St. Catherine of Sweden Parish is committed to helping develop the faith life of all its members, from preschool-aged children to adults. Following are some of the programs offered for the children and youth of our Parish. Please note that all students in grades 1 - 8 are required to be enrolled in the Faith Formation program. (Students attending Catholic schools are exempt from attending Faith Formation classes, but are still required to participate in sacramental preparation programs offered by the Parish.)
All classes will be held on the St. Catherine of Sweden Campus. Students are permitted no more than three absences per year.
Sunday Morning Session - 10:30 - 11:45 am - CGS - Gr. 8
Children grades 1 - 5 are required to attend two Family Sessions and two Faith Formation Masses with their parents/guardian.
All Middle School (Gr. 6 - 8) are required to attend two Edge Middle School Youth Group sessions per year.
Classes are scheduled to begin on September 8, 2019.
Monday Early Session - 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm - CGS to Gr. 8
Children grades 1 - 5 are required to attend two Family Sessions and two Faith Formation Masses with their parents/guardian.
All Middle School (Gr. 6 - 8) are required to attend two Edge Middle School Youth Group sessions per year.
Classes are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2019.
Monday Evening Session - 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm - CGS to Gr. 8 (Due to insufficient enrollment, grades 2, 4, and 7 and CGS Level I are not offered at this time.)
Children grades 1 - 5 are required to attend two Family Sessions and two Faith Formation Masses with their parents/guardian. .
All Middle School (Gr. 6 - 8) are required to attend two Edge Middle School Youth Group sessions per year.
Classes are scheduled to begin on September 9, 2019.
Wednesday Evening Session - 6:15 pm to 7:30 pm - CGS to 8 (Due to insufficient enrollment, grades 2, 4, and 5 are not offered at this time.)
Children grades 1 - 5 are required to attend two Family Sessions and two Faith Formation Masses with their parents/guardian.
All Middle School (Gr. 6 - 8) are required to attend two Edge Middle School Youth Group sessions per year.
Classes are scheduled to begin on September 11, 2019.
Home-School Program - Home-School Option for Gr. 3, 4, & 5
Students follow the program syllabus and complete the lessons at home with their families. Electronic assessments (E-Assessments) must be completed for each chapter. These assessments are due by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, according to the program syllabus.
Home-schooled children are required to attend two Family Sessions and two Faith Formation Masses with their parents/guardian.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level I
This program is especially tailored for students in Preschool and Kindergarten, and is based on the Montessori method of Early Childhood Education. In a special room called the “Atrium,” scripture and liturgy are brought together to manifest the love of Christ into the child's life. Students must be 3 years old by September 1, 2019 to be enrolled in CGS Level I. Sessions include presentation of scripture, the gestures of the Mass, and parables of Jesus, along with communal prayer. The Atrium is where the child falls in love with Jesus, the Good Shepherd. For more information, please email Julie Thimons at juliet@scospgh.org.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level II
Our Level II Atrium is open to all incoming First Grade and Second Grade students as the beginning of the sacramental preparation for the reception of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion next year. Like Level I, Level II of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on Montessori principles, and draws the students into a deeper relationship with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through active, hands-on works that allow the child to explore the Faith in a truly engaging, developmentally-appropriate manner. For more information, please email Julie Thimons at juliet@scospgh.org.
EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYG)
EDGE is a highly successful Catholic middle school youth program designed to deepen the faith of students in grades 6 - 8 while at the same time providing them with the opportunity to socialize with people in their age group and discuss issues that are pertinent in their lives. Please contact Lisa Cuzzo lisac@scospgh.org for more information.
Ninth Grade Confirmation Preparation
Ninth Grade Students preparing for Confirmation are enrolled in a Confirmation preparation program. Students attend the Confirmation retreat, submit a saint report, and complete a service hours project. They likewise attend Confirmation interviews and the Rite of Commitment. Please contact Lisa Cuzzo lisac@scospgh.org for more information.