The Office of Faith Formation is eager to get our 2023-24 school year started this fall for your child(ren)! Through great prayer and numerous discussions, we are shifting FROM what has been done over the last 25+ years at the Cathedral TO an approach that is more integrated with the family in mind – all with a focus on continuing the Cathedral parish’s mission to bring Jesus to the world through the family. 

 And so, we are implementing A Family of Faith this fall for grades 3-6.
 

A FAMILY OF FAITH

Grades 3-6
 

• The goals of this program are to encourage and equip parents to live and teach their children the Catholic Faith at home. 
  • This program replaces the typical Faith Formation/CCD program. 

• In piloting this, we will offer this specifically for the families who have children who are not enrolled in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) Atrium sessions (simply because our CGS program hasn’t “aged up” for children beyond second grade yet), thus reaching families with children in public school and/or homeschool, grades 3-6.
  • If you have a child in grade 2 or lower, you have likely already received an email from Deb Martinek about their proposed session time for the CGS Atrium this next school year.
  • If you have a child(ren) in public school and/or homeschool, grades 3-6 AND a child(ren) in grade 2 or lower, you can register the younger child(ren) in the CGS Atrium session that coincides with the Family of Faith session on Wednesday evenings.
  • Details about Confirmation preparation for 6th grade students will be provided in mid-August 2023.
  • Students in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to participate in our thriving youth ministry gatherings at the parish.

• A calendar which indicates off-days for sessions as well as any special dates can be found here.
  • Please note: This Family of Faith program meets just two Wednesdays each month with instruction beginning at 5:30pm. 
  • We will provide a meal for your family on the Wednesdays that you come, to make it as easy as possible for you to incorporate these two Wednesdays per month into your family calendar.

 

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (CGS)

Level 1: Ages 3 years old through 5 years old (Kindergarten)
Level 2: Grades 1 and 2

Additionally, we will continue offering our Level 1 and Level 2 Atria for children in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  This Level 1 Atrium will be an option for children ages 3 years old (and fully potty trained) through 5 year old Kindergartners. Our Level 2 Atrium meets the needs of all children in grades 1-2. For background information on the CGS method, please check out this article.
  
The following sessions are offered for the CGS Level 1 Atrium (ages 3 through Kindergarten):   
The following sessions are offered for the CGS Level 2 Atrium (grades 1-2):

  
Both the Level 1 and Level 2 CGS Atria sessions will be capped at 10 students each. We will continue to add Levels as the children grow – any current second grade students and younger will be enrolled in the CGS Atrium for the duration of their faith formation up to Confirmation, which takes place at the end of the child’s 6th grade year.
  
Placement of children in desired Atrium session is based on the timestamp of registration. We will do all we can to honor your preferred session! 
   

Upcoming Schedule:

• Registration opens online beginning Monday, August 7, 2023 at 9:00am! Please register your child(ren) by Friday, September 1 for our office’s planning purposes.

CLICK/TAP HERE TO REGISTER

• Cost is $100 per child. We are using Faith Direct (our secure online giving platform) for our online registration again this year, which allows you to make your secure payment online via credit card, debit card, or your checking account!
• There is a small amount of scholarship funds available; if you would like some assistance in making the payment for registering your child(ren), please contact Deb and she will share a tailored code with you for the online registration form.
• The first week of CGS Atrium will take place beginning Monday, September 11. Specific details about the schedule for the Level 1 and 2 children will be communicated to those families.
• The first Family of Faith session will take place on Wednesday, September 13.
• See the calendars on this page for Family of Faith and CGS sessions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rachel or Deb at 223-1033.