PreK – Grade 6
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What is Faith Formation?What is Faith Formation?
"Children have the capacity to pose meaningful questions relative to creation, to God's identity, to the reason for good and evil, and are capable of rejoicing before the mystery of life and love." (DC 236).
To this end, we are obligated to form our children in the ways of the faith so as to help guide them in truth and enter into a relationship with God.
Our goal at St. Charles is to provide your child with an encounter with God through scripture, prayer, and the witness of our fine catechists. It is a continual process wherein we walk with the children starting in preschool to develop in them their understanding of what it means to be a child of God and how to serve through love of God and neighbor. We use the “Word of Life” curriculum from the Augustine Institute in our K-8 program.
The classes are on Sunday mornings during the academic year. Classes for Kindergarten through 8th grade meet on Sunday mornings from 10:30 AM until 11:45 AM beginning on August 18, 2024 and lasting until May 4, 2025.
Contact our Faith Formation Director to register your child, or pick up a registration form in the parish office.
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Contact Us
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pstasoparish.dol-in.orgDirector of Faith Formation
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Some of the Major Concepts at each level are:
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Theme
There are two unifying key truths taught at the PreK/K level: God and creation, while emphasizing the dignity of each child made in God's image. They are also introduced to Trinity, sin, Baptism and many bible stories.
AimTo introduce preschool and kindergarten children to God and the Church.
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Theme
Introduction to the Holy Trinity through presentations on God the Father, the life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God's plan of salvation and our part in that plan. Acquaints children with Mary, angels, and the saints. Children learn basic prayers.
Sequence
- Ch. 1-8: The Old Testament, God our Creator; our home in Heaven lost through original sin; the world prepares for the Savior.
- Ch. 9-21: The Incarnation, life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
- Ch. 22-28: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and Mary our mother.
Aim
To introduce first-grade students to the Church's faith regarding the Triune God, the life of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the life of prayer, with a special emphasis on growing to know, love, and trust God.
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Second grade focuses on preparing the children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist. They will learn about sin and forgiveness. The Liturgy of the Mass will be explored in great detail and they will be taught about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. There is also a retreat for First Communicants in April.
The parents or guardians of children receiving Reconciliation and First Communion this year have four required meetings as part of the preparation process. Please refer to the current Faith Formation calendar for the dates and times.
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Theme
God's plan of salvation, from creation to the Incarnation and Redemption to the birth of the Church at Pentecost and our life in the Church. Special emphasis on the importance of Confession, Communion and the Mass.
Sequence
- Ch. 1-7: The Old Testament covenant with God.
- Ch. 8-14: Obedience through love of God and his laws. In Confession we meet Jesus in his mercy.
- Ch. 15-25: The life of Jesus and Jesus in the sacrifice of the Mass.
- Ch. 26-30: Our part in the Church born of the Holy Spirit; our relationship with Mary and the Communion of Saints.
Aim
To show third and fourth grade students that they belong to God's chosen people and that the child's family is an important part of God's family, the Church. Also, to encourage prayer and love for God's law.
Every other year, the children make banners of the Three Kings prior to Christmas which will be hung in the gym during the Christmas season.
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Theme
A thorough study of the articles of the Creed as the basic belief of our Catholic faith, with a special emphasis on careful understanding of definitions through the words of the Gospels, and the prophets, and the prayers of the Church.
Sequence
- Unit 1: God the Father of All. The Old Testament and mankind's participation in and loss of God's life.
- Unit 2: God the Son, the Redeemer. The fulfillment of God's plan in Christ, God and Man.
- Unit 3: God, the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier. Our call to holiness and witness in the Church.
Aim
To help fifth and sixth grade students acquire a solid knowledge of God and his Church through the understanding of the Creed we profess, and the distinguished truths of our faith from errors that lead away from the love of God.
A field trip for 5th/6th graders will be held in April alternating between St. John, Indiana where there is a life-sized rendition of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, and The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics located in Maria Stein, OH.
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