Sacred Kindling offers a variety of lesson plans designed for children in grades K–8, with sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour each day. Some topics are designed as single-day experiences, while others can be expanded into multi-day explorations lasting up to six days.
- Salvation history and the Cathedral
- This lesson introduces the concept of sacred symbolism and explores key christian symbols they will see in the Cathedral. The program draws upon art reflecting Creation, Fall, Promise, Incarnation and Redemption.
- Rose Windows
- A study of the three magnificent rose windows by Charles J Connick: The Window of the Martyrs, the Beatitudes and Christ as the Lamb of God.
- Sacred art and the Sacraments
- This lesson connects the Cathedral’s Shrine of the Nations to Pentecost and its dome windows to the sacramental life of the Church.
- The Bronze Grilles- The Life of Saint Paul
- Mary and the Saints
Age Appropriate Lessons
Each lesson is broken into three different grade bands: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.
For example, if your students were to study the Rose Windows, you may expect the following:
- Grades K-2: Focus on wonder, color light and simple stories from the windows, Children learn that stained glass is a way of telling God’s stories with light and color. Students may create their own simple stained glass project.
- Grades 3-5: Focus on deeper understanding of symbolism, saints, scripture connections and the art of Gothic stained glass. Students will explore how art communicates faith. Students may work to design their own rose window panel representing a beatitude they want to grow in.
- Grades 6-8: Focus on the historical and theological depth, artistic analysis, the Gothic Revival movement and how sacred art functions as catechesis. Students engage critically with art, scripture and Church history. Students may engage in creative writing activities or their own prayerful creation of stained glass.
Who is Sacred Kindling for?
Sacred Kindling can be tailored to fit your particular needs. For schools and homeschool co-ops, our docent led lessons and Pilgrimage (fieldtrip) to the Cathedral is a great option. Parishes can host a week-long camp, or youth groups can make it a part of their programming. We are happy to work with you to bring Sacred Kindling to your students. Please visit our Contact page for more information.