Religion
At Our Lady of Mercy School each student has the unique opportunity to develop and foster
his or her Catholic faith. Our focus of 'Educating the child to be Christ in the world' is
reinforced through daily religious education/ religion integrated curriculum and First Friday
Mass.
The child develops a relationship with God, a respect for others, and a reverence for God's
creation.
In the Religion curriculum, the 'lens' through which the Christian message is presented in
grade one is God. The children are encouraged to learn about God and to grow in their
relationship with the Holy Trinity. In grade two, the focus is on Jesus Christ. In conjunction
with this, the children prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. In
grade 2, a First Communion Liturgy is celebrated in May after all the children make the
Sacrament at the church in his or her parish. In grade 3 students will learn about Jesus, and
how the church was started. Students also learn about the seven sacraments.
As part of the religion curriculum the students develop a prayer life, an appreciation of
Scripture, and an appreciation of the sacramental life of the Church. Students are helped to
form their consciences, and are encouraged to take part in the sacraments and the life of the
parish.
Students re-commit to their journey toward God's kingdom, in the context of their
relationship with Jesus Christ. 'Jesus of History' and 'The Christ of Faith' are explored
through the Scripture, the Church's teaching and the witness of faithful disciples. Students
deepen their understanding of and participation in the Church as the visible, living sign of
God's kingdom in history.
Weekly prayer services are planned and presented by each grade. The students lead a themed prayer
service with readings, song and prayer.
On the first Friday of each month, Mass is celebrated in the gymnasium. All members of the
OLMS community are encouraged to attend Mass and celebrate our shared Catholic faith.
Our parish priests make weekly visits to the classrooms to speak with the class on
pre-arranged religious topics.