Our goal is that all children and teens get to learn about Jesus in a creative and relevant way. Our programs are age-appropriate, engaging, and fun! Faith is all about relationships and we are called to ongoing growth in our relationship with Jesus Christ. At Baptism, each of us began our journey of faith, a journey that lasts a lifetime. We’re so looking forward to walking the journey of faith with you and your family this year!

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Liturgical-based gospel messages are given to the youngest members of our church family. The program is designed for 4 to 6-year-olds to receive the gospel message at their level through music, activities, and videos. Our collection of on-demand videos can be Found Here

Vacation Bible School: VBS is a one-week program that takes place in the summer each year. Your kids will have a blast while every activity, Bible lesson, and song points them to Jesus. We welcome campers from Pre-K through 8th grade to join us. We also always welcome adult and high school volunteers to come, grow, and celebrate with us. Find out more HERE

2023-2024 Children's Formation Options 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Ages 3 through 6) (In-person learning)*: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children based on the principles of Maria Montessori. It is rooted in the Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, the liturgy of the Church, and prayer. Children gather weekly in an “atrium,” a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials they use to help them absorb the most essential proclamations of the Christian faith. This program takes place weekly at Transfiguration. 

Twice Monthly Classes (Pre-K) (In-person learning)*: Classes take place at 10:45 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine's twice a month and use the Plaum Gospel Weekly Program Seeds. These are full of colorful hands-on activities that provide a lively way for young children to experience the Gospel.

Twice Monthly Classes (K-5) (In-person learning)*: Classes take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine's twice a month and use the Plaum Gospel Weekly Program. The goal of the program is to help K-1 children begin to participate in Sunday Mass with an active understanding while learning a gospel-based lesson. Each grade level's lesson connects to the Sunday readings, which allows you are a family to talk about what they learned all together. The monthly Journey of Faith Festival which is a part of this program will alternate between St. Catherine's and Transfiguration.

Family-Based (In-person learning)*: This focuses on building up the family as the primary teacher of the faith. The program includes weekly at-home activities, along with monthly larger church occasions to pray, talk, and share faith experiences with one another. Families gather once a month following Mass. At-home lessons are supported with online instruction videos that include songs, activities, and teachings that you can watch from home. The monthly Journey of Faith Festival which is a part of this program will alternate between St. Catherine's and Transfiguration. 

*Please Note: Programs run from September through May. Registration is now open.

Registration Cover Letter

2023-2024 Youth Ministry Options

 We are excited to launch this upcoming program year as a team, over the years we learned many new skills but our primary focus is the same: nurturing the personal prayer lives of all our parishioners.  We’ve embraced hybrid learning while also valuing the relationship-building that being together in person provides.  Our plans for the year ahead will incorporate the best of both worlds, combining both at-home asynchronous learning AND regular gatherings.  We will be using a flipped-learning approach, and our gathered sessions will reinforce the at-home materials in fun, active, and engaging ways.  Here are a few things to note for this year’s programs:

Middle School Youth Group (grades 6-8) will meet one Sunday night a month from 7-8:30. An online Google classroom assignment completed before the monthly meeting which will introduce our topic. This program will take place at Transfiguration.

Confirmation prep (typically grades 8-9) will meet one Sunday night a month from 7-8:30. Candidates also complete a monthly Google classroom assignment and attend at least 4 Middle School or High School Youth Group meetings each year. This program will take place at Transfiguration.

Senior High Youth Group (grades 9-12) will resume meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 at Transfiguration.

SEARCH Retreat for high school students will be held March 8-10, 2024!  The registration packet will be coming in the spring.

Additional opportunities to pray, serve, and play together will take place throughout the year and will alternate between St. Catherine's and Transfiguration. 

Youth Ministry Registration Form

Youth Ministry Schedule

Sacramental Preparation 

Sacramental Preparation: Our Sacramental Preparation program is designed as a faith journey for kids, and their parents to take together. Preparation is separate from parish formation programs and Catholic schools.

First Reconciliation & First Communion Preparation:  Preparation usually begins in the Second Grade; however, we are happy to individualize a plan to meet the needs of an older child. First Reconciliation is scheduled in December and First Communion is typically celebrated in late April and early May.  Preparation for each Sacrament includes parent meetings, family sessions, and at-home activities. 

Confirmation: Confirmation preparation is a two-year program specified by our Diocese. Candidates entering 8th grade or higher in the Fall of 2022 should plan on attending.  Registration is offered each year in late summer.  Please contact the Parish Office, and ask to speak with Anne Gallagher or Vicky Wejko if you have any questions.