Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

All CGS sessions are FULL at this time.

If you are interested in being put on the waitlist,
please fill out the Faith Formation 2021-22 CGS Application.



-Space is limited based on volunteer availability to safely re-open. Priority is given to parent catechist volunteers who are registeredparishioners at HFK and help weekly in the atrium September through May.

-Currently registered at a different parish? Please inquire about faith formation at the parish closest to your home. Help strengthen your parish community! Children thrive in parishes where parents attend weekly Sunday liturgy and are active in parish events and ministries in their home parish. Contact The Sheepfold https://cgspnw.weebly.com/  for information and support starting CGS in your parish!

   Interested in the Homeschool Option?

We follow the Spirit of Truth curriculum by Sophia Institute

-Questions? Email conniem@hfkparish.org.

-The Homeschool Option is primarily parent-led.

-You must be an active and registered member of the parish to sign up for the Homeschool Option.

Holy Family Kirkland follows the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for Faith Formation. The children meet in the atrium, a place of prayer designed to meet the spiritual and developmental needs of children using the Montessori method.

In the atrium, the child works and prays with lovely hand-made materials to dive deeper into the Bible and liturgy. The children are invited into a life long relationship with the Good Shepherd who gives "life to the full."

When are atrium sessions? They are offered as weekly 2-hour sessions from September through May for children in Level I (for 3-6 years old), Level II (for 6-9 years old), and Level III (9-12 years old).

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd offers remote preparation for Mass. It is not meant to replace Sunday liturgy or the domestic church.

"It is in the bosom of the family that parents are "by word and example . . . the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children." - CCC 1656

Prayerfully consider how you can set time aside for your child to attend atrium sessions and Sunday Eucharist. Consistent Mass attendance is critical for a strong prayer life in the family.

"On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass." - Canon Law 1247

Keep in mind, due to high demand, once admitted your child is expected to attend all sessions. Priority will be given to registered families who volunteer as catechists as a token of appreciation for their time and dedication to keep this catechesis going!

Sacramental Preparation

Has your child (age 7 or second grade) been baptized in the Catholic Church? Sacramental Preparation is the process of preparing children (age 7, second grade, or older) for First Penance and First Eucharist.

At Holy Family Parish, baptized children who have been preparing through daily family prayer, Sunday liturgy, and in the atrium begin the discernment process for their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The child, with their parents, must spend time in prayer and reflection and together ask to receive the sacraments.

The immediate year of preparation for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist takes place from September to May - with meetings, workshops, and rehearsals in addition and outside of the Homeschool Option or CGS Level II atrium sessions. First Penance takes place in December and First Eucharist takes place in May. The Archdiocese requires 2 years of preparation for these Sacraments.

A copy of the baptismal certificate should be submitted with the online form.

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Is your child 7 years old or older and not yet baptized? Catholic parents who want to raise their children in the Catholic faith are welcome to sign up their child for the Rite of Christian Initation adapted for Children through either the Homeschool Option or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. These children will be attending sessions to prepare for the reception of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Celebration. In addition, they will attend the rites required of RCIA catechumens and candidates in preparation for Easter Vigil.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Registration Form

Parent Participation

The work of many hands is required to provide the CGS ministry. All families are expected to participate. At the time of registration, you will complete an online survey with many options for participation.

"By praying with their children, by reading the word of God with them and by introducing them deeply through Christian initiation into the Body of Christ - both the Eucharistic and the ecclesial Body - they become fully parents, in that they are begetters not only of bodily life but also of the life that through the Spirit’s renewal flows from the Cross and Resurrection of Christ." — St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio

Families who participate in CGS and the Homeschool Option are active and registered parishioners of Holy Family Parish, giving of the time, talent, and treasure. Families must attend Sunday liturgy every week. Click HERE for more on the next Newcomer's Social.

open summer 2021

Homeschool Option -
*complete CGS Application and choose Homeschool as Atrium option

CGS Application - registration open August 15th

First Eucharist
Preparation
registration open August 15th

Payment Form - for the 2021-22 year

RETIRED Sheepfold Course Forms 1
RETIRED Sheepfold Couse Formst 2

CGS Parent Handbook

CGS Catechist Volunteers Needed!

The Sheepfold: Courses for Adults

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Online Giving