Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered at St. Therese. It is an approach to formation developed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 (3 years old to 6th grade). This approach allows children to hear the gospel through the use of sensorially rich materials which represent the essential proclamations of the Christian message. It is grounded in scripture and liturgy and is framed by the Montessori principles of education.
The program is divided into 3 general cycles:
Level 1: 3-6 year olds (goes through Kindergarten)
Level 2: 6-8 year olds (Grades 1-3)
Level 3: 9-12 year olds (Grades 4-6)
Children prepare to receive their Sacraments of First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation during their 2nd grade year, within the Good Shepherd curriculum offered for Level 2. Children can join the program at any level. Participation in prior levels is not a pre-requisite to being a part of the program. Space is limited and registration is taken on a first come, first serve basis.