Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based religious formation program for children, beginning at age three. It seeks to create and facilitate a sacred, hands-on space for children, called an Atrium, where they can hear, ponder and celebrate the mysteries of our Catholic faith. Atrium visits are once per week, typically on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening.
Wednesday Faith Formation night is for ALL parishioners (children and adults) who desire to deepen their formation in the Catholic faith and their community. Each week there is a different pillar of focus: catechesis, adoration, witness testimonies and fun social gatherings. Meet in Marian Hall every Wednesday from 6pm-7:30pm for formation and fellowship, with other activities throughout the year. Childcare is provided.
Sacramental preparation is a beautiful part of a child’s faith journey, as the sacraments are true encounters with Jesus Christ. In order to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, students must have been enrolled in a religious education program, Catholic school, or an approved homeschooling program one year prior to reception of the sacraments, as well as in the year in which the student receives the sacraments, which is typically second grade.
Participation in weekly Holy Mass and on Holy Days is also required for sacramental preparation. Parents with older students needing sacramental preparation should contact the parish office.
Students in grades 1-9 meet every Wednesday evening during Faith Formation. Students are divided into aged-based groups to learn about the faith, build genuine community, and develop a habit of prayer. Students should meet in Marian Hall on Wednesday nights from 6-7:30 PM.
Since students in the 9th Grade will be preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, they will have four Confirmation-specific classes and a retreat in addition to the weekly Small Group meetings. These classes diving into Sacramental content will begin with 10:15 AM Holy Mass on a Sunday, provide lunch, and last until 1:30 PM. They will attend the last Confirmation Class with their Confirmation Sponsor. The retreat is typically held at Camp Gray and provides an opportunity for students to detach from their daily routine and prepare more deeply for the Sacrament.
Once the 9th Graders have received the Sacrament of Confirmation they will be invited to join a high-school-wide Faith Community at IHM. Now that they have completed all formal “Religious Ed” classes, this is the perfect opportunity for students to choose to grow in their faith and their relationships within the faith community.
Confirmation equips students to spread their faith and this continuation of faith formation and community is extra important in the last three years of High School as they prepare to enter college and the real world. This formation is done through small groups, talks, and large group hangouts.
This process helps individuals seeking entrance into the Catholic Church, deepening their relationship with God through prayer, catechesis, community, and service. The process can also be for Catholic adults who have not had the opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist/Holy Communion or Confirmation during the customary time of their lives.
The length of time for this process depends on the individual’s personal readiness. Beginning in the fall, most individuals are ready to be brought into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
Love Begins Here (LBH) provides Middle and High School Youth with an opportunity to encounter Jesus through a week-long, local mission trip where they live in the Catholic community and volunteer around the diocese. You can read more about it on the website here.
This weekend-long event at the Kalahari that is filled with prayer, games, community, music, waterpark time, and fun! It is a great chance for the teens to get away from their daily routine, to grow in friendship, and to meet other Catholic teens around the Diocese. You can also find more information on the Diocesan website here.
Thank you for your interest in IHM! If you want to learn more about our Church and School, or desire to become a part of our parish family, use this button below for questions, enrollment, or opportunities to get involved. We can’t wait to start a conversation!
