Children’s Faith Formation

All 3-year-olds through 6^th graders are invited to join Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

This is for all children- those that attend public school, private/Catholic schools, homeschools, etc. We encourage ALL children to come and grow in their relationships with the Lord.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a reflective-based program of religious formation that helps a child to further develop his/her relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.

We offer multiple sessions of CGS.  Upon registering, you can choose the best fit for your family:  Sundays, 10:15-11:45 am OR Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 pm.

1^st grade students will participate in CGS in the atrium at Holy Spirit.

2^nd grade students will participate in CGS in the atrium at Holy Spirit.  Additionally, students and parents will attend sacramental preparation classes together.  There will be 4-6 sessions in the fall for First Reconciliation and 4-6 sessions in the spring for First Communion. Sessions will be on Sundays from 12:00-1:30 pm in the Level 2 Atrium, with a light lunch provided.  Specific dates are communicated through email.  There is an additional $25 fee for students completing this sacrament.

All 7^th & 8^th graders are invited to join our formation program.  This is for ALL middle school students-those that attend public school, Catholic/private school, homeschool, etc.

Middle School students will gather to develop relationships with their Catholic peers and adult mentors/catechists, learn about Scripture and our Sacred Tradition, and most importantly, cultivate a relationship with Jesus.

Students from both grades will gather together to start their session, then break into grade-specific classes for specialized catechesis.  7th graders will focus on building a strong faith foundation in year 1 of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  8th graders will add to that foundation as they dive deeper into our Catholic faith, completing year 2 of preparation, and then receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring.

Parents or sponsors will be asked to join the class a few times each semester.  Service projects and additional prayer services (Adoration, Stations of the Cross, etc.) are required as a part of the preparation process.

MSF will be every Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 pm.

There is a mandatory parent meeting on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm in room 101-102.

MSF classes will officially begin on Wednesday, September 25.

7^th and 8^th grade students will participate in weekly formation classes at Holy Spirit. Additionally, parents or sponsors will attend sacramental preparation classes together, a few times throughout the year.

Along with the sacramental preparation classes, students will participate in a retreat, parish service projects, and other prayerful opportunities like Holy Hours, Stations of the Cross, and Family Masses.  There is an additional $50 fee for students being confirmed this year.  This covers additional materials and retreat expenses.

Children must complete 2 years of formation in order to receive sacraments, per diocesan requirements.

1st grade students will participate in CGS in the atrium at Holy Spirit.

2nd grade students will participate in CGS in the atrium at Holy Spirit. Additionally, students and parents will attend sacramental preparation classes together. There will be 4 sessions in the fall and 4 sessions in the spring. There is an additional $25 fee for students completing this sacrament.

7th and 8th grade students will participate in weekly formation classes at Holy Spirit. Additionally, students and parents will attend sacramental preparation classes together. You will gather for 4 sessions in the fall and 4 sessions in the spring and complete a few more at home with your child. Along with sacramental preparation classes, students will participate in a retreat, parish service projects, and other prayerful opportunities. There is an additional $50 fee for students being confirmed this year. This covers additional materials and retreat expenses.

All high school youth are welcome to meet on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM during the school year. Youth Ministry includes the following opportunities:

Socializing & Community-Building – Teens develop long-lasting friendships by coming together to play games and catch up. There are chances to leave the church campus for camping trips, a winter ski trip, kickball games, swimming parties, and nights around town (Sky Zone, laser tag, dinners out, etc.).

Spirituality – Deepening and sharing faith with one another is an important aspect of Youth Ministry. Ways in which youth can develop their faith include youth-led discussions that are relevant to teens’ lives, guest speakers, praise and worship services, Eucharistic Adoration, serving as Liturgical Ministers, and parish prayer services. Youth can participate in Diocesan youth retreat opportunities SEARCH (grades 11-12).

Service – “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4:10) Everyone is called to serve. Holy Spirit youth serve others in the parish and in the community. Each summer, the one-week Youth MISSION Trip takes teens to another area of the country.

For children ages 4 years through rising 5th graders

VBS is a week of fun and faith-filled mornings during the summer. Through Scripture stories, music, arts and crafts, games and activities, participants learn about God’s Word, His love for us, and our role in God’s Kingdom. Registration includes a T-shirt, music CD, and all supplies.

NOTE: Adults, and youth 6^th grade and above, are encouraged to share in the joy as catechists or aides.