“The definitive aim of catechesis (teaching the Faith) is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ; only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity” (On Catechesis in Our Time, Pope John Paul II, n. 5).
The primary goal for the first grade year is dedicated to proximate formation and preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Jesus Himself in the Holy Eucharist. This formation is to always include the parents who have the primary responsibility for the education and formation of their children. It is necessary that families participate in Mass each Sunday and all Holy Days of Obligation. There is no meaning in being taught the Faith without the corresponding practice of the Faith.
Six-year-old children, in order to develop holistically (spiritually, emotionally, physically, intellectually, socially), need to be loved so as to love. Faith has its roots in love.
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ix-year-olds need to be recognized, appreciated and praised for the unique person each one is, created in the image and likeness of God. They need the resulting sense of security and belonging which is essential to their growth.These little children need to see and experience how to share. They need models from real-life, from Scripture and the lives of the saints, and especially from the most familiar adults in their lives, they begin to see that faith lives.
Children at this age need to appreciate others as special persons who are good and loved by God, regardless of social strata, race, physical handicaps, etc. They are learning to value the children different from themselves.
They need to experience a climate, an atmosphere in which self-discipline can be fostered by giving them real responsibilities, and gradually to learn that all actions have consequences, either positive or negative.
The catechist helps the child to choose the good for its own sake. They need to be involved in group prayer and related religious activities. They should continue to experience brief moments of silence in which to communicate with God, to wonder, to reflect, to imagine. e.g., the Story of Samuel.