Youth Faith Formation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based catechesis model that respects the dignity of the child. CGS believes there is an innate desire in the child for God, and that they simply need the right environment to discover that. Children in CGS encounter Jesus and the God of salvation history through biblical stories presented with materials in the atrium (the CGS term for the gathering space) and make natural connections with liturgy and sacraments, making Mass relevant and connected to our story in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Catechesis of the good shepherd Catechist Training
Begins February 5, 2022
Are you seeking to contribute to the life of the children in our parish? Consider being trained as a catechist for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program, a
Montessori-based model that emphasizes encounter with Jesus. CGS is a non-traditional catechesis method, where children lead and our faith’s principles are shared through Scripture and multimodal activities. The program’s approach enable both catechist and catechumen to interact imaginatively with a shared goal of cultivating their
relationship with Jesus.
We are looking for those who would like to be trained as catechists for Level I of the program (serving children ages 3-6). Training begins February 5 and concludes in the summer, totalling 90 hours. You will grow in your faith in this journey! If you’re a creative person that wants to share your gifts and talents with this parish’s children in a big way, please contact Andy Otto at aotto@stmga.org.
To learn more about CGS, watch this short video:
STM SPARK (PK-5th Grade)
SPARK, now a cooperative program that benefits from family involvement in various capacities, provides catechetical instruction to children not enrolled in a parochial school. SPARK relies on small group conversations oriented around the Bible story and Gospel message, with special attention to sacramental themes, especially for those preparing to make their first reconciliation and communion. Prayer practices, imaginative play, and other multimodal activities are extended to meet children where they are. Primary concern is to invite children into an awareness of God’s activity in their lives and introduce them to all the ways they may walk alongside Jesus. SPARK meets on Sundays from 9 AM- 10 AM and begins in late August 2021. Register for SPARK | Learn More about SPARK
STM IGNITE (6th-12th Grade)
IGNITE relies on small group conversations oriented around the Bible story and Gospel message. Prayer practices, role play, and other multimodal activities are extended to meet children where they are. Primary concern is to invite children into a relationship with Jesus built on Christian practice. Conversation topics are based on lectionary texts or social justice themes. Every other month a service project will stand in for a youth meeting. Service projects will be held on Saturdays and Sundays and will last no more than an hour. IGNITE meets on Sundays, (middle school) 3 PM – 4 PM, (high school) 4:05 PM – 5:05 PM and begins in September 2021. Register for IGNITE | Learn more about IGNITE
STM’s Confirmation programming is oriented around small group discussion of the “greatest commandment.” Small group discussions (held via Zoom) begin in late August. We will host a retreat at Ignatius House in December for confirmands, and the Confirmation Mass will be held in mid- to late-January. If your child is not enrolled in a parochial school, we encourage you to register them for STM IGNITE as well. Learn more about Confirmation
Contact Stewart Voegtlin – Email: svoegtlin@stmga.org