Religious Education at SDSC

Because Gospel values inform everything we do, the teaching of Religion is of primary importance at SDSC. We teach our children the Doctrines, Scriptures, and Traditions of the Church, and join in Eucharistic liturgical celebrations throughout the year. 

At the end of each grade from third to eighth, students take the Archdiocesan Religion Exam to measure their knowledge, understanding and lived experience of their faith.  SDSC takes pride that our students continue to achieve a 100% pass rate on this exam!


Here is a brief overview of what the students learn in each Grade Level.

Kindergarten

Children encounter Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, a loving caretaker and protector who wants to keep them safely by his side. Children hear simple versions of Bible stories and learn basic prayers of praise and thanksgiving. They learn the events in the life of Jesus.

 

First Grade 

Students are introduced to God as the Creator of all things on earth and in heaven. They learn that God is all-loving, all-holy, all-powerful and all-knowing, and that humans respond to him with love and gratitude. Children are taught that each person is created in God’s image and has dignity and value. Students learn of their responsibility to respect life and care for themselves and other people and things God created.

 

Second Grade 

This is a milestone year in the spiritual growth of our students!  Children prepare to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist (Holy Communion). They learn more about the life of Jesus and their parents are invited to develop a close relationship with Jesus through the sacraments. Children become familiar with the liturgical calendar. They understand the gifts of free will and forgiveness through the sacrament of Penance and learn that frequent participation in the Holy Eucharist strengthens the life-long bond with Christ that began at their Baptism.

 

Third Grade

Students learn about living as part of a faith community. They study the seven sacraments of the Church and how God instituted them to bring his people closer to him.

Fourth Grade

Children study basic morality. They learn the lessons and rules Jesus gave his people to help them to be happy and contribute to the well-being of others. Students explore the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as well as practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

 

Fifth Grade

Students concentrate on deepening their personal relationship with Jesus. They study the Sacraments again, now from the perspective of people in a loving, respectful relationship with God.

Sixth Grade

Students encounter the mystery of God through his involvement with people in history. They study how God reveals himself through the Old and New Testaments. They learn about Jesus as the fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of the longings of the human heart. 

Seventh Grade

Students look closely at the Gospels and study the Sacraments as expressions of their reciprocal relationship with Jesus. Students begin to explore the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual growth they experience as adolescents. They address the challenges they face in developing and acting responsibly. They also prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.


Eighth Grade

Students explore how the choices they make affect relationships with one another and within communities. They study Church history and learn lessons of leadership and social responsibility. They also learn different ways to pray as part of the Catholic community and as individuals who give expression to their own hearts.  Finally, through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the students are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and are received as young adults in the Catholic Church.


Throughout the curriculum, Faith In Action is emphasized by giving the students opportunities to be of service and to live their social responsibility.  Participation in Mass and Prayer as a school community is an integral part of the common experience and reinforces both the Religion Curriculum and the Faith Life of the Church.


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