Faith

- Faith
  
  Rooted in Catholic Tradition
  
  “Faith and Reason are like two wings of the human spirit by which it soars to the truth.”
  ― Pope John Paul II
- Faith Formation at St. Monica
  
  At St. Monica Catholic School, we focus on achieving academic excellence for each student, but we also invite them to form a relationship with Jesus Christ, which we hope will guide them into Eternity with Him. Our focus on what is True, Good, and Beauty about God's creation helps students to understand their place and dignity as beings made in God's image and likeness.
  
  Our faith formation program encourages students to regularly engage in sacraments, including attending Mass and receiving First Communion and Reconciliation. By fostering their spiritual development, we enable them to be active followers of Christ, prepared to serve and motivate others.
  
  Learn more about St. Monica Catholic School
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  
  Every child participates in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. This program focuses on Christ and is rooted in liturgical practices, helping kids grow in their faith.
  
  The classes are led by certified catechists who have completed extensive training. To become certified, they must complete 90 hours of training for each level, meaning a Level III catechist has put in a total of 270 hours!
  
  Our school features a special Atrium space, which serves as a serene environment for prayer, meditation, and reflection. Inside the Atrium, there are various materials that support each child's journey in deepening their connection with God and the church.
- Level I
  
  Ages 3-6
  
  Children experience the faith through an Atrium filled with materials to nurture the relationship between the child, God and His church and to understand the traditions of the Catholic faith. Children work with materials that allow them to experience the traditions of the Catholic faith and represent the symbols and traditions of mass in a child-like, age-appropriate setting.
- Level II
  
  Ages 6-9
  
  This level focuses on the History of the Kingdom of God. Students are able to ponder their place in that sacred history. The materials include works that are not only sacred history from the beginning of time but work that fosters moral formation through parables and the sacraments of initiation.
- Level III
  
  Ages 9-12
  
  This level focuses on the Plan of God. The child is aided in realizing that God has a plan for them and He has given them gifts to help them carry out this plan. The materials guide students to the gifts of all the sacraments, moral parables, and a deeper understanding of the church’s history from Creation to Abraham until today.
- Faith Formation at Diocese of Kalamazoo Schools
  
  St. Monica Catholic School is one of two elementary schools that are part of the Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo (CSGK). All CSGK schools are part of the Diocese of Kalamazoo and are governed by the Diocesan Office of Schools. Learn more about the approach to faith in these schools.