Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Registration is now open for the
2024-25 year!

Click here: CGS Registration

IMPORTANT DATES:

• August 18th Classes Begin
• TBD- Safe Environment Course for Kids and Parents
• December 1st Advent Wreath Making- All CGS & Faith Formation Sessions are invited- in Parish Center after 9:30am Mass until 1pm
• December 8th KOC Breakfast with Santa
• April 23rd Liturgy of Light Celebration- All CGS Sessions at 6pm in the Church
• May 3rd First Holy Communion Retreat
• May 4th First Holy Communion
• May 18th Last Day of Classes 

CGS Sessions for Level 1 and Level 2 are being offered at the following days and times:

• Sunday 8:00am-9:30am
• Sunday 10:45am-12:15pm
• Wednesday 4:00-5:30pm
• Thursday 4:00pm-5:30pm

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Dates:

Prep Sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:00pm-7:30pm. Parents choose one of these days each month to attend (one of these days each month must be attended by both the child and a parent, for a total of 4 sessions plus the FHC/Reconciliation Retreat)

• January 14 or 15
• February 11 or 12
• March 25 or 26
• April 15 or 16
• May 3rd Retreat
• May 4th FHC

Important reminder for First Holy Communion Purposes: Attendance in CGS is required for First Holy Communion Prep. Children must participate in this faith formation process throughout the entire year to receive First Holy Communion in addition to their once-a-month sacramental prep sessions beginning in December.

 “Rather than determining a year (second grade in many dioceses) when the child will automatically do “sacramental prep” and receive the sacraments, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd places a greater importance on the child’s choosing to receive the sacraments. Not long after the child begins the Level II atrium (for the 6- to 9-year-old) and has come to know the Good Shepherd and the Eucharistic Presence of the Good Shepherd presentations, an invitation is issued in a special, communal prayer celebration and the discernment process begins. The children who sincerely want to receive the sacraments will then consult with their parents, catechist, and priest to decide about when to receive them- that year or wait until the following year.” (Rojcewicz, Rebekah Francisco, Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues). As the child grows in their faith and at the parents' discretion as to the most appropriate time for their child to receive the sacraments, the St. Raphael CGS team will continually encourage their full experience of the Eucharist.