The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has developed Grade Specific Catholic Education Curriculum to identify key or core religious education concepts for each grade level and to articulate these in competence-based language. The structure of these one-page summaries is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and a separate Scripture section. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has four parts: the Creed, the Sacraments, Commandments, and Prayer. These sections also have been described as "What the Church Believes," "What the Church Celebrates," "How the Church Lives," and How the Church Prays."

The grade-level summaries are divided into the following sections:

The Historical/Creedal/Church section refers primarily to doctrines, dogmas and creeds.

The Moral Life section describes the moral values contained in the Commandments and Beatitudes - those major codes that guide the lives of Catholic Christians.

The Liturgy/Sacrament/Prayer section refers to the Sacraments, Liturgical Seasons of the Church year, Mary, and the saints.

A separate section on Scripture cites passages that are appropriate for learning and applicable at each grade level.

The Life Experiences section describes key areas in a child's life that reflect the human growth and development factors that need to be taken into account in religious formation.

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Grade Specific Catholic Education Curriculum provides concise descriptors that identify what should be learned and lived as we share the treasure of our faith with our children on the life-long journey of being disciples of Christ.

For more information, contact the Office for Schools and Child/Youth Ministry at 414-769-3300.