Your opinion please!!

[vrunca]

I am the DRE at my parish and I have been sending home letters with prayers written out saying their children should know these prayers...and I even explain why. Well, the parents asked me to write a list out for each grade as to what prayers each grade should know, so they can work on teaching their kids at home too...I thought AWESOME!!! Well, I wrote out my list and here it is:

Kindergarten:

They should know the Sign of the Cross and be familiar with: Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

1st grade:
they should know the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

2nd grade:
All of those before this and Our Father and Act of Contrition.

3rd grade:
All of those and they should know the seven sacraments and how to look up a verse in the bible.

4th grade:
All of those and the 10 Commandments and the two greatest Comandments.

5th grade:
All of those and the Apostle's Creed.

Middle School:
All of those and the Memorare and the Stations of the Cross.

High School:
All of those and how to completely say the Rosary.

Now, I thought I was being kind of easy on this...I took a lot of things off and I was told that there is no way kids "these days" will know these things. What do you all think?

 

[geocajun]

When I taught 2nd grade, I required a very similar set of prayers to be memorized. I think its a good idea.
Keep it up!

 

[Miss Shelby]

thanks for this thread vrunca. I have drilled the rosary prayers into my kids, and they know the grace before meals but I am wanting them to say the Angel of God prayer daily, and I've been kinda slacking on that one. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[BrRichSFO]

I am the DRE at my parish and I have been sending home letters with prayers written out saying their children should know these prayers...and I even explain why. Well, the parents asked me to write a list out for each grade as to what prayers each grade should know, so they can work on teaching their kids at home too...I thought AWESOME!!! Well, I wrote out my list and here it is:

Kindergarten:

They should know the Sign of the Cross and be familiar with: Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

1st grade:
they should know the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

2nd grade:
All of those before this and Our Father and Act of Contrition.

3rd grade:
All of those and they should know the seven sacraments and how to look up a verse in the bible.

4th grade:
All of those and the 10 Commandments and the two greatest Comandments.

5th grade:
All of those and the Apostle's Creed.

Middle School:
All of those and the Memorare and the Stations of the Cross.

High School:
All of those and how to completely say the Rosary.

Now, I thought I was being kind of easy on this...I took a lot of things off and I was told that there is no way kids "these days" will know these things. What do you all think?

I would agree that kids "these days" won't know them, but they can learn them!

My only suggestion might be limit the bible verse in 3rd to a verse in one of the Gospels. Then in 4th in the New Testament and then in the 5th/6th the Old Testament.

By High School they should also know about the Catechism and that other Church documents are available on various topics. Maybe have a Teen Catechism or Compendium.

 

[vrunca]

When I taught 2nd grade, I required a very similar set of prayers to be memorized. I think its a good idea.
Keep it up!

Thanks I needed that! I told the parents that my own kids had more than this memorized and understood. And it didn't take that much to do...just some time together, I just don't understand what the problem is!

 

[vrunca]

thanks for this thread vrunca. I have drilled the rosary prayers into my kids, and they know the grace before meals but I am wanting them to say the Angel of God prayer daily, and I've been kinda slacking on that one. Thanks for the reminder.

I love that prayer! That was one of the very first prayers that I taught my children...it was a way for a very little child to start to understand how much God loves us, to send us a Guardian Angel to be with us and guide us!

 

[vrunca]

I would agree that kids "these days" won't now them, but they can learn them!

that really bothers me. Those are some of my children and my most wonderful memories, was our prayer time together. My two youngest were doing the motions for the Sign of the Cross, before they could talk! It was so funny too, because they would do that funny baby babble talk when making the Sign of the Cross! And your right, they can learn them, mine did and they are smart kids (adults now), but they weren't straight "A" students or exceptional at memorization! We just did it.

My only suggestion might be limit the bible verse in 3rd to a verse in one of the Gospels. Then in 4th in the New Testament and then in the 5th/6th the Old Testament.

That's a great idea! That way, they would really learn more of where to look for certain verses. Thanks!

By High School they should also know about the Catechism and that other Church documents are available on various topics. Maybe have a Teen Catechism or Compendium.

I have got a really small group of high school students, who come to youth group also once a week. I am so blessed with this group...there are only 8 of them and they are just on fire! They want to learn, they know about the CCC and they all know how to use it. They research church documents and they have already been through a Teen Catechism...and moved to the regular one! This is a unique group who actually ask to learn, instead of playing games, or watching movies!! They really blow my mind...and they do this on their own. It is a group like I have never had before!

 

[RoseofLima]

I think that list is a good one. It doesn't take a lot to memorize them-- seriously 5 minutes a day.

My 3rd grader knows all of those. My 1st grader knows all of those except, the 10 Commandments (which she will know by the end of the year). I know they live in an enriched environment...but seriously.

My little one about to be 4 knows the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Morning Offering, Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be and the Angelus...and will know the Apostle's Creed within the next year (We do it as a song with hand motions LOL!)

Kids are little memorising machines....they have an incredible capacity for memorisation. All it takes is repetition. Seriously- we do not have prayer drills throughout the day-- we say prayers in the morning, and prayers in the evening before bed- and of course before and after meals. The other lists- we just work on a little bit at a time- again no more than 5 minutes a day. Making sure we review as we go.

Personally I would add the St. Michael prayer--and the Corporeal & Spiritual Works of Mercy, as well as the Nine Ways of Assisting in Antoher's Sin. As well as the Theological Virtues, the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the Cardinal Vices as well as their corresponding virtues. I don't really see how someone can be ready to be Confirmed or even ask to be Confirmed without knowing those things.

 

[Globalnomad]

I agree with RoseofLima's. In my Catholic school, we knew the Our Father by first grade, the Apostles' Creed by second grade, and by third grade we were parroting some of the Latin responses at Mass. (This was pre-Vat2.)

It is true - small kids are incredible memorizing machines. Don't lower your expectations, Vrunca.

 

[Davidnic]

It is true - small kids are incredible memorizing machines. Don't lower your expectations, Vrunca.

Agreed, it is easier to memorize at a young age. Maybe add the Angelus in there. It is like a story in a way interspersed with Hail Mary's. And it hits on very important theological points. Something like 6th grade maybe.

It's not too bad and builds off of the structure of the Hail Mary and is a good group prayer to practice with diffferent kids taking turns as leader. Here is a good traditional form to break down the responses for a group:

V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary

R: And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

V: Hail Mary, full of grace: The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

R: Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.

R: Be it done unto me according to thy word.

V: Hail Mary ...

R: Holy Mary ...

V: And the Word was made flesh

R: And dwelt among us.

V: Hail Mary ...

R: Holy Mary ...

V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V: Let us pray.

All: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace unto 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.

 

[vrunca]

I think that list is a good one. It doesn't take a lot to memorize them-- seriously 5 minutes a day.

My 3rd grader knows all of those. My 1st grader knows all of those except, the 10 Commandments (which she will know by the end of the year). I know they live in an enriched environment...but seriously.

My little one about to be 4 knows the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Morning Offering, Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be and the Angelus...and will know the Apostle's Creed within the next year (We do it as a song with hand motions LOL!)

Kids are little memorising machines....they have an incredible capacity for memorisation. All it takes is repetition. Seriously- we do not have prayer drills throughout the day-- we say prayers in the morning, and prayers in the evening before bed- and of course before and after meals. The other lists- we just work on a little bit at a time- again no more than 5 minutes a day. Making sure we review as we go.

Personally I would add the St. Michael prayer--and the Corporeal & Spiritual Works of Mercy, as well as the Nine Ways of Assisting in Antoher's Sin. As well as the Theological Virtues, the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the Cardinal Vices as well as their corresponding virtues. I don't really see how someone can be ready to be Confirmed or even ask to be Confirmed without knowing those things.

I know, I use my own kids as an example for these parents...I was told by one parent that they don't have time to sit around and study religion all day like we did!!! I thought that was funny, we had morning prayers, meal time prayers and bedtime prayers. We would pray together if the need arised, like before a game or test or before doing something they were not comfortable with (ie: doing an oral report was a big one!). This was a wonderful time for us, we could relax together and just be comfortable all together and with God too!! I don't understand what the problem is to be honest, why these parents are having a hard time...like I said, I felt they would be happy with my list, that is was things they already are doing with them. I was shocked that they were upset.

I agree with RoseofLima's. In my Catholic school, we knew the Our Father by first grade, the Apostles' Creed by second grade, and by third grade we were parroting some of the Latin responses at Mass. (This was pre-Vat2.)

It is true - small kids are incredible memorizing machines. Don't lower your expectations, Vrunca.

Luckily my friend has a little boy in the program...he is 6 and he knows all of his prayers...in fact he leads the rosary quite often when we say a Rosary together. He knows the mysteries and all the prayers and it is just the sweetest thing to hear a 6 year old leading the Rosary!! So anyway, I use him as an example now. And their family is an extremely busy family, both parents are Dr.s and the kids are all involved in everything, yet they still take the time for prayers with the family.

The way I always viewed it was that God came first, then if there is time add all of the other stuff in life. It really bothers me when kids don't show up for Mass or Catechism because they were at a friends house for the weekend. Or they went snowmobiling or skiing or camping or whatever other excuse there is. It's like they put everything else first and God comes last.

Sorry I went on like that, I know I shouldn't judge... ...but it has been eating me up inside!!!

 

[PassthePeace1]

I like your list...just one suggestion. With the society we have today, I'd squeeze the St. Michael prayer in there somewhere and teach them how to use it as a weapon.

God bless you in your work!! One of the greatest gifts ever given me, was from my Sunday School teacher....who taught me how to pray.

I didn't have the most terrific childhood, in fact rather horrifiy in some places.....and even as a small child, following my Sunday School Teacher's advice, I'd turn to prayer.

Looking back as an adult now, I can see where Divine Intervention...took place in certain places in my life. Also, and how my prayers, aided me thru my life.

Peace be with you...Pam

 

[vrunca]

Agreed, it is easier to memorize at a young age. Maybe add the Angelus in there. It is like a story in a way interspersed with Hail Mary's. And it hits on very important theological points. Something like 6th grade maybe.

It's not too bad and builds off of the structure of the Hail Mary and is a good group prayer to practice with diffferent kids taking turns as leader. Here is a good traditional form to break down the responses for a group:

V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary

R: And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.

V: Hail Mary, full of grace: The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

R: Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.

R: Be it done unto me according to thy word.

V: Hail Mary ...

R: Holy Mary ...

V: And the Word was made flesh

R: And dwelt among us.

V: Hail Mary ...

R: Holy Mary ...

V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V: Let us pray.

All: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace unto 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.

I like your list...just one suggestion. With the society we have today, I'd squeeze the St. Michael prayer in there somewhere and teach them how to use it as a weapon.

God bless you in your work!! One of the greatest gifts ever given me, was from my Sunday School teacher....who taught me how to pray.

I didn't have the most terrific childhood, in fact rather horrifiy in some places.....and even as a small child, following my Sunday School Teacher's advice, I'd turn to prayer.

Looking back as an adult now, I can see where Divine Intervention...took place in certain places in my life. Also, and how my prayers, aided me thru my life.

Peace be with you...Pam

Thanks to both of you! This is such great advise!!

 

[Miss Shelby]

What about the noon prayers, the Angelus? What's included in those, I don't even know. I may pm you vrunca to get some advice on age appropriate activities and stuff--sometimes I really feel like I am slacking. Thanks again for starting this thread, it's been educational for me as well.

Michelle

 

[Miss Shelby]

I think that list is a good one. It doesn't take a lot to memorize them-- seriously 5 minutes a day.

My 3rd grader knows all of those. My 1st grader knows all of those except, the 10 Commandments (which she will know by the end of the year). I know they live in an enriched environment...but seriously.

My little one about to be 4 knows the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Morning Offering, Hail Mary, Our Father, and Glory Be and the Angelus...and will know the Apostle's Creed within the next year (We do it as a song with hand motions LOL!)

Kids are little memorising machines....they have an incredible capacity for memorisation. All it takes is repetition. Seriously- we do not have prayer drills throughout the day-- we say prayers in the morning, and prayers in the evening before bed- and of course before and after meals. The other lists- we just work on a little bit at a time- again no more than 5 minutes a day. Making sure we review as we go.

Personally I would add the St. Michael prayer--and the Corporeal & Spiritual Works of Mercy, as well as the Nine Ways of Assisting in Antoher's Sin. As well as the Theological Virtues, the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the Cardinal Vices as well as their corresponding virtues. I don't really see how someone can be ready to be Confirmed or even ask to be Confirmed without knowing those things.

Please move to Nebraska.

 

[Isaiah 53]

Wonderful! My 3rd Grader is REQUIRED to know: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Act of Contrition, Guardian Angel, Glory Be and the Prayer before Meals. Oh and of course the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation, Baptism and Holy Eucharist.

Keep up the good work!

PAX CHRISTI

 

[Isaiah 53]

I like your list...just one suggestion. With the society we have today, I'd squeeze the St. Michael prayer in there somewhere and teach them how to use it as a weapon.

One of my favorites!

Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in proelio.
contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium.
Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur:
tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis,
Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos,
qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo,
divina virtute, in infernum detrude.
Amen.

 

[BrRichSFO]

I am the DRE at my parish and I have been sending home letters with prayers written out saying their children should know these prayers...and I even explain why. Well, the parents asked me to write a list out for each grade as to what prayers each grade should know, so they can work on teaching their kids at home too...I thought AWESOME!!! Well, I wrote out my list and here it is:

Kindergarten:

They should know the Sign of the Cross and be familiar with: Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

1st grade:
they should know the Sign of the Cross, Angel of God, Grace before meals, Glory Be and Hail Mary.

2nd grade:
All of those before this and Our Father and Act of Contrition.

3rd grade:
All of those and they should know the seven sacraments and how to look up a verse in the bible.

4th grade:
All of those and the 10 Commandments and the two greatest Comandments.

5th grade:
All of those and the Apostle's Creed.

Middle School:
All of those and the Memorare and the Stations of the Cross.

High School:
All of those and how to completely say the Rosary.

Now, I thought I was being kind of easy on this...I took a lot of things off and I was told that there is no way kids "these days" will know these things. What do you all think?

You might also want to consider teaching across all grade levels as an extra thing the Latin version of some of the prayers (sign of the Cross, Gloria, Hail Mary and Our Father) as they will become more prominent in the Church in the next few years. There are some CD resources available for small children.

 

[QuantaCura]

Besides the prayers you mentioned, I also remember having to be able to recite certain prayers from Mass like the Confetior (I confess to almighty God...) and the Nicene Creed. We even had to learn "Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy." The Gloria (Glory to God in the highest...) and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world...) are also good ones to know.

 

[RoseofLima]

Please move to Nebraska.

I would in a heartbeat