Religious Education

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, also known as Atrium, is a Montessori based program. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him.

The 3 year old to 3rd grade child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy though the events of the Last Supper, Christ's death and His resurrection. (Information taken from https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-approach/)

Each Atrium class is limited to 12 students.

Growing Disciples, our religious education program for 4th through 6th graders, is conducted in the same spirit as Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Montessori based, knowledge based, more student independence but interspersed with directed presentation moments. Homework is assigned each week.

First Sacraments (1st Communion and 1st Confession) for Atrium II students and older students attend five additional Atrium sessions held on Saturdays. These are referred to as Sacrament Saturdays.

Confirmation is offered for students 7th to 9th grades and is a two year program. The curriculum alternates between Ascension Press' Chosen in Year 1 and the Bible Timeline and Altaration (Ascension Press program on the Mass) in Year 2.The Theology of the Body is briefly covered in Year 2 as well. 

Students can expect one hour of homework each week which often includes watching engaging videos and answering simple questions online as well as writing one paragraph. Each session has lecture and small group time and ends with a period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.