Elementary Faith Formation

Goals of Holy Spirit Catholic Church Religious Education Program

• To expose students to basic Catholic Doctrine, Prayer, and Scripture.
• To assist in spiritual growth.
• To encourage students to live their faith.
• To promote the Sacred Tradition, Scripture, and Doctrines of the Catholic Faith.
• To teach students the Sacraments.
• To prepare and encourage students to receive frequent Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion.
• To live a life dedicated in service of God, the Parish, and the Community.
• To help students to discern their vocation in life.  (Priesthood, Religious Life, Marriage, Single Life)

Why is Religious Education Important for my Child?

Religious Education improves our quality of life. Catholic beliefs help us find meaning and purpose. Moral principles give direction. Prayer and liturgy bring us closer to God.

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2024-2025 Religious Education Formation Schedules

The following ministries for children Pre-K-5th, Jr. High 6th-8th, and High School Sacrament Prep are coordinated by the Director of Religious Education.

Catechetical Formation

Age appropriate weekly formation sessions are available for children grades 1 through 5. Holy Spirit is using a new curriculum this year called Spirit of Truth, which is designed to help students come to know the person of Jesus Christ, internalize the Faith and apply it to their own lives.

Second and third grade catechism classes are part of Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Families, we now offer CGS classes for Pre-K through Second Grade!

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a religious formation methodology for children ages 3-12, unites adults and children in a common religious experience.

Based on Montessori principles of education, CGS was developed in Rome in 1954 by a Catholic Hebrew and Scripture scholar, Sofia Cavaletti.

Children learn in a specially prepared environment called the Atrium, a sacred, “hands on” space where catechists and children hear, ponder and celebrate the most essential mysteries of our faith as revealed in Sacred Scripture and Liturgy.

Catechists in the Atrium receive specific training in the methodology. Materials are carefully prepared to foster in children the inherent longing for a relationship with God and curiosity about the elements of our faith.

The Christ-centered catechesis in the Atrium allows children at Level 1 to come closer to God through Christ. Religious formation is founded in the sound teaching of the Church's tradition. Included in the sessions are the Parables, Sacred Scripture, and the Liturgy — all of which are used to reveal the Good News to young children. All materials used in the Atrium are hand made by the catechists.

We are pleased to offer levels I and II, this year. Preschool aged children are welcome to join our level one Little Lambs Atruim, and Kindergarten through Second Grade can join our Good Shepherd Atrium, and level two Vine and the Branches Atrium.