February/ March Over the next few months: -Ash Wednesday -Lent -Holy Week -Easter
| Essential Question- Where is God in my friendships?
During these months, children will continue to discover the gift of self through exploration of feelings and positive relationships as a trace of God. They will explore strategies for developing friendships with others and appreciate the talents and gifts of their classmates and family members. |
Season of Advent/ Christmas Essential Question for December – Where is God during this season of hope? How is He with us as we prepare for Christmas?
Children will be invited to enter into the holy season of Advent/Christmas through story, ritual, and symbol so that God’s coming may become part of our lives. The children are part of the story of God’s becoming one of us. They too belong to God’s family. | The Advent wreath is used in our schools, churches and homes as part of our spiritual preparation for Christmas. It abounds in symbolism. The three purple candles represent prayer, penance and preparatory sacrifices and good works. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing, because we have arrived at the midpoint of Advent and our preparation for Christmas is now half over. There is also rich symbolism in the circular shape of the wreath, the light from the candles, the use of evergreens, and much more! Home Activity: |
November: All Saints Day and Remembrance Day Children’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many and wonderful saints that followed Jesus down through the ages. Help us to follow their good examples and to remember what a blessing it is to be in the same family of faith. We ask this in Jesus’ name – Amen! From our mass... All Saints Day This special day reminds us that God has a special plan for everyone. Before we were born, God willed for us to live with Him forever. When we were baptized, we became part of a special family called the communion of saints, who share in Jesus’ gift of His holiness. | This month we will be talking about how we can be peacemakers (at school, home, in our community). We will look We will link this to Remembrance Day and the theme of peace.  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. |
October:
Essential Question for October: Where is God when we celebrate? How is He with us? How does God provide for me? |
God provides us with everything we need. We celebrate the earth’s abundance as a trace of God. October is a time for recognizing, acknowledging, giving thanks for, and celebrating the many gifts God has given us. This theme helps the children to recognize that as God’s children, we have so much in common. All over the world, all people have a need for the same things: a warm safe home, a loving family, food and drink. October is also a time of seasonal change. : |
“The necessities of life are water, bread, and clothing, and also a house to assure privacy.” Sirach 29:21
September:
Essential Question for September: Where is God in my family and in my self?  | September is a month of welcome and new friendships. Children will join with others to shape themselves through play, exploration and affirmation of their capabilities as a trace of God. They will embrace and celebrate that each child belongs to a family as a trace of God. Children will affirm their identity, and appreciate the uniqueness of their body as a trace of God. |
“ I have called you by name you are mine” Isaiah 43:1
