Programs for Children & Youth

Programs for Children & Youth includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, where children learn about the life of Jesus through working with figurines in their settings, the geography of Israel, the parables, the articles and gestures of the Mass, the liturgical year, baptism, and contemplative prayer, and express their understanding of Christ through song and art while doing their work in the atrium. Older children and teens take part in guided reflections, prayer, use of multi-sensory resources such as art prints, music, poetry and videos, communal snack or meal times, large and small group sessions, retreats, service, Youth Mass, and serving as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, and in Youth Choir or Youth Band.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Preschool Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered during the 2026–2027 school year at 10:00 am and noon; Faith Formation for grades 1–5 meets Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 am September 2026 through May 2027; EDGE for grades 6–8 meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm September through May; theIntersection for grades 9–12 meets Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm after the 5:00 pm Youth Mass September 2026 through May 2027; Vacation Bible Camp runs June 22–26, 2026; the DYR Diocesan Youth Retreat runs June 8–12, 2026; the MSDYR Middle School Diocesan Youth Retreat usually takes place August 3–6; the Diocesan Holy Family Camp usually takes place in late May.
• Price: Faith Formation, EDGE, and theIntersection each have a registration fee of $199 per child ($179 before September 1), with an additional Sacramental Prep fee of $100 per child for each of these programs.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori style preschool program with trained catechists. Children’s Faith Formation uses a spiritual curriculum that integrates fundamental themes of the Catholic Church as well as scripture, prayer and social teachings, and uses the Finding God curriculum by Loyola Press and Word of Life from the Augustine Institute. EDGE is a Catholic Youth Ministry program led by teen leaders and facilitated by volunteer adult catechists, and provides a safe fun place for youth to experience Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. theIntersection is described as a youth-led program, facilitated by a youth minister, that provides a safe place where teens can explore their faith, talk about life, ask questions and develop a community of Catholic friends, and leads teens into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through large group sessions, small group sessions, prayer, retreats and service.

Parents provide a communal snack each week for EDGE, and parents in theIntersection take turns donating dinner for teens each Sunday. The parish offers multiple diocesan and parish summer programs including Vacation Bible Camp, middle school and high school retreats, and the Diocesan Holy Family Camp for the entire family. Confirmation is open for all 7th–12th graders, and World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, Korea has interest sign-ups happening now. Catherine Campbell is the contact for Faith Formation programs, JJ Carlson is the contact for EDGE and theIntersection youth programs, Fr. Matt is the pastor, and Fr. Michael is a priest available for sacramental care.

Last updated July 24, 2026.