8JUNIOR CATECHISM
The junior catechism classes for grades 1 to 4 are held in the parish hall and parish centre on Sunday mornings from 09:00 to 09:45 enabling families to attend either the 08:00 or 10:00 Mass celebration. The classes are held during the school terms, excluding any long weekends. Junior catechism is a very important time in the lives of our young children as the faith-foundation which has been laid by their parents is now built upon, through the telling of Bible stories, the introduction to the Church and the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of First Eucharist.
The focus in faith level 1 is on sparking the imagination of the children through the telling of the rich stories of both the Old and the New Testament. The class is very interactive with much opportunity for role-play and creativity.
In faith level 2, the focus shifts to learning more about the Church and its signs and symbols. The children come to know, amongst other things, the various Liturgical seasons with their respective colours, the garments which are worn by the clergy and the altar servers, the symbols of the Eucharist and the various places in the Church. By the end of grade 2, the children are ready to move towards preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of First Eucharist and, at this stage, could probably give most parents a liturgical lesson or two. Given the importance of proper preparation for "First Confession" and "First Holy Communion" (as most of us were taught to refer to these Sacraments), these two Sacraments are no longer celebrated in one year.
In faith level 3, the full catechism year is devoted to preparing parents and candidates for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children are taught about God's abundant mercy and forgiving heart and are encouraged to view confession as a life-giving act which restores their relationship with God and with others. Parents will participate in a four-week reflection session in helping them to assist children in their journey. The expected nervousness still abounds on the actual day of their First Confession in November each year, but the feedback from the children is invariably that they feel lighter and hugged by God afterwards.
The culmination of junior catechism takes place in faith level 4, when the children prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Throughout the year, the preparation focuses on the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life. Parents will participate in a four-week reflection session. This will help parents to assist children on their journey. An outing to Carmelite nuns will allow children to see how the Host’s is manufactured and also learn about the Carmelite Nuns. The First Holy Communion Mass, which takes place in November each year, is a blessed occasion for first communicants and their families alike. If there are parents or other parishioners who feel called to be junior catechists or assist in the classes, we are always keen to welcome new people who love sharing their faith with our young children.
The junior catechism classes for grades 1 to 4 are held in the parish hall and parish centre on Sunday mornings from 09:00 to 09:45 enabling families to attend either the 08:00 or 10:00 Mass celebration. The classes are held during the school terms, excluding any long weekends. Junior catechism is a very important time in the lives of our young children as the faith-foundation which has been laid by their parents is now built upon, through the telling of Bible stories, the introduction to the Church and the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of First Eucharist.
The focus in faith level 1 is on sparking the imagination of the children through the telling of the rich stories of both the Old and the New Testament. The class is very interactive with much opportunity for role-play and creativity.
In faith level 2, the focus shifts to learning more about the Church and its signs and symbols. The children come to know, amongst other things, the various Liturgical seasons with their respective colours, the garments which are worn by the clergy and the altar servers, the symbols of the Eucharist and the various places in the Church. By the end of grade 2, the children are ready to move towards preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and of First Eucharist and, at this stage, could probably give most parents a liturgical lesson or two. Given the importance of proper preparation for "First Confession" and "First Holy Communion" (as most of us were taught to refer to these Sacraments), these two Sacraments are no longer celebrated in one year.
In faith level 3, the full catechism year is devoted to preparing parents and candidates for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The children are taught about God's abundant mercy and forgiving heart and are encouraged to view confession as a life-giving act which restores their relationship with God and with others. Parents will participate in a four-week reflection session in helping them to assist children in their journey. The expected nervousness still abounds on the actual day of their First Confession in November each year, but the feedback from the children is invariably that they feel lighter and hugged by God afterwards.
The culmination of junior catechism takes place in faith level 4, when the children prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Throughout the year, the preparation focuses on the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian life. Parents will participate in a four-week reflection session. This will help parents to assist children on their journey. An outing to Carmelite nuns will allow children to see how the Host’s is manufactured and also learn about the Carmelite Nuns. The First Holy Communion Mass, which takes place in November each year, is a blessed occasion for first communicants and their families alike. If there are parents or other parishioners who feel called to be junior catechists or assist in the classes, we are always keen to welcome new people who love sharing their faith with our young children.
