5TH, 6TH & 7TH GRADES

Faith Formation at Christ the Redeemer is rooted in the contemplative, Montessori-based style of spiritual development called The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). CGS uses Montessori teaching principles to present the most essential realities of the Catholic faith to even very young children. Central to CGS is the beautifully prepared sacred “classroom” space called the Atrium, which provides a retreat-like place of serenity, joy and discovery for the child. Specially designed materials and inspiring presentations help children explore areas of religious formation appropriate to their developmental age. The outcome is a profoundly personal and joyful expression of faith, unique to each child’s relationship with God.

Level III Atrium (5th, 6th & 7th Grade)


For the older children, we delve deeper into the context and history the plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a query that begins to lay the foundations for a life’s commitment.

Specific Scriptural References, Liturgical Foundations & Relevant Ecclesial Documents covered in CGS Presentations – LEVEL THREE ATRIUM – CLICK HERE

 

OVERVIEW OF LEVEL THREE



SPIRITUAL FORMATION/CURRICULUM

“What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.”


Prayer: Develop both an individual relationship with the Good Shepherd and a communal prayer life with the invitation to organize and lead group prayer.

The Plan of God: Use a variety of materials to explore and recognize history as God’s plan.

  • Study the rise, decline, and inheritance of great civilizations in light of the Plan of God
  • Study the presence of good and evil in light of the Plan of God
  • Reflect on one’s own ‘blank page’ and our own participation in the Plan of God.

Kingdom of God: Continue and deepen Level II studies of the History of the Kingdom of God and its three major moments of Creation, Redemption, and Parousia.

History of Israel: Learn the history of Israel as God’s chosen people.

Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)/Typology Studies: Study and reflect on selected OT events in light of the Plan of God. Typology includes studying the event itself and then reflecting on similarities throughout time in Redemption (Christ’) and Parousia (Second Coming of Christ). Typology studies include:

  • Creation
  • Original Sin
  • The Flood
  • Abraham
  • Moses and the Gift of the Law

Prophets: Study and reflect on the Old Testament prophets, including their messianic preaching, their moral preaching, their vocation, and their struggles

Eucharist/The Mass: Explore a variety of materials to deepen one’s understanding and love of the Eucharist and the Mass. Studies include:

  • The structure of the Mass
  • The prayers and liturgical gestures of the Mass
  • The Mass as memorial
  • The historical roots of the Mass

Sacraments: Explore and ponder the rites, prayers, liturgical gestures, and liturgical articles of:

  • Baptism
  • Confirmation
  • Reconciliation
  • Anointing of the Sick

Life of Christ:

  • Infancy and Paschal Narratives: Continue personal study and meditation on the infancy narratives and the paschal mystery narratives (begun in Levels I and II)
  • Miracles: Explore selected miracles of Christ in light of the history of the Kingdom of God: Christ’s fulfillment of the prophecies; Christ’s continuing the work of the miracle in our lives today through the Bible and Sacraments; Christ’s miracles as ‘gestures’ to reveal the nature of the Parousia.

Moral Formation: Explore more selected Gospel maxims and their relationship to our lives and the teachings of Christ. Will also encounter and work with the Cardinal and Sister Virtues.   


Parables:

  • Continued work with Level I kingdom parables and Level II moral parables (The Good Shepherd and the Wolf and the Hireling, The Good Samaritan, The Ten Bridesmaids, The Insistent Friend, The Pharisee and the Publican, and The Sower)
  • Reflect upon new moral parables and apply their messages to one’s personal moral formation: The Wedding Feast, The Talents, The Workers in the Vineyard, and The Debtors.
  • Maxims: Ponder the maxims of the Bible in light of God’s plan for harmony among people and order in the universe.
  • Virtues: Study the four cardinal virtues and associated ‘sister’ virtues; relate these to behaviors expressed in Biblical events, lives of saints, and current events.

Celebrations: Continue to participate in and assume leadership roles in major celebrations of the liturgical year, including Christmas/Epiphany, Last Supper/Passover celebration, Liturgy of Light (Easter), and Pentecost celebrations.