By: Anthony 8b

10-5-04

Religion plays an important part in IHM School. The classes help students understand the importance of good morals and values. It is a daily class in all the grades and woven throughout the curriculum. Throughout all the school the curriculum varies from grade to grade.

In Kindergarten this year students will learn bible stories. These include Moses, Jesus, and Noah’s Ark. The children seem very excited and anxious to learn about Noah’s Ark. The first graders will learn about Jesus and his apostles. In second grade the students will learn about the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, as well as Reconciliation. The second graders are all excited to participate and receive the Lord’s Blessing in their First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. In third grade the students will learn about different Catholic beliefs. These include the Annunciation and the Angel Gabriel. In October the third grade students will be learning the rosary, the mysteries of the rosary, and the holy Virgin Mary. The fourth graders will be learning the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, certain prayers such as the Morning Offering and the Apostles Creed, the Mysteries of the Rosary, Mary, and diversity. One of the main things they learn this year is how God cares for us. In fifth grade the students will learn about the Sacrament of Baptism and the parts of the Mass. As addition to all the religious things they are doing they are going on a field trip over the winter. They will be Christmas caroling for the shut-ins of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. In sixth grade the religious curriculum includes teaching the Old Testament. The stories they will dwell on the stories of Genesis and those of Moses. In seventh grade they will learn about all the Sacraments. These include the Sacraments of Initiation, Vocation and Service, and Healing. They will also learn about the New Testament and Jesus. In eighth grade students will learn about Confirmation, the Apostle’s Creed, how to pray, and different religions around the world.

In addition to all of the religion classes the entire school goes to Mass on Fridays. During the holy season, second graders and up, go to Reconciliation services. We also have many prayer services for different occasions these include: September 11^th remembrance, martyrs, and well known saints. In school, students pray in the morning and in the afternoon. They also offer their own personal intentions before or after the prayers. The students have donated items for different organizations to benefit others who aren’t as fortunate throughout the community.

I have interviewed a few of the students and they have told me what they are most excited about to learn about in religion this school year. Tina of seventh grade said that she wanted to learn the real meaning of the Sacraments. Matt of second grade is extremely excited for his first Holy Communion and his First Reconciliation. Brandon of Kindergarten is excited to learn about Noah’s Ark and Moses. In third grade Jack wants to learn about Jesus and his apostles, the sacraments, and Mary. So, as you can see Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a very religious and outgoing school.

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