Discover Elementary Ministry
Grades 1-5

2022-23 Program Options & Dates:

Sunday Evenings from 5:15-6:15pm
Fall Sessions:  October 3,10,17, November 7,14,21
Winter Sessions:  December 5,12,19, January 23,30, February 6,27
Spring Sessions:  March 6,13,27, April 3,10

Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm
Fall Sessions:  October 6,13,27, November 3, 17
Winter Sessions:  December 1,8,15, January 26, February 2,16,23
Spring Sessions:  March 9,16,30, April 6,13

Curriculum:
The elementary (grades 1-5) youth will experience the curriculum entitled, Discover:  Finding Faith in Life from St Mary’s Press.  The Children’s Catholic Bible is the core text of our program and each registered participant will receive a Bible.  This serves to promote biblical literacy and familiarity with the knowledge of key scripture stories.  Each family will also participate in the weekly Bible bookmark challenge which will include a scripture verse and reflective questions. Within the curriculum each grade level has a specific area of focus: Grade 1:  God; Grade 2: Jesus; Grade 3: Church; Grade 4: Covenant; Grade 5: Sacraments.  Within each grade level there is specific emphasis on the four pillars of the Catechism and one of the seven Catholic social teaching principles.

Family Support: 
Each participant will receive an interactive activity booklet which will go home weekly.  There are family pages to support the weekly scripture story and overall lesson. Each family will be encouraged to participate in the on-line CLOW program which provides the weekly gospel reading from the Children’s Lectionary and supportive activities.

Communication:
Flock note will be the primary mode of communication for all participants.  Catechists will communicate to families on a regular basis.  Families will also receive activities and information regarding the liturgical year and other materials to support the happenings with Pax Christi and beyond. 

Service Component:
There will be a concentrated effort to include service/outreach within the curriculum whenever the time is appropriate. 

Formation of Groups:
Groups will be formed by grade levels based on room capacity for social distancing.  Catechists will need to be recruited and trained and will receive a catechist guide along with on-going weekly support. 

Elementary:  On-Line Ministry:
There will be an option to participate in on-line learning.  With this option the family learns together in the convenience of their own home and their own schedule.  The curriculum is designed for about an hour of study.  Upon registration families will receive log-in information and will have access to a ‘home guide’ and the program calendar.  Families will pick-up their bibles and packets in the fall and will receive flock notes throughout the year. Children learning at-home will be invited to participate in the on-site preparation for the sacraments of 1st Reconciliation in the fall and 1st Eucharist in the Spring. 

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Curriculum: 
Preparation for the sacraments is two-fold:  it is contained within the Discover curriculum and it is home based with the Go Seek Find curriculum from St Mary’s Press.  The catechists and coordinator will cover specific elements in-person in the format of ‘large group’ sessions and the parents will support preparation with the family packets.  There will also be a required parent/child retreat for 1st Eucharist.

Communication: 
Flock note will be the primary mode of communication for registered participants.

Schedule:
1st Reconciliation will occur in the fall with a celebration on a Saturday November 20th.

1st Eucharist will occur in the spring with celebrations over several weekends in May. 

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW)

Ages 4 Years–Grade 3

CLICK HERE to view this week's Gospel.

Online materials will be available beginning September 12. Look for the link to participate under the live-stream Mass on Saturdays. Along with the Children's Lectionary translation of that week's Gospel, there is an easy to follow instructional sheet is available to guide families through the Gospel and activities.

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) ministry enables children to participate in the weekend worship experience, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth, and to immerse them in the Word of God in ways that are understandable to them. All children ages 4 years old through 3rd grade are welcome to participate. They enjoy the Word of God on their level, shared prayer, singing, and activities. There is no prior registration or fee for participation. Contact Renee Dignan for more information at rdignan@paxchristi.com.

Student Portal Login - CLICK HERE

Click on a link below to see samples of this new curriculum.
Grade 1 - CLICK HERE
Grade 2 - CLICK HERE
Grade 3 - CLICK HERE
Grade 4 - CLICK HERE
Grade 5 - CLICK HERE
Advent - CLICK HERE
Scope and Sequence - CLICK HERE
Home Guide Sample - CLICK HERE

For more information about the Elementary Program, please contact Reneé Dignan, 952-405-7212 or call the parish office.