ST. PETER FAITH FORMATION

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a one-of-a-kind faith experience for children. It begins with children 3-6 years old, and it is completely tailored to fit their love of movement, repetition, and beauty. Children can learn profound truths of our faith and how to talk to the God who loves them at the age of 3. In a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium (it does not look like a regular classroom) children will learn how the altar is prepared for Mass and the names of the sacred vessels. They will learn why the priest makes certain gestures at Mass. They will learn Jesus’ life written in the Gospels from his conception at the Annunciation to his Ascension into Heaven. These children will have hands on experiences with the parables describing the Kingdom of God. Every one of these experiences is centered on fostering the relationship the child already has with God.


A great amount of love goes into creating a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium. Almost every material that the children interact with is handmade from natural materials. That means we need your help crafting the dioramas for the events in Jesus’ life and the parables. We need help creating a small replica of our parish’s sanctuary (mainly the altar and the tabernacle) We will also need large area rugs, trays, and various cups and bowls and tools for the children to use in their hands on work.

If you or anyone you know has skills in crafting and would like to donate their time, time, talent or treasure, please contact Andrea McLean at amclean@stpeterchillicothe.com or the parish office at 740-774-1407. You can also ask for Donna Weisenberger with questions regarding CGS.

The goal is to add a Level 2 (ages 7-9) CGS Atrium in the next two years, so that our children preparing for First Holy Communion can also experience Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
 

WANT TO HELP OUR CHILDREN ENCOUNTER JESUS?
WE NEED YOUR HELP! SEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW!
 

TIME

-ASSISTANT CATECHIST: Assist trained catechists in managing atrium. You will not be in charge of planning or presenting but will be another volunteer to help children with basic needs or questions. A short training for volunteers will be held before the year begins in September.

-CLEANING & SANITIZING: Do you have an hour to give once a week or once a month to help dust, sanitize materials, or sweep? You can sign up for a flexible time during the week that fits your schedule.

*Teen volunteers welcome!

TALENT

-WOOD WORKING: Are you handy working with wood? Would you be able to help us create a small replica of the altar and tabernacle? Would you be able to help use make diorama boxes (creche style) for the events of Jesus’ life and the parables? Can you make a simple Bible stand of wood for a large open Bible?

-CRAFTING & SEWING: Do you enjoy painting and working with clay? Are you a gifted sewer? We would love to have your help! For each event in Jesus’ life, we will need small, hand-made figures of Jesus and Mary and anyone present at the events. We will also need help creating figures of the characters in the parables. Small altar cloths and cloths for our prayer table will are a great need as well.

TREASURE

-DONATE FURNITURE: We are in need of
1. Small tables similar to the size of a telephone table to hold materials children can work with.
2. Small cabinet to serve as a sacristy and hold replicas of the sacred vessels used for Mass
3. Lamps preferably floor lamps to create soft lighting
4. Baskets small and large to store work mats and materials.
5. Larger crystal bowl for Baptismal font, glass bowls and cups, small glass pitchers, & spoons.
* These items do not need to be new. Gently used items are gratefully accepted!

-SPONSOR OUR ATRIUM: Donate money towards new items we will need to purchase (Large area rugs, trays, materials that can’t be handmade)
 

Above:  A beautiful example of a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium (Classroom)

Below: A little boy uses the materials to pray with the parable of the Good Shepherd.

2nd Grade: Preparing Hearts for Jesus

This year our 2nd graders, who are preparing to receive their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will spend the year preparing their hearts for the gifts that they are about to receive: Jesus' forgiveness and Jesus himself. The Fall Semester will focus on First Reconcilation and the Spring Semester will focus on First Holy Communion. While faith formation is open to any child, it is required that all children who desire to receive First Reconcilitation and First Holy Communion and do not attend Bishop Flaget come to St. Peter Faith Formation or complete a similar cirriculum at home.

Required Parent Meeting Dates for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion coming soon!


Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure! - St. John Paul II
3rd-4th Grade, 5-6th Grade, and 7-8th Grade

This year our 3rd-8th graders will be focusing on the Third Part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: LIFE IN CHRIST. Each week they will dig deeper into what does it mean to live a radiant Catholic Life, they will spend time praying with Scripture through Lectio Divina and they will have some interactive game and team building experience to foster Christ-centered friendships. If your child looking for how to grow in their relationship with Christ, this is a phenominal opportunity for them to grow with kids their own age!


Required Confirmation Parent Meeting: Tuesday, September 14th @ St. Mary Family Life Center time TBD (likely 6:30pm)