Catechetical Ministries
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the response to the hunger of the child who wants to be close to God. It is an exciting alternative to the traditional religious education. The curriculum is structured so that it accommodates and nurtures the faith, moral, and physiological states of the child's growth. This non-scholastic, hands on approach is for children Toddlers through 5th grade. This opportunity is offered weekly, during the school year, for an hour and a half. A variety of days and times are available. It is best to consider this program as a multi-year commitment since each session builds on previous sessions and each year build's on the child's experiences the previous year.
Atrium ... The Gathering Place
The environment, known as the atrium, is a special setting, child-sized and beautiful, where the child may come to know and enjoy the presence of God in his or her life. This place has often been described as a peaceful, prayerful experience for the child.
Curriculum ...
Because children respond in the same way to elements of the Christian message, the core curriculum includes the following.
- COVENANT…the celebration of our relationship with God and with all people.
- CHRISTOLOGY…the study of Jesus.
- LITURGY…the language of “signs” as a vital aspect of our worship.
- SACRAMENTS...gestures and words that help us on our life’s journey and join us together with God and other people through Jesus.
These themes are offered in such a way as to develop the religious potential present in every child…the capacity to love and be loved.
RCIA
What is RCIA?
RCIA is a journey anyone can embark on if you:
- Want to become Catholic
- Want to be Baptized
- Have never been ConfirmedHave never received your First Communion
- Want to learn more about the Catholic faith, no strings attached
In more detail, The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for unbaptized persons and those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition to become Catholic. This includes children who are 7 years old or older who are unbaptized. They participate in the RCIA process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).
It is also for Baptized Catholics who have received no other faith formation and have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
The process begins in the Fall and culminates with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
Contacting Us for Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental Preparation is available for every age. Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation preparation happen at different times for different age groups. Please call the parish office and we will be able to direct you to the appropriate person (480) 947-4331.
Learn More About Your Faith
The Search, hosted by Chris Stefanick, explores the deepest questions of the human heart—Why am I here? What's life all about? What happens when we die?—and guides you through the great big story of everything, as astrophysicists, psychologists, neuroscientists, artists, chemists and professors point to one big (surprising) conclusion: Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church. What do you seek? This program is offered twice a year. Check the bulletin for upcoming dates.
