NOTE: Children must be baptized before receiving First Communion
Infants and children up to age 6 should contact the parish office (919-682-3449) ASAP to arrange for an infant baptism
Infants and children up to age 6 should contact the parish office (919-682-3449) ASAP to arrange for an infant baptism
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
For children's faith formation, we use CGS, a Montessori-based approach that provides a prayerful, age-appropriate environment called the Atrium, where children grow closer to God through contemplative work and prayer.
CGS prepares children for First Communion and so much more!
In Level 1 (pre-K and Kindergarten), children prepare indirectly for First Communion by learning the nomenclature and gestures of the Mass. More importantly, the children meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus, recognizing that it is Christ the Good Shepherd who calls them by name to be with him in a most particular way at the Eucharistic table. The young child is experiences God in a rich, wholistic way, and the Level 1 Atrium provides ways of praying and working that engages the child's mind, body, and soul.
In Level 2 (Grades 1-3), children prepare directly for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. The Diocese of Raleigh requires two years of direct preparation for First Communion, which is normally done in first and second grade. In Level 2, the children build upon what they did in Level 1, going deeper into the parables and maxims of Jesus, the Holy Bible, and the liturgy. During the second year of sacramental preparation, the children and their parents attend special assemblies together about the Mass and the Sacraments. There is usually one assembly per month, beginning in January. First Communions are usually celebrated in during the first two weekends of May.
In Level 3 (Grades 3-6), children deepen their understanding of the sacraments and practices of the Church by studying the Old Testament of the Bible and the Jewish origins of Christianity. They continue to study the life and teachings of Christ the Good Shepherd, and this now takes on a cosmic dimension, as the children see the history of salvation unfolding over the course of time. The big work of Level 3 is for the child, like Abraham and the other heroes of the faith that we study, to hear God's call in their lives and how that fits into the Plan of God.
In Level 1 (pre-K and Kindergarten), children prepare indirectly for First Communion by learning the nomenclature and gestures of the Mass. More importantly, the children meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus, recognizing that it is Christ the Good Shepherd who calls them by name to be with him in a most particular way at the Eucharistic table. The young child is experiences God in a rich, wholistic way, and the Level 1 Atrium provides ways of praying and working that engages the child's mind, body, and soul.
In Level 2 (Grades 1-3), children prepare directly for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. The Diocese of Raleigh requires two years of direct preparation for First Communion, which is normally done in first and second grade. In Level 2, the children build upon what they did in Level 1, going deeper into the parables and maxims of Jesus, the Holy Bible, and the liturgy. During the second year of sacramental preparation, the children and their parents attend special assemblies together about the Mass and the Sacraments. There is usually one assembly per month, beginning in January. First Communions are usually celebrated in during the first two weekends of May.
In Level 3 (Grades 3-6), children deepen their understanding of the sacraments and practices of the Church by studying the Old Testament of the Bible and the Jewish origins of Christianity. They continue to study the life and teachings of Christ the Good Shepherd, and this now takes on a cosmic dimension, as the children see the history of salvation unfolding over the course of time. The big work of Level 3 is for the child, like Abraham and the other heroes of the faith that we study, to hear God's call in their lives and how that fits into the Plan of God.
More Children's Faith Formation Options
People with Disabilities
Maria Montessori's work began with children who had special needs. As a Montessori-based program, CGS can accommodate all kinds of children. Some children, however, do better in smaller groups or in a modified setting, depending on their needs and abilities. Please contact the Faith Formation Office (919-281-0719 or cgs@icdurham.org) to discuss which option might be best for your child.
Home Catechesis
Parents are their children's first and primary catechist. If for some reason our CGS program doesn't work for your family, there are options available for doing catechesis at home.
Parent-Child Group
This ministry serves infants, toddlers, and their parents in an atrium environment. Click here for more information.
CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word)
During the 9:30am indoor and outdoor Mass, there are special opportunities for children to grow in their faith.
Catechists & Volunteers
As St. Augustine said a long time ago, only God teaches. For this reason we call ourselves catechists, "echoing" the Good News of Jesus Christ in a prepared environment called the atrium, where children hear and respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Let us know if you are interested in guiding children on their journey of faith in the atrium as a catechist or in other ways, such as cultivating the environment by making or preparing materials.
Maria Montessori's work began with children who had special needs. As a Montessori-based program, CGS can accommodate all kinds of children. Some children, however, do better in smaller groups or in a modified setting, depending on their needs and abilities. Please contact the Faith Formation Office (919-281-0719 or cgs@icdurham.org) to discuss which option might be best for your child.
Home Catechesis
Parents are their children's first and primary catechist. If for some reason our CGS program doesn't work for your family, there are options available for doing catechesis at home.
Parent-Child Group
This ministry serves infants, toddlers, and their parents in an atrium environment. Click here for more information.
CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word)
During the 9:30am indoor and outdoor Mass, there are special opportunities for children to grow in their faith.
Catechists & Volunteers
As St. Augustine said a long time ago, only God teaches. For this reason we call ourselves catechists, "echoing" the Good News of Jesus Christ in a prepared environment called the atrium, where children hear and respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Let us know if you are interested in guiding children on their journey of faith in the atrium as a catechist or in other ways, such as cultivating the environment by making or preparing materials.
Contact the Faith Formation Office
By phone: 919-281-0719
By email: cgs@icdurham.org
By email: cgs@icdurham.org