Faith Formation Programs for Children
Atrium
Atrium is a place where children come to pray and work, experiencing their own love relationship with the Good Shepherd. We are now able to receive children between 3 and 9 years old. We hold Atrium sessions during the week. This year the 3 to 6 year old child will also be able to attend Atrium on Sunday mornings. To enroll your child please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
We are looking for people who want to learn more about this ministry or want to serve it in small and large ways. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Elementary Religious Education/Faith Formation
Elementary Religious Education/Faith Formation is for children ages 6 through grade 5. The program is based on Sunday readings, liturgical seasons, Archdiocesan curriculum, and the Sunday liturgy as the basis for forming the children’s faith and community. Classes are held Sundays October through May from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM. For more information please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Volunteers are needed as classroom teachers, substitute teachers, greeters for Sunday classes and clerical assistance. For more information please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
The Children’s Catechumenate
The Children’s Catechumenate is the process through which children from age 7 who are not Catholic may inquire about the Catholic faith and, if desired, receive the sacraments of Baptism/Confirmation/Eucharist. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Volunteers are needed for assisting catechists. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(CLOW) is for children in first through sixth grades. During the 10:30 AM Mass, these children are invited to come forward after the community’s opening prayer to receive a blessing and go to another worship space to break open the word in a reverent way that is on their own level. They then return to their families as the assembly begins its preparation for Eucharist. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110. Children do not need to sign up beforehand. However, parents are encouraged to come in the beginning to help their child transition and to learn more about what their child will experience.
We are in need of homilists (people who lead the children in reflection on the Sunday readings), readers, and other helpers who can make a commitment to be present once a month. Please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Sacramental Preparation/Infant Baptism
Infant Baptism for children from infancy through age six is held four times a year. Parents who wish baptism for their children go through a preparation process. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Volunteers who like to work with parents of young children are needed to help with hospitality, greeting, faith sharing, teaching, and/or assisting with liturgies. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Sacramental Preparation/Reconciliation
Sacramental Preparation/First Reconciliation is for families of children who are at least in second grade. The families attend a retreat and several Saturday sessions. Please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Volunteers are needed to help with mailings and notification, as well as liturgy preparation. Please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Sacramental Preparation/First Eucharist
Sacramental Preparation/First Eucharist is for families of children who are at least in second grade. The families attend a retreat and several Saturday sessions. For more information please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Volunteers are needed to serve as telephone coordinators, group facilitators, and retreat assistants. Volunteers are also needed to sew. Please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Faith Formation Links
View "The Newest Testament", works of art by St. Leo's 5th grade students. Click to view.
