​Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 3-12 

Our parish offers a Montessori styled faith formation called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) for children ages 3- 12 years old. CGS sessions are filled with meditation on Sacred Scripture and Sacred Liturgy. The Holy Spirit is the “Teacher” while the Catechists and Assistants guide children into works and materials made for their hands as well as their minds so they ponder the mysteries of the Catholic Christian Faith with both body and soul.

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Most of our sessions are held at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kelso where we prepare the rooms (Atrium) that are age appropriate for children attending each session. CGS sessions are approximately 2 hours long even for the youngest of children.

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•Level 1 for ages 3-6 (Preschool - Kindergarten)
•Level 2 for ages 6- 9 (1st - 3rd Grade)
•Level 3 for ages 9 - 12 (4th - 6th Grade)
•First Reconciliation and First Communion preparations for children ages 7+ who attended CGS last year and are also attending this year

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For 6th graders, CGS fulfills the faith formation requirement for Confirmation Year 1. If your child is entering 1st grade and would like to receive First Communion in 2nd grade, we encourage you to sign up for CGS for religious education. Sessions are Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and evenings.

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First Sacraments for children 7 and up (2nd grade and up) 
First Sacrament classes prepare children to receive their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Classes are Thursdays at 6:15pm.

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Youth Group for teens 11-18 (6th-12th grade) 
Youth Group provides a friendly place for teens to learn about their faith and help the community through service projects during the school year. Youth group can fulfill the year of faith formation for Year 1 Confirmation students. Sessions are Wednesdays at 6:00pm.

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2-year Confirmation for teens 11-18 (6th-12th grade) 
First year of Confirmation Prep customarily begins in 6th grade, and consists of faith formation through a Catholic school, parish program, or other approved program. The second year consists of both faith formation and confirmation prep classes. Confirmation Mass will be in Spring/Summer 2026, with an official date to be announced soon. Classes are Thursdays at 6:00pm.

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Quinceañera 
If your daughter is planning to have a quinceañera in the coming year, participation in Youth Group and Confirmation is required.

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OCIC
If your child (aged 7+) is not baptized or baptized in another religion, we invite you to sign up for Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC). Classes are Tuesdays at 6:00pm.

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Volunteers
All faith formation programs need additional adult volunteers to achieve the appropriate child-to-adult ratios established by the Archdiocese. Volunteers must complete Safe Environment training and pass a background check by the first session. Prior experience is not required, and training will be provided.​​​​​​​​