The online registration for Faith Formation is closed for most classes. Please contact catechists in each program for more information.
Each year we offer faith formation programs such as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), B.A.T.T.L.E., B.O.L.D., Jr. High Sacrament Prep, High School Sacrament Prep, Children's & Jr. High O.C.I.A., and High School O.C.I.A. This information refers to sessions in English. Sessions in Spanish have different times and sign-up information.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
(also known as “atrium”)
CGS will be offered for baptized children ages 3-12, including sacrament preparation for children in 2nd-4th grade. Atrium sessions will meet in person once each week in the ACE building, excluding breaks and holidays. For children who are preparing for sacraments, additional workbooks or worksheets will be provided. Parents will be required to attend a parent workshop in the fall to discuss the preparation process for this year and must attend Mass regularly with their children.
CGS/atrium will be offered at the following times in 2022-2023:
- Sundays 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Mondays 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesdays 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesdays 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
For those who choose Sundays for catechesis, remember that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the best catechesis for you and your children. CGS is not intended to take the place of the Holy Mass, nor is it intended to serve as childcare while parents attend Mass. All children enrolled in CGS must attend both the Holy Mass and CGS. For instance, families enrolled on Sundays for atrium could attend the 9:00 am Mass, then take a few minutes to have a donut and use the restroom and drop off children for atrium at 10:30 am. Another option for families enrolled on Sundays would be to drop off for atrium at 10:30 am and attend Mass as a family on Saturday or Sunday evening.
CGS begins in September. Parents, please meet catechists and assistants outside of each atrium to drop off your children. Do not leave them outside unattended. Room assignments will be sent before atrium begins.
Masks and social distancing will not be required or enforced this year in the atrium. Each family is responsible for their own health, and may choose to send their children wearing masks if desired.
Please contact Micheal McConnell with any questions regarding Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
BATTLE - Middle School Youth Group
BATTLE Youth Group will be offered for children in 5th-8th grade who have already received the sacraments of initiation, which include Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. BATTLE will meet on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Please contact John Caballero for more information.
BOLD - High School Youth Group
BOLD Youth Group will be offered for teens in 9th-12th grade who have already received the sacraments of initiation, which include Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. BOLD will meet on Sundays from 6 PM to 8 PM. Please contact John Caballero for more information.
Sacrament Prep for 5th grade through 12th grade
Sacrament Preparation will be offered for baptized children in 5th grade through 12th grade who need to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion, and/or Confirmation. These faith formation sessions will meet weekly. Parents are invited to support their child’s formation through a life of prayer in the family. Parents must attend a parent meeting in September.
Sacrament Preparation classes will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
Please contact Denise Lichty for more information.
OCIA for children and teens
The Order of Christian Initiation of Children will be offered for youth 2nd-12th grade who have not received the sacrament of Baptism. This class will prepare the youth for all three of the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Parents are invited to support the child’s formation through a life of prayer in the family and through participation in the activities portion of our curriculum. Parents must attend a parent meeting on September 2nd at 6 pm.
OCIA for children and teens will meet on Tuesdays from 6 PM - 7:30 PM.
Please contact Denise Lichty for more information.
OCIA for adults
For the spiritual needs of adults 18 and over, we will offer OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). Any adult, baptized or not, believer or not, can explore what the Catholic Church believes and why. After a systematic study of Catholic teachings, history, prayer, and practices based on Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Teaching Authority of the Church, participants will make a voluntary decision to be united fully with the Church that Jesus himself founded. New Inquiry groups are now forming.
OCIA for Adults will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
Please contact Aurora. If you seek the TRUTH, come ask your questions – you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!
Home School
We recognize that even with measures taken to physically distance and wear face coverings the risk of exposure to the virus is not eliminated. For this reason, many parents may choose to educate their children from the safety of their homes. The Church has always encouraged parents, as the primary educators in faith, to educate their children at home in matters of faith including sacrament preparation. We will continue to offer this option. If choosing this option, you may select any approved method of faith formation found on the USCCB website.
In the Home School option, the time-frame and method of faith formation are determined by the parents of the children.
Please be aware that when children prepare for sacraments through this option, they will be asked to come for an interview to assure they know the required information and are properly prepared. They will then be invited to attend a retreat and a communal celebration of the sacraments. For questions regarding the home school option, please contact Denise Lichty.
Contact Information
Director of Faith Formation: Donna Kano
(480) 507-4430
Email Donna Kano
CGS Coordinator: Micheal McConnell
(480) 507-4451
Email Micheal McConnell
Coordinator for Home School, OCIA, and Sacrament Prep (4th grade-high school): Denise Lichty
Email Denise Lichty
Tuitions and information for Home School, OCIA, and Sacrament Prep (4th grade-high school): Rosaura Tasso
(480) 507-4442
Email Rosaura Tasso
Youth Ministry Coordinator: John Caballero
(480) 507-4441
Email John Caballero
OCIA for adults Coordinator: Aurora Sarmiento
(480) 507-4433
Email Aurora Sarmiento
Payment Plans/Tuition assistance: Dcn. Andrew Gilliland
(480) 507-4420
Email Dcn Andrew Gilliland
