Child Ministry (Grades 4K-5)

“He then took a child, set him in front of them, 
put his arms around him, and said to them, 
‘Anyone who welcomes
one of these children in my name, welcomes me;
and anyone who welcomes me,
welcomes not me but the one who sent me.'"
 – Mark 9:36-37

Christian Formation Program/Classes

Times and Locations
The Child Ministry portion of our Christian Formation program includes several distinct sections, as described below. The Christian Formation Schedule shows the times and locations for classes at all grade levels.

K4-K5:

• Sunday mornings during the 9:00 AM Mass at SFB-North, or
• Monday evening Family Program.

Grades 1-5:

• Wednesday evenings, 4:30-5:45 PM or 6:15-7:30 PM, at St. Francis Borgia School, or
• Monday evening Family Program
  

Family Program (Grades 4K-8):

• Monday evenings, 5:30-7:30 PM (includes meal)
• More information is in the Family Program section of the Christian Formation site

Registration
If you are interested in enrolling in our Christian Formation program, and you are a parish member, please see the Registration Information on the Parent Materials page, and return the registration form to the parish office.

If you are not yet a member of our parish community, then please register with the parish at one of our new member registration sessions.

For additional information, contact the Director of Child Ministry.

 

Archdiocese of Milwaukee Grade Specific Religious Education Curriculum
In 2004 the Archdiocese of Milwaukee developed the Grade Specific Religious Education Curriculum with the intent of identifying core religious education topics for each grade level. The structure of the curriculum is based upon the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Prayer. This is also described as:

• What the Church Believes;
• What the Church Celebrates;
• How the Church Lives; and
• How the Church Prays.

Below are the grade level expectations that the Archdiocese has identified, including the typical characteristics of a child at this level:   

• Pre-School (Four Year Old) Expectations
• Kindergarten (Five Year Old) Expectations
• Grade Level 1 Expectations
• Grade Level 2 Expectations
• Grade Level 3 Expectations
• Grade Level 4 Expectations
• Grade Level 5 Expectations

 

Grade K4 – Grade 5 Christian Formation Curriculum and Books To catechize children in Grade K4-Grade 5 in accordance with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Grade Specific Religious Education Curriculum, St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church Christian Formation utilizes the 2009 We Believe series by William H. Sadlier, Inc. Both the student’s text and catechist’s manual are found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee to Oversee the Use of the Catechism. 4-Year-Old Kindergarten - God Made The World 5-Year-Old Kindergarten - God Made The World Grade 1 - God Loves Us Grade 2 - Jesus Shares God's Life    Pflaum Sacrament Program     - First Reconciliation    Pflaum Sacrament Program     - First Eucharist Grade 3 - We Are The Church Grade 4 - God’s Law Guides Us Grade 5 - We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments

 

Sadlier: We Believe Web

Sadlier provides an exceptional website for catechists/teachers, students and families with many formational ideas, activities and opportunities. Click on the image on the left to access the site.

 

Sacraments
The Catechism of the Catholic Church articulates that "the sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundation of every Christian life", and pronounces that, "the faithful are born anew in Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life" (1212). The Catechism goes on to advise us that "Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave... sins... has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit his healing and salvation" and that this is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: Penance and the Anointing of the Sick (1421).

All baptized are invited to participate in preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The Code of Canon Law stipulates that the sacrament of Reconciliation precede the sacrament of Eucharist (c. 913); in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, First Reconciliation is to precede First Eucharist. If your child has not been baptized please contact the Director of Adult and Family Ministry at 262-377-1070, ext. 241, or send an e-mail.

Catechesis for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist begins in Grade 1. This formation, in addition to attending Mass and preparation at home, provides the foundation for these sacraments. More specific information about preparation for each of these sacraments is provided below.

Reconciliation
Reconciliation (Confession/Penance) is celebrated weekly at St. Francis Borgia; please see the Reconciliation schedule. Reconciliation services are also provided within Christian Formation class time; please see the Christian Formation schedule. If your child is in Grade 3 or above and would like to celebrate First Reconciliation please contact the Director of Child Ministry at 262-377-1070, ext. 226, or send an e-mail.

First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation is ordinarily celebrated in Grade 2. Preparation includes the following:

• Enrollment in the Christian Formation program or SFB School, at least one year prior to the reception of the sacrament.
• Participation in all aspects of the preparation program, including: classroom catechesis and parent meetings.
• Active membership at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church.

Parent meetings are held in the fall and the sacrament is celebrated during Advent; please see the reverse side of the schedule for exact dates.

Eucharist
Because the Church draws her life from the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, participation in the Sunday Eucharist is essential to you and your child(ren)’s faith life. Through the sacraments we witness the dying and rising of Christ, and we are especially absorbed into this, the Paschal Mystery, through the sacrament of Eucharist. Please see our Mass schedule for Mass times. If your child is in Grade 3 or above and would like to celebrate First Eucharist please contact the Director of Child Ministry at 262-377-1070, ext. 226, or send an e-mail.

First Eucharist
First Eucharist is ordinarily celebrated in Grade 2. Preparation includes the following:

• Enrollment in the Christian Formation program or SFB School, at least one year prior to the reception of the sacrament.
• Participation in all aspects of the preparation program, including: classroom catechesis, parent meetings, and a morning of reflection.
• Active membership at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church.
• Weekly attendance at Sunday liturgy.

Parent meetings are held in the spring and the sacrament is celebrated during the Easter Season; please see the reverse side of the schedule for exact dates.

 

Liturgy of the Word for Children (LWC)
Through the Liturgy of the Word for Children, we provide the opportunity for children, ages 4-10 (or entering grades K4 through 5), to hear and discuss the Word of God. This program is held during the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses from September through May and during the 9:00 a.m. Mass from June through August. The time commitment for those who lead this is a once a month rotation with other catechists. Preparation time is 20-30 minutes, with the actual time for the Liturgy of the Word for Children about 20 minutes. Adult and youth volunteers are needed to lead the Liturgy of the Word and to organize the children. For details and contact information, see the flyer for Leaders for Liturgy of the Word for Children.

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible school is a week-long summer catechetical program for children ages 5-10 (or entering grades K5-5). The program is based on a new theme each year with a variety of stations including a Scripture story, craft, video, game, and treat station. Many youth (middle and high school) and adult volunteers are needed to help Vacation Bible School run smoothly. For details and contact information, see the Vacation Bible School Volunteer Flyer .

More Information
For more information on any aspect of child formation, contact the Director of Child Ministry at 262-377-1070, ext. 226, or send an e-mail. (Names and biographies of Christian Formation staff are on the Parish Staff page.)