Religion Curriculum
The religion program is given a preeminent position in the curriculum. Ample time is allotted for comprehensive development of the subject not only through instruction, but also through religious experience. In addition to the study of the gospel message, the program includes regular prayer and opportunities to serve the school, parish and civic communities through the Service Learning Approach. An I.H.M. scope and sequence provides guidelines regarding the themes, topics, prayers, and formulae to be covered at each grade level, and the Loyola University Press Christ Our Life series is the basic text in grades Kindergarten through 8.
Grades 1- 8 have the opportunity to plan and minister a first Friday or special liturgy. The 5th grade ministers as the cantors and choir at liturgical celebrations.
The Service Learning Approach to Catholic Christian service is utilized in grades K-8 and follows a process of exploration, concrete action, and reflection. Class outreaches are generated from curriculum, by students and their teachers, and a relationship is established between those serving and those being served.
Students and faculty have retreat opportunities throughout the year. The Student Council Board has a leadership role in the observance of Advent and Lent.
Some prayer services in the liturgical year include: a Rosary prayer service, All Saints Day parade, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Advent Outreach prayer service, Lenten Outreach and All School Retreat, Stations of the Cross and May Crowning. Reconciliation is scheduled twice a year during Advent and Lent.
Here is the Religion Curriculum Student Outcomes Grades K-8 as stated by the Diocese. For detailed curriculum by topic contact the Diocese of San Jose Education Department.
Kindergarten
God is a loving creator, the Creator of all things; to begin to identify and enjoy God’s creation; to create an awareness that we are members of God’s family.
1st Grade
God our Creator gives us life and grace, and promises us eternal life through Jesus. To identify clearly that the Bible is God’s word to us. To establish that through Baptism we belong to God’s family, the church. To create an awareness that we worship together through prayer and liturgy. To develop an understanding that people deserve our love and respect. To enhance further the concept that God is our creator while introducing Jesus as savior. To learn Catholic Christian traditions such as the Rosary, study of the Saints, and the liturgical seasons of the Church.
2nd Grade
Jesus shows us His Father’s love through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. To introduce the sacraments as signs through which we experience God. To provide preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. To develop an awareness of the three persons of the Trinity. To demonstrate that people respond to God’s word by living His Law of Love. To illustrate that the family is a reflection of God’s loving presence.
3rd Grade
Jesus continues His life and work through His Church. To grow in an understanding of the church. To experience the Church as Christian community.
4th Grade
We are called to live as Jesus did: choosing a life of love, service and obedience to God especially in light of the Ten Commandments. To develop an understanding of the Christian way of life. To examine concepts of right and wrong based on Christian teaching and the Ten Commandments. To appreciate the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a sign of God’s mercy.
5th Grade
The Sacraments are the center of our whole liturgical life which nourishes and strengthens us. To develop an understanding that the sacraments are celebrated through the use of sacred signs and symbols. To emphasize that Christ’s presence in our lives is celebrated in the sacraments and through prayer. To establish that we participate in God’s own life through the sacraments.
6th Grade
God’s people are challenged throughout history to follow the teachings of Jesus and His ancestors as seen in Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. To introduce Jesus’ ancestors and events that occurred before his coming. To grow and respond in faith by becoming familiar with the people in Hebrew and Christian Scriptures who were faithful to God. To become more aware of the Kingdom of God in our midst. To recognize the place of the Word of God in our lives.
7th Grade
Our faith calls us to listen and respond to the message of Jesus. To discover the teachings of Jesus through Christian Scriptures. To understand and recognize visible signs of God’s grace. To respond to Christ’s message with action.
8th Grade
Our faith calls us to examine and appreciate Church history and our role within the Church community now and in the future. To learn about the history of the Church. To understand one’s role in the Church’s community. To recognize that all people are called to further the kingdom by living the Good News of the Gospel.
This is the Sacramental year for Confirmation. Eight graders do service to the parish, community and greater society.