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Middle School – Grades 6-8

Middle School

Middle School Formation and Discipleship uses St. Mary’s Press curriculum- Catholic Connections.  The program includes six fully developed courses that the students will explore throughout 6th, 7th and 8th grade.  Catholic Connections aims to strengthen the participants’ Catholic identity and inspire them to engage more fully in the Church’s mission, the mission of Jesus Christ.  Curriculum presents the four pillars of faith as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (The Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Christian Morality and Justice and Prayer) in a youth-friendly manner. The Catholic Connections Handbook used in class is a companion to the Catholic Youth Bible which is given to each 6th grade student as a gift from St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish as a lifelong resource.  Using these resources and through group participation it is intended for your child to grow in the knowledge of and a personal relationship with Jesus.  8th Grade is also supplemented with Connected:  Catholic Social Teaching for this Generation five session curriculum by Ascension Press.

6th and 7th Grade Odd Years – The Old Testament, the Trinity, and the Mission of Christ  Tweens will explore how thru God, Revelation, and Faith the Holy Spirit moves in God’s people.  They will address the question of who God is and how we come to know God.  In learning more about God’s plan for our salvation thru Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit your child will come to know they can trust in Jesus as Savior, role model, teacher, caregiver and guide.  They will reflect on the Holy Spirit and how the Gifts of the Holy Spirit help them respond to God’s love.

6th and 7th Grade Even Years – The New Testament, the Church, and the Sacraments  Students learn about how the Church developed as it is revealed in the New Testament of the Bible.  They will explore how the Liturgy and Sacraments are celebrations and grow in confidence that going to Mass and receiving the Sacraments have a connection to their daily lives.  Prayer – Tweens will learn why the Lord’s Prayer is the perfect prayer, exploring and reflecting on its meaning in the context of today’s world.

8th Grade – Connected:  Catholic Social Teaching for this Generation  developed by Ascension Press opens the minds and hearts of Catholic teens to the truth and beauty of the Church’s social teaching.  Topics are God’s Creation & Stewardship; The Dignity of Human Life; Solidarity Race and Responsibilities; Poverty & Dignity of Work; Family:  The Foundation of Society.  St. Mary’s Press Catholic Connections- Christian Morality and Justice  invites students to deepen their awareness of themselves as maturing Catholic Christians and presents them with durable, cherished values of the Church.  Prayer teaches how prayer is essential to our relationship with God and is an ongoing conversation with God.  Service Experiences via field trip:  St Vincent de Paul parish and local retail location

Character and Faith:  Growing Up Catholic mini-retreats are designed to help middle school children develop understandings, attitudes, values and strength of character they will need to make positive, moral, faith-filled decisions as they enter their teen years.  Retreats incorporate established safe environment education as required by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  8th grade parents are expected to attend with their teen to enhance communication between teens and themselves.

Parental involvement is crucial to the success of the program.  Parents/guardians are welcome and may be asked to participate with their child(ren) in some service projects and prayer services.