Faith Education.Religious Ed.K-8.Holy Family Parish.Amesbury

Holy Family Parish

Faith Education

Religious Ed
K - 8th Grade

Together in Christ
for the Greater Glory of God

Religious Education at Holy Family Parish

Religious Education classes from Kindergarten through 4th Grade are held during the academic year on Sunday mornings from 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM, followed by Family Mass at 10:30 AM. 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade classes are held during the academic year on Monday evenings from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Religious Ed Registration Forms and K - 8th Grade schedules/info pages are available online or in the Parish office.

First Communion curriculum is a two year program at Holy Family within Religious Ed. It is required that children attend Religious Education classes in the 1st Grade and then move on to 2nd Grade for preparation of First Reconciliation and First Communion. Such ensures that Holy Family children are fully prepared to receive the Holy Eucharist in May of 2nd Grade, and as well, that they are grounded in the discipline of Religious Education for the next six Grades and thereafter.

Students participating within Religious Ed at Holy Family are expected:

Along with their families to be full participating members of the Parish.
To attend Mass with their families on a regular basis.
To participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
To be committed to Religious Education along with their parents who will need to attend parental meetings and family events as scheduled within the Religious Ed program.
To exercise class etiquette.
To be respectful to/of teachers and other students.
To be a positive, contributing member to classroom activities and discussions.
To behave as appropriate to an educational environment. (Inappropriate Behavior will not be tolerated and parent(s) will be notified accordingly.)

Cancelation of class due to inclement weather

If Amesbury Public Schools have cancelled classes or ordered early release, Holy Family Religious Education is cancelled for that day. On the weekends, please check Religious Ed Weather Status for the status of classes.

Jump to Grade: K - 1st - 2nd - 3rd - 4th - 5th - 6th - 7th - 8th

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Kindergarten

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this early classroom experience in preparation for 1st Grade. Creative projects help focus young minds and bodies (not always an easy task), and augment classroom stories and instruction. Children learn about God and His majesty; choices that please God; and prayer.

See Kindergarten Schedule and Info Page.

First Grade

This year teaches children about God's love, following Jesus, belonging to the Church and living the Catholic faith. Topics include the life of Jesus, the Trinity, and the child's part in God's plan. Children, as well, learn basic prayers and about the Bible, about the Holy Family, and about the Sacraments and Mass; and they begin early preparation for the Eucharist. Stories from the Old Testament and New Testament, Mary, and the Saints reinforce the learning process.

See First Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Second Grade

Fall lessons encompass Scripture, Church teachings on God's love and forgiveness, and the signs, symbols and meaning of the Penance. Formal preparation for First Reconciliation is integral to the semester, culminating in First Reconciliation during December. Within the winter semester, lessons encompass Scripture, Church teaching on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the elements of the Mass. Formal preparation for First Holy Communion is integral to this semester, culminating in the partaking of First Holy Eucharist during May.

See Second Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Third Grade

Lessons explore Jesus's gift of the Church, being a member of the Church, the Church's leadership role in worship, and the call of each child to discipleship. Subject matter includes God's love, the Apostles and the Apostles Creed, life within the Parish,respect for all people, the meaning of eternal life and more.

See Third Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Fourth Grade

This year's focus is on the Commandments as guides to holiness. Lessons explore growing in Jesus; the Commandments, especially as they apply to helping the child love God and love others; and the call to holiness. Subject matter includes understanding Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life; God's laws, sin, conscience and Reconciliation; and holiness.

See Fourth Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Fifth Grade

Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments is the focus of 5th Grade Religious Ed. Lessons include Jesus sharing His life with the children of God through Baptism; the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist as completing the Sacraments of Initiation; the refreshing Sacraments of Healing; and the Sacraments of Vocation; as well as the mission and calendar of the Church; and the Triduum.

See Fifth Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Sixth Grade

Middle schoolers need a religious education program that addresses real-life teen issues and different learning styles. The Discovering Program used at Holy Family focuses on relationship building, active student participation, and sound religious principles. 6th Grade Religious Ed is comprised of the following:

Becoming Friends which centers on starting and maintaining healthful friendships and ending weak or destructive friendships, differentiating between healthful and unhealthful relationships with persons of the same or other sex and with significant adults, and relating human friendship to friendship with God.
Exploring the Bible which is a skill-centered set of lessons that help young people learn what the Bible is, where it came from, how to use it, and how it can relate to their own life. The subject matter also includes how the Church uses the Bible in its liturgical seasons and communal worship.
Meeting Jesus which helps students clarify their understanding of Jesus and His message and encourages them to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer.
Understanding Myself which encourages students to recognize and understand factors that shape self-concept, to identify individual giftedness and refine personal values, to target areas requiring growth and improvement, and to assess the role of Christian faith in their own life.

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See Sixth Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Seventh Grade

Continuing with the Discovering Program, 7th Grade Religious Ed is comprised of the following:

Being Catholic which identifies specific aspects of Catholicism, enables adolescents to consider what it means to be a Catholic Christian, and helps them integrate a sense of Catholic identity with their identity as persons.
Exploring the Story of Israel which acquaints students with the story of the people of Israel as recorded in the Old Testament and with the major themes that permeate these Scriptures.
Gathering to Celebrate which helps young people understand and appreciate the Church's seven Sacraments as rites that celebrate Christ's living presence and activity within the community of faith.
Making Decisions which gives instruction on the decision-making skills needed when adolescents encounter tough choices, including moral dilemmas. These lessons help students identify influences on their decision making and consider the consequences of their decisions.

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See Seventh Grade Schedule and Info Page.

Eighth Grade

8th Grade Religious Ed continues with the Discovering Program and is comprised of the following:

Learning to Communicate which explores effective interpersonal communication, helps students understand and practice communication skills, and allows students to assess their strengths and weaknesses regarding communication.
Dealing with Tough Times which provides young people with the understanding and skills required to deal with the difficult experiences of life associated with the tween group. The subject matter centers on loneliness, rejection, stress, and loss, and it suggests specific approaches to help young people learn to cope.
Celebrating the Eucharist which helps young people understand and appreciate the origins, history, and central meaning of the Eucharist, fostering a more active involvement in the celebration of the Mass.
Seeking Justice which focuses on human dignity, respect, compassion, and responsibility for creation while connecting these themes to the lives of students. Grounded in the Scriptures and in Catholic social teaching, the subject matter helps young people face justice and peace issues in ways appropriate to their age.