Our Plan: Religion

I wasn't quite sure where to start (and stop) with sharing our plans for teaching our children Religion this year. Religion is not just a course of study, it is a way of life. As the Baltimore Catechism says, "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven." We are constantly looking for ways to weave the teachings of our dear Church into all the aspects of our lives, and not just confine these lessons to a set block of time each day. It was for this reason that we choose to home educate our children in the first place. Anyhow, here is a small list of some of the resources we will be using this year:

Captain

• Baltimore Catechism 1
  
• Religion 2 for Young Catholics

Rascal

• First Holy Communion Preparation

Both Girls

• Catholic Treasure Box Series
• Chat's With God's Little Ones
• Leading the Little Ones to Mary
• Various books by Father Lovasik
• 24 Catholic Songs for Children CD and Coloring Book

I also purchased the Home Catechesis Manuals by Moira Farrel (at the Home School Conference back in May) to add to our studies as well. We have had the Mass Kit for a few years, and my boys LOVE it! I am looking forward to using these guides!

In addition to our studies, we LOVE celebrating the liturgical year in our home, the domestic church. Here are a few of the things we do each year:

• Daily Mass (when possible) and Rosary
  
• Daily Reading and Calendar Magnet In Honor of the Saints
• Various Catholic picture books, Copywork and Coloring Pages
• Create a Liturgical Year Notebook
• Various Feast Day, Nameday and Baptismal day celebrations including lots of Catholic Cuisine
• The Jesse Tree during Advent
• The Advent Calendar
• The Jesus Tree during Lent
• Our Lenten Calendar
• Celebrate the 50 days of Easter

I am sure I left much out, but at least it gives a glimpse into our plans.

"Before all others, parents are bound to form their children,
by word and example, in faith and in Christian living."
(Canon 774.2, 1983 Code of Canon Law)