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At St. Mary's, we partner with parents in order to nurture each child's faith formation together. Whether your child is just starting their journey or is preparing for confirmation, we are dedicated to providing the best program for their entire mind, body, and soul.

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

(Age 3-12 years old)

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is our faith formation program for children ages 3-12 years old in the parish. It is a hands-on, Montessori inspired curriculum that engages the whole person.

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What does that mean?

 

CGS is a spiral method program, where the curriculum builds on the foundations of the Kerygma (the essential truths of our faith) that the child is ready and happy to receive even at a young age. It was developed by scripture scholar, Sofia Cavalletti, and Montessorian, Gianna Gobbi.

 

This method of catechesis uses a prepared hands-on environment for the children, called an atrium. This facilitates a retreat like space for both children and adults to be open to hear, ponder and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Christian faith, as revealed in Scripture and Liturgy. The child and catechists work together to further their understanding of God’s message through a series of presentations about the life of Christ and the Gospels, prayer, and liturgically inspired activities, practical life skills, art and music. 

 

Our hope is that through the child’s work, the child comes closer to the true teacher in Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.

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Classes are in age groups of three years, as children in the same developmental period learn best from one another.

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Why is there a fee?

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In order to best serve your children, we are investing in the wonderful men and women who are our St. Mary catechists. Your registration fee helps to cover the cost of formal catechist training for each teacher. This fee also covers consumable materials used in the atrium and in our Confirmation classes, as well as the use and upkeep of our space.

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Confirmation Faith Formation

(7th & 8th Graders)

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Our Confirmation Faith Formation is for our 7th and 8th grade children. This program takes what they've learned through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and builds upon it, preparing them for the sacrament of Confirmation.

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Confirmation Preparation (7th-8th grade) will be held on Thursday evenings from 4:30pm-5:30pm in the School.