All catechetical programs for children in the Diocese of Madison - both those in our Catholic schools and those in our parish religious education programs - are required each year to present the lessons that are found in the "Circle of Grace" program.  These age-appropriate lessons are aimed at helping young people better understand their dignity and worth as children of God and navigate some of the dangers in our current cultural climate.  

The Circle of Grace curriculum is available here (and along the left navigational bar)for printing, distribution, and use within the Diocese of Madison for those Principals and DRE's responsible for disseminating the curriculum to the local teachers.  If you are unaware of the password, please contact: [email protected]

Parishes and schools may choose to present these lessons on whatever schedule best fits their own needs, so long as they are presented before Thanksgiving Day.  (Please contact: [email protected] as exceptions should be approved in advance.)

Four weeks prior to presenting these lessons, please provide grade-specific lesson plans to each teacher/catechist who will be leading the classes. NOTE: This program is age specific; DO NOT COMBINE GRADES.

At least two weeks prior to classes, provide to the parents of each of the children in your program the parent letter introducing the program, commonly asked questions document and the opt-out forms available here.

Following the conclusion of your children's curriculum classes, please complete the Children's Program Follow Up Report, directions are found here. The report will be completed online by clicking on the link to the Madison Diocesan Data Hub found here. Please complete this report in a timely manner to assist the Office of Safe Environment to fulfill its audit requirements.  Any and all "Opt-Outs" should also be included on the report (any absent student from class should be marked as an "Opt-Out without form.").  Please keep the Opt-Out forms in your records.