Office of Faith Formation 516.541.1712

Kelly Kraemer ext. 252
Grades 1-3, Special Needs Formation
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tina Rine ext. 242
Grades 4-6, RCIA, Youth for Outreach
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Faith of a Child

Just as the boy Jesus grew "in wisdom and age and grace," (Luke 2:52) so do our children.

Special Education

We celebrate the uniqueness of each child given to us by God. In celebrating, we are aware each child learns differently. If your child, or the child of a friend, has individual learning needs, please contact our office. Thankfully, we have gifted volunteer catechists who are licensed special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and parents of children with varying needs who dedicate their time to working with children.

Grades 1, 2 & 3

The Faith for a First Grader

First graders are curious, spontaneous, and energetic. They believe that God is close to them. Children at this age can learn about their faith by active involvement with sensory experiences: touring the parish church, making the sign of the cross with holy water, sharing their time and things with others. They can respond to Jesus' love for them by respecting God, themselves, and others.

First Graders meet in our school once a month for lessons. First Grade parents are involved in a meeting in the Auditorium of the school while their children participate in class. Parents work with their children at home on lessons in the weeks between classes. First graders are also involved in Lessons and Carols, which takes place in December.

The Faith for a Second Grader

This is an exciting year in the lives of second graders. Many are preparing to celebrate First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. They are curious about what is taking place at Mass and eager to participate more fully. Children at this age have increasing ability to share with others and are receptive to stories about ways to love and show respect to others.

Classes are home-based, with groups of six or more children being taught by two adult Catechists.

The Faith for a Third Grader

This is the year in which third graders are introduced to the concept of Church as a community, in the parish and around the world, and their role in it. As they grow in social awareness and skills, they are eager to join with others in liturgy, in prayer, in reading Scriptures, and in outreach to those in need. Their growing thinking skills enable them to better understand the reasons behind our Catholic beliefs and practices.

Classes are home-based, with groups of six or more children being taught by two adult Catechists.

Grades 4, 5 & 6

St. Rose of Lima families have options of either home based classes or Saturday sessions which are held in our parish school. In our home based program, students meet in groups of 5-10, instructed by two catechists. Saturday students have an option of either the 8:30-9:30 AM session or the 10:00-11:00 AM session based on availability.

Several grade specific liturgies, as well as prayer sessions and presentations, enhance and enrich the faith formation of the 4th, 5th & 6th grade students at St. Rose.

The Faith for a Fourth Grader

This year, fourth graders typically grow in self-esteem, social interaction, and interest in the wider world. As "joiners" in games and groups, they bring a realistic perspective to the human need for rules and standards. At their own level, they are ready to appreciate the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the teachings of Jesus.

With the support of interested adults, they are ready to reach out to others in service and responsibility.

The Faith for a Fifth Grader

This year, fifth graders will be asked to link their growing ability to think abstractly with the meaning of the sacraments as signs of God's love. Their innate concern for fairness helps them to understand that God's love for all means that work for justice and peace is vital. Because they are sensitive to the values of their peer group, it is important to stress, by word and example, our solidarity with one another as Catholics, in our families, in our parishes, and in our worldwide Church.

The Faith for a Sixth Grader

As pre-adolescents, sixth graders are neither children nor teenagers. They need both the acceptance of their peers and the approval and direction of caring adults. Their faith in God is more likely directed by reason rather than emotion. Yet Scripture, liturgy, prayer, Bible stories, role-playing, music, and poetry are essential ways to tap the depths of this relationship. Through interactions with peers and adults, they are open to "making a difference" by responsible choices for goodness and justice.

Youth for Outreach
The Call to Stewardship in Grades 1-6

Stewardship is part of our Catholic tradition and who we are as Church. God is the source of all we have and are, and as Catholics, we are encouraged to share what we have with others, to respect our neighbors as ourselves, and to assist those that are less fortunate or have fallen on difficult times in their lives.

Stewardship education is about how we care for the possessions that God has given us, and calls us to nurture our relationships with God, our families, our Church, our community and the world around us. In each grade level of faith formation, all of our students are invited to put their faith into action in service to others. The important aspect of our parish life begins with the role model of good stewardship which is set in the home.

As Pope John Paul said, "The family finds in the plan of God the Creator and Redeemer not only its identity, what it is, but also its mission, what it can and should do." The role and mission of the family is to be the "first and vital cell of society" and a "community of life and love"... that in its actions and by its example will transform the world." With his words of inspiration we are reminded of the critical role parents, guardians and extended family members play in the education of our youth. They are the first and most important teachers of faith to the children. St. Rose religious education hopes to promote a Catholic culture in every home that will aid each family in becoming the best we can be. To assist us in this goal our dedicated catechists continue to be committed to the enhancement and enrichment of the faith formation of the youngest members of our Church community by inviting them to be in full participation of various parish activities.

We welcome all those that hear the call to discipleship in sharing their personal faith with our parish children, and invite you to contact our offices for information regarding how you can become a part of our ministry of faith.