Classroom Materials

Kindergarten / First Grade: 
There are numerous sources for fun materials for parents to use at home with their children to pique their interest in Jesus and the Church.  From Pflaum's Gospel Weeklies, Dynamic Catholic, Ascension Press, various websites and activity sheets.  Marianne  Cooper, the Faith Formation Coordinator, will be glad  make suggestions and put together a package to target the parents' and children's individual needs.  Please call her at 978-772-0727 or email her at  [email protected]    

First Communion Preparation: 

Typically for Grade 2 students, but will also include any young child in grades 3 and 4 who has not received First Reconciliation and First Communion and who still needs to prepare for those sacraments.  We will use Dynamic Catholic’s “Blessed” program for both sacraments. You may review these programs at https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/plus/blessed-seasons.html  

Grades 3, 4, and 5 (Elementary school): 

Elementary students who have received First Reconciliation and First Communion will be grouped together in one classroom.  We hope this will continue to create more social bonds with the children over the 2  grades.  We will use Pflaum’s “Venture: Weekly Gospels”, highlighting the Gospels in the current-cycle readings of the liturgical year. You may review these programs at https://www.pflaumweeklies.com/venture/  

Grades 5 & 6 (Middle school / Junior High school): 

Grades 5 & 6 students will be grouped together in one classroom.  We hope this will continue to create more social bonds with the children over the 2 grades.  We will use Ascension Press's "Encounter: The Bible Timeline for Middle School" this year as well as certain "Quick Catholic Lessons" from  Lessons 1 and 2 whenever there's extra time.   

You can find more information about Encounter HERE.  For information about the Quick Catholic Lessons click HERE

Confirmation 1, Confirmation 2 and Confirmation 3: 

• Confirmation 1 will be Grade 7, 8 and 9 students and for any older high school student who hasn’t started Confirmation preparation. 

• Confirmation 2 will be Grade 10 students and for any older high school student who has completed the Confirmation 1 preparation. 

• Confirmation 3, are typically grade 11 students, who have completed 2 years of Confirmation prep and who will receive Confirmation this year, October 6, 2024, at 12:30pm at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Shirley.  They will be required to meet with Father Joe for their pre-Confirmation interview  in mid-September(scheduling will be through Signup Genius) and requested to attend  the September 21, 2024  Fall Retreat from 10am-5pm prior to Confirmation.  

We will using Ascension Press's "Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation".   Comprised of videos, a workbook, some work at home  and open honest discussion, our students will have a chance to develop a personal relationship with Jesus while they prepare for Confirmation.  There is also a book for parents and sponsors to follow along on their candidate's journey. You can find more  information HERE.

FULL FAMILY FAITH FORMATION  in place of Adult Faith Formation: 

There will be a special Full Family Faith Formation each month in place of a day of Faith Formation as indicated on the Faith Formation calendar. As it says, it will be faith-building for the whole family at Derosier Hall from 9am-10:15am on a Sunday once a month and finishing in time to attend 10:30am Mass next door at St. Anthony Church.   Prayer, fun activities, thoughtful lessons  and takeaway projects for the family to help understand and build a closer relationship with Jesus, our Catholic faith, and build family and community. You can bring a breakfast item to share.  Coffee and tea and juices will be provided.