during the year.   

Web Links

http://www.findinggod.org/         

This website supports the curriculum used for the 5th grade.  At this site you will find information and activities for both parents and children.  There are also some great prayer resources and pod-casts.