St. Mary’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program provides faith formation for students in Kindergarten through grade 5. The catechesis is administered by the director of religious education, who works with the catechists. Classes begin in early September and end in mid-May. All grades meet on Sundays from 9:45am to 11:15am. Regular attendance at class is required.  The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori method of childhood religious instruction.

• Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an on-going process that begins when a child begins catechism.  Parents are encouraged to go to confession at least monthly to help prepare their child from firsthand experience.  The formal reception of this sacrament takes place the day before receiving First Holy Communion (usually Easter Saturday).

• Preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion is also a continuous process that begins when a child first begins the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  Parents who attend Sunday Mass with their child will be able to help them appreciate the Mass firsthand.  First Communion is usually celebrated in 2nd grade as a class the Sunday after Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday).

• Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the 5th grade. Students receive the sacrament in the fall 5th or 6th grade.  There is a minimal amount of "homework" required for the child that includes a patron saint questionaire and a letter about one of the corporal or spiritual works of mercy that they have done.

For additional information on First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation, please contact Teresa Lothian, the Director of Religious Education.

The Catechetical Office for the Archdiocese has a very informative website:
http://www.nyfaithformation.org/

Calendars and other documents are available by clicking on the links below.