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.

Level I and II will be offered on Sundays, 10:15-11:45 am OR Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 pm. Level III is only offered on Wednesdays this year. 

Before our sessions begin, all Faith Formation levels will have a Family Orientation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 1:15 pm in the Batson Center. Please make plans to attend with your child.

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

2^nd grade students will also 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.

Before our sessions begin, all Faith Formation levels will have a Family Orientation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 1:15 pm in the Batson Center. Please make plans to attend with your child.

There will also be a mandatory parent meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 11:45 after the session time for all those receiving First Reconciliation and Eucharist this year.

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.

Seventh graders will focus on building a strong faith foundation in year 1 of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Eighth 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 session a few times each semester.  Service projects, additional prayer services (Adoration, Stations of the Cross, etc.), and a Confirmation retreat are required as a part of the preparation process.

Before our sessions begin, all Faith Formation levels will have a Family Orientation on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 1:15 pm in the Batson Center. Please make plans to attend with your child.

Middle School Formation sessions will be every Sunday from 10:15-11:45 beginning Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 10:15 am. Families, please join us for a blessing of children and catechists at the 9am Mass that day before our first session.

There will be a mandatory parent meeting on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 10:15 during the session time for those being confirmed this year.

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

Along with the sacramental preparation sessions, 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 sessions 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 sessions at Holy Spirit. Additionally, a few times this year students and parents will attend sacramental preparation sessions and meetings together. Along with sacramental preparation sessions, 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.

Youth Ministry includes the following opportunities:

Socializing & Community-Building – Teens develop long-lasting friendships by coming together to play games and catch up with activities at church and off campus.

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 such as VOYAGE (Gr. 7-8), QUEST (Gr. 9-10) and SEARCH (Gr. 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.

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.