Our spiritual life begins at Baptism (usually as an infant/toddler) and needs to be developed as we grow along our faith journey. You can begin at any stage of life and mastery of previous milestones can be achieved with dedication and practice. Mastery of milestones will help to enrich your faith experience, however, living your faith means to put your knowledge and understanding into practice. Being a Disciple of Jesus, means living your faith!
Infant to Toddler – Parents, Grandparents, and Godparents should introduce basic faith topics and practices with children at this age level in a variety of ways.
Resources – Read religious story books that focus on God, Jesus, Christian holidays (Christmas and Easter)
Prayer – Introduce Catholic Prayers: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Lord’s Prayer, Mealtime and bedtime prayer making it a part of your daily routine.
Mass – Bring your child to Mass. The Catholic Mass is rich in sound and sights that will engage your child. At this young age, additional activities may help to keep them occupied (Religious Coloring books and crayons, Religious story books, etc)
Milestones to meet – Ages 2-3, children should be able to recognize the routines you establish for praying and attending Mass on a regular basis. They may not have prayers memorized at this young age, but they are on their way to becoming familiar with these beautiful conversations with God. Baptism is usually received as an infant, but can be received anytime during your life. Contact your Parish to see how your child can receive this beautiful Sacraments.
Preschool to Kindergarten – Parents, Grandparents, and Godparents should continue to include faith practices with their children.
Resources – Continue to read books that focus on faith topics and practices and have these books available for your child to read on their own as they master this skill.
Prayer – Continue to pray our Catholic Prayers including family mealtime and bedtime prayers, encouraging your child to join in. Mass – Bring your child to Mass on a regular basis. Begin to explain to your child what is happening at Mass. Milestones to meet – Ages 4-6, children should begin to memorize these
Catholic Prayer: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Lord’s Prayer. Saying one per night will help with memorization. When one is memorized, continue on to the next. Children should be able to bless themselves with holy water when they enter a church which reminds us we are a Baptized child of God. When participating in Mass, help them become familiar with the prayers, songs, and responses.
Elementary – Enrolling in either a Catholic School or Parish Faith Formation Program by 1st grade will support and strengthen your Catholic faith journey.
Resources – Children should have a Children’s Bible (preferably a Catholic Bible in either the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) or Good News (GN) translation) that families read from on a regular basis. Children should begin to understand that they hear the Word of God every time they read the Bible. Children should become familiar with stories in the Bible that help to explain our faith history (Old Testament) and bring them into a stronger relationship with Jesus (New Testament).
Prayer – In addition to our Catholic Prayers, children should be introduced to other forms of prayer such as spontaneous and Scripture. Sacraments – About age 7, children should be introduced to the Seven Sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, Holy Orders). At this age they may not be able to identify them all, but they should become familiar with what each of the Sacraments offer in the way of grace.
Mass – Children in this age level should be brought to Mass on a regular basis (Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation). Your child(ren) may be interested in getting involved in Children’s Choir or becoming an Altar Server.
Milestones to Meet – Ages 7-8 children should be familiar with all parts of the Mass and should be able to follow along with prayers said during Mass. In addition to participating in a Faith Formation Program, after completing 1 year of Faith Formation or Catholic School, children could begin preparation for Reconciliation in the 2nd year of formation. 1st Eucharist preparation generally happens in the 3 year of formation. Ages of 8-10, children should be taught about the following with a basic understanding of each: Parts of the Mass Seven Sacraments Ten Commandments
Middle School – Young people in this age group should be enrolled in a faith program (whether Catholic School or Parish Program) that will continue to enrich their faith journey. Young people should also be encouraged to participate in activities that promote faith development such a Youth Group and Bible Studies geared towards their age level.
Resources – Pre-teens should have a Bible (preferably a Catholic Bible in either the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) or Good News (GN) translation) Pre-teens should be encouraged to read books that refer to important people in our Catholic faith tradition such as the Saints. Pre-teens should be exposed to music that is faith based and relevant to their age level. Prayer – Besides continuing their prayer life using the Catholic Prayers and reading the Bible, introduce Devotionals to Pre-teens. When using the Bible for prayer, introduce Lectio-divina.
Sacraments – Pre-teens should have an age appropriate understanding of all Seven Sacraments which includes an understanding of what each Sacrament means and why we receive them. Mass – Pre-teens in this age level should be brought to Mass on a regular basis (Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation). Your teen may be interested in getting involved as a volunteer for Parish events, a helper for Children’s liturgy or Altar Server.
Milestones to Meet – Ages 11-12, pre-teens should be able to recite from memory and have a more in depth understanding of the following: Catholic Prayers and use them on a regular basis. The Seven Sacraments and what they mean. The prayers and responses said at Mass. The Ten Commandments and what they mean. The Apostles and Nicene Creeds Pre-teens should be actively participating in the following: Attending Mass – with a deepening understanding of the Word of God (1st & 2nd Readings, Psalm, Gospel). Attending a Faith Formation program to deepen their relationship with Jesus and recognizing that they are Disciples of Jesus. Service that benefits their parish and community. Youth Group and/or Bible Study, or other faith enrichment activities.
High School – Young people in this age group should be enrolled in a faith program (whether Catholic School or Parish Program) that will continue to enrich their faith journey. Young people should also be encouraged to participate in activities that promote faith development such a Youth Group and Bible Studies geared towards their age level.
Resources, Prayer, and Mass are similar to Middle School (see above). Sacraments – Teens should be giving extra attention to the sacrament of Confirmation which many will receive at this age level. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacraments of initiation into our Catholic faith.
Milestones to Meet: All the Milestones listed under the Middle School age level (see above), in addition to: Making a commitment to use their gifts and talents to find a way to become more active and involved in ministries offered by their Parish Ideas include – A Catechist, Youth Group Leader, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher, Volunteer at Parish events, etc.). Contact the head of a ministry you would like to serve to gain more information and learn what is involved to make this commitment.
Adult – Those 18 and older will begin discerning and continue to discern how they would like to lead a life as a Disciple of Jesus throughout their adult years. Being involved with ministries, prayer groups, Bible Studies, and faith organizations that will help you to enrich your faith life. It’s never too late to inquire about any of the Sacraments that you may not have received. Contact your Parish for more information pertaining to the Sacrament(s) you have the most interest in learning more about. Sharing our Faith with others you are in contact with. Inviting friends, family and others to join you for Mass. As an active member of a Parish family, find a way to share your time, talent and treasure as a Disciple. This is a great way to continue to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. We will be adding adult studies soon….