Faith Formation 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 3 to 6 year old children will also be able to attend Atrium on Sunday mornings. To enroll your child, please contact Trinka Hamel at 253.272.5136 ext. 104.
Volunteers: We need people who want to assist catechists by being in the Atrium or helping to prepare materials. We also pay for training for those who feel called to become catechists.
Elementary Religious Education/Faith Formation
Elementary Religious Education/Faith Formation is for children in grades 1 through 5. The program uses Sunday readings, liturgical seasons, Archdiocesan curriculum, and the Sunday liturgy as the basis for forming the children’s faith and community. Classes are held on Sundays in 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: We need people who want to teach children as part of a team on Sundays or help to welcome children and families on Sunday morning. Curriculum materials and support for teaching teams are abundant.
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: We need people who want to assist catechists by being in the Atrium or helping to prepare materials. We also pay for training for those who feel called to become catechists. We also need families who would like to be a child’s sponsor and support the child and family through this process.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
(CLOW) is for children in grades 1 through 6. A couple of times a month at 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 the Eucharist. 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. For more information please contact Dotti Krist-Sterbick at 253.272.5136 ext. 110.
Volunteers: We are in serious need of volunteers willing to learn how to break open the word with children or to support those who are doing so.
Sacramental Preparation/Infant Baptism
Infant Baptism for children from infancy through age 6 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: We need parishioners who feel great compassion for families of young children who are trying to exhibit Christian parenting.
Sacramental Preparation/First 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. For more information 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.
Faith Formation Links
View "The Newest Testament", works of art by St. Leo's 5th grade students. Click to view.
