Christian Formation - Elementary Gr. 1-6 - Prayer Experiences

PRAYER EXPERIENCES

Learning prayers and facts about our faith is integral to growing as a Catholic individual.  However, reciting to someone you may or may not know isn't always the easiest thing to do. Prayer Experiences have replaced the "Listener in the Hall" method of learning important prayers and facts about Catholicism.

What does this mean? It's actually more complicated to explain than it will be to implement, but here goes. Each we we will offer six different prayer experiences, broken down into two Levels Early Elementary for Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Presentations A, B and C) and Upper Elementary for Grades 4, 5 and 6 (Presentations D, E and F).

Children and parents will access the Prayer Experiences from our website. For instance, one program will focus on the two DIFFERENT Creeds we pray, why we have two creeds, what they mean (who runs around using words like Consubstantial in daily  language?) and then have a fun activity, too! In another program we will learn about the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and do a family based service project to benefit those in need. Many great opportunities are scheduled!

The plan is that as your child moves through lower elementary grades (1, 2 and 3) they have those three years to complete one from each of the A, B and C Presentations.  You can complete one a year or all three in one year. But, as a third grader moves into fourth grade, a new series of three presentations (D, E and F) are offered and again, before moving on to Youth Ministry, the three would be required.

We will have some periods of adjustments as current third grade students and sixth grade students are NOT expected to attend ALL three from their levels this year. HOWEVER, based on the grade your child is currently in, requirements will be applied on a pro-rated basis. Watch for continued reminders on what grades need to attend what as the year advances.

The push is on from both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as well as nationwide to involve parents in the formation of their children, learning together. I firmly believe offering a "blended approach" to catechesis (both traditional classroom formation coupled with some family based programming) will offer us at St. Leonard Catholic Church and School a comprehensive approach to faith development.

So, gone will be the days of trying to remember words for word's sake and we are ushering in a time of understanding WHAT we are saying and doing (and WHY we are doing it). Please be sure to schedule yourselves and your child for the appropriate levels of Prayer Experiences for the coming year. 

Our hope is to better partner with parents in their role as the primary educators of their children.