The curriculum for the St Thomas Elementary School Faith Formation program is based on the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies. Please feel free to explore the program and see all the resources and activities it offers at www.pflaum.com.
All children will also receive instruction throughout the year based on the liturgical calendar and seasons within the church calendar including Holy Days of Obligation, Advent, Christmas, Lent (including Stations of the Cross), and Easter.
In addition to this program, other supplemental booklets and curriculum materials are used to teach additional content at each grade level.
Content covered at each level is as follows:
Grade 1: The Bible divided into 2 parts (old and new testaments), stories of creation, Noah and the ark, Jesus's birth, Jesus performing miracles, His death and resurrection, prayer (Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary).
Grade 2: The Mass being divided into 4 parts (Introductory Rite, Liturgy of the Word including the gospel and homily), Liturgy of the Eucharist including the consecration and the Lord's prayer, and the Concluding Rite), and sacramental preparation for Reconciliation (including an introduction to the 10 Commandments) in the Fall.
First Eucharist typically takes place in Grade 2. Preparation classes for First Eucharist are family-centered. Children must be at least 7 years old and enrolled in our Faith Formation classes in order for the family to enroll in the First Eucharist preparation program.
Grade 3: The Rosary ~~the prayers including the Apostle's Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory be, and the 4 sets of mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious).
Grade 4: Reconciliation. All 4th graders will receive more instruction on the sacrament of reconciliation (including the 10 commandments) and will prepare to receive (either again or for the first time) the sacrament in March.
Grade 5: Our Parish Church (the building and people) and the Mass with focus on the creed {Apostles' and Nicene}.