Faith Formation
Goals
The goal of St. Patrick School religion program is to provide faith formation through instruction and experience in the Catholic faith so that the graduates of St. Patrick School will have:
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Learned God's message as proclaimed by the Church.
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Realized Jesus' presence in prayer and worship.
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Experienced community by witnessing to Jesus through word and deed among classmates and the larger community.
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Learned the essentials of Catholic doctrine.
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Developed a lifelong Christian attitude and have practiced it with others.
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Had exposure to sacred music.
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Had opportunities to perform service at each grade level
Objectives
The objectives of the religion program is to provide the students learning experiences so that each student and graduate will have a strong Catholic Identity and will have:
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Planned and participated in prayer services and liturgies.
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Learned formal prayer and have grown accustomed to praying spontaneously.
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Learned the principle teachings of the Church as taught by Sacred Scriptures, Tradition, and the Magisterium.
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Comprehended and been able to explain the life of Jesus and His part in God's plan of salvation.
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Participated in all-school and/or classroom service projects.
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Prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and Confirmation.
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Learned the elements of appropriate behavior in Church: reverence, prayer, posture, genuflection, and silence.
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Gained knowledge and learned to appreciate and respect people of other Christian and non-Christian faiths.
Virtue Formation/Chastity Education
Schools of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria shall integrate programs of virtue formation and chastity education into all areas of the curriculum. (E-142, CDOP)
The Sports Leader Ministry program, “Virtue = Strength” was implemented into athletics beginning the 2017 school year and is integrated into the classroom curriculum.
Liturgy and Prayer
To achieve the above, several tools are used and experiences planned. Liturgical services and daily prayer are a major part in the life of every St. Patrick’s student. All students attend Holy Mass each Friday and on Holy Days of Obligation that occur when school is in session. Students also attend Exposition, Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament on the First Fridays of each month and are given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the school year. Each class takes a turn attending Adoration of the the Blessed Sacrament on Thursday evenings once each month.
Each school day will begin with all-school prayer during the morning announcements and a prayer will be said before lunch (in the classroom) and after lunch (in cafeteria). Students are encouraged to share their prayer intentions with the school community.
Catholic teachers and religious sisters teach religion every day. The school uses diocesan-approved curriculum and recommended texts for religion and sacramental preparation.
Praying the rosary is highly encouraged especially during the months of October and May. Students participate in special devotions such as Stations of the Cross during Lent, devotions during Advent, the Living Rosary, May Crowning, and classroom saint celebrations throughout the school year. Additionally, students participate in classroom and school service learning projects.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a common religious experience involving children and adults in which the religious values of childhood, primarily those values of contemplation and enjoyment of God, are predominant. This experience is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
Moral parables offer a model for comparing their behavior with that of the Pharisee, the Tax Collector, or the Good Samaritan. The students see the parts of the Mass - the Liturgy of the Word, the Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion - as one unified prayer made of many smaller prayers. Children prepare for the celebration of First Communion through a series of communion meditations focusing on the relationship with Jesus. Preparation of personal missals filled with illustrations and prayers is also part of this preparation which helps to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist.
St. Patrick Good Shepherd Atrium was started in 2017. It was funded by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation.
Religion Assessment
A diocesan faith assessment may be required as directed by the Office of Catholic Schools in Diocese of Peoria. During the school year, teachers evaluate students in all grades through written and verbal assignments, reports, tests, and projects. Students are given religion grades on their report card in addition to their other academic work.
Sacramental Program
Parental involvement in the preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and Confirmation is strongly encouraged. Informational meetings for the parents are provided, as well as opportunities for continuing involvement.
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Reconciliation: Children are prepared for their first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the second grade.
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Eucharist: First Holy Communion preparation occurs during the second grade.
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Confirmation: Preparation takes place during the seventh and eighth grades. It is a two-year program. Students will be confirmed in eighth grade. Parents and sponsors are to be involved in this preparation. Students are required to attend an assigned confirmation retreat prior to the reception of the sacrament.
