Catechist Corner - Parish Curriculum
Parish Religious Education Curriculum
At St. Catherine of Siena Church, our Religious Education program uses faithful, age-appropriate Catholic resources selected in accordance with the teachings of the Church and USCCB catechetical guidance. Our parish curriculum includes OSV’s Allelu! for early childhood and Kindergarten, Alive in Christ for Grades 1–8, and Decision Point as a supplemental resource for Confirmation formation.
Catechists are expected to use the assigned curriculum as the foundation of each lesson and follow our parish's weekly teaching format when preparing and leading every class. Based on the Diocese of Trenton Religious Studies Curriculum Guidelines, the Diocese provides grade-level outcomes for prayer formation, including memorizing prayers, understanding their meanings, and helping children grow in a life of prayer.
Access grade-level curriculum guides, lesson resources, and materials used throughout our program.
Kids Corner - Age 3 &4 Years Old
Access OSV Allelu! resources that introduce children to God's love through Bible stories, songs, crafts, faith-filled activities, and simple prayers designed for our youngest children. Children are introduced to God’s love, Jesus as their friend, the family of God, simple Bible stories, prayer, sharing, kindness, and the joy of belonging to the Church.
Kid's Corner Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Introduction to Prayer
Children begin learning the Sign of the Cross, simple thank-you and sorry prayers, and are gently introduced to the Our Father, Hail Mary, bedtime prayer, and prayer before meals.
Kindergarten - Little Disciples - Age 5
Access OSV Allelu! Kindergarten resources that introduce children to God’s love through Scripture, prayer, music, movement, and hands-on learning. At this stage, children grow in wonder and gratitude as they learn that God created all things, that God loves them, that Jesus is God’s Son, that Mary is Jesus’ mother, and that prayer helps us grow closer to God.
Kindergarten Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Children learn that prayer is talking and listening to God. They are introduced to the Sign of the Cross, prayer before meals, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, spontaneous prayer, and respectful prayer at Mass.
Primary - Grades 1 and 2
Find OSV Alive in Christ lessons and resources that build a strong foundation in prayer, Scripture, Catholic beliefs, and the sacraments. Students build a foundation in Catholic faith by learning about God’s love, Scripture, prayer, Baptism, forgiveness,
the Ten Commandments, conscience, Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and participation at Mass.
Grade 1 / Level 1 Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Grade 1
Students review the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Guardian Angel Prayer, and Grace Before Meals. They are introduced to the Glory Be and simple seasonal prayers and devotions.
Grade 2 / Level 2 Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Grade 2
Students learn and review the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Morning and Evening Prayer, Act of Contrition, Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Grace Before and After Meals, simple Mass responses, the Rosary, and the Stations of the Cross.
SACRAMENTAL PREP
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Intermediate - Grades 3 -5
Access OSV Alive in Christ, engaging lessons and activities that help students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and connect it to everyday life. Students deepen their understanding of the Trinity, the Church, the Gospels, the Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Works of Mercy, the sacraments, the liturgical year, moral choices, and Christian service.
Grade 3 Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Students continue to learn and pray the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Rosary, Act of Contrition, Stations of the Cross, and Morning and Evening Prayer.
Grade 3 - Alive in Christ - Chapter Videos - Click Here
Grade 4 Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Students review familiar Catholic prayers and continue learning the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Grace Before and After Meals, Rosary, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, and the Stations of the Cross.
Grade 4 - Alive in Christ - Chapter Videos - Click Here
Grade 5 Lesson Schedule - Click Here
Prayers to Know
Students continue to deepen their prayer life through the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Grace Before and After Meals, Rosary, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, Stations of the Cross, and the Fatima Prayer.
Middle School - Grades 6-8
Explore age-appropriate resources that encourage deeper discussion, personal reflection, discipleship, moral decision-making, and preparation for Confirmation. Grade 6 uses OSV Alive in Christ, and Confirmation Preparation uses Decision Point. Students explore salvation history, the Old and New Testaments, Jesus’ mission, discipleship, the Church, Catholic Social Teaching, virtues, prayer, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and preparation for a mature life of faith.
Grade 6 - Lesson Schedule
Prayers to Know
Students review traditional Catholic prayers and deepen their understanding of prayer as a relationship with God. They continue with the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Apostles’ Creed, Grace Before and After Meals, Rosary, Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love, and the Stations of the Cross.
Grade 7 / Year 1 Lesson Schedule
Grade 8 / Year 2 Lesson Schedule
Grade 7 & 8 students should be able to pray and explain the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, Apostles’ Creed, Grace Before and After Meals, and the Rosary. They also become familiar with the Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and Benediction.
YEAR 1 - Confirmation PREP
Decision Point Videos - Click Here
Community Service
YEAR 2 - CONFIRMATION PREP
This teaching guide explains the meaning of a liturgical year, details the seasons of the liturgical year and why celebrating the liturgical year matters.
