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Just as the boy Jesus grew "in wisdom and age and grace," (Luke 2:52)
so do our children.
The Faith for a Kindergartener
Kindergarten children are very open to new experiences. They are full of curiosity and wonder which help them to be receptive to learning about God's creation. Children at this age are beginning to develop a relationship with God and are starting to grow in understanding of who they are in relationship to God and others. Kindergarteners may find that sharing their love is a joy and a challenge.
The Faith for a First Grader
First graders are curious, spontaneous, and energetic. They believe that God is close to them. Children at this age can learn about their faith by active involvement with sensory experiences: touring the parish church, making the sign of the cross with holy water, sharing their time and things with others. They can respond to Jesus' love for them by respecting God, themselves, and others.
The Faith for a Second Grader
This is an exciting year in the lives of second graders. Many are preparing to celebrate First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. They are curious about what is taking place at Mass and eager to participate more fully. Children at this age have increasing ability to share with others and are receptive to stories about ways to love and show respect to others
The Faith for a Third Grader
This is the year in which third graders are introduced to the concept of Church as a community, in the parish and around the world, and their role in it. As they grow in social awareness and skills, they are eager to join with others in liturgy, in prayer, in reading Scriptures, and in outreach to those in need. Their growing thinking skills enable them to better understand the reasons behind our Catholic beliefs and practices.
The Faith for a Fourth Grader
This year, fourth graders typically grow in self-esteem, social interaction, and interest in the wider world. As "joiners" in games and groups, they bring a realistic perspective to the human need for rules and standards. At their own level, they are ready to appreciate the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the teachings of Jesus. With the support of interested adults, they are ready to reach out to others in service and responsibility.
The Faith for a Fifth Grader
This year, fifth graders will be asked to link their growing ability to think abstractly with the meaning of the sacraments as signs of God's love. Their innate concern for fairness helps them to understand that God's love for all means that work for justice and peace is vital. Because they are sensitive to the values of their peer group, it is important to stress, by word and example, our solidarity with one another as Catholics—in our families, in our parishes, and in our worldwide Church.
The Faith for a Sixth Grader
As pre-adolescents, sixth graders are neither children nor teenagers. They need both the acceptance of their peers and the approval and direction of caring adults. Their faith in God is more likely directed by reason rather than emotion. Yet Scripture, liturgy, prayer, Bible stories, role-playing, music, and poetry are essential ways to tap the depths of this relationship. Through interactions with peers and adults, they are open to "making a difference" by responsible choices for goodness and justice.
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