Children’s Faith Formation Mission Statement

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 The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), is a religious formation methodology for children ages 3-12. CSG unites adults and children in a common religious experience.  Based on Montessori principles of education, CGS was developed in Rome in 1954 by a Catholic Hebrew and Scripture scholar, Sofia Cavaletti.  

Children learn in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium, a sacred, “hands on” space where catechists and children hear, ponder and celebrate the most essential mysteries of our faith as revealed in Sacred Scripture and Liturgy. Catechists in the Atrium receive specific training in the methodology. Materials are carefully prepared to foster in children the inherent longing for a relationship with God and curiosity about the elements of our faith. 

Contact lrivera@stfrances.org with questions

Traditional In Parish Sessions: this program uses a classroom like model to transmit the faith to the children. The children are taught by catechists who are trained to echo the faith and help the children develop a relationship with Christ. The materials used is called Finding God by Loyola Press. For over 100 years, Loyola Press’ mission has been to lead people to Jesus and to facilitate transformative experiences of God so that people of all ages can lead holy and purposeful lives with and for others. We accomplish our goals with inspiration from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), a man who spent his whole post-conversion life providing catechesis and engaging others in spiritual conversation. 

Grades: K-8 

Day: Monday 

Time: 5:30-7:00pm 

Family Faith Sessions: this program is not your traditional faith formation setting. Family  Faith is meant to engage the entire family and help to bridge the gap between the domestic  church and the parish. Each session is created to provide a retreat like setting where the  families are engaged through games, crafts and hands on work. Parents and children attend  this program together. This program empowers parents to take an active role in their child’s faith  development. The materials used are a myriad of different resources from many Catholic based publishers  such as Sophia’s Institute, St. Mary’s Press, Loyola Press, CMD and many more.  

Grade: K-8 

Day: Sunday 

Time: immediately following 

9:30 Mass (10:30) and 

11:30 Mass (12:30) 

Home base faith formation: this program is for those families that live a hectic life during the year and need the flexibility to complete faith formation on their schedule. The families will receive the material that will be used at home to complete the year of faith formation.

 This hybrid model is completed by completing the workbook, completing online interactive sessions and joining in on a monthly Zoom session. Home base supports the idea that the parent is the child’s first catechist. The material used is called Finding God by Loyola Press. For over 100 years, Loyola Press’ mission has been to lead people to Jesus and to facilitate transformative experiences of God so that people of all ages can lead holy and purposeful lives with and for others. 

We accomplish our goals with inspiration from Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), a man who spent his whole post conversion life providing catechesis and engaging others in spiritual conversation.

Grade: K-8 

Day: Any day 

Time: at your convenience 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the faith formation office.