Elementary Faith Formation

For children age 3 - 5 years from all four of our parishes. See letter for more information on this wonderful catechesis.

In our second year of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), we now have over 30 students participating with multiple opportunities for atrium use. This new offering has been positively received by the parishioners and is quickly becoming a catalyst for early engagement of religious education with our young families. CGS is a key component in our elementary faith formation and sacramental prep by increasing touchpoints with parents and families, creating opportunities to instill and foster strong Catholic values in their children earlier in life. We’ve already witnessed several testimonies of the profound impact CGS is having on improving home life and reinforcing the overall Catholic family dynamic.

There are currently four classes being held each week, serving 32 children in total. It is such a blessing to have two atriums (classrooms that have become specially prepared environments) for these little ones to come and experience God on their own level. The atriums are located at St. Francis and St. Andrew’s Churches, serving children of all our mission field parishes. Please reach out if you or someone you know would like more information on joining Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, either by enrolling your little one or aiding in one of the atriums as an assistant. We are also offering training for future atrium catechesis as we look to grow the program in an effort to become more flexible with times, locations, and levels (as children age).

Because of the unique teaching and learning style of CGS, specialized training is required for all catechists and those assistants who desire to become catechists themselves at the different age levels. Your financial support helps our volunteer catechists receive their certified training, pay for study guides and texts, and other related atrium (classroom) expenses. Additional funding can dramatically expand our CGS offerings and play a pivotal role in our elementary faith formation and sacramental prep for the Brainerd Catholic community. Thank you for joining us in this valuable mission of passing on the faith to the next generation!