Level 2                                                                                                                                                                               

Religious Education Curriculum
Church of Saint Katharine Drexel
Theme: Jesus Strengthens Us with God’s Grace

Level 2 is a special and sacred year in the life of a child. It is a time of deeper discovery of Jesus’ love and the beginning of full participation in the Sacramental life of the Church. This year focuses on helping children understand the meaning of God’s grace and prepare them for two important sacraments: First Reconciliation (Penance) and First Holy Communion (Eucharist).

Faith Objective:
To help children see Jesus as our model for Christian living, and to introduce the meaning and importance of the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.

Core Belief (Profession of Faith):
“I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.”

Faith Vocabulary Introduced:

§ Ascension

§ Blessed Sacrament

§ Charity

§ Crucifixion

§ Grace

§ Heaven

§ Hell

§ Holy Day

§ Liturgy of the Word

§ Liturgy of the Eucharist

§ Pentecost

§ Prayer

§ Resurrection

§ Rite of Penance

§ Sacrament of the Eucharist

§ Sacrament of Penance

Liturgical Symbols and Gestures to Learn:

§ Reconciliation Room / Confessional

§ Reverent posture and gestures at Mass

§ Use of holy water and genuflection

§ Altar, Tabernacle, and Crucifix

Classroom and Worship Practices:

§ Keep Sacred Scripture in a visible, honored place.

§ Encourage children to express reverence in church and prayer settings.

§ Help children participate actively in Mass and community worship.

§ Visit the church to become familiar with the confessionals and sanctuary space.

Prayers to Be Taught:

§ Act of Contrition (Diocesan recommended version)

§ Simple Mass responses

Prayers to Be Encouraged and Reviewed:

§ Sign of the Cross

§ Our Father

§ Hail Mary

§ Glory Be

§ Morning and Evening Prayers

§ Grace Before Meals

§ Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

§ Spontaneous Prayer

Level 2 is a year of grace and joy as children take steps toward full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Through prayer, Scripture, and learning, they come to know more deeply the love of Jesus, who gives Himself to us in the Eucharist.

Finding God has wonderful on-line activities, interactive chapter reviews, saint stories for kids and on-line games. It is both informative and fun. Please click on the following link for more information: Families | Loyola Press