Religious Education

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, also known as Atrium, is a Montessori based program. Materials on the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings help to make the mystery of God concrete for the child. The heart of the catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that he is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name. The sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him.

The 3 year old to 6th grade child enters the mystery of the Eucharist by first learning the names of the articles used on the altar and then through the most important gestures including the preparation of the chalice, the epiclesis and offering, and the sign of peace. Through the experience of seeing these gestures, presented one by one, the Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The child becomes acquainted with the historical character of the liturgy though the events of the Last Supper, Christ's death and His resurrection. (Information taken from https://www.cgsusa.org/discover/cgs-approach/)

First Sacraments (1st Communion and 1st Confession) for Atrium II students and older students attend five additional Atrium sessions held on Saturdays. These are referred to as Sacrament Saturdays.

Sacrament Saturdays are required for those preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion. They take place in the spring semester. There is also a day retreat held on the Saturday before First Communion. First Reconciliation will take place during the retreat.

Confirmation is offered for students in Middle School. In this program we invite your student to take on the faith that they’ve received from you, their parents and families, for themselves through a personal relationship with our Lord, and foster a deep understanding of why they are Catholic. 

Adapting cirriculum from Ascension Press, we provide Catechesis on topics such as the sacraments, salvation history, personal prayer, the liturgy, and more. We form personal relationships with each other through small groups, an off-site overnight retreat for second year students, and we participate in the sacramental life through Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration.

Classes take place on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Students are invited to complete a series of projects throughout their time in Confirmation in order to aid them in their sacrament preparation. 

Questions can be directed towards Kelsey Ostrowski, Confirmation coordinator at kelsey@sjypsi.com.