2024-25 CCD Religious Education: Pre-K - 12

Overview

CCD Classes meet Wednesdays, 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm in Aquinas Hall.  Students are placed in our CCD classes by their age on September 1st. Please contact Mrs. Cary Schmidgall with any questions – cary@holyrosarypdx.org

 Ages 3-5: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level I

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori based approach to faith formation.  The heart of catechesis for children under 6 revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd.  Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. 

The child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the alter and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace.  Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift.  The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy through the events of the Last Supper, Christ’s death, and His resurrection.

Ages 6: Faith and Life - Our Heavenly Father and St. Joseph’s First Communion Catechism 

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), The Hail Mary, The Two Great Commandments

Ages 7: Faith and Life - Jesus Our Life and St. Joseph’s First Communion Catechism

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Age 6 plus: Prayer to Our Guardian Angel, Morning Offering, Blessing Before Meals, Act of Contrition, The Ten Commandments

Ages 8: Faith and Life - Our Life with Jesus and Baltimore Catechism I

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6 & 7 plus: Prayer to St. Michael, The Angelus, Grace After Meal, Hail Holy Queen, The Seven Sacraments

 Ages 9: Faith and Life - Jesus Our Guide and Baltimore Catechism I

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6-8 plus: Act of Hope, The Twelve Apostles, The Four Marks of the Church, The Three Theological Virtues

Ages 10: Faith and Life - Credo: I Believe and Baltimore Catechism I

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6-9 plus: Act of Faith, Apostle’s Creed, Four Cardinal Virtues, Ten Commandments (Review), Three Attributes of the Church

Ages 11: Faith and Life - Following Christ and Baltimore Catechism II

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6-10 plus: Act of Love, The Seven Capital Sins, The Six Precepts of the Church, Three Evangelical Counsels 

Ages 12: Faith and Life - The Life of Grace and Baltimore Catechism II

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6-11 plus: The Memorare, The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, The Eight Beatitudes, The Four Last Things

Ages 13: Faith and Life - Our Life in the Church and Baltimore Catechism II

Prayers discussed and to be memorized: Those required for Ages 6-12 plus: Regina Coeli, The Chief Spiritual Works of Mercy, The Chief Corporal Works of Mercy, The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit

 Ages 14 - 18: 4-Year Rotation on Catholic Philosophy and Moral Topics

The goal of this program is to help students understand the “why” behind the “what” of Church teaching so they can develop a deeper understanding of Church teachings.  At the end of the rotation, students should be able to explain the reasoning behind the teachings.  Additionally, students will learn how to share the gift of Truth with charity as they encounter difficult conversations/situations in their daily lives.