Elementary
Elementary Faith Formation | 2023-24 School Year
As a parish community, we are here to support parents in the spiritual formation of their children. In all of our Discipleship Formation programs, adults and children are guided to progress through the missionary discipleship pathway called “Four.”
Each person, no matter what their age, should desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus and BECOME more like Him as a response to his great love for us. At this stage of the formation, children in first through Grade five who attend public or non-Catholic private schools discover that they are a part of God’s loving family and that they play a vital role as members of our OLPH Parish community. Children, Pre-K through Kindergarten, are encouraged to enroll in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd sessions.
Click here to check out our new curriculum, “Discover: Finding Faith in Life“
Family Nights begin in late September. For questions, email Judy Gruel, Director of Faith Formation, at jgruel@archbalt.org.
Congratulations!
To OLPH’s 2023 First Communicants!
VBS 2023 Registration is open! It’s never too late to register…
Join us for our Summer 2023 Vacation Bible School,
July 17-21 | 10:00-12:30 pm
Kids will explore how Jesus shined hope, love, forgiveness, and joy to the world–and how we can do the same with his power!
Each day from 10:00-12:30 pm will be filled with faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures to help kids grow in friendship with Jesus!
2022-23, First Reconciliation & Eucharist Prep Registration is open!
Does your child desire to experience Jesus’ mercy and love? First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Preparation Registration is now open! Prepare to meet the Lord with us!
Questions? Please contact Judy Gruel, jgruel@archbalt.org
Congratulations, OLPH First Communicants!
For further information on Elementary Discipleship Formation, please contact Judy
Gruel, our Director, at jgruel@archbalt.org or call 410-747-4334.
Belong | Children will develop friendships and participate in activities, at least twice a month, at the parish. Elementary Discipleship Formation (Seekers, Gr. K-2) and (Crusaders, 3-5) are being taught by their parents at home, using their “Finding God” Student Text and online Family Resources, found on the Loyola Press website. In addition, “Growing with God” (Family Life/Child Protection) lessons will be integrated into the “Finding God” curriculum. Parents have access to an “At Home Edition”, which is an online guide for each lesson written especially for parents. Interactive Session Reviews and Service opportunities further encourage learning about our Catholic faith. Families will gather together, twice a month, to engage in two of each of the Unit lessons, while the other three lessons, will be explored at home. The Director of Faith Formation and a grade-level catechist will always be available for guidance and support and to offer ways to actively engage in the life of the parish.
Believe | Keeping eyes set on Jesus, Seekers (K-2) and Crusaders (3-5) encounter the Lord with their peers in Elementary Discipleship Formation gatherings. This time includes prayer, activities, and discussion, all to fall in love with Christ. As this relationship grows stronger, the families will desire to love, pray, and receive his grace at Mass each week. Children’s Liturgies: Mark your calendars, and come to our Children’s Liturgies, on the second Sunday of each month, October – May, at the 9:00 am Mass, either in person or virtually. This Mass gives the whole family a chance to encounter the Lord together. A “family” homily is offered for children, and for parents, who wish to learn how to engage their children in discussions of the faith. Join us for fellowship, donuts, and coffee after each of
these masses, in the Parish Center Gym!
Become | By the 3rd grade, children have developed a friendship with Jesus and are ready to live as disciples of Christ. Since “we cannot give what we don’t have,” parents are encouraged to pray with their families at home, attend Mass weekly, and engage in other parish events to enrich their spiritual growth and move through their own pathway. The loving and nurturing guidance that parents provide for their children, throughout their lives, encourages an authentic relationship with Jesus, and children can live as the children that God created. From this ongoing parent/parish partnership, all move through the FOUR PATHWAY, to become missionary disciples of the Church.
Beyond | Seekers (Gr. K-2) and Crusaders (Gr. 3-5) explore how the world can be blessed through them by participating in special service projects offered during Elementary Discipleship Formation Family Nights, and through the Parish. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to Mass each week, in person or virtually, for the nourishment of God’s grace through his Word and Eucharist. If there are any specific areas of service that you would like to explore, please let us know.