Our weekly faith formation program for kindergarten* through 5th grade is designed to instill the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith in our young learners, empowering them to confidently live out their beliefs in society.
*Kindergarten will only be home study.Our Weekly On-Campus Program (1st-5th Grade)
Mondays (5:00 pm- 6:30 pm), Tuesdays (4:30 pm- 6:00 pm & 6:30 pm-8:00 pm), and Wednesdays (5:00 pm- 6:30 pm) in the Community & Education Center from September to May.
Students are expected to attend weekly and to gather with us during the weeks we have Zion.
On campus, students will have interactive lessons, creative activities, and a supportive community aimed at nurturing their spiritual growth and equipping them to become compassionate, responsible, and faithful individuals who positively impact the world around them.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a practice of religious formation for children based on the educational method of Dr. Maria Montessori. It seeks to prepare a sacred, "hands-on" space for children called an atrium, in which both children and their catechist can hear, ponder, and celebrate the most essential mysteries of the Catholic faith as revealed through the Scriptures and the Liturgy.
Parents play a vital role in the faith formation of their children. We encourage parents to attend Mass with their children on Sundays, participate in parish family events, and actively participate in the faith formation program.
Consider serving as Catechists, Aides, hall monitors, taking a holy hour of Adoration during your child’s class time, or in other ways to support the program. We ask parents to support their children in their faith journey by regularly praying with them, talking to them about their faith, and setting a good example of Catholic living.
Once a month, our separate Faith Formation programs converge together for Zion Night, which is our monthly Family Night of Prayer. Zion has community dinner, great speakers, and time for prayer, replacing the regularly scheduled Faith Formation program for that week. Attendance is still taken these evenings, but it is a time for the family to pause from the busy weekly schedule and gather in community and for prayer.
Vacation Bible School is a fun and educational summer program where children engage in games, crafts, and Bible lessons to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.
Anyone who is a practicing Catholic in good standing, knowledgeable about the teachings of the Catholic Church, and willing to teach others about the faith.
Get involved! We have over 2,600 students in our program and have a Faith Formation staff that is less than that of a baseball team.
We ask that all parents get involved in some aspect of our program - whether it be a weekly, monthly, or even quarterly commitment.
There is something for everyone to do, and our programs can only be successful with the help and support of our volunteers.
We will provide a 50% discount as an incentive for those who wish to offer their help weekly as a Catechist.
The role of a catechist/aide is called to nurture a living, conscious, and active faith in the youth he/she teaches. A Catechist witnesses to the faith by sharing his/her faith commitment through word, experience, prayer, and liturgy.
The Catechist/aide is responsible for planning and leading catechetical sessions. This is a weekly commitment for the duration of the Faith Formation year. Each of the sessions lasts one hour and fifteen minutes. The commitment involves ongoing personal faith formation. It is vital that as a sharer of the faith that the catechist continues to grow in their own faith. Formation, support, resources, and ongoing training will be provided to all who volunteer in this area so that they can continue to develop a deep understanding and love for the Catholic faith which he/she shares.
Our Hospitality Patrol greets our families as they enter, assists families in finding their way, and serves as a hall monitor during classes. We are looking for volunteers who can commit once a month.
Note: a smile is all you need to volunteer in this capacity.
The Archdiocese asks that you go through Safe Environment Training. This consists of a criminal background check and three 30-minute training sessions intended to help adult volunteers be more equipped to protect the youth. This is required for all adult volunteers and staff.
Sign up for Safe Haven Training: https://galvestonhouston.cmgconnect.org