The Archdiocese has developed a curriculum guide for use by each parish based religious formation program.  This is in response to the call of the National Directory for Catechesis.  The guide correlates the materials in each grade level to the Catechism and will ensure a thorough catechesis of our Catholic faith is provided to all of the young people in the Omaha Archdiocese.  Parents will receive a copy of the Archdiocesan guide for the grade level of each of their children registered in the Religious Formation program.  A copy of the Essential Prayers and Practices provided by the Archdiocese for each grade level is included in the back of the Religious Formation Handbook under "Catholic Prayers and Practices".

In compliance with the U.S. Bishop’s Committee for Catechesis, our parish utilizes the following curricula in our parish based religious formation program:

Preschoolers enrolled in our Religious Formation program will utilize Harcourt “Sharing God’s Story” for curriculum.  “Sharing God’s Story” makes exploring the Bible a creative and interactive educational journey for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.

Kindergarten through 7th Graders enrolled in our Religious Formation program will utilize the “Call to Faith” program by Harcourt Publishers.  The “Call to Faith” program is deeply rooted in Church tradition.  The treasure of God’s word is highlighted and integrated into the program’s instruction, reflection, sharing and prayer.  Each lesson of “Call to Faith” draws on and instructs in Church doctrine in ways that help students, catechists and families understand and appreciate the Church’s teachings as they apply to life today.  “Call to Faith” takes seriously the importance of models and witnesses of faith as a factor in the faith development of both children and adults.  The story of one person of faith whose life witnesses to the lesson theme is presented at the end of each lesson, and stories of other saints and people of faith are interwoven into the lessons when appropriate. 

The activity process for the “Call to Faith” program includes:  Let’s Begin.  This process helps children reflect on their own varied experiences.  Share Your Faith helps children dialog with others and act on their faith.  Connect Your Faith helps children connect with the faith life of the Church and Live Your Faith helps children put their faith into action.  The Family Faith page also includes a "Live Your Faith" activity, emphasizing that it is in the family setting—the "domestic Church"—where students primarily live out their faith.

8th Graders and youth preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation in our parish will utilize “Call To Celebrate” by Harcourt publishers.  “Call to Celebrate” follows a liturgical-catechetical method in three steps:  Celebrate - Every session begins with a celebration that includes a ritual focus.  The celebration is immediately followed by a reflection on what was experienced.  Remember - In every session, Scripture passages that pertain to Confirmation and the fullness of the Holy Spirit are proclaimed and broken open.  The doctrines that form the body of teaching about Confirmation and the Holy Spirit are presented, and a specific part of the Rite of  Confirmation is explained.  Live - Every session includes a story about a Witness of Faith and activities that help the candidates integrate the theme into daily living.

CIRCLE OF GRACE: "The Archdiocese of Omaha, out of concern for all God’s people and in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, has developed a program for Safe Environment education of children and young people. This program is called Circle of Grace.  It is meant to supplement and be integrated into the excellent programs and curricula for the formation of children and young people within the Archdiocese of Omaha."  

All of the children in our parish, whether they are enrolled in the Religious Formation program or the 5-day school, will participate in Circle of Grace lessons.  Parents are welcome to review the curricula by calling the RF Office to obtain a copy for their child’s grade level.