Religious Instruction
In alignment with the mission of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas Schools, we strive to infuse our Catholic faith in every academic subject.
“Be it known to all that Christ is the reason for our school. He is the unseen but ever-present teacher in our classes. He is the model for our faculty and the inspiration of our students.”
At Holy Cross Catholic School, we provide not only a formal program of religious instruction but also a loving, Christian atmosphere based on moral integrity and Catholic values. Our foundation of faith is infused in every aspect of instruction.
- Weekly Mass liturgies prepared by students
- Special prayer services
- All School Masses
- Advent Wreath Blessing, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, May Crowning
- Prayer integrated throughout the day – morning and afternoon all school announcements, individual, partner, and classroom prayers.
- Preparation for the sacraments
- Faith Families
Our staff begins the day with prayer together, parents are invited to participate in Monday morning rosaries prayer services and Stations of the Cross. These are just a few of the Christ-centered events that take place here.
If you would like the full set of religion curriculum guides, they are available at the Archdiocese of Kansas City Catholic Schools website.
In addition to this, Catholic infusion by grade level includes:
Kindergarten – Students listen and respond to stories about Jesus and show they are children of God
First Grade – Students come to know Jesus through the Gospels, from the Immaculate Conception to the Resurrection. Through these stories, students learn they are an integral part of God’s Family.
Second Grade – Instruction focuses on preparation for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Taking part in these sacraments encourages and further initiates the children into their roles within the Church Family. A First Communion Retreat is available for families who choose Catechesis of the Good Shepherd option.
Third Grade – Students study the lives of Saints and see through living examples how virtues such as humility, sacrifice and fortitude fall into the service of God.
Fourth Grade – Students focus on God by following the Ten Commandments and living the Beatitudes. They also continue social service efforts by sponsoring children in third-world countries.
Fifth Grade – Students focus on the Sacraments, the role of Mary and scriptural passages, and discuss the importance of these in their lives. Project Genesis, an Archdiocese-sponsored program, focuses on the life of a fifth-grader with emphasis on “You as an image of God” and practicing the cardinal virtues.
Sixth Grade – Students discover and learn the history of Judaism as told in stories within the Old Testament. Integrated within the sixth-grade religion curriculum is a special introduction to Social Justice. The students continue with Project Genesis and work to accept and understand the natural evolution of their relationships with one another.
Seventh and Eighth Grade – Students study the impact of Jesus on their lives as Christians. They analyze the personal qualities that Jesus displayed in New Testament stories such as Parables, Miracles and Beatitudes.
Theology of the Body is an integral part of their religious instruction and teaches ways they can respect themselves and one another.
Eighth-grade students spend the better part of the school year focused on final preparations for Confirmation. Preparations include organizing the Mission Carnival, a service project aimed at raising money to be allocated to charities in Kansas City and abroad.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “Atrium,” a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.
Listen to Archbishop Joseph Naumann interview to find out more about
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Did you know that Holy Cross School:
- Has the most comprehensive CGS program in Johnson County?
CGS is part of the religious curriculum during the school day for children from preschool to sixth-grade.
- Has two Atria?
One to meet the needs of the 3 to 6 year-olds in our Early Education Center, and the other designed to meet the needs of 6 to 12 year-olds located in the Elementary School.
- Has catechists trained at a master’s degree level by nationally recognized trainers in CGS?
Our catechists volunteer their time to be with children in the Atrium while parents are encouraged to volunteer as assistants.
- First Communion and First Reconciliation Sacrament option available at Holy Cross.
For information about the Holy Cross program or to volunteer, please contact Eva Gavin 913-706-7286.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Catechists are needed; there are various other volunteer opportunities.
For information on catechist training visit Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Time Commitment: 1 1/2 to 2 hours per week, depending on your availability.
Training: On-site or refer to national office website www.cgsusa.org
VIRTUS Training is required for working with children.