PRAYER LIFE
Section four is another way we respond to God who loved us first. As His children, we desire to live as God has asked. In order to know God and His specific plan for our lives, we must take time to pray, that is to talk, listen and be with God and His Family, the Church. Praying is essential for growing as a Child of God in the Family of God. A life without prayer is like a life without breath.
During the Kindergarten year the child should:
1. Know that prayer is listening and talking with God. (CCC 2558). Friendship with Jesus depends upon a daily commitment to prayer. Prayer can be in the silence of our heart or out loud, alone or with others. Prayer is necessary if we are to know God personally and to do His will.
2. Attend Mass on Sunday and holy days of obligation. The Mass is the most important prayer. We need to attend Mass every Sunday and the holy days of obligation. We want to participate fully in mind and heart in the prayers and songs of the Mass.
3. The memorization of basic prayers offers an essential support to the life of prayer, yet it is also important to help students savour their meaning. (CCC 2688)
Children should be able to recite the following:
4. Participate in a variety of prayer forms: spontaneous prayer, gesture, song, reflection and silence
5. Experience belonging to family, kindergarten class, etc. as the basis for belonging to Church.
6. Know that the Church is God’s Family and the church building is a place to worship as His Family. The priest is the leader of the worship because he acts in the person of Jesus.
7. Know to genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament.
8. Recognize the Lord’s Day as a day of prayer, rest and togetherness.