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 

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. Participating in these sacraments encourages and further initiates the children into their roles within the Church Family.  

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. 

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. 

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

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 the national office website www.cgsusa.org

VIRTUS Training is required for working with children.