K-8 Faith Formation

Grade 1: Key points

• is aware that the Bible contains God’s word
• recognizes God, the Father, in creation
• learns that prayer is listening to and talking to God
• sees why morning, mealtime and night prayers are important
• learns to share with others, respect others, and how we show care and concern for the poor and the suffering

Grade 2: Key points

• Jesus is the Son of God and came to bring us God’s Word
• the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and was sent by Jesus to be with us
• the Catholic Church is a family of believers and a community of Jesus’ followers
• Jesus died for us on a cross
• Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday to give us new life
• at Mass we gather together as God’s family and pray the responses
• we share what we have with others
• the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift flowing from Baptism

Grade 3: Key points

• the marks of the Church are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic
• there is a difference between spontaneous prayer and liturgical prayer
• the Apostle’s Creed is an important prayer
• there are two parts to the Mass: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Grade 4: Key points

• the Bible teaches about God’s goodness within ourselves and our world
• all members of the Church are members of the Body of Christ
• the Ten Commandments teach us how to love God and others
• the Holy Spirit and the Church help us to choose what is right
• the Beatitudes teach us to trust God, forgive, and have mercy for others
• the virtues of faith, hope, and love

Grade 5: Key points

• the Psalms are prayers for Jews and Christians found in the Old Testament
• there are four gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
• there are 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
• there are 2 Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick
• there are 2 Sacraments of Vocation: Marriage and Holy Orders
• the Rosary is a prayer that reflects Jesus’ and Mary’s lives
• there are ways of working for a more just and fair world

Grade 6: Key points

• there are 46 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament
• the experience of God’s people is recorded in the Old Testament
• the Old Testament, which contains the roots of our faith, is fulfilled in Jesus Christ
the covenant relationship with God found in the Old Testament
• the role of the prophets and how to relate to everyday suffering, injustice, and death
• the Eucharistic Liturgy is the community’s central act of worship
• the reign of God is justice and peace

Grade 7: Key points

• the New Testament teaches us about the person of Jesus and what following Jesus and living the Good News mean
• the teachings of Jesus include teachings on God, prayer, justice and peace, service and moral life
• the Paschal Mystery is Jesus’ dying, rising, and sending of the Sprit to live forever with God’s people
• Pentecost is a celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples
• Jesus is both God and human
• the Gospel values affirm and challenge our thoughts and actions
• Jesus’ life is an example of carrying the cross and living a life of service
• the Beatitudes show us the way to Christian conversion

Grade 8: Key points

• Catholic beliefs are sound and rooted in tradition
• the Catholic Christian faith is a personal response to Jesus and requires a relationship with Jesus
• the Nicene Creed is a composite of Catholic beliefs
• Catholics are called to liturgical ministries
• service is an essential element of discipleship
• the infallibility of the Church in the area of faith and morals.
• develop virtuous habits, pray to discern the vocation to which God is calling them and actively form their conscience correctly.