Religious Formation

Accompanying families in sacramental, spiritual, and moral formation in the Catholic Faith.

REGISTRATION FOR RELIGIOUS FORMATION AND SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION LAUNCHES JUNE 30, 2023.

(except for EDGE Youth Ministry non-sacramental which always remains open. Questions? Please call Religious Formation office at 734-453-0326 ext. 234)

Programs

CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD: Grades PreK-5

Montessori methodology (hands-on) religious formation for children in which they grow in their love of Jesus and their desire to follow Him.

  • CGS Level I is for PreK-K (Note: PreK must be 3 years old and potty trained by September 1st)
  • CGS Level II is for Grades 1-3
  • CGS Level III is for Grades 4-5
EDGE: Grades 6-8

A middle school youth group that is a faith-filled, fun, and relationship-building ministry anchored in the love and teachings of Jesus.

Please Note: for those who need it, EDGE will include special sessions for 6th-8th Grade Confirmation Prep.


FIRST RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION PREP: Grade 2

For all second grade students preparing to celebrate God's forgiveness of sin and to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist.

How does registration work?

  • Only Catholic School students (NOT OLGC School) register for First Reconciliation / Communion Preparation.
  • Why? This is because - First Reconciliation / Communion formation is included in CONNECT & CGS programming for public school students, is included in programming for homeschooled students, and is included during the school day for students attending OLGC School.
  • However, all second grade students preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will sign up for and attend Retreats regardless of the school attended. Retreat fees will apply and more information will be communicated on the website page below and via email.

First Reconciliation & First Communion Page


CONFIRMATION PREP: Grade 6-8

Led by the Holy Spirit, and anchored in the love of Jesus and His Church, students are prepared for Confirmation in community with other youth.

How does registration work?

  • Only Catholic School students (NOT OLGC School) register for Confirmation Preparation
  • Why? This is because - Confirmation formation is included in EDGE programming for public school students, is included in programming for homeschooled students, and is included during the school day for students attending OLGC School.
  • However, all second grade students preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation will sign up for and attend Retreats regardless of the school attended. Retreat fees will apply and more information will be communicated on the website page below and via email.
  • This also includes 7-8th graders in need of Sacrament

Confirmation Page

BECOMING CATHOLIC: Age 7 years old – Grade 8

A pathway for children seven years of age through 8th grade who missed the Sacraments of Baptism and/or First Communion.

HOMESCHOOL: Grades 1-5

Enables families to teach their children the Catholic Faith at home using the Bible along with lessons, resources for parent and child, service opportunities, and catechists’ support.

GRADE 1

GRADE 2

GRADE 3

GRADE 4

GRADE 5

SPECIAL NEEDS FORMATION: All Ages

All are welcome in this offering that adapts to the learning styles of children with special needs as we help them better understand the Catholic Faith and sacraments.

Other Offerings

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long summer offering for children and youth guided by teen and adult mentors to grow in friendship with Jesus and serve our community.

DETAILS HERE

Protect Young Eyes

Protect Young Eyes was founded in 2015 by Chris McKenna who spent twelve years in business advising with Ernst & Young and six years in full-time middle school ministry. He saw the vast needs of parents as they navigated the technology landscape with their children and the myriad of challenges it presented. Protect Young Eyes is his passion and he now travels the country, speaks on news and radio programs, and is deeply committed to helping defend kids from online dangers.

WebsiteApp AccessInterview with Chris McKenna and Fr. John Riccardo

Compass aims to anticipate the needs of Catholic parents, accompany them through the trials and joys of family life, and point them to faithful answers to life's difficult questions.

Compass Website

Our Team is Here to Help!

Sandy O'Shaughnessy

Director of Religious Education

ext. 234

Email Sandy

Jamie De Marco

Confirmation Coordinator

ext. 228

Email Jamie

Lyndsey Osterholt

First Communion Coordinator

ext. 226

Email Lyndsey

John Zylka

Middle School Coordinator

ext. 246

Email John

Kate Shortal

Religious Education Administrative Assistant

ext. 225

Email Kate