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-10):

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

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Registration
If you are interested in enrolling in our Christian Formation program, and you are a parish member, please:

• Read our registration information letter and Christian Formation – Information Sheet; and
• Complete our Christian Formation Registration Form, and return it 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.

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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

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Course Outlines for 2007-2008
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 2004 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.

Below are the Course Outlines for the 2007-2008 Christian Formation year: 

Course Outline – 4-Year-Old Kindergarten	- God Made The World
Course Outline – 5-Year-Old Kindergarten	- God Made The World
Course Outline – Grade 1	- God Loves Us
Course Outline – Grade 2	- Jesus Shares God's Life
Sadlier Sacrament Program	- First Reconciliation
Sadlier Sacrament Program	- First Eucharist
Course Outline – Grade 3	- We Are The Church
Course Outline – Grade 4	- God’s Law Guides Us
Course Outline – Grade 5	- We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Liturgy of the Word for Children (LWC)
Liturgy of the Word for Children is an adapted version of the Liturgy of the Word taken from the children’s lectionary. Children in grades K5–4 are called forward and led to the Church Hall by the LWC leader; they are still part of the assembly and are still celebrating the same Liturgy of the Word as adults, but in language children can understand and apply to their lives. It is still liturgy, not a session for education or keeping children occupied, but for genuine celebration including praise and worship of God. The way we live and how we respond to God’s word is a primary source of influence on children. Liturgy of the Word for Children provides an opportunity for us to reflect with children on what God is saying when we gather each week to celebrate God’s presence in the word. The children return to their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at the Presentation of the Gifts.

This program is offered during the 9 AM and 11 AM Sunday Masses throughout the school year, with the exception of Christmas and Easter and is dependent upon the availability of catechists. Children younger than K5 are welcome to participate in LWC with the accompaniment of an adult family member.

During the summer, the program is offered at the 9 AM Mass only.

Adults who have a love of the scriptures and of catechesis are encouraged to volunteer as catechists, assistant catechists and aides. Full training will be provided. The benefits of this ministry include “seeing” God’s presence through the eyes of young people and greater reverence and respect for God’s Word in your life.

For more information about Liturgy of the Word for Children or to volunteer, contact the Director of Child Ministry at 377-1070, ext 226 or send an e-mail.

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Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a one-week summer program for children ages 4-10. Sessions have a biblical theme and generally include crafts, games and fun. We have a great time with lively songs, exciting skits, Bible stories and tasty snacks. On top of that, we help children to know God through prayer.

For more information about Vacation Bible School, or to volunteer to help, contact the Director of Child Ministry at 377-1070, ext. 226 or send an e-mail.

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Gospel Champions

The Gospel Champions PC video arcade game recreates Gospel stories that are fun to play and reinforce the Gospel message and Catholic teachings. Because the games are sequenced with the lectionary, each month the children will play a game based upon the Gospel they heard from during Mass.

Click on the image above to download the game. A 9-digit access code is required to download the game; and is available from our Director of Child Ministry at 377-1070, ext. 226 or by sending an e-mail.

Detailed game overviews are available without the access code.

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Church: Family and Home
Click on the image to the right to view this excellent family website. The Family Life Ministers of the Catholic Diocese of Wisconsin have developed this website which includes resources to support, nurture and challenge families.

Check for prayers, activities and other resources. New materials are added each month.

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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.

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