Parent Orientation Sessions, via Zoom, are being held Wednesday, September 30.  Click here to get login details.

Although this year will offer challenges we have not yet faced for teaching Faith Formation to the Parish children, we are excited to work with families to bring Jesus to our children.  This year you will hear more about the domestic church (the smallest body of gathered believers in Christ) and how this can grow ever stronger in your own home!

We have a completely new curriculum this year - Sadlier’s “Christ In Us” – which uses a blended learning approach of traditional print resources with digital tools and resources that can be used by catechists, parents/families, and students.  The digital tools are mobile-friendly and available anytime, anywhere, on most Internet-accessible devices.  We even purchased e-books to go along with the print editions; if a student leaves a book in the classroom – you can access the week’s lesson using the e-book.

Families will have two options for Faith Formation in 2020-2021

The first option allows children to spend some time physically in a classroom here at Good Shepherd.  For this option a class of up to 12 children will be divided into two groups and will alternate their "in classroom" time and their "at home" instruction time each week.  For example:  Group A will come to the church for classroom instruction while Group B is at home covering the same material with their family.  The following week Group B will come for classroom instruction while Group A covers the material at home.  Please note:  classes meeting at Good Shepherd will adhere to the most current CDC guidelines (children will sit 6 feet apart, face the same direction, and children/catechists will wear face masks). 

The second option is an "at home only" model.  All lessons are taught by parents at home with the support and guidance of catechists who will gather with small groups in short weekly virtual meetings to review, pray together, and introduce the next topic. 

 
Catechists will provide simple lesson activities, instructions, and supplies for all lessons completed at home for both options.  Grades Kindergarten through 6th grade will be learning the same topics each week to facilitate family discussions.  Lesson materials and support can be accessed online by children, parents, and catechists.
 
Bi-weekly classroom lessons and weekly virtual review meetings will follow the scheduled class times families will select during registration.  Lessons taught by parents can be done at the convenience of the family within the appropriate week.
 
Click here for registration form
 

Middle School will have options for
Faith Formation in 2020-21

After much prayer, reflection, and discussion we have made changes to the Middle School offerings for this school year.  At the direction of Fr. Foley we are moving 6^th Grade from Edge and placing it back in the traditional classroom curriculum for the year.  We know some students will be very disappointed, but we will offer additional activities to keep their joyful spirit alive!  We will spend this year cultivating and training the Edge Core team to be strong leaders and mentors to the middle school youth. Please see middle school options below:
  
                       

EDGE Options

7th & 8th Graders

The first option allows the youth to be present together here at Good Shepherd. We will meet outside behind Parish Center. Masks will be worn at all times. We will maintain six feet of distance for all activities, both in small groups and large groups. In the event of rain small groups will meet in designated covered areas, still outside.  NOTE:  EDGE IN-PERSON WILL MEET WEEKLY.

The second option is a virtual option. The youth will be able to join with the EDGE community via Zoom. They will hear the same teachings that the youth will hear in person. They will have their own online small groups with dedicated Core Team members. They will rejoin the larger community virtually for prayer after the small group time.

All EDGE meetings will be recorded. Anyone who misses a meeting will need to watch the recording and schedule a meeting (virtual or in person) with Kelly to cover the material.

Click here for registration form