Homeschool Formation
Kindergarten - Grade 5
Homeschool Formation is a parent-led approach to children’s Catholic faith formation. Families complete a sound, grade-level curriculum at home, with materials, guidance, and support provided by the parish. Parents establish a regular formation schedule suited to their household while helping their children encounter Sacred Scripture, learn the teachings of the Catholic Church, grow in prayer and virtue, and connect the faith with everyday family life. Children do not need to be academically homeschooled to participate.
At a Glance
Where: At home
When: Approximately one lesson each week; September–May
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 5
Curriculum: Spirit of Truth — Home Edition
Led by: A parent or guardian
Cost: $70 for first child; $50 for each additional child
Materials: [Provided by the parish / collected after registration]
How It Works
1. Register Your Child
Register each child annually for the grade corresponding to his or her current school year. Parents may also indicate an interest in First Penance and First Holy Communion or provide information about the child’s previous formation and sacramental history.
2. Receive Your Materials
The parish provides the appropriate Spirit of Truth materials for each registered child. The curriculum includes parent-led lesson plans, readings, questions, prayers, sacred art, stories of the saints, and age-appropriate activities.
3. Establish a Weekly Rhythm
Parents choose a regular day and time to pray, read, discuss, and complete approximately one lesson each week. Families have flexibility in scheduling and pacing, but formation should continue regularly throughout the September-to-May program year.
4. Remain Connected to the Parish
Homeschool Formation takes place at home, but it remains part of the parish family’s formation ministry. Faith Formation staff are available to answer questions, assist with curriculum, discuss a child’s progress, and help families prepare for the sacraments.
Kindergarten: Jesus and the Holy Family Children encounter the loving goodness of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They are introduced to prayer, virtue, the saints, and the difference between good and sinful choices.
Grade 1: God Is Love Children come to know God as their Creator and loving Father. They learn about prayer, the saints, the basic parts of the Mass, sin, forgiveness, and their dignity as children made in God’s image.
Grade 2: Our Life in Jesus Children focus upon the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Particular attention is given to prayer, the Mass, Penance, and the Holy Eucharist. Grade 2 formation supports preparation for First Sacraments but does not replace the parish family’s additional First Penance and First Holy Communion preparation.
Grade 3: The Kingdom of God and the Church Children learn how Jesus continues His saving mission through the Catholic Church. They study the Holy Trinity, the seven sacraments, the Holy Spirit, the parables of the Kingdom, Mary, and life as members of Christ’s Body.
Grade 4: Jesus Teaches Us How to Live Children concentrate upon the Catholic moral life. They explore grace, conscience, sin and virtue, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the Great Commandment, and the Christian call to holiness.
Grade 5: The Sacraments Children study the seven sacraments as encounters with Jesus Christ and gifts of His grace. They consider the meaning, celebration, signs, and effects of each sacrament, together with the Holy Mass, Holy Days of Obligation, prayer, and the witness of the saints.
Learn More about Spirit of Truth — Home Edition
What Families Should Know
- prepare and lead the weekly lesson;
- pray and read Sacred Scripture with their children;
- guide discussion and activities;
- maintain a regular formation schedule;
- connect lessons with Catholic family life; and
- communicate with Faith Formation staff as needed.
Preparing for First Communion
Children preparing for First Penance and First Holy Communion remain enrolled in the appropriate grade of Homeschool Formation while also completing the parish family’s additional First Sacraments preparation.
Grade 2 includes substantial teaching concerning Penance and the Holy Eucharist, but the grade-level curriculum does not by itself complete the parish’s sacramental-preparation requirements.