Faith Formation Programs
-
-
-
Catechesis of the Good Shephard (Ages 3-Kindergarten)
-
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious formation program that is based upon the Montessori principles of education and begins with the understanding that God is in relationship with children and that children find great peace and joy in the presence of God. In a CGS environment, the children receive small group presentations and work with corresponding materials that invite them to ponder the mysteries of our faith. The content of the presentations is based on Scripture and the Liturgy. Scriptural topics include the Prophecies of the Old Testament, the Parables of the Kingdom of God, and the Gospel narrative surrounding the Incarnation and birth of Jesus. The presentations based on the liturgy introduce the children to the liturgical colors and sacred items used at Mass, as well as the gestures that occur during Mass. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd sessions are offered to 3 through 5 year olds in our parish. CGS catechists complete 90 hours of training in order to teach this program. Visit the national Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website, https://www.cgsusa.org/, for more information.
-
-
2nd Grade (Sacramental Preparation)
-
2nd grade students meet twice a month on Wednesday evenings for sacramental preparation in a classroom setting (parents are not required to attend these sessions). One year of Faith Formation classes is required before beginning sacramental preparation classes.
The Sacramental Preparation program utilizes the Signs of Grace curriculum from the Augustine Institute for both First Reconciliation and First Communion.
2nd graders do not attend Family of Faith sessions, but will receive a Family of Faith activity book so they can join in the curriculum with their families at home. The 2nd grade classe dates correspond to the evenings when the families meet in their Family of Faith family groups.
-
-
Family of Faith (Grades 1, 3-6)
-
Saints Parish assists parents in their primary role as their child(ren)’s teacher of the Catholic Faith by providing lessons for parents to use at home with their 1st through 6th grade child(ren) according to the family's schedule.
Additionally, parents and children gather together one Wednesday each month for Family Sessions. Families have the option to meet during the early session (4:30 to 5:45 p.m.) or the late session (6:45 to 8:00 p.m.) in St. Joseph Church and Richter Hall. Families receive an introduction to the month's topic and work on a part of the month's lesson.
-
-
Small Groups and Confirmation (Grades 7-10)
-
7th through 10th grade students meet in Small Groups for community, prayer, catechesis, service, formation, and discussion on a variety of topics. Small Groups also come together to organize service projects, retreats, and other events. Mentors guide the Small Groups as each student responds to Christ’s invitation to follow Him and form a mature relationship with Him.
Small Groups meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. beginning in St. Joseph Church.
Confirmation preparation is incorporated into the Small Group curriculum beginning in 9th grade. Additionally, students attend a retreat and complete service hours.
-
