Children & Family Formation
Faith Formation is an on-going process of growing in knowledge and understanding of Catholic faith and tradition. At the Co-Cathedral, we offer PreK-Grade 8 Formation programs to assist parents and guardians in passing on the precepts of the Catholic faith to the next generation.
We encourage and invite you to view our program options below.
Our Programs
$55 for 1 child
$90 for 2 children
$120 for 3 or more children
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level 1
Ages 3-5
(including Kindergarten)
CGS offers a Montessori-style classroom where children can explore their growing relationship with God through hands-on materials, meditation and prayer.
Mondays 4:00pm-5:15pm or Thursdays 9:15am-10:30am
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Level 2
Grades 1-3
(mixed-age session)
In CGS Level 2, new themes are introduced that correspond to the older child’s sense of morality and ability to think abstractly, while the fundamentals from Level 1 are built upon and deepened.
Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:00pm
Optional early start at 5:30pm
Faith Formation Classes
Grades 2-8
Traditional grade-level classes, taught by volunteer catechists.
These classes cover a wide range of subjects related to our Catholic faith including Bible study, theology, Church history & hierarchy, liturgy, prayer, vocations, the saints, and more.
Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:00pm
Reconciliation & Eucharist Sacramental Preparation
Open to any students grades 2-8 who have not yet received these sacraments.
Monthly gatherings with students and a parent or godparent.
Additional fee is waived if the student also attends Faith Formation/CGS.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Ages 3-8 during 9:30am Sunday Mass
No registration required!
Children may process to the Chapel to hear and reflect on the Word of God in language they can understand.
Offered during the Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter seasons.
Family Fellowship Nights
All ages welcome!
No registration required, these fun-filled events are open to all.
Join our “Family Updates” mailing list to be notified about upcoming events.
Resources
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Faith Formation classes follow the academic school year and meet on Wednesday evenings at the Co-Cathedral from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Other programs meet at different times. See the year calendar for more details on the schedule.
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Registration for Faith Formation/CGS has the following fees:
$55 for 1 child
$90 for 2 children
$120 for 3 or more children
Sacramental Preparation is a separate fee of $55 per student; this fee is waived if the student also attends Faith Formation or CGS. -
Our Faith Formation classes are taught by volunteer adult catechists who have up-to-date safe environment training (VIRTUS).
CGS sessions are guided by at least one catechist who is certified in the level he or she leads.
If you are interested in becoming a catechist, contact Laura Miller. -
Faith Formation assists parents in their role of imparting the faith to their children.
“With the Christian family, parents are the primary educators in the faith and ‘the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children’. But all the members make up the family, and each can make a unique contribution to creating the basic environment in which a sense of God’s loving presence is awakened and faith in Jesus Christ is confessed, encouraged and lived.”
-National Directory for Catechesis (USCCB) -
All Sacramental Preparation students must be enrolled in Religious Education, either through Rochester Catholic Schools or Faith Formation/CGS classes, in addition to Sacramental Preparation class. Contact Laura or your child's RCS religion teacher for more information.
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Yes! We welcome any adult who wishes to volunteer with children’s programs to contact Laura Miller.
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We are pleased to offer space for adult small group discussion and fellowship on-site during Faith Formation. Contact Michelle if you would like more information or have a question about Adult Formation.
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Here are a few links to resources:
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Students in 9th and 10th grade typically begin preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. However, all high school aged youth are invited to become involved in youth ministry and volunteer opportunities at the parish.
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