Holy Spirit Catholic Church Religious Education

Ms. Tracy Finke, Director of Religious Education for Youth
881-0345

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Religious Education for the Youth of the Parish


Mission Statement

Holy Spirit Community's catechetical ministry will help make the Gospel living, conscious, and active in the lives of all the youth of Holy Spirit Parish. It will give the youth an opportunity to know Christ, believe in Him by God's grace, and be joined to a community of believers thus augmenting the role of the parents who are the primary catechists of their children.

Class Details:

Parish Religious Education classes for ages 3 through high school are held on Sundays in the school building. The main entrance is located on the west side of the building. Pre-school and high school meet near or in the auditorium on the southeast side of the school. (See below for registration information.)

Catholic School students receive religious training during the course of their school day and are welcome to attend the Sunday sessions as well. Sacramental preparation is a parish-wide process incorporating home-school, parish, and school students.

Parish Religious Education Class Times:
Ages 3 & 4: Sundays from 10:15 to 11:30 AM in the school building
Grades K - 8: Sundays from 10:15 to 11:30 AM in the school building
Grades 9 - 12 (T-Squared): Sundays from 10:15 to 11:30 AM in the Activity Center

T-Squared (Table Talk) for High School Teens - The T-Squared program focuses on faith sharing (community), scripture and doctrine (message), social action (service), and prayer (worship) for students in grades 9 through 12. The format for the sessions are large group presentations followed by small-faith sharing groups facilitated by an adult leader. All teens of the parish are welcome.

Sacramental Preparation:

Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are celebrated in second grade at Holy Spirit Parish. First Reconciliation takes place in the winter, and First Holy Communion takes place in the spring. Preparation includes religious education classes throughout the school year along with family catechesis and two mini-retreat evenings. Parent meetings for each sacrament are held at the Parish to reinforce catechesis and to outline the traditions of the rites. Call the Religious Education office at 256-881-0345 for more information.

Confirmation is celebrated at the end of eighth grade with the Bishop of the Birmingham Diocese presiding. In addition to their regular religious education classes, the Confirmation candidates of the parish meet on a monthly basis, attend one weekend retreat, and perform service projects in an effort to fully experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their faith community. Two parent group meetings are held to outline catechesis for the sacrament and plans for the retreat. Call the Religious Education office at 256-881-0345 for more information.

Vacation Bible School

"VBS" is offered one week of the summer at Holy Spirit Parish. The week focuses on basic Bible truths through music, crafts, games, skits, and plenty of creativity! This opportunity is available to ages 3 ½ through those who have completed fifth grade. Those who have completed sixth grade (and older) may be involved as aides to the younger children. Call the Religious Education office at 256-881-0345 for more information.

Registration Information for the Sunday Religion Program

Classes for ages 3 ½ through High School meet from August through May. To obtain a registration form, parent letter, and a yearly calendar, you may either: click on the link below, stop by the church office, or look on the vestibule bulletin board. Forms may be brought to the office Monday through Thursday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, or mailed to:

Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Office of Religious Education
625 Airport Road
Huntsville, AL 35802

For further information, please call 881-0345.

Registration Form and 2004-2005 Calendar


Faith Formation Content

The children of the parish are asked to memorize the following prayers and information for each grade level indicated:

Kindergarten Level Three Level Six
Level One Level Four Level Seven
Level Two Level Five Level Eight


5th grade Diocesan Religion Test


Kindergarten

The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Grace Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grace After Meals
We give you thanks, O Almighty God, for these and all your gifts which we have received through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to Guardian Angel (cf. 336)
Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.


Level One

Our Father (cf. 2759)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Morning Offering
Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart. (end for grade 2)
In union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all, and in particular for the holy father's intentions. (This additional paragraph for older students)

Level Two

Act of Contrition (cf. 1451)
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. [Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.] Amen.

Act of Contrition (alternate version)
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart, and I detest them. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, Whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Seven Sacraments

  • Baptism
  • Reconciliation
  • Eucharist
  • Confirmation
  • Matrimony
  • Holy Orders
  • Anointing of the Sick


Two Great Commandments(Mt 22:37-40; Mk 12:29-31; Lk 10:27)
  • You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
  • You shall love your neighbor as yourself.


Level Three

Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Twelve Apostles (cf. Mk 3:14-19)
  • Peter
  • Bartholomew
  • Andrew
  • Matthew
  • James
  • James the Less
  • John
  • Jude
  • Philip
  • Simon
  • Thomas
  • Judas


Four Marks of the Catholic Church (cf. 750)
  • One

  • Holy

  • Catholic

  • Apostolic


Level Four

Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe you are one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe in Jesus Christ, your son, who became man and died for our sins, and who will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

Act of Hope
O my God, trusting in your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

Act of Love
O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Ten Commandments (cf. 2084ff)(cf. Ex 20:1-17; Dt 5:6-21)
  1. I am the Lord your God, you shall not have strange gods before me.
  2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
  3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.
  4. Honor your father and mother.
  5. You shall not kill.
  6. You shall not commit adultery.
  7. You shall not steal.
  8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
  9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
  10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

Beatitudes(cf. 1716)
  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

  • Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth.

  • Blessed are they who mourn, they shall be comforted.

  • Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be satisfied.

  • Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy.

  • Blessed are the clean of heart, they will see God.

  • Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called the children of God.

  • Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, the kingdom of heaven is theirs.


Level Five

Prayer to the Holy Spirit (cf. 2671)
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they will be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray:
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Days of Obligation (cf. 2177)
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God(Jan 1)
Ascension(40 Days after Easter)
Assumption of Mary(August 15)
All Saints Day(November1)
Immaculate Conception December 8)
Christmas(December 25)

Corporal Works of Mercy (cf. 2177)
  • Feed the hungry.
  • Give drink to the thirsty.
  • Shelter the homeless.
  • Clothe the naked
  • Care for the sick
  • Help the imprisoned.
  • Bury the dead.


Spiritual Works of Mercy (cf. 2447)
  • Share knowledge.
  • Give advice to those who need it.
  • Give correction to those who need it.
  • Comfort those who suffer.
  • Be patient with others.
  • Forgive those who hurt you.
  • Pray for the living and the dead.


Liturgical Year
  • Advent
  • Christmastime
  • Ordinary Time
  • Lent
  • Triduum
  • Eastertime
  • Ordinary Time


Level Six

The Rosary (cf. 971)
The Joyful Mysteries
(Mondays and Saturdays, and Sundays in Advent. Also after Epiphany until Lent)
  • The Annunciation
    • (Lk 1:30-33)
  • The Visitation
    • (Lk 1:50-53)
  • Birth of our Lord
    • (Lk 2:10-11)
  • Presentation of the Jesus in the Temple
    • (Lk 2:29-32)
  • The finding of Jesus in the Temple
    • (Lk 2:48-52)

The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Tuesdays and Fridays, and Sundays in Lent)
  • Agony of Jesus in the Garden
    • (Mt 26:38-39)
  • Scourging at the Pillar
    • (Jn 19:1)
  • The Crowning of Thorns
    • (Mk 15:16-17)
  • Carrying of the Cross
    • (Jn 19:17)
  • The Crucifixion
    • (Jn 19:28-30)

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays after Easter until Advent)
  • Resurrection of Jesus
    • (Mk 16:6-8)
  • Ascension of Jesus into heaven
    • (Acts 1:10-11)
  • Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles(Pentecost)
    • (Acts 2:1-4)
  • Assumption of Mary into heaven
  • The Crowning of Mary as queen of heaven

The Luminous Mysteries
(Thursdays)
  • Christ's baptism in the Jordan River
  • The self-revelation of Christ at the marriage of Cana
  • Christ's announcement of the kingdom of God
  • The Transfiguration of Christ
  • The institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper


Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Select and memorize your favorite Psalm

Books of the Old Testament

Pentateuch
  • Genesis (Gn)
  • Exodus (Ex)
  • Leviticus (Lv)
  • Numbers (Nm)
  • Deuteronomy (Dt)

Historical Books
  • 1 Samuel (1 Sm)
  • 2 Samuel (2 Sm)
  • 1 Kings (1 Kgs)
  • 2 Kings (2 Kgs)
  • 1 Chronicles (1 Chr)
  • 2 Chronicles (2 Chr)
  • Ezra (Ezr)
  • Nehemiah (Neh)
  • Tobit (Tb)
  • Judith (Jdt)
  • Esther (Est)
  • 1 Maccabees(1 Mc)
  • 2 Maccabees (2 Mc)

Wisdom Books
  • Joshua (Jos)
  • Judges (Jgs)
  • Ruth (Ru)
  • Job (Jb)
  • Psalms (Ps)
  • Proverbs (Pry)
  • Ecclesiastes (Eccl)
  • Song of Songs (Sg)
  • Wisdom (Wis)
  • Sirach (Sir)

Prophetic Books
  • Isaiah (Is)
  • Jeremiah (Jer)
  • Lamentations (Lam)
  • Baruch (Bar)
  • Ezekiel (Ez)
  • Daniel (Dn)
  • Hosea (Has)
  • Joel (J1)
  • Amos (Am)
  • Qbadiah (Oh)
  • Jonah (Jon)
  • Micah (Mi)
  • Nahum (Na)
  • Habakkuk (Hb)
  • Zephaniah (Zep)
  • Haggai (Hg)
  • Zechariah (Zec)
  • Malachi (Mal)


Level Seven

The Nicene Creed (cf. 195, 197ff)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
and all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and His kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, our life , our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then most gracious Advocate thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile, show onto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
Behold the handmaid of the Lord Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made Flesh. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Hail Mary...
Let Us Pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, Was made known by the message of an Angel, May by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Regina Caeli
O, Queen of Heaven, rejoice! Alleluia.
For He whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia.
Hath arisen as He said, Alleluia.
Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia.
For the Lord hath risen indeed, Alleluia.
Oremus (Let us pray)
O God, who, through the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Didst vouchsafe to fill the world with joy; grant, we beseech Thee, that, through His Virgin Mother, Mary, We may lay hold on the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Theological Virtues (cf. 1813)
  • Faith
  • Hope
  • Love


The Cardinal Virtues(cf. 1805)
  • Prudence
  • Temperance
  • Courage
  • Justice

Gifts of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1831)
  • Wisdom
  • Understanding
  • Knowledge
  • Right Judgement
  • Courage
  • Reverence
  • Wonder and Awe

Fruits of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1832)
  • Charity
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Goodness
  • Kindness
  • Long Suffering
  • Humility
  • Faithfulness
  • Modesty
  • Continence
  • Chastity

Capital Sins (cf. 1866)
  • Pride
  • Greed
  • Lust
  • Anger
  • Gluttony
  • Envy
  • Sloth


Books of the New Testament
  • Matthew (Mt)
  • Mark (Mk)
  • Luke (Lk)
  • John (Jn)
  • Acts of the Apostles (Acts)
  • Romans (Rom)
  • 1 Corinthians (1 Cor)
  • 2 Corinthians (2 Cor)
  • Galatians (Gal)
  • Ephesians (Eph)
  • Philippians (Phil)
  • Colossians (Cal)
  • 1 Thessalonians (1 Thes)
  • 2 Thessalonians (2 Thes)
  • 1 Timothy (1 Tm)
  • 2 Timothy (2 Tm)
  • Titus (Ti)
  • Philemon (Phlm)
  • Hebrews (Heb)
  • James (Jas)
  • 1 Peter (1 Pt)
  • 2 Peter (2 Pt)
  • 1 John (1 Jn)
  • 2 John (2 Jn)
  • 3 John (3 Jn)
  • Jude (Jude)
  • Revelation (Rv)


Level Eight

Stations of the Cross
  1. Jesus is condemned to death.
  2. Jesus takes up his cross.
  3. Jesus falls the first time.
  4. Jesus meets his mother.
  5. Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.
  6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
  7. Jesus falls the second time.
  8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
  9. Jesus falls the third time.
  10. Jesus is stripped of his garments.
  11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.
  12. Jesus dies on the cross.
  13. Jesus is taken down from the cross.
  14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.


Precepts of the Church (cf 2042-2043)
  1. Assist at Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, doing no unnecessary physical work on those days.
  2. Confess serious sins at least once a year.
  3. Receive holy Communion frequently and, at a minimum, during the Easter season.
  4. Fast and abstain on days appointed.
  5. Contribute to the support of the church.
  6. Observe the laws of the church concerning marriage and give religious training to one's children by word, example, and use of parish schools or catechetical programs.
  7. Join in the missionary spirit and work of the church.


Confiteor (I Confess)
I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

Magnificat (Mary's Song) (Cf Lk 1.46-55)
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior. For he has looked upon his servant in all her lowliness. All ages to come shall call me blessed. God who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name; his mercy is from age to age on those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm; he has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts. He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry he has given every good thing while the rich he has sent empty away. He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of his mercy, even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraham and his descendants forever.

Parts of the Mass (cf 1346)

Introductory
  • Entrance Song
  • Greeting
  • Penitential Rite
  • Gloria
  • Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
  • First Reading
  • Responsorial Psalm
  • Second Reading
  • Gospel Acclamation
  • Gospel
  • Homily
  • Profession of Faith
  • General Intercessions
Liturgy of the Eucharist
  • Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
  • Prayer over the Gifts
  • Preface
  • Eucharistic Prayer
  • Memorial Acclamation / Great Amen
  • Communion Rite:
    • Lord's Prayer
    • Sign of Peace
    • Breaking of the Bread
    • Communion
    • Silence/Song of Praise
  • Prayer after Communion
Concluding Rite
  • Prayer
  • Blessing
  • Dismissal