Good Shepherd Faith Formation
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 our biannual donut socials. Parents are offered an information session in June and a Parent Orientation in August, 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 Children’s Liturgy, held on the second Sunday of each month at the 9:00 am Mass.
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.
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 available in and around the parish to further live out Jesus’ message to love our neighbor.
OLPH is offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd faith formation for children in Pre-K through 2nd grade
This Montessori-based method uses hands-on materials to help children pray and reflect on Bible stories, engage in prayerful art and praise, and connect with the Mass. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd invites the child to encounter Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and fosters a personal relationship with Him. Sessions run from mid-September through April.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Options:
Level I Pre-K and Kindergarten students (students must be 3 -years old by September 1st)
Session Options: Sunday during our 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses, Monday 5:00-6:15 pm, or Tuesday 5:00-6:15 pm.
Level II 1st and 2nd Grades
Session Options: Monday 5:00-6:15 pm or Tuesday 5:00-6:15 pm
*Please register soon! Space is limited. Children must be 3 years old by September 1st to participate and families are required to register with the parish.
This stage of spiritual formation is for children, ages 3-6, who participate in the Sunday morning Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes during our 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses from late September through May. Our youngest children will be nurtured and encouraged by our parish family to grow in faith, build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, build community, and serve those in need. Using hands-on experiences, this Montessori-based method will help the children learn to pray, reflect on Bible stories, and fall in love with Jesus, hopefully, for their lifetime.