Religion

Grade 6
Sixth grade students began their study of the Old Testament with Creation in the book of Genesis. These lessons presented God's creative power, wisdom and love made manifest in the two accounts of creation. Both accounts emphasize the creation of the human person as an image of God.

A discussion of original sin is presented through the story of Adam and Eve. Students will learn the effects of original sin on the human person and God's merciful love witnessed in the stories of Cain, Abel and Noah.

Students enjoyed learning about St. Francis of Assisi. They admired his devotion to God and how he respected all of God's creation. Each student wrote an essay and made posters about the life of St. Francis.

Grade 7
Seventh grade students are focusing their study this fall on God! Some of the concepts discussed are:

*we can know about God from our experience
*the attributes of God - all-knowing, changeless, all powerful, eternal
*review the three Persons in one God
*discuss person and nature as they apply to us and to God
*the transcendence of God
*how God acts within the Trinity and toward us

Creation will be another focus of study. Students will learn that even though God is perfectly fulfilled in Himself, He created everything to share His power, wisdom and love. Through discussion of the order of God's creation, students will realize God's plan for all people. We will culminate this unit with lessons on God's unseen creations - angels.

All students are researching the life of a saint they admire and will present their report and visual in early November.

Grade 8
Eighth grade students are completing their Justice unit and will begin study of The Catholic Teachings. The foundation of these principles is that all human life is sacred and should be treated with dignity and respect. In conjunction with Respect Life Month, students are completing projects on abortion, adoption, death penalty, stem cell research and euthanasia. Students are anxious to share their information with their peers.

In November, all students will review the Holy Days of Obligation, discuss the process of canonization, review the U.S. saints and begin preparing for the beautiful season of Advent.

I look forward to an exciting year working with the Middle School Students. It is my hope that all students will grow in the understanding and love of their faith. All students will use the Image of God Curriculum Series co-authored by Father LeVoir.

This curriculum is centered on the writings of Pope John Paul II and the belief that human life is sacred. Every person has an inherent dignity because he/she is made in the image and likeness of God. Through His Incarnation, Jesus reveals the perfect image of the Father and shows us who we are and how to relate our faith to everyday living. Through study of sacred scripture and church tradition students will understand and appreciate the truths of the Catholic faith.

The religion program at St. Croix Catholic Middle School provides the opportunity for our students to develop Christian values through the teaching of Catholic doctrine. It instills the knowledge and confidence to witness the truths of Jesus Christ, promote the common good and transform society through personal and social action.

Goals for Middle School Religion students:

1. Understand and integrate Catholic doctrine into their lives;
2. Feel a strong moral foundation and make faith-based decisions;
3. Hold a deeper understanding of the liturgy and the liturgical year;
4. Develop deep personal prayer and spiritual reflection;
5. Understand and live out the Catholic Church’s commitment to social justice and peace;
6. Become disciples of Christ and witness the faith;
7. Experience a community life that cultivates values, relationships and ecumenism.

Sixth Grade Curriculum:

GOD’S MERCIFUL LOVE – THE OLD TESTAMENT

Students will learn that the Old Testament is an expression of God’s merciful love and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. They will understand that no matter how often the human person rejects God, He is always willing to forgive through His loving mercy. Students will come to appreciate the main characters of the Old Testament and their struggles to do God’s will.

Seventh Grade Curriculum:

JESUS, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE – THE NEW TESTAMENT

This text is centered on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II and is based solidly on Sacred Scripture. It emphasizes four key truths of the Catholic Faith: God, creation, Christ and the commandments. Through study of the New Testament students will recognize the dignity of all persons and treat all persons according to that dignity. They will review the life, death and resurrection of Jesus through analysis of the four Gospels.

Eighth Grade Curriculum:

LORD GIVE ME ETERNAL LIFE

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

SPREADING AND DEFENDING THE CATHOLIC FAITH – CONFIRMATION

This program emphasizes two key truths of the Catholic Faith: grace and sacraments. These key truths form the underlying element of the lessons. It also emphasizes Christ’s living and active presence in the Church throughout its history. The lives of the saints and other persons of importance serve as focal points for the history of the church.

The Confirmation text helps students prepare to spread and defend the faith by their words and actions. Through study of the faith and researching the lives of the saints students will see the Holy Spirit at work and respond to His love in all areas of their lives