Elementary Faith Formation

Goals of Holy Spirit Catholic Church Religious Education Program

  • To expose students to basic Catholic Doctrine, Prayer, and Scripture.
  • To assist in spiritual growth.
  • To encourage students to live their faith.
  • To promote the Sacred Tradition, Scripture, and Doctrines of the Catholic Faith.
  • To teach students the Sacraments.
  • To prepare and encourage students to receive frequent Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion.
  • To live a life dedicated in service of God, the Parish, and the Community.
  • To help students to discern their vocation in life.  (Priesthood, Religious Life, Marriage, Single Life)

Why is Religious Education Important for my Child?

Religious Education improves our quality of life. Catholic beliefs help us find meaning and purpose. Moral principles give direction. Prayer and liturgy bring us closer to God.

2023-2024 Religious Education Formation Schedule

Class Day/Time
Pre-K Atrium Wednesday or Thursday 9:30-11:00am
Kindergarten Atrium Monday 4:30-5:45pm
1st - 5th Grades Monday 4:30-5:45pm or Tuesday 6:00-7:15pm
Junior High (6th-8th) Tuesday 6:00-7:15pm
High School Youth Ministry Sunday 1:55-2:55pm
Than Linh - Vietnamese 1st-12th Grade Sunday 1:55-2:55pm
Homeschool Cohort Bimonthly weekday classes

The following ministries for children Pre-K-5th, Jr. High 6th-8th, and High School Sacrament Prep are coordinated by the Director of Religious Education.

Catechetical Formation

Age appropriate weekly formation sessions are available for children grades 1 through 5. Holy Spirit is using a new curriculum this year called Spirit of Truth, which is designed to help students come to know the person of Jesus Christ, internalize the Faith and apply it to their own lives.

Second and third grade catechism classes are part of Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, also known as Atrium, is a worldwide religious formation program for children 3 to 12 years old. Holy Spirit Church has had Level 1 for children ages 3 to 6 years old* since September 2022. Atrium's goal, using the Montessori based education principles, is to fulfill the religious potential of the baptized child.

The Christ-centered catechesis in the Atrium allows children at Level 1 to come closer to God through Christ. Religious formation is founded in the sound teaching of the Church's tradition. Included in the sessions are the Parables, Sacred Scripture, and the Liturgy — all of which are used to reveal the Good News to young children. All materials used in the Atrium are hand made by the catechists.

Preschool (ages 3-4) and Kindergarten (age 5) atrium classes are offered at Holy Spirit.
Children must be potty trained to attend classes.

Junior High Youth Group (Grades 6-8)

Holy Spirit is offering a new discipleship program for middle schoolers this year called YDisciple. The group consists of weekly small group format meetings focusing on a series of topics including: Discipleship, The Holy Spirit, Experiencing God in Prayer & The Moral Life.

Homeschool Cohort