A Franciscan Parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit

Religious Education

FAITH FORMATION

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

We offer religious education for Pre-K through 8th grade or any high school aged teen who would like to be prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Level I and II for children ages 3-9 or grades Pre-K through 4th grade is offered this year. And, we hope to add CGS, Level III by next fall for ages 10-12 or grades 5 through 7.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd begins with the understanding that there is a deep bond between God and each child. Based on the methods of Maria Montessori and drawing on the most essential elements of Scripture and liturgy. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd helps children to name, explore, and deepen this relationship as the foundation for their lives.

In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd the room, called the atrium, is a spiritual environment - a place of worship rather than a traditional classroom, a place of prayer and conversation with God. It is a prepared environment where children grow in the knowledge of Jesus and His love. The work in the atrium prepares the child for involvement in the larger worshiping community.

After hearing God's Word proclaimed, the children are free to work with hands-on materials that represent the essence of the Christian message. This work encourages the children to explore and deepen their experiences at their own pace. The catechist's roles is to prepare the atrium, present the materials that call forth the child's response, then step back, allowing God and the child to work together.

Grades Five Through Seven

For Grades 5-7 we use the 'Life of Christ' series by Liguori Publications. This is a traditional classroom educational process where the students have a textbook to read and write in with a catechist to lead the lesson and the discussions. (Our goal is to transition to the CGS, Level III atrium, for these three grades and ages by the fall of 2022).

Confirmation Program

Beginning with our eighth graders and continuing for high school teens who may have missed preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation in the eighth grade, we offer a year of preparation for this sacrament with Dynamic Catholic's 'Decision Point' program. Ordinarily Confirmation is celebrated at Transfiguration every year for those in eighth grade and high school. Please contact the parish office for more information.