Children: Pre K-9th Grade

Traditional Faith Formation
Children attending Faith Formation in person in 1st – 5th grade will be using Word of Life curriculum by the Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press. Word of Life makes learning the faith effective, engaging, and fun with Bible stories, contemporary children’s stories, lives of the saints, and activities for a variety of learning styles through a series of core lessons and liturgical seasons. Images used in each chapter range from photographs depicting a real-life situation, contemporary art depicting a Bible narrative, and sacred art that depicts an event in salvation history to draw students into the mysteries of Christ, leading them to understand doctrinal elements of the faith more fully. Every chapter has a page for parents that provides a brief summary of what the child learned in class and a variety of ways to live the faith in daily life.
In-Person Options:
1st-5th grade: Sundays, 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm 
1st & 2nd grade only: Tuesdays, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Family Catechesis Option:
For 1st-6th grade: Hybrid option of 3 lessons at home a month instructed by parents and whole family gatherings once a month on an assigned Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 pm
Home Study Option:
3rd-6th grade, parents and students do all formation at home (with the requirement to attend 4 family enrichment events and completion of the program mid-May 2025)

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered at St. Therese. It is an approach to formation developed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 (3 years old to 6th grade). This approach allows children to hear the gospel through the use of sensorially rich materials which represent the essential proclamations of the Christian message.  It is grounded in scripture and liturgy and is framed by the Montessori principles of education.  

The program is divided into 3 general cycles:

• Level 1:  3-6 year olds (goes through Kindergarten)
• Level 2:  6-8 year olds (Grades 1-3)
• Level 3:  9-12 year olds  (Grades 4-6) 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (all levels) is offered:
Sundays, 4:00pm to 5:15 pm 
Tuesdays, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

Children prepare to receive their Sacraments of First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation during their 2nd grade year, within the Good Shepherd curriculum offered for Level 2.  Children can join the program at any level. Participation in prior levels is not a pre-requisite to being a part of the program. Space is limited and registration is taken on a first come, first serve basis. For additional questions related to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, reach out to Volunteer Catechesis, Michelle Fabrize, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 704-737-2995 or or mfabrizeaol.com

To learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, visit their national site: 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Foundations of Faith 
The program is designed for students who are in grades 3-9 who are in need of preparing for their First Communion (Year 1 & Year 2) and/or Confirmation (Year 1). 

In-Person option only:
Tuesdays, 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm

The Order of Christian Initation (OCIC, formerly RCIA/RCIC) for Children
This is for students who are 8-15 years of age who are in need of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. This is a two-year process and does require one parent/guardian to attend classes with the student. Students will receive baptism in year 1. In year 2 they will be prepared for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

In-Person only:
Wednesdays, 5:00 to 6:15 pm