Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Based on the Montessori Method of education, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has two goals: to bring the children into a relationship with Jesus, and to bring the children into full participation at Mass. This is a hands on approach to catechesis, where children’s “play” is their “work”. They learn about the parables, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as how to set the altar for Mass, liturgical colors and seasons, and so much more. Catechists invite the children to ponder and wonder about all of the good gifts God has given us. We find beauty in the simplicity of the special classroom known as the Atrium.

Each class session students come together with their adult small group leaders to grow in their relationship with God. Small group leaders use a dynamic “youth group” style of catechesis. They GATHER with a game or activity to introduce the lesson, then one of the leaders will PROCLAIM the lesson of the day. Students then gather with their small group leaders to BREAK apart the lesson through small group discussion and activities. At the end of class students gather for prayer during SEND. They are sent forth with a message to bring home and into their world. 

Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
Students in second grade will spend the year preparing to receive their First Reconciliation and Communion. In November the students will attend a Saturday morning retreat with their parents, then in early December they receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After Christmas they start their preparation to receive Holy Communion for the first time. In March students will again attend a Saturday morning retreat with their parents, and then receive First Holy Communion after Easter. We use a program called Encounter with Christ which provides opportunities for families to learn along with the children at home. 

On the third session each month the entire family comes together in the gym for Family Class. In this busy world, it’s great to be able to take an uninterrupted hour to learn more about Jesus and the Catholic faith. We cover a variety of topics, but each year has a specific theme. The family sessions give each family time to pray together, learn more about the saints, read and discuss the Bible, and do an activity or make a craft to reinforce the lesson. Parents comment that they always learn something new at Family Class. This is an important part of our program—once you register you are invited to join this great class!

Students in 3rd through 5th grade use the Discover program. This program is exciting and interactive to help children learn about the Word of God, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and to discover that
everything we celebrate as Catholics is based on scripture. Each child receives a Bible to keep when they finish 5th grade.

Children's Liturgy of the Word is for our younger parishioners, ages 3 through 1^st grades. During the 10:30 Mass right before the readings, the leader calls for young children to join them as they present the readings of the day, and the children discuss at their level. They often have a craft project to accompany the reading. Children then return to their parents after Father’s homily. There is no need to register for this ministry, and there are no fees associated with CLW.