Elementary Faith Formation

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based formation program for children 3 years old (potty-trained) to 6th graders.

Level 1 (age three through Kindergarten) meets in the Atrium from 9:45am to 11:15am on Sundays or from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Wednesdays.*
Level 2 (1st-3rd grade) meets in the Atrium from 9:45am to 11:15am on Sundays.
Level 3 (4th-6th grade) meets in the Atrium from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Wednesdays. Level 3 students must have attended CGS in previous years.

Montessori style education is a proven pedagogical method by which children learn through exploration. Children learn through intuitive, hands-on experiences. Studies have shown that children who learn in this style are generally more likely to retain the information for longer periods of time. If your child will thrive in a Montessori-based program, we highly recommend this excellent program! Visit our CGS page for more information.

*All Preschool and Kindergarten children are in CGS.

As of 2022, all Preschool and Kindergarten children will be in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

First grade meets on Sundays from 9:45am to 11:15am in the Deacon's Hall, Theatre A.
Second grade meets on Sundays from 9:45am to 11:15am in the Tara Lounge

First Communion is a two year process. Please visit our Sacramental Preparation page for more information and to register your child.

Children will begin preparing in the first grade, continuing from what they learned in preschool and kindergarten. The focus remains on the personhood of Jesus. First graders will use Faith and Life: Our Heavenly Father and will meet weekly with their catechist and catechist assistant.

Children in second grade will build on what they learned in previous grades, shifting the focus to the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Second graders will use Faith and Life: Jesus Our Life and Sadlier's Sacrament Program. Families have additional obligations and requirements this year. The Parent Packet will be distributed at the annual Parent Meetings AND will be available in the Sacramental Preparation page.

3rd and 4th Grade are a combined class. They meet in Theatre B (room to the right of the stage in Deacon's Hall) on Sundays from 9:45am to 11:15am.

5th and 6th Grade are a combined class. They meet in the Upper Room/Cenacle in Deacon's Hall on Sundays from 9:45am to 11:15am.

Children in grades 3 through 6 will build on their knowledge of the personhood of Jesus and on the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Euchrist. The focus will shift to "What is the Church?". 3rd grade and 4th grade will use Faith and Life: Jesus Our Guide and 5th grade and 6th grade will use Faith and Life: Credo, I Believe. Children will meet weekly with their catechist and catechist assistant.

If your child goes to a Catholic school, please REGISTER your child for faith formation under "Catholic School". Children who attend Catholic schools may receive their faith formation there, except in sacramental years. Please see the Sacramental Preparation page for more information.