Faith Formation

Holy Name of Mary Parish uses the "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd" Program in all of their faith formation classes as well as in the K-3rd grade of the school. 

Faith formation is for children from kindergarten through the sixth grade, with sacramental preparation for those in the second grade. Faith formation is a journey of faith for both parents and their children. It is a structured process offered by the parish for parents to pass on the faith to their children even as the children are eager to know their faith. Please, call or stop by the office to get your children registered.

What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a program of religious education that presents the most important realities of the Catholic faith to the youngest members of the Church.  This manner of religious education assumes that young children have religious potential.  Since God is already present to them in their deepest being, they are capable of developing both a conscious and inteimate relationship with God.  They only need guidance and vocabulary to enable them to become aware of this relationship with God and give expression to it.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd was founded in the 50s by two Italian laywomen, one a scriptural scholar and one an expert in Montessori education. Together they conceived of a simple, attractive method for sharing the richness of the Faith with children,  who are uniquely capable of accepting the beauty of God's love.  The program is presented in three levels, and includes time in the "Atrium," which is a quiet environment where children learn through tactile play.

Catechesis of the Good shepherd emphasizes quiet contemplation and -- imagine this -- "the enjoyment of God." The children hear Bible stories and watch them acted out with simple materials; they learn songs and prayers, and are encouraged to play quietly with simple and meaningful objects.  One mother explained that CGS "cracked the code" of the Mass for her son, as he learned to become alert to the details of the liturgy: the significance of color, the names and purposes of the various vessels and tools on the altar. (National Catholic Register: Author:  Simcha Fisher

The program consists of three levels. Level 1 for age 3 - 6 year olds; reflects the foundational image of Christ as the Good Shepherd who love His sheep and lays down His life for them. Level 2 for age 6 - 9 year olds; relevts the image of Christ the True Vine and the History of the Kingdom of God, working toward a personal union with Our Lord. And Level 3 for those 9 - 12 years olds; carries the human response of the child further, concentrating on the Plan of God as worked out in Scrpture and human history and how we as true sons and daughters should respond.

Interested? Send your child and come along for the instruction.

We would love to have you there. All are welcome!!

Faith Formation Instructors: Ms. Lori Murawske and Mrs. Beth Guza, please contact them at: 989-479-6133