Here at CTK School, our values are those of the Catholic religion. Our aim is to develop students with a deep understanding of, and attachment to, their faith, to guide them on life’s journey.
Our students attend regular religion classes, to teach them about the history, beliefs and practice of the Catholic Church. Sacramental preparation for First Communion, Penance and Confirmation is coordinated with the Parish of Christ the King. Every month we attend Mass with the community, to foster a sense of belonging. Each class also has an individual Mass every month, so Father can present a sermon customized to the students’ needs. Father visits each class every year, to support the teachers’ work in developing our students’ spirituality. Our Grade 7 & 8 classes each attend a retreat every spring, to deepen their experience of our faith.
We work hard to give our students a firm basis of faith that will support them throughout their futures.
For the past few years students have been studying the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program, a Religious Education program sponsored by the Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories and developed in collaboration with Catholic educators from across Canada.
The program is based on the Catholic Elementary Curriculum Policy Document for Religious Education, Grades K-8, which has been approved by the aforementioned Catholic Bishops and Regional Assemblies of Bishops. It reflects the content of faith expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and follows the rationale and methodology of the General Directory for Catechesis.
PROGRAM BASICS:
KINDERGARTEN
This program affirms the 4-5 year old child as someone who is made in God’s image. Each area of the child’s physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth is highlighted as a trace of God, reminding them of God’s loving presence through the wonder of growth and discovery at this stage of their lives.
GRADE 1 – 4
Key Scripture Stories (Creation, Last Supper, Easter Sunday, Story of Lazarus, etc.) appear throughout the Grade 1-4 program and are fully illustrated. Students start to learn the Prayers of the Church ( ie. Sign of the Cross, Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Apostle’s Creed, Act of Contrition) and about the many Saints. The Sacramental Focus is on baptism, reconciliation & Eucharist but information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
GRADE 5 & 6
Key Scripture Stories (Woman at the Well, The Prodigal Son, Transfiguration, etc.) appear throughout the Grade 5 & 6 program. Additional Prayers of the Church are added (Act of Faith, Hope, Love; Nicene Creed, Litany of the Saints, etc.) as well as features and stories of Saints and Holy People. The Sacramental Focus is Baptism, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Social Justice, and the Principles of Rights and Responsibilities.
GRADE 7 & 8
The Grade 7 & 8 program continues to build maturity with Key Scripture Stories (Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is Betrayed, Crucifixion of Jesus, etc.). The study of additional Prayers of the Church grows to include: the Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Liturgical prayers of the Mass, Daily Examen, etc. The life of the Saints and Holy people are studied. The Sacramental Focus is on Marriage, Confirmation, Holy Orders. Social Justice Focus is on Solidarity, Caring for people who are poor and vulnerable, Community and the Common Good, Rights and Responsibilities and Participation in Society.
THEOLOGICAL EMPHASIS
The program at all levels is designed to draw the students into a deeper relationship with God and is founded in the six major areas of catechesis: What we Believe; Celebrating our Faith; Living a Morally Good Life; Living In Community; Living in Solidarity, and Nurturing a life of Prayer.
