Faith Formation Programs

** For children ages 3-9 years

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori method of catechetical formation held in a prepared and sacred environment, called an Atrium, that introduces children to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Through extended work time with prepared materials, children come to know and love Jesus, the Good Shepherd, grow in wonder of the liturgy, and immerse themselves in the Word of God. Children are either in a Level 1 (ages 3-6) or Level 2 (ages 6-9) Atrium. Level 2 includes preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion.​ Sessions run October-May in the St. Joseph Rectory and are 90 minutes long.

Children in the Level II Atrium (for those aged 6-8) may prepare to make their First Confession and First Holy Communion. Typically, it is expected that children will have been enrolled in the Atrium for at least one full year before beginning Sacramental Preparation. 

All Atrium catechists are required to attend 100 hours of formation in each level before leading an Atrium. The 100 hours provide the foundation for their continuing study of Scripture and the liturgy, learning how to observe the child, and personal prayer. In addition to the catechist, each Atrium also has one or more assistants who play an invaluable role in enabling the Atrium to function smoothly and in assuring that each child flourishes. No special training is required to become an Atrium assistant; each catechist provides brief training to his or her assistant(s). Any parent, grandparent, high school student, or other parishioner who is interested in assisting in an Atrium is invited to further pursue their interest. Please visit the Volunteer Page.

For more information about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, including books that can be excellent resources for anyone whose child is enrolled in an Atrium, as well as listings of formation classes for those interested in becoming catechists, visit the national website at http://www.cgsusa.org/.

** For children ages 7 and up

Our First Communion program is a two year preparation program: First Reconciliation is received in Year 1, and First Communion in Year 2.

** For children Grades 4-6

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Children enrolled in Ongoing Formation have already received their First Reconciliation and First Communion, and continue to deepen their relationship with God during these formative years.

** For youth in Grades 7 and up

In the Archdiocese of Hartford, the age of Confirmation has now changed to 8th Grade. This means that the usual time for a teenager to begin our two year Confirmation preparation program is 7th Grade.

This is a two-year preparation program for Confirmation, with 8th graders (and above) preparing to receive Confirmation.