Religion FAQs
Questions about religion class

What if my child isn't Catholic?

          No problem!  Although the classes are designed to teach the beliefs of the Catholic Faith, classes are taught in a respectful way to students of all faiths and religious denominations.  Even if your child isn't Catholic, he or she will benefit from learning the beliefs of the Catholic faith and understanding the tradition.  As I learned when I attended a Lutheran college, you can learn a great deal about your own faith by studying other religious beliefs.

          In addition, most middle school classes cover subjects important to all Christians.  The 6th Grade class covers the Old Testament, the 7th grade class covers the life of Jesus, and the 8th grade class covers morality.  Even if your child isn't Catholic, there is a great deal of values, history, and traditions that can be learned in religion classes.

What Sacramental preparation occurs in classes?

          In a way, all middle school religion students prepare to receive the Sacraments as they take religion class.  The middle school curriculum gives students knowledge about the Church, the Bible, and morality, preparing them to be adult Catholics when they receive Confirmation.  This especially occurs in 5th grade religion classes, as students learn about the importance and rituals of all seven Sacraments.

          In addition, the 5th grade religion class specifically trains students to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Regardless of whether students have not received Reconciliation, or received it previously, all students are trained in the importance and steps of Reconciliation.

When are class Masses?

          Each year, I try to incorporate Masses into the religion curriculum. Although it's hard to schedule and requires some free time in our schedule, Masses are great ways to re-inforce the importance of what we are learning and the importance of the Mass itself.  In previous years, we have been able to have a few class Masses.  The 5th grade once had a teaching Mass to review the rites of the Mass at the end of the school year.  7th grade students have had Mass had a Mass to commemorate the Last Supper, and the beginning of the Eucharist.  In addition, the 8th grade has taken part in a "Mass for Life", in which the class plans and puts on the liturgy for their classmates. 

          In addition to the class Masses, Masses are offered for the entire school or the entire Middle School at other times of the year, including All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception, Ascension Thursday, and Catholic Schools week.

When is Reconciliation offered?

          The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to all Middle School Students.  6th, 7th, and 8th graders celebrate Reconciliation as a class during Advent and Lent.  5th graders prepare to receive this Sacrament, and receive the Sacrament during Easter Season.

          Although it is encouraged, students are not required to receive the Sacrament.  All students are welcome to receive a blessing from a priest, even if their religious practices do not include Reconciliation.

Teacher Websites © 2009 SchoolWorld