•
Holy Eucharist Catechetical School
General Program Outline
• Kindergarten Level
Programme Requirements.
• Level 1
Programme Requirements.
• Level 2
Preparation for Holy Confession
and Solemn Holy Communion.
• Level 3
Programme Requirements.
__________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration:
first Sunday in September
in the church hall after each Divine Liturgy.
Information: Please call the church office at 416-465-5836.
Classes: Every Sunday from September to May
10:30 am - Library Time
10:45 am - Prayer & Music Class
11:00 am - Catechetical Instruction (by class)
11:45 am - Divine Liturgy (children join their parents)
Levels/Levels: Kindergarten
Level 1
Level 2: Preparation for Confession & Solemn Holy Communion
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
__________________________________________________________
Holy Eucharist Catechetical School
The Catechetical School for children are Holy Eucharist Church follows a new Catechetical Series Programme called LIVING OUR ORTHODOX FAITH, with the blessing and approval of Bishop Cornelius. This series provides the children with colourful textbooks and teachers will well prepared manuals. The goals of this curriculum series are:
• 1) to educate our children in
knowledge of the teachings of our Faith;
• 2) to help them learn to live the Christian way in their personal
lives at home, school, play, as well as at church.
To achieve these goals the curriculum series has gradually introduced the student to the Bible, the lives of the Saints, and the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. The educational approach used in each lesson is simple, yet filled with opportunities for the teacher.
Each lesson has three/four parts:
a) an opening story;
b) a “teaching” through a Bible story, life of a saint, or an
explanatory narrative;
c) an application.
d) an activity.
Kindergarten
Textbook: HAPPY WITH GOD
Focus: God’s love for us. Joy. Sharing.
“Joy” is the theme of the kindergarten textbook, “Happy With God.” Through this textbook we want to show the kindergarten child that God’s love is our greatest source of happiness. A young child experiences joy not only through family and school activities, but also through worship and church life. We have chosen aspects of worship and stories from scripture that are examples of joy centered on Christ. The kindergarten child learns to celebrate the joy of God’s love and begins to feel a sense of trust and well-being in his emerging relationship with God.
Level 1
Textbook: ME AND MY WORLD
Focus: Belonging to God’s Family.
This book consists of seven units: “About me,” “About Your Faith,” “About Your Family”, “About Your Church,” “About People,” “About Your World”, and “Learning About Church Holy Days.” The lessons in this last unit, “Learning About Church Holy Days,” are developed so that they may be taught at the proper time in the ecclesiastical year. The following Holy Days are presented: Annunciation, Christmas, Theophany Palm Sunday and Easter.
Level 2
Textbooks: WE ARE CHILDREN OF LIGHT / LOVING GOD
Focus: Jesus is the Son of God, both God and man. Holy Confession & Communion
Because of the intense preparation during this year for Solemn Holy Confession and Communion, this textbook is replaced with the program developed by the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, “We are Children of Light”. The program focuses on the Sacraments of Initiation as well as the Mystery of Repentance.
The theme of this book “Loving God” is love. Both Scripture and doctrine teach about God as a loving parent. In order to recognize the goodness and blessings of God’s creation, the lessons are formed so that the students learn about our lives, our faith, and also how to live our faith.
Level 3
Textbook: SHARING GOD’S WORLD
Focus: The Holy Spirit. Understanding the Divine Liturgy.
The theme of this book is sharing based on the life of the Church. As the third Levelr becomes aware of the outside world and his relationships with peers, he or she learns about God’s people and their relationships in the Old and New Testaments, as well as from the history of the Church. Through study of the Divine Liturgy and other traditions of the Church the child begins to experience sharing, giving, and dealing with relationships at home, at church, and in the world in a positive manner.
Level 4
Textbook: GROWING WITH GOD
Focus: Worship of God. Holy Scripture. Obedience to God’s Word.
The most important goal of this textbook is to acquaint students with a “hands-on” experience of the Bible. This means that each student should have access to a Good News Bible or New Testament.
Level 5
Textbook: GOD CALLS US
Focus: Faith. Trust. Truth. Integrity. Honesty. Great Lent.
The theme of this book is “Responding to God” which deepens the students’ understanding of God’s continuing revelation to His chosen people. Through the lessons the students will concentrate on the stories of Heroes of the Faith who have responded to God’s call as examples of faith, loyalty, self-sacrifice, obedience, love, justice, and social responsibility.
Through the study of these great figures the student learns to respond to God in terms of personal faith and the basics of Christian morality - the Ten Commandments and the teaching of Christ as found in the Beatitudes and the Parables. God Calls Us helps the students understand who they are as people of God, and how they are to act as Christians. It is also designed to be a beginner’s Church and Bible History of Salvation, and includes a simplified, attractive 4,000 year timeline of the Church and Bible History.
__________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
YEAR-END Requirements
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Old Testament
1. Familiar with the story of: 1) Noah and the Ark; 2) Jonah and the Whale; 3) Hannah and Samuel (example of obedience);
New Testament
1. Familiar with the story of: 1) The Miracle of the Five Loaves; 2) The Healing of the Ten Lepers; 3) The Good Samaritan; 4) Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayer
1. Can demonstrate the correct way of making the sign of the cross.
2. Has the following prayers memorized: 1) Glory be (Small Doxology); 2) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 3) Rejoice, Mother of God (Angelic Salutation); 4) Angel of God.
3. In his/her own words, can say a prayer of thanksgiving.
4. Knows how to venerate an icon; knows how to make small & great metany.
Liturgy
1. Is able to sing along at the following hymns: 1) Trisagion; 2) To Your Cross, O Master; 3) All Who Have Been Baptized; 4) Christ is Risen (the Easter Troparion).
2. Can identify the following liturgical items: 1) Holy Altar; 2) Artophorion (Tabernacle); 3) Eternal Lamp; 4) Preparation Table (Proskomedia); 5) Prosphora & its markings; 6) Chalice, Diskos, Lance and Spoon; 7) Tetrapod; 8) Analoi; 9) Deacon, Priest, Bishop.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Knows the name of the parish priest, deacons and bishop.
2. Can tell the life story of one chosen saint (Presentation of Saints).
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS (MORAL LIFE)
1. Basic understanding of belonging to God’s family and the importance of sharing.
2. Basic understanding of the importance of listening & obeying parents & teachers.
3. Basic understanding of the importance of forgiving.
4. Recognizes Jesus as his/her best friend.
5. Family Project: with the help of parents, has gone through his/her toys and clothing, and has chosen certain things in good condition to give away to those less fortunate.
6. Lenten Family Project: with help of parents, has chosen to do a good deed per day for one week.
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Regularly attends Divine Liturgy and catechetical classes on Sundays
2. Has been baptized and chrismated (confirmed)
__________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
Requirements
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Old Testament
1. Familiar with the story of: 1) The Creation of Adam and Eve; 2) Noah
and the Ark; 3) Jonah and the Whale; 4) The Story of Joseph and His
Brothers; 5) The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments.
New Testament
2. Familiar with: 1) The Annunciation to Mary; 2) The Nativity of Jesus
in Bethlehem; 3) The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; 4) The Miracle of
the Five Loaves and Two Fish; 5) The Good Samaritan; 6) The Merciful
Father and the Prodigal Son; 7) The Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem; 8)
The Empty Tomb and Appearance of Jesus.
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayers
1. Can demonstrate the correct way of making the sign of the cross.
2. Familiar with lighting candles in church with the supervision of an adult
3. Knows how to venerate icons; knows how to make small & great metany.
4. Has the following prayers memorized: 1) Trisagion; 2) Glory be (Small Doxology); 3) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 4) Rejoice, Mother of God (Angelic Salutation); 5) Angel of God.
5. In his/her own words, can say a prayer of thanksgiving.
6. Familiar with prayer before and after meals.
7. Knows the Christian greeting: Glory to Jesus Christ — Glory for ever!
8. Knows the Easter greeting: Christ is risen! — Truly He is risen!
Sacraments
1. Has gained a basic understanding of BAPTISM.
2. Understands the difference between HOLY COMMUNION and Antidoron.
Liturgy
1. Is able to sing the following hymns: 1) Trisagion; 2) To Your Cross, O Master; 3) All Who Have Been Baptized; 4) Christ is Risen (the Easter Troparion); 5) Alleluia.
2. Can identify the following liturgical items: 1) Holy Altar & Artophorion (Tabernacle); 2) Holy Gospel Book; 3) Eternal Lamp; 4) Preparation Table (Proskomedia); 5) Prosphora & its markings; 6) Chalice, Diskos, Lance and Spoon; 7) Tetrapod; 8) Analoi; 9) Deacon, Priest, Bishop.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Has gained a basic understanding of the Church as God’s Family
2. Knows the name of his/her parish church.
3. Understands that the Catholic Church is a family of Churches.
4. Knows the name of the parish priest, deacons, bishop, patriarch and pope.
5. Familiar with the life story of at least two saints.
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS (MORAL LIFE)
1. COMMANDMENTS. Knows the two Great Commandments of Love. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your souland with all your strength. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
2. SHARING. Has gained a better understanding of the importance of sharing.
3. FORGIVING. Has gained a better understanding of the importance of forgiving.
4. FRIENDSHIP. Recognizes Jesus as his/her best friend.
5. Family Project: with the help of parents, has gone through his/her toys and clothing; and has chosen to give somethings away to those less fortunate.
6. GREAT LENT: with help of parents, has chosen to do a good deed per day or one week.
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Regularly attends Divine Liturgy and catechetical classes on Sundays
2. Has been baptized and chrismated (confirmed)
_____________________________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
Level 2: Confession & Holy Communion
Requirements (Year end)
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Faith
1. Has a very basic understanding that God is ONE, yet three PERSONS
2. Understands that Jesus is the Son of God, Who became a man. Jesus is both God and man.
3. Has a very basis understanding why the Son of God became a man.
Old Testament
1. Familiar with the story of: 1) The Story of Adam and Eve; 2) Noah and the Ark; 3) Jonah and the Whale; 4) The Story of Joseph and His Brothers; 5) The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments.
New Testament
1. Familiar with: 1) The Annunciation to Mary; 2) The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem; 3) The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; 4) The First Apostles follow Jesus; 5) The Multiplication of the loaves and fish; 6) The story about Zacchaeus; 7) The Merciful Father and the Prodigal Son; 8) The Good Samaritan; 9) Jesus is the Good Shepherd; 10) The Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem; 11) The Last Supper; 12) The Crucifixion of Jesus and His Burial; 13) Easter Sunday: The angels bring good news; 14) Pentecost: the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Can correctly name the four Gospels and Evangelists.
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayer
1. Can demonstrate the correct way of making the sign of the cross.
2. Has the following prayers memorized: 1) Trisagion; 2) Glory be (Small Doxology; 3) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 4) Rejoice, Mother of God (Angelic Salutation); 5) Angel of God; 6) Prayer of the Publican; 7) Prayer Before Holy Communion.
3. In his/her own words, can say a prayer of thanksgiving, praise or petition.
4 Familiar with prayer before and after meals.
5. Knows how to make small & great metany.
6. Knows at least three Christian greetings: 1) Glory to Jesus Christ .... 2) Christ is among us ... 3) Christ is Risen ....
Liturgy
1. Knows how to venerate icons when entering or leaving a church.
2. Familiar with lighting candles in church (with supervision of an adult)
3. Is able to sing the following prayers and hymns: 1) Heavenly King (Prayer to the Holy Spirit); 2) Trisagion; 3) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 4) Alleluia; 5) To Your Cross, O Master; 6) All Who Have Been Baptized; 7) Christ is Risen (the Easter Troparion).
4. Can identify the following liturgical items: 1) Holy Altar, Artophorion, Fans, Cross and Candelabra; 2) Holy Gospel Book; 3) Eternal Lamp; 4) Preparation Table (Proskomedia) & Service Table; 5) Prosphora & its markings; 6) Chalice, Diskos, Lance and Spoon; 7) Iconostasis and main icons; 8) Tetrapod; 9) Analoi; 10) Three main parts of a church; 11) Deacon, Priest, Bishop.
5. Is aware of the following important parts of the Divine Liturgy: 1) The Trisagion Hymn (We join the angels to worship God); 2) The Readings (God speaks to us); 3) The Great Entrance (The gifts are brought to the altar); 4) The Consecration (God gives Himself to us!); 5) The “Our Father”; 6) Holy Communion; 7) Thanksgiving After Holy Communion.
Sacraments
1. Has a basic understanding of BAPTISM and CHRISMATION.
2. Has gained a basic understanding of the Mystery of REPENTANCE.
3. Knows the five important points of a good CONFESSION.
4. Knows how to prepare for Confession and how to make a good Confession.
5. Understands that Jesus in Holy Communion we receive Jesus Himself.
6. Knows the meaning of the word “EUCHARIST.”
7. Understands the difference between HOLY COMMUNION and Antidoron.
8. Is familiar with the fact that there are SEVEN SACRAMENTS in the Church.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Has a basic understanding of the Church as God’s Family
2. Knows the name of his/her parish church.
3. Understands that the Catholic Church is a family of Churches. Understands that he/she is a Christian; a Ukrainian Catholic.
4. Knows the name of the parish priest, deacons, bishop, patriarch and pope
5. Familiar with the life story of at least three saints.
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS (MORAL LIFE)
1. Knows the two Great Commandments of Love. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
2. Knows the New Commandment given by Jesus gave us at the Last Supper: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
3. Is familiar with the Ten Commandments (original and simplified for children)
4. Is able to make an ‘examination of conscience’.
5. Understands of the importance of sharing.
6. Understands the importance of forgiving others.
7. Recognizes Jesus as his/her best friend.
8. CHARITY Project: (as assigned by catechist)
9. LENTEN PROJECT: (as assigned by catechist)
10. Has brought Antidoron to someone who was sick, or could not receive Communion.
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Regularly attends Divine Liturgy and catechetical classes on Sundays
2. Has been baptized and chrismated (confirmed)
__________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
Requirements (Year-END)
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Faith
1. Basic understanding that God is ONE, yet three PERSONS.
2. Understands that Jesus is the Son of God, Who became a man. Jesus is both God and man.
3. Has a basic understanding why the Son of God became a man.
4. HOLY SPIRIT. Has gained a deeper understanding of the role of the of the Holy Spirit in our daily Christian life.
Old Testament
1. Familiar with: 1) The Story of Adam and Eve; 2) The Story of Cain and Abel; 3) The Call of Abraham; 4) Abraham and the Three Special Visitors; 5) The Story of Isaac and his family; 6) The Story of Moses and the Burning Bush; 7) The Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai; 8) The Tabernacle in the Wilderness; 9) God Feeds His People in the Wilderness.
2. Can name the first five books of the Old Testament
New Testament
1. Familiar with: 1) Jesus announces the Good News; 2) The miraculous catch of fish; 3) Jesus calls his first disciples; 4) Jesus calms the storm; 5) The Multiplication of the loaves and fish; 6) Jesus walks on water; 7) The Crucifixion of Jesus and His Burial; 8) Jesus appears to his disciples; 9) Jesus appears to his disciples on the sea shore; 10) Pentecost: the Descent of the Holy Spirit; 11) Peter and John heal the crippled man; 12) The Story of St. Stephen, the First Martyr; 13) The Conversion of St. Paul; 14) The Story of Cornelius, the Centurion.
2. Can name the first five books of the New Testament.
3. Understands that the bible is divided into books, chapters and verses. Is able to locate certain books, chapter and verse in the bible.
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayer
1. Has the following prayers memorized: 1) Prayer to the Holy Spirit (Heavenly King); 2) Trisagion Prayers; 3) Glory be (Small Doxology); 4) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 5) Rejoice, Mother of God (Angelic Salutation); 6) Prayer to the Guardian Angel; 7) Prayer of the Publican; 8) Prayer Before Holy Communion.
2. In his/her own words, can say a spontaneous prayer.
3. Familiar with prayer before and after meals.
4. Knows how to make small & great metany.
5. Familiar with the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem.
6. Is familiar with the various Christian greetings used during the year.
Liturgy
1. Knows how to venerate icons when entering or leaving a church.
2. Familiar with lighting candles in church.
3. Is able to sing the following prayers and hymns: 1) Heavenly King (Prayer to the Holy Spirit); 2) Trisagion; 3) To Your Cross, O Master; 4) All Who Have Been Baptized; 5) Christ is Risen (the Easter Troparion); 6) The Cherubic Hymn; 7) The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father); 8) Rejoice, Virgin Mary.
4. Has gained a deeper understanding of the DIVINE LITURGY and its various parts: 1) Preparation for Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion; 2) The Blessing of the Kingdom (Where are we going?); 3) The Trisagion Hymn (We join the angels to worship God); 4 The Scripture Readings (God speaks to us); 5) The Great Entrance (We bring everything to God); 6) The Anaphora- Consecration (God gives Himself to us!); 7) The “Our Father”; 8) Holy Communion; 9) Thanksgiving After Holy Communion.
Sacraments
1. Can name the seven sacraments of the Church. (Three Sacraments of Initiation; two of healing; and two of vocation.)
2. Understands Christian Initiation as: BAPTISM, CHRISMATION & EUCHARIST.
3. Has gained a basic understanding of the Mystery of ANOINTING.
4. Knows the five important points of a good CONFESSION.
5. Knows that Jesus is truly present in the Mystery of the EUCHARIST.
6. Familiar with Water Blessings (Sacramentals)
7. Has gained a basic understanding of Marriage as a Vocation & Sacrament.
8. Has gained a basis understanding of Priesthood as a Vocation & Sacrament.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Has been introduced to a basic history of the early Church.
2. Knows the story of the first martyr of the Church, ST. STEPHEN the deacon.
3. Familiar with St. Paul, his conversion and missionary work.
4. Familiar with the life story of ST. POLYCARP & ST. IRENAEUS.
5. Familiar with STS. COSMAS AND DAMIAN; Holy Unmercenaries.
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS
1. Knows the two Great Commandments of Love. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
2. Knows the New Commandment given by Jesus gave us at the Last Supper: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
3. Has memorized the Ten Commandments.
4. Understands the importance of forgiving others.
5. Recognizes Jesus as his/her best friend.
6. Has been introduced to the importance of JUSTICE and MERCY.
7. Is familiar with the Beatitudes and where to find them in the Scriptures.
__________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
Requirements (YEAR END)
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Faith
1. Basic understanding of God as Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. Can briefly speak about each Person of the Holy Trinity.
3. Has a basic understanding why the Son of God became a man.
4. Has gained a deeper understanding
of the role of the of the Holy Spirit in our daily Christian life.
5. Can explain the importance of glorifying God and worshiping Him
alone.
Old Testament
1. Understands that the bible is divided into books, chapters and verses. Is able to locate and book, chapter and verse in the bible.
2. Can name the first five books of the Old Testament.
3. Understands that the Old Testament is divided into four major sections: 1) The Law (Torah); 2) Historical Books; 3) Wisdom Literature; 4) The Prophets.
4. New stories: 1) The Story of the Passover; 2) Moses and the outpouring of water from the rock; 3) The Story of David — Anointed as King; 4) The repentance of King David; 5) The story of Ruth.
New Testament
1. Can name the first five books of the New Testament.
2. New stories: 1) The Birth of St. John the Baptist; 1) Jesus Cleanses the Temple; 2) The Parable of the Sower; 3) The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness; 4) The Transfiguration of Jesus.
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayer
1. Has gained an understanding about the importance of prayer.
2. Understands the “Lord’s Prayer” and can give a basic explanation.
3. Has become familiar with the “Prayer of St. Ephrem” for the Great Fast.
4. Is familiar with the DAILY PRAYERS of our Church.
5. In his/her own words, can say a spontaneous prayer.
6. Familiar with prayer before and after meals.
7. Has gained a basic understanding about the importance of fasting.
8. Is familiar with the four FASTS of the year.
Liturgy
1. Can explain the meaning of the words “LITURGY” and “DIVINE LITURGY”
2. Has gained an even deeper understanding of the DIVINE LITURGY: 1) The Importance of Preparation for Divine Liturgy; 2) The Blessing of the Kingdom (Where are we going?); 3) The Hymn of the Incarnation (Small Creed); 4) The Trisagion Hymn (We join the angels to worship God); 5) The Scripture Readings (God speaks to us); 6) The Great Entrance (We bring everything to God); 7) The Confession of Faith (The Creed); 8) The Eucharistic Prayer & Consecration (God gives Himself to us!); 9) The “Our Father”; 10) Holy Communion; 11) Thanksgiving After Holy Communion; 12) Living the Liturgy everyday.
3. Has been introduced to the singing of an AKATHIST HYMN.
4. Has been introduced to the LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS
Sacraments (Holy Mysteries)
1. Is familiar with what happens at a Baptismal Service. Can explain the process of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist.
2. Understands the importance of a good CONFESSION.
3. Familiar with prayers before and after HOLY COMMUNION.
4. Understands Marriage as a Mystery/Sacrament.; the importance of family. Can explain what happens at the Marriage Service; the meaning of actions and symbols.
5. Has gained a basis understanding of Priesthood as a Sacrament; Religious life.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Understands that the Church is one, and yet, a family of Churches.
2. Familiar with the role of a parish priest, a deacon, bishop, Patriarch and Pope.
3. Familiar with the following Saints and their lives: 1) St. Andrew the Apostle, his missionary work and martyrdom; 2) Familiar with St. Ignatius the God-bearer, bishop of Antioch; 3) Familiar with St. John the Compassionate and his work among the poor; 4) Familiar with Sts. Cyril and Methodius and their missionary work; 5) Familiar with St. Volodymyr the Great and the conversion of Rus-Ukraine; 6) Familiar with the life of the martyr St. Catherine the Great; 7) Has gained some knowledge about the life of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky; 8) Knows the story of Patriarch Joseph Slipyj.
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS
1. Understands the importance of honouring parents and those in authority.
2. Recognizes ‘obedience’ as an important virtue: especially obedience to God’s Word.
3. Understands that a person must grow ‘spiritually’ , just as they grow physically.
4. Beginning to recognize his/her own talents as gifts of God; to be used for God.
5. Has memorized the Ten Commandments.
7. Understands the importance of forgiving others.
8. Understands the importance of HOSPITALITY.
9. Understands the importance of defending our faith, even when persecuted.
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Regularly attends Divine Liturgy and catechetical classes on Sundays.
2. Has been baptized and chrismated (confirmed)
3. Has made a good confession before Holy Pascha (minimum).
_________________________________________________________
LIVING OUR FAITH PROGRAM
Requirements
A. FAITH & GOD’S WORD
Faith
1. Has gained a deeper understanding of FAITH. Sees the importance of TRUST.
2. Understands that FAITH must be tested (challenged) in order to grow.
3. Can briefly speak about each Person of the Holy Trinity.
4. Has a basic understanding why the Son of God became a man.
5. Has gained a deeper understanding of the role of the of the Holy Spirit in our daily Christian life.
Old Testament
1. ABRAHAM: His Faith is Tested: The sacrifice of Isaac.
2. JACOB Wrestles with God.
3. JOSEPH, Son of Jacob: His Dream Comes True in Egypt.
3. MOSES, the Prophet: 1) The Early Life of Moses; 2) The Call of Moses / The Burning Bush; 3) The Exodus: Moses Leads Israel out of Egypt; 4) The Covenant at Mount Sinai.
4. JOSHUA, leads the Israelites in the Promised Land.
5. GIDEON, a Judge of Israel.
6. SAMUEL, the Prophet. His birth and life.
7. KING DAVID, chosen by God and anointed king by Samuel.
8. KING SOLOMON and the gift of wisdom. The building of the Temple.
9. ELIJAH, a Great Prophet.
10. EZRA AND NEHEMIAH, Prophets.
11. Has been introduced the Book of Psalms.
12. Has a very basic introduction to the Book of Proverbs.
13. Can provide a basic timeline of events, from Abraham to the return from exile.
Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
1. The Annunciation: Mary Accepts God’s Call
2. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan: Jesus Begins His Ministry
3. Jesus is Master and Teacher: the Sermon on the Mount and the Golden Rule.
4. Jesus heals a Blind Man.
5. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
6. The Publican and the Pharisee.
7. The Last Days of Jesus: from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion.
8. The Resurrection of Jesus on the third day; Resurrection stories.
9. Jesus will Return in Glory to Judge the Living and the Dead.
• Acts and Letters
1. St. Peter the Apostle - The Rock of Faith
2. St. Paul and his teaching on the Church.
3. Philip and the Baptism of the Ethiopian
B. PRAYER & WORSHIP
Prayer
1. Understands that both personal and liturgical prayer are important in spiritual life.
2. Understands the “Lord’s Prayer” and can give a basic explanation.
3. Can recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (by memory) with prostrations.
4. Is familiar with the DAILY PRAYERS of our Church.
5. Knows the Nicene Creed by memory.
6. Familiar with the following PSALMS: 1) Psalm 103 (Psalm of Creation); 2) Psalm 50 & 142 (Repentance); 3) Psalm 22, 62; 3) Psalm 95, 148, 150 (Praise and Thanksgiving).
7. Familiar with prayer before and after meals.
8. Understands that prayer and fasting are important for spiritual growth.
9. Knows the four FASTS of the year.
Liturgy
1. Familiar with the five Sundays that prepare us for Great Lent and their themes: 1) The Sunday of Zaccheaus (desire for God); 2) The Publican and the Pharisee (humility); 3) The Sunday of the Prodigal Son (repentance); 4) The Sunday of the Great Judgment (love); 5) The Sunday of Forgiveness (theme: forgiveness).
2. Familiar with the SUNDAYS of GREAT LENT: 1) 1st Sunday of Lent: Orthodoxy Sunday; 2) 2nd Sunday of Lent: St. Gregory Palamas; 3) 3rd Sunday of Lent: The Veneration of the Holy Cross; 4) 4th Sunday: St. John of the Ladder; 5) 5th Sunday: St. Mary of Egypt; 6) Palm Sunday; 7) HOLY PASCHA: Easter Sunday.
3. Familiar with the Akathist Hymn to Mary; Akathist Hymn to Jesus
4. Familiar with the Presanctified Liturgy and other Lenten Practices.
C. CHURCH, HISTORY & SAINTS
1. Has basic understanding of the Church as THE BODY OF CHRIST. Understands that the Church is one temple, made of living stones.
2. Is familiar with the following saints: 1) Saint Anthony the Great — the father of Monasticism; 2) St. Basil the Great; 3) St. John Chrysostom; 4) St. Nicholas of Myra; 5) St. Maximus the Confessor; 6) Sts. Borys and Hlib; 7) St. Josaphat of Polotsk; 8) St. Nicholas the New; 9) The New Martyrs of Ukraine.
D. CHRISTIAN LIFE & WITNESS
1. Knows the Ten Commandments and can explain the importance of each one.
2. TRUTH. Understands the importance of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness.
3. SERVICE. Understands that a Christian has been called TO SERVE.
4. ENCOURAGEMENT. Familiar with the importance of encouraging others. Familiar with St. Paul’s teaching about ‘building-up one another.’
5. HOLINESS. Can explain what ‘Holiness’ means. What is holiness? Understands that every Christian is called to holiness.
6. Familiar with the SEVEN VIRTUES and can explain each one. (Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance.)
E. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Regularly attends Divine Liturgy and catechetical classes on Sundays
2. Has been baptized and chrismated (confirmed)
3. Yearly Confession (minimum).