Let the children come to me,
and do not hinder them; for to such belongs
the kingdom of heaven. (Mt 19:14)
"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity."
-St. Pope John Paul II, Catechesis Tradendae
Alive in Christ or Vivos en Cristo (bilingual) by OSV (Our Sunday Visitor) is the recommended curriculum for K-8th grade faith formation in all parishes and schools in the Diocese of Baker. This curriculum has a spiral design so that all grade levels are formed in the same faith topics at the same time, enhancing faith conversations in the home. OSV offers many tools and resources to help share faith learning between the parish and the home, helping to build a more solid foundation of faith in the youngest members of our Church.
An alternative curriculum resource being piloted by some parishes is Sophia Institute's A Family of Faith or Una Familia de Fe (bilingual). This curriculum shares the formation of the young Church between the parish and the home, supporting and empowering parents, and still providing opportunities for children to gather by age groups with catechists. If your parish would like to pilot this curriculum, please contact the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis.
Preparing a Child to receive a Sacrament
The Diocese of Baker requires children preparing to receive a sacrament (First Eucharist, including First Reconciliation, and/or Confirmation) to participate in age-appropriate parish faith formation (religious education) for two consecutive years, with preparation for the sacrament occurring in the second year.
Two approved resources for preparing children to receive a sacrament are:
(First Year)The Family Rosary Curriculum
(Second Year) The Family Rosary Way of Grace
Please visit the Sacramental Life page for additional sacramental preparation resources.
Families in small parishes with limited faith formation or who live a great distance from the parish, should consult with the pastor to determine the path for helping form their children in the faith as well as preparing them to receive a sacrament.
Children and youth with significant gaps in their faith formation may be asked to enroll in a special first year course before preparing for a sacrament in the second year. This special course will help the child or youth "catch up" in their faith formation and building a solid relationship with Jesus.
Approved resource for
Best Practices for Forming Faith and Preparing for Sacraments, Diocese of Baker (in development)
Mejores Prácticas para Formar la Fe y Prepararse para los Sacramentos, Diócesis de Baker (en desarrollo)
Catholic Blogs & Online Resources:
Teaching Catholic Kids, a ministry of Our Sunday Visitor to support Catholic parents raising Catholic families.The Diocese of Baker is committed to promoting a safe environment for the children and young people in our care. All employees and volunteers who work with children or youth must be in full compliance with the diocesan Protecting God’s Children policies and requirements.
Protecting God’s Children Requirements and Forms