Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (ages 3-6th grade)
All 3-year-olds through 6th 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.
This year, 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, 6:00-7:30 pm.
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation
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 4-6 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.
Middle school Formation (7th & 8th grades)
All 7th & 8th 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 our rich Catholic faith, break into smaller, grade-level groups to dive deeper into the lesson, and then take what they’ve learned into their daily lives. They will learn about Scripture and our Sacred Tradition, and more importantly, cultivate a relationship with Jesus.
Middle School Formation is every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm in the Batson Center.
Confirmation Preparation
7th and 8th grade students will participate in weekly formation classes at Holy Spirit. Additionally, students and parents will attend sacramental preparation classes together, once per month. Sessions will be on Sundays, from 10:15-11:45 am in Rm 106.
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.
Sacramental Preparation for Children
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.
High School Youth Ministry
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.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
For children ages 4 years through rising 6th 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 all of creation, and our role as stewards of the earth and builders of God’s Kingdom. Registration includes a T-shirt and music CD. SEE WEBSITE FOR FEE.
NOTE: Adults, and youth 7th grade and above, are encouraged to share in the joy as catechists or aides.
Registration to participate in VBS is done through the parish website, www.hspirit.com.