Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children grow in their relationships with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and Liturgy. We have opened a Level 1 Atrium for children ages 3-6 years old. The Atrium is a specially prepared room where can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd, .  It is prepared with materials children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith as found in Scripture and in liturgy.

For more information,  visit the CGS website, where you will also find a video you may watch.  If you would like more information, or would like to assist in any way, please contact Ginny Boland at 508-393-2838 or email [email protected].

Classes for first grade are held every other week on Sundays from 10:15-11:15 AM. This program is required for all students in the first grade who do not attend Catholic school. All students who wish to participate in the sacrament programs in the second grade are required to attend first grade classes.

Students will use Alive in Christ by Our Sunday Visitor.  Built on a spiral curriculum that integrates seven central doctrinal themes of Church teaching, Alive in Christ teaches children to know, love, and live their Catholic faith through Scripture, doctrine, and prayer.

Please make every effort to have your child in class on the scheduled dates or contact the teacher as soon as possible in case of absence or illness.  We ask you to support and encourage your children as they participate in this program.

Children begin their preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist when they enter the second grade.  Students should have participated in religious education in first grade either through the parish or through a Catholic school.  These programs are immediate preparation programs, each with 6 learning sessions and a retreat. Students and parents attend the retreat together. Children will prepare for and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Eucharist. Reconciliation classes begin in the fall and First Eucharist is in the spring.  Registration for both programs takes place in August. Prior to the start of each program an informational orientation meeting will be held for parents.  Classes are held from 10:15 AM to 11:45 AM.

Students will be using sacrament preparation materials from Pflaum Publishing.  The goal is to partner with families to teach our children about our Catholic faith.  Children will  come to understand the order of the Rites, the signs and what they signify, and the meaning of the Sacraments in the larger context of our Catholic faith. Children and families are encouraged to  become active participants in parish life. We emphasize the importance of attending weekly Mass with your child(ren). This is especially important during sacrament preparation. We will meet with each student at the completion of the reconciliation program to determine if they are ready to receive the sacrament. 

Students in grades 3 through 6 will attend classes every other Sunday from 10:15-11:45 AM.  Classrooms are located in the school building.  This program is required for all students who do not attend a Catholic school.

Students in these grades will use Alive in Christ by Our Sunday Visitor.  The program is built on a spiral curriculum that integrates seven central doctrinal themes of Church teaching.  Alive in Christ teaches children to know, love, and live their Catholic faith through Scripture, doctrine, and prayer. Students will also participate in grade level Mass.  Field trips and/or retreats may be offered during the year as well.

Please make every effort to have your child in class on the scheduled dates or contact the teacher as soon as possible in case of absence or illness. Parents are responsible for getting the work missed for any class. Parents are encouraged to attend any adult enrichment sessions that are scheduled. The goal of these sessions is to promote adult religious education and to assist in your responsibility of educating your child(ren) in their Catholic faith.

Students in grades 3 through 6 will attend classes every other Sunday from 10:15-11:45 AM.  Classrooms are located in the school building.  This program is required for all students who do not attend a Catholic school.

Students will use Catholic Connections published by St. Mary's Press.  This program introduces young adolescents to Jesus Christ in a new way and inspires them to follow Him. The goal is to help them to make connections between the Catholic faith and everyday life as well as strengthening their connection to the faith community. Catholic Connections aims to strengthen each participant's Catholic identity and inspire them to participate more fully in the Church's mission. Students will participate in a grade level Mass.  Field trips, retreats and service opportunities may be offered during the year as well. In addition, students in grades 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to participate in the Diocesan Middle School Youth Rally.

Students are expected to contact their teachers if unable to attend class and are responsible to obtain and complete any work missed. Parents are encouraged to attend any adult enrichment sessions that are scheduled. The goal of these sessions is to promote adult religious education and to assist in your responsibility of educating your child(ren) in their Catholic faith.

Students in grades 9 -10 attend class on Sundays. Classes are held in the school building.  This program is required for all students who do not attend a Catholic high school.

The high school curriculum will be in conformity with the new frameworks put out by the USCCB.  We will be using the Catholic Essentials series published by Ave Maria Press. Discipleship experiences and service projects will also be part of the high school program.  All students will be required to attend high school Masses. All high school students will have the opportunity to participate in the Diocesan High School Youth Rally.  

Students are expected to contact their teachers if unable to attend class and are responsible to obtain and complete any work missed. Speakers may be brought in or a special event may be scheduled for enrichment of students and/or parents.  Students and parents are encouraged to attend these sessions.

The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in October for students in grade 11.  Classes are held on Sundays. Students desiring to receive this sacrament must be attending Mass and have completed religious education through their junior year either through the parish or through a Catholic school. Students will be interviewed before entering the program. Requirements include a retreat, discipleship and service projects, regular Mass attendance and attendance at all classes and activities during the preparation period.  An informational meeting will be held in the fall for parents and students.  Confirmation will take place in the spring at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester.