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Faith Formation for Children
Formation in the faith begins at home in the “Domestic Church.” The parents are the primary educators for their children, especially in the faith.
"The future of evangelization depends in great part on the Church of the home. This apostolic mission of the family is rooted in Baptism and receives from the grace of the sacrament of marriage new strength to transmit the faith, to sanctify and transform our present society according to God's plan." - St. John Paul II (Familiaris Consortio)
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Are you interested in learning more about this program? Adult Catechesis Training will begin in January 2018. Click here to find locations and dates. This may be the next step that you were looking for to follow Jesus Christ!
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a way of religious formation for children ages 3 to 12. CGS is based on the Bible and the liturgy of the Catholic Church; it is inspired by the principles of Montessori education.
The atrium is a room prepared for the children. It is a place of prayer, work, and community. In the atrium, Jesus is the teacher. The role of the catechist is to listen to God with the children.
During an atrium session, the catechist and the child engage biblical and liturgical presentations. The child then works with carefully produced materials. This “hands-on” experience invites the child to contemplate and enjoy God's presence, and to respond to his love.
For Parents
For registration information, contact Maria Muscado and Connie Moretti at the Parish Office.
Resources from CGSUSA.org
- Observation as a tool for parenting
- "Help me to do it myself."
- How to set up a prayer table at home?
- Why does my child not bring home artwork each week
- How can I nurture the religious life of my child at home?
Did you hear Fr. Nagel's homily on Faith Formation?
Have you read about CGS in the Northwest Catholic?
"Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a precious resource for parents. " - Archbishop J Miller, Vancouver (from the World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia, PA on September 22, 2015)
Is your child prepared to receive First Communion?
- Has your child been baptized? See our Baptism page.
- Does your family attend Mass every Sunday?
- In CGS Level 2, children prepare for First Penance and First Eucharist. The sacramental preparation year runs from September to May - with meetings, workshops and rehearsals outside of the atrium sessions.
- First Penance takes place in December and First Eucharist takes place in May for children ages 7 and up.
- Has your child already participated in the Level 2 atrium for at least one year? If so, we invite your child and you to begin the process of discerning if this is the right year to prepare and celebrate.
The last day to register is October 21, 2017 to receive First Communion in May 2018. A copy of the baptismal certificate should be submitted with the registration form. Questions? Contact Maria Muscado.
