Our K-5 Faith and Life Program
Our Religious Education for grades K-5 uses the Faith and Life series by Ignatius Press for a solid, age-appropriate foundation in the Catholic Faith. The lessons are clear, beautiful, and build year by year.
As enrichment, each class also walks through the Mass step by step — learning its parts and deep meaning so kids truly pray it. Plus, we meet a different saint every week as role models and friends who lead us closer to Jesus.
Programa Fe y Vida K-5
Nuestra Educación Religiosa para grados K-5 usa la serie Fe y Vida de Ignatius Press para dar una base sólida y adecuada a su edad en la fe católica. Las lecciones son claras, hermosas y crecen año con año.
Como enriquecimiento, en cada clase también repasamos la Misa paso a paso — aprendiendo sus partes y su significado profundo para vivirla de verdad. Además, conocemos a un santo diferente cada semana como modelos y amigos que nos llevan a Jesús.
Classes are one hour and 15 minutes long, on Tues. evening at 5:15 pm, or Wed. evening at 6:15 pm; and run from September to May.
Registration
Step 1. Create a Profile and Add your Whole Family
You only need to do this once, ever! Skip this step if you did this last year.
Family Info Registration
Step 2. Sign Up for Elementary RE
Click register and sign in with the phone number/email associated with yourself (the parent)
Program Registration
Elementary RE Calendar (K-5th) 2026 - 2027
Find the RE Calendar, for grades K-5th, with the above link from August 2026 through July 2027.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Registration
Step 1. Create a Profile and Add your Whole Family
You only need to do this once, ever! Skip this step if you did this last year.
Family Info Registration
Step 2. Sign Up for CGS
Click register and sign in with the phone number/email associated with yourself (the parent)
Program Registration
We are happy to be offering Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 for 3-6 year old children this fall. Level 2, for children 6-9 will be offered to children who have completed level 1. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an experiential approach to the spiritual formation of children.
What is the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd?
Developed by Hebrew scholar and theologian, Dr. Sofia Cavaletti, and Montessori trainer, Gianna Gobbi, the Catechesis recognizes the existing relationship between God and the child, and aims to nurture this relationship by helping the child “come close to God all by myself.”
Based on the Montessori principles of education, the Catechesis introduces the child to the Scripture and the Liturgy through hands-on materials. These materials free the child to contemplate his/her own relationship with God and the Church. The catechist and the child are co-learners, seeking together the mystery of God and God’s Kingdom.
The catechists who work with the children will participate in nearly 100 hours of formation and are preparing a special environment for the children, which is called the Atrium.
What is the Atrium?
What is a “prepared environment”? The prepared environment is a Montessori concept that the environment can be designed to facilitate independent learning by the child. In a prepared environment, children work with materials of their own choice and at their own pace. They experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline in a place especially prepared to meet their developmental and spiritual needs.
Why is it called “Atrium” anyway? The word “atrium” actually means “portico, or porch entrance to a large house.” The Atrium was a term given to this space by Maria Montessori. It was chosen because in the ancient church, the atrium was a gathering space between the Church Proper and the street. It was the place where the catechumens, those preparing for initiation to the Church, would receive instruction. The Atrium has a similar purpose for our children, as it is a place to help them enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.
We offer atrium sessions on the following times:
CGS Calendar 2026 - 2027
Tender Lambs of Christ
Tender Lambs of Christ (TLC) is an adaptive religious education class for students with special needs. We utilize one-on-one and group instruction to help our students come closer to Christ and prepare them to receive their sacraments. We meet Sunday mornings from 10:50a-12:10p during the academic year in the PCC.
Volunteering: Interested in volunteering? Sign up using the registration link. If you have experience with special needs or would like to learn, please contact the Religious Education office (817) 623-2409.
TLC Calendar 2026 - 2027
Volunteer for K-5 Classes and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERDELEMENTARY RE
Not sure where to volunteer? If you would like to explore the opportunities, take a minute to fill out our Catechist/ Aide Volunteer Form. We'll contact you to discuss how you'd like to help, and answer any questions! You can also call us in the Religious Education Office at (817) 623-2409.
OUR VOLUNTEER NEEDS FOR K-5:
You will teach in a classroom setting, assisted by an aide. For each class, you will receive lesson plans, as well as a Catechist Guide to help you deepen your understanding of the topic and enrich the lessons as needed. We ask that you review the lesson plan and prepare your class in advance.
Formation sessions are provided throughout the year, and catechists are expected to attend them. These sessions are designed to support you spiritually and pedagogically, ensure a shared understanding of the faith and the program, and help you grow in confidence as you accompany children on their faith journey.
Classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes long and meet either Tuesday afternoons at 5:15 PM or Wednesday evenings at 6:15 PM, from September through May.
Childcare for preschool-aged children of volunteers is available, so you can serve with peace of mind.
Requirements:
- You must complete an interview with the Children’s Religious Education Coordinator. Please make an appointment through the Church office or by writing to .
- Catechists are expected to be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church.
- You’ll be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your class begins to prepare the space. This includes setting up the class altar with the appropriate liturgical color for the season, as well as bringing out the books and materials for each child. This preparation helps ensure that when class time begins, everything is prayerfully set up for success.
- You must complete the Safe Environment class.
You will assist the catechist in the classroom for the full duration of the program.
Classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes long and meet either on Tuesday afternoons at 5:15 PM or Wednesday evenings at 6:15 PM, from September through May.
Childcare for preschool-aged children of volunteers is available, so you can serve with peace of mind.
Requirements:
- You must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- You must complete an interview with the Children’s Religious Education Coordinator. Please make an appointment through the Church office or by writing to .
- You’ll be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your class begins to help preparing the space. This includes setting up the class altar with the appropriate liturgical color for the season, as well as bringing out the books and materials for each child. This preparation helps ensure that when class time begins, everything is prayerfully set up for success.
- You must complete the Safe Environment class.
Substituting for a catechist or classroom aide who is absent. You are not obligated to be available all the time. You will just be on a call list and sub if you can.
Classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes long and meet either on Tuesday afternoons at 5:15 PM or Wednesday evenings at 6:15 PM, from September through May.
Requirements:
- You must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and sign an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church.
- You must complete an interview with the Children’s Religious Education Coordinator. Please make an appointment through the Church office or by writing to .
- You must complete the Safe Environment class.
For information about First Communion please click the link below.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
We recognize that not everyone's faith journey looks the same. So whatever the situation, we're here to assist each family on their unique journey. If you have questions or concerns about the process, just let us know.
