This September 2024 St. Mary of the Assumption offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for Level One (3-5years) Level Two (6-9years) Level Three (9-12+years). CGS provides a sacred space (called an atrium) and many beautiful materials for the child to encounter Christ through God's Word, Church Tradition and Liturgy that are developmentally appropriate for their age and stage of spiritual formation. Scriputre comes alive for the youngest child through short presentations and song, while the Level Two child explores the faith through sacramental preparation for their First Communion. Once the foundation is laid in the first two levels, the Level Three student contemplates the foundational teachings of the Church, Biblical typology and timelines as well as an in depth exploration and reflection on the Catholic Mass. Students continue their faith journey through Confirmation preparation where they become fully initiated members into the Church. It is a rich beginning to their lifelong Chrisitan walk to know, love and serve God. Fiat! 

"The more the Church, whether on the local or the universal level, gives catechesis priority over other works and undertakings the results of which would be more spectacular, the more she finds in catechesis a strengthening of her internal life as a community of believers and of her external activity as a missionary Church. As the 20th century draws to a close, the Church is bidden by God and by events - each of them a call from Him - to renew her trust in catechetical activity as a prime aspect of her mission. She is bidden to offer catechesis her best resources in people and energy, without sparing effort, toil or material means, in order to organize it better and to train qualified personnel. This is no mere human calculation; it is an attitude of faith. And an attitude of faith always has reference to the faithfulness of God, who never fails to respond."
 
 -- Taken from APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION CATECHESI TRADENDAE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II On Catechesis In Our Time