CCD Religious Education: Grades K-12

Overview

Students are placed in our CCD classes by their age on September 1st. Parents may always request that children move to a lower class if they feel they are not ready for the assigned class. Parents may petition to move children born between September 1st and 15th to the next higher class. Those requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Requests should be sent to the CCD Coordinator, Cary Schmidgall, at cary@holyrosarypdx.org.

For more information on the change to the Confirmation age please refer here.

The ages below are given as of September 1st.

Ages 3-5: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level I
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori based approach to faith formation. The heart of catechesis for children under 6 revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name.

The child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the alter and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.

Age 6: Faith & Life - Our Heavenly Father
This class is interactive, introducing key elements in the life of Jesus, the Trinity, Sacred Scripture and our part in God’s plan of Salvation. Simple prayers and stories from the Old and New Testaments emphasize the centrality of knowing, loving, and trusting God. This year begins preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, which parish children will receive in the spring of second grade.

Age 7: Faith & Life - Jesus Our Life
Lessons include the Ten Commandments; God's mercy; our response to God’s gifts; creation; and preparation for Confession in early February followed by reception of First Holy Communion in May. Memory work is introduced, with flash cards and/or prayer sheets provided to encourage parental involvement.

More information about First Holy Communion can be found here.

Age 8: Faith & Life - Our Life with Jesus
Biblical themes from Creation to Incarnation that reveal God’s plan as it is plays out in our redemption are introduced including: the birth of the Church at Pentecost; life in the Church; Confession and Communion; and the foundations for Mass and the Eucharist. Children learn about the Creed, the liturgical year and the lives of the Saints.

Age 9: Faith & Life - Jesus Our Guide
Children at this developmental stage are ready for increased familiarity with Old and New Testaments. In addition to “Bible facts,” the curriculum encourages love for God’s Word, his Law and his Church, and a deeper understanding of Jesus as our guide in this life to life eternal; it is helpful if children have access to a bible at home. Since it has been two years since most made their First Confessions, time is spent reviewing the Commandments and introducing the Beatitudes. A closer look at the miracles and parables help children discover that it is not only in the teachings of Jesus but the person of Christ that the sure and steady “rock” of Catholic life is grounded.

Age 10: Faith & Life - Credo: I Believe
As the articles of the Creed are the basic belief of our faith, students should begin to demonstrate fuller comprehension of what they proclaim, a deeper understanding of the centrality of the New Testament, and a good grasp on key concepts in the Gospels.  This year is an important opportunity to review material covered the previous two years and is a good opportunity to review basic concepts and introduce new memorization in preparation for increased expectations as the time for confirmation approaches.

Age 11: Faith & Life - Following Christ
Our theme is love: for neighbor, for the law of God, and for the presence of Christ in the Holy Mass. Central to this year’s study is a closer examination of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as the source and summit of our faith. It is important that parents keep abreast of memory work assigned and encourage the child at home.   Quizzes and tests are given on a regular basis to reinforce learning and increase understanding of the material presented in class.

Age 12: Faith & Life - The Life of Grace
Lessons concentrate on the transmission of grace through the sacramental system.  Students will be able to articulate a more mature understanding of revelation, the Incarnation, and the Church. In addition to the Commandments as a basic guide for the examination of conscience, introduced in the earlier grades, the role of grace in developing the virtues is presented as a further foundation of moral life. This year introduces reason and faith, decisions, and the meaning and importance of informed conscience during this important period of transition in the life of Catholic teens and pre-teens.

Age 13: Sophia Press - Sacred Scripture
This course presents an overview of Sacred Scripture with a focus on providing a clear framework for understanding the narrative of Salvation History, and the development of basic principles of biblical interpretation. While an in depth study of every book of the Bible is beyond the scope of a semester course, key books, events, and figures are examined in detail with an emphasis on Jesus Christ and His Paschal Mystery as the culmination of God's plan of salvation and the interpretive key for understanding both the Old and New Testaments.

Ages 14 - 18: 4-Year Rotation on Catholic Philosophy and Moral Topics
The goal of this program is to help students understand the “why” behind the “what” of Church teaching so they can develop a deeper understanding of Church teachings. At the end of the rotation, students should be able to explain the reasoning behind the teachings. Additionally, students will learn how to share the gift of Truth with charity as they encounter difficult conversations/situation in their daily life.