Hello, my name is Maureen Schafer, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Coordinator at OLPH
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Faith Formation
Level II Student Cross Stitching
Divine Mercy Art Project
OLPH offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation for children in Pre-K through 2nd grade
OLPH offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation for children in Pre-K through 2nd grade
2026–27 All Sessions Are Full
Please Sign Up for the Waitlist
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation that nurtures a child’s natural relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and hands-on learning. Using beautifully crafted materials rooted in Scripture and the liturgy, children are invited to wonder, pray, and discover the presence of the Good Shepherd in their lives.
Through engagement with the Bible, the Mass, sacred art, and prayerful activities, children develop a deeper understanding of God’s love and begin to form a personal relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Sessions are held in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium, where children can encounter the faith in a peaceful, contemplative setting.
Sessions run from mid-September through April for Sunday families and from mid-September through early May for weekday families.
2026–27 Session Availability
Registration for the 2026–27 program year is now closed.
Level I
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Children must be 3 years old by September 1.
Session Options
Sunday during the 9:00 a.m. Mass
Full
Full
Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. Mass
Full
Full
Monday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Tuesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Level II
Grades 1–2
Children must be 6 years old by September 1.
Session Options
Monday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Tuesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Wednesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Registration for the 2026–27 program year is now closed. All sessions are currently full.
If you would like to be notified if a spot becomes available, please join the waitlist below. Families will be contacted in the order received as space allows.
Family Faith Formation for Kindergarten and up:
If you have a child who will be in Kindergarten or older this year and would like to participate in Family Faith Formation, please contact Greg Sinclair at Greg.Sinclair@archbalt.org.
Registration Is Closed
All sessions for the 2026–27 program year are full. Please check back for updates or join the waitlist.
Join the Waitlist
Add your name to the waitlist and we’ll contact you if a spot opens.
Questions? Contact maureen.schafer@archbalt.org
2026–27 Session Availability
Register early — most sessions fill quickly.
Level I
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Children must be 3 years old by September 1.
Session Options
Sunday during the 9:00 a.m. Mass
Full
Full
Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. Mass
Few spots left
Few spots left
Monday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Tuesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Level II
Grades 1–2
Children must be 6 years old by September 1.
Session Options
Monday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Tuesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Wednesday, 5:00–6:15 p.m.
Full
Full
Registration is currently open to current OLPH families only. Registration opens to parishioners on June 22nd, and to non-parishioners on September 1st.
Priority is given to catechists’ and aides’ children first, then current families, parishioners, and non-parishioners as space allows. Children must meet the minimum age by September 1, and families must be registered with the parish.
Ready to Register?
Space is limited. Register now to secure your child’s spot for the 2026–27 program year.
Session Full? Join the Waitlist.
If your preferred session is full, add your name to the waitlist and we’ll contact you if a spot opens.
Questions? Contact maureen.schafer@archbalt.org
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd EWTN News
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 3-minute video CGSUSA
Belong | Children naturally form a community in their class by participating in group prayer, processions of the liturgical seasons, and special events like All Saints Day, Epiphany, and the Liturgy of the Light celebration after Easter. Families, too, are invited to relax and get to know each other during Donut Sundays after the monthly Family Mass. Parents are offered an information session and Parent Orientation in September which will facilitate their understanding of the method of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Believe | As children begin to work with the scriptural and liturgical materials, they will form a personal relationship with Jesus through meditation, prayer, and periods of silence. Parents are encouraged to take their children to Mass weekly, especially our Family Mass, held on the second Sunday of each month at 9:00 am.
Become | Children are formed by responding to the materials they work with by creating original artwork that reinforces the Gospel stories shared and choosing works off the shelf to encounter Jesus.
Beyond | Children and parents will have the opportunity to serve the needy each Advent and Lent through organized service projects. Families are encouraged to participate in other service opportunities at the parish.