3/4/2020 We talked about the Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross) and prayed them using a children's version on cardboard that they took home. And as the time grows closer for them to receive their First Eucharist, we prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by doing an examination of conscience, and then went over to the church for the children to have the opportunity to go to confession.
12/11/2019 Anne Marie and I went over how to do an examination of conscience in preparation for the children's First Reconciliation this Saturday (see page 111 in the student book). We also reviewed with the children how to go to Confession, and reminded them that they should tell the priest that this is their first confession, and that if they forget how to say something that they should ask the priest to help them.
12/4/2019 Fr. Ellis visited the class and talked with the children about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He answered questions and explained that the priest hearing confession can never, ever tell anyone (including parents!) what was said in the confessional.
11/13/2019 We worked on chapter 5 about the beatitudes and how the they can guide us through our lives. We also went over venial and mortal sins and the difference between them (a BIG difference!). Parents, please encourage your children to spend some time each week on some of the activities in their activity books.
10/30/2019The 2nd graders had their personal safety lessons. Your child received a few handouts about the 4 personal safety rules of how to stay safe. Please go over them with your children and periodically review them: 1. CHECK FIRST 2. TAKE A FRIEND 3. TELL PEOPLE "NO" 4. TELL MY TRUSTED ADULT We also learned about an important prayer: the rosary! And we also made rosaries and learned how to pray the rosary. Each child took home a rosary packet that explains how to pray the rosary. If you and your family want to start praying the rosary together, try praying just one decade (one mystery, e.g., the first joyful mystery, the third sorrowful, etc.) each time you pray together.
10/23/2019 This week we finished chapter 2 and completed chapter 3. We talked about God sending a Messiah to bing the people back to Him. Jesus is the Messiah, just like the shepherd brings the sheep together, Jesus brings all of us together to God. We also learned that to repent means to turn back towards God, which rebuilds our friendship with Him.
10/9/2019 This week we started the first half of chapter two and learned about God's covenant with us. We also talked about the Ten Commandments and God's Plan of Salvation. We suggest a quiz or fun game with you and your child to see how many Commandments they know or see who knows more, you or your child. Also, a reminder that the 2nd graders can work in their activity books with some guidance from you or older siblings.
10/2/2019 This week we finished chapter one of our 1st Reconciliation preparation book, Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven. Chapter one talked about how, when we sin, it breaks our friendship with God, and when we ask for forgiveness we are restoring our relationship with God. The children also received activity books, which reinforce what they have learned with interactive pages and family activities. Please take time to look through the activity book with your children and talk to them about what they are learning in class.